Christmas in July: Why You Should Start Your Homemade Vanilla Now (+ Free Gift Ideas Printable!)

Homemade vanilla extract takes time to infuse—and starting now means you’ll have rich, delicious bottles ready to gift by December.

Plus, grab a free printable with 7 more thoughtful, slow-made gift ideas you can start this summer.

When I first moved out on my own at 17, I continued to move every single year. I was young, I was restless and I mean, why not. I lived in some pretty cool places too. Martha’s Vineyard, Asheville, Knoxville to name a few. Everyplace I lived always had great summer markets, art shows and just great little local shops. I found such joy in being able to pick out gifts for family and friends that were unique and personal. Because these shows and markets mostly took place in the summer time I got in the habit of getting pretty much all of my Christmas shopping done before labor day even hit.

While it lacked the typical feel of Christmas shopping. It was SO nice not being stressed around the holiday’s. Christmas shopping should be fun and intentional, a joyous act. Not just checking off a list (let alone checking it twice- unless your Santa of course.) Waiting until the last minute to shop often = stress. Straining your brain trying to figure out what to get everyone on your list. Then running around hoping you can find what you are looking for and coming up with plans B, C and E when stores are sold out or when you just run out of time.

I also LOVE a homemade gift. But homemade also requires planning. You can’t wait until December 1st and then decide you want to make gifts for everyone on your list. Well, I guess you could but again, we are talking stress. Making homemade gifts is so much fun- when you start early! Now is the time to begin thinking, planning and even starting some gifts.

We will start with one of my all time favorite gifts to make and give but that you’re going to want to start ASAP

How To Make Homemade Vanilla Extract

Homemade vanilla extract is literally the simplest gift you could ever make. The only catch- it takes a minimum of 8 weeks. Don’t let that scare you. In 10 minutes you could easily prep 20 or more gifts.

bamboo cutting board with glass bottles, vanilla beans, funnel, paring knife and a bottle of vodka.

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Here’s what you need:

Vodka (cheep vodka is fine)
Small glass jars. I like these 2 oz jars or these 4 oz jars
Small Paring Knife
Funnel
Vanilla Beans , in the past I have purchased the Beanilla brand but this link takes you to a comparable brand on amazon for easy shopping.

Thats it!

Step One

Take vanilla bean and slice long ways down the middle exposing the paste. Now cut in section so the bean will fit in bottle. Depending on the size of the bottle cutting it in 2 or 3 sections usually works.

Put vanilla beans in bottle

Step Two

Using the funnel, fill the bottle with vodka and shake gently.

Pouring vodka into bottle with vanilla beans using a stainless steel funnel

Step Three

Put in a cool, dark place and shake weekly. In 8 weeks or so you will have amazing, delicious vanilla extract! The longer it sits the stronger the vanilla flavor will be. (picture below is one of my last bottles from last years stash)

Bottle of homemade vanilla extract held in hand

It honestly doesn’t get any easier than making homemade vanilla extract. BONUS everyone loves it. If I am giving it to a friend who I know loves to bake I typically gift the larger bottle mentioned above. Otherwise I gift the small one and I always like to mention my london fog recipe as a great place to use this vanilla extract.

Maybe vanilla extract isn’t your thing. If thats the case check out my free guide for 7 homemade gifts you want to start NOW!

embroidered home decor that says i love you more than coffee with a heart and two coffee mugs with initials L and N

Whether is vanilla extract, crema di limoncello or one of the other homemade gifts in the guide the key to making homemade gifts is starting early. This should be a fun, relaxing thing but if you wait until the last minute it can be stress-filled or worse- you realize the think you want to make takes weeks to procure.

Make this holiday season both fun and intentional. Start making those gifts NOW! Comment below your favorite homemade gift to give (or receive) and be sure to follow us on instagram.