Your Guide to Christmas Gifts from the Garden

There’s something special about giving a Christmas gift made from your own garden. Even a few herbs or home-grown vegetables can become thoughtful, memorable presents filled with warmth and seasonal charm. With simple ingredients and a little time, these homemade treats are easy to make and feel genuinely personal.

If you’re hoping to add more meaning to your holiday gifting, these garden-to-table ideas are a lovely place to begin. These are simple, practical, and the kind of gifts people appreciate long after the season ends.

Herb Salts and Spice Rubs

Herb salts and spice rubs are some of the easiest and most satisfying gifts to make. With just a few herbs from a window box or kitchen pot, such as rosemary, thyme, sage, or oregano, you can create something simple yet special. A small jar of herb salt looks beautiful, adds fresh flavour to almost any dish, and feels wonderfully personal.

All you need is a quarter cup of coarse salt and a tablespoon of finely chopped herbs. Dry the mixture overnight, then spoon it into jars. You can keep it classic or play with additions like lemon zest or dried chilli, or make blended salts using whatever herbs are thriving in your garden. Add a tag and ribbon and you have a thoughtful, handmade gift ready to share.

Green Tomato Chutney

If you’ve grown tomatoes this year, you likely have a few green stragglers still hanging around. After all, we had a bumper crop in most parts of Switzerland this summer. Instead of tossing them, turn them into a cosy, homemade green tomato chutney. The method is simple: caramelise sugar, add vinegar, onions or shallots, and your chopped green tomatoes. Ginger, garlic, or a little chilli can add extra warmth and flavour. Let everything simmer for about an hour until thick and glossy.

Spoon the chutney into sterilised jars, seal, and label. A batch using 500 grams of tomatoes, 150 millilitres of vinegar, and 150 grams of sugar creates a beautifully balanced base. Once jarred, it keeps for up to six months and pairs well with cheese, roasts, sandwiches, or even a humble bowl of rice. It’s comforting, practical, and a lovely way to turn imperfect garden leftovers into something thoughtful and delicious.

Pickled Red Cabbage

Quick-pickled red cabbage is a great alternative if you don’t have the time or patience for kimchi or sauerkraut. It’s bright, crunchy, and festive, and only needs a small head of cabbage. Slice it thinly, rub it with salt, and let it sit while you warm a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water with a little sugar and your favourite spices. Fennel seed, chilli flakes, lime zest, cumin, coriander, or mustard seeds all work beautifully.

Once the cabbage has drained, pack it into jars and pour the cooled brine over the top. Seal and refrigerate, and enjoy the gorgeous ruby colour as it develops. It keeps well until Valentine’s Day and makes a thoughtful, tangy gift for anyone who loves adding a pop of flavour to sandwiches, salads, tacos, or roast dinners.

OTHER GIFTS FROM THE GARDEN

Once you’ve explored salts, chutneys, and pickles, there’s a whole world of garden-inspired gifts waiting for you. 

Herb-based Creations

Beyond salts, chutneys, and pickles, your garden offers endless gifting possibilities. Dried herbs become soothing tea blends, fragrant wreaths, or relaxing bath salts, while herb-infused oils and vinegars make elegant kitchen gifts when bottled with a simple ribbon or twine.

Flower & Seed Gifts

Fresh or dried flower arrangements add a heartfelt touch, especially when presented in a mason jar for a rustic feel. Seed packets saved from your garden also make thoughtful presents, and a handmade envelope adds a little extra charm.

Gifts of Time & Connection

Consider sharing your skills if you want to give something truly meaningful. A beginner gardener voucher or an hour spent helping someone plan their balcony garden can be just as special as any jar or bouquet, carrying the warmth and stories of your garden with it.

These simple, heartfelt creations show how even the smallest garden can inspire thoughtful, memorable gifts that make the season feel warmer and more personal.

Discover More with the Swiss Gardening School

If you’re feeling inspired to create your own garden-to-table gifts or want to learn new ways to nurture your plants, the Swiss Gardening School offers workshops and classes for every level of gardener. Their expert instructors can help you know more about herbs, seasonal growing, and creative garden projects, giving you confidence and fresh ideas for the year ahead.