10 Easy Homemade Seasoning Gifts (Budget-Friendly DIY Mixes)

Need a thoughtful, affordable gift that everyone actually uses?

Homemade Seasoning Mix Gifts are quick to make, easy on the wallet, and perfect for anyone who loves to cook (or just loves to eat!).

From festive spice blends to everyday kitchen staples, you can mix up a variety of homemade seasoning gifts for under $5 each.

Best of all, they’re easy to make in batches. So you can whip up 6–12 seasoning gifts at once!

They’re perfect for:

• Christmas and holiday gifting
• Neighbor or teacher gifts
• Stocking stuffers
• Hostess gifts
• Coworkers
• Birthdays gifts
• Father’s Day or summertime gifts
• Housewarming or “just because”

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Pro Tip: Grab a bulk pack of small spice jars online. You’ll save money and get that polished, store-bought look for less. You can also make pouring easier with these collapsable funnels. (Not required, but helpful!)

Budget-Friendly DIY Seasoning Gifts

These mixes come together in minutes using everyday pantry ingredients. Package seasoning gifts in mini jars, and label each. You can also tie a measuring spoon and bow around the lid for an extra-special touch.

1. Christmas Spice Blend

Perfect for: Adding a cozy holiday flavor to baking, mulled cider, hot cocoa, or your morning coffee.

Mix:

• 3 Tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 Tbsp nutmeg
• 1 Tbsp allspice
• 1 tsp cloves
• 1 tsp ginger

Instructions:

Add a teaspoon of Christmas spice mix when baking cookies or cakes. Or add a few pinches to your favorite hot drink.

Gift Idea: Pair this mix with a festive mug and a jar of hot cocoa mix. Then, add a tag that says “For a dash of Christmas magic!”

Related: Best Christmas Gift Ideas For Neighbors & Friends

2. Taco Tuesday Mix

Perfect for: Tacos, fajitas, nachos, or soups

Mix:

• 1 Tbsp chili powder
• 1 Tbsp cumin
• 1 Tbsp garlic powder
• 1 Tbsp onion powder
• 1/4 Tbsp crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Use 2–3 tablespoons per pound of meat or beans, plus 3/4 cup water. Simmer until thickened.

Bonus: Homemade taco seasoning skips the preservatives, fillers, and excess sodium found in store-bought packets.

Gift Idea: Add it to a Nacho Average Gift Basket with salsa, chips, and queso. This gift works for any occasion!

3. Everything Bagel Seasoning

Perfect for: Bagels, avocado toast, eggs, salads, roasted veggies, hummus, or popcorn

Mix:

• 3 Tbsp white sesame seeds
• 2 Tbsp black sesame seeds
• 2 Tbsp poppy seeds
• 1 Tbsp dried garlic
• 1 Tbsp dried onion
• 1 tsp sea salt or coarse salt

Gift Idea: Add a bagel slicer and a mini bag of bagels to make it a full “Bagel Breakfast Box.”

4. Italian Herb Seasoning

Perfect for: Pasta, sauces, pizza, garlic bread, roasted veggies, or chicken

Mix:

• 2 Tbsp oregano
• 1 Tbsp dried basil
• 1 Tbsp thyme
• 1 Tbsp rosemary
• 1 Tbsp parsley
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper (optional)

Gift Idea: Pair this spice mix with a bottle of olive oil, dried pasta, and a wooden spoon for an easy “Dinner in a Basket.”

Pro Tip: Crush the herbs before using. Rubbing them between your palms will release the aroma.

Related: Cheap Mother’s Day Gifts

5. Smoky BBQ Rub

Perfect for: Chicken, ribs, burgers, steak, or roasted potatoes

Mix:

• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp paprika (smoked if available)
• 1 Tbsp salt
• 1 Tbsp pepper
• 1 Tbsp chili powder
• 1 Tbsp garlic powder
• 1 Tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp cumin

Gift Idea: Package with grilling tongs, an apron, or BBQ sauce. Dad will love getting a jar of this mix on Father’s Day.

Related: Mini Bar In A Jar Gift

6. Best Chicken Seasoning Blend

Perfect for: Chicken breasts, thighs, tenders, or whole chicken

Mix:

• 2 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp paprika
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions:

Rub this seasoning mix generously over chicken before cooking. For extra flavor, coat chicken with olive oil first to help the seasoning stick.

Gift Idea: Package this with a silicone basting brush and a tag that says “Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner!”

Related: Cheap Birthday Gift Ideas

7. Zesty Cheddar Popcorn Dust

Perfect for: Popcorn, pretzels, or homemade snack mix

Mix:

4 Tbsp salted butter melted

• 1/3 cup powdered cheddar cheese (from the spice section or bulk bin)
• 1/4 tsp salt (to taste)
• ¼ tsp cayenne (optional)

Instructions:

Sprinkle it over hot popcorn or mix it into a snack mix for a cheesy kick.

Gift Idea: Include popcorn kernels and a silicone microwave popcorn popper.

8. Herbal Salt Blend

Perfect for: Burgers, fish, roasted veggies, eggs, potatoes, or grilled meats

Mix:

• 1 cup coarse sea salt
• 1/4 cup dried parsley
• 2 Tbsp dried basil
• 1 Tbsp dried oregano
• 2 Tbsp dried thyme

Instruction:

Blend this mix in a food processor or mortar and pestle until evenly combined.

You can also mix in ingredients like lemon or lime zest, crushed red pepper flakes, sage, fresh rosemary, or minced garlic for a personalized twist on your homemade seasoning.

Gift Idea: Wrap it with twine and include a small wooden scoop or sprig of rosemary.

9. Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Sprinkle

*Kid Favorite!

Perfect for: Toast, pancakes, waffles, coffee, or oatmeal

Mix:

• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 Tbsp cinnamon

Gift Idea: Pair this with pancake mix and a wooden spoon. Or drop a jar in your kid’s stocking at Christmas.

10. Homemade Ranch Mix

Perfect for: Dips, potatoes, chicken, or seasoning veggies

Mix:

• 1/3 cup dry buttermilk powder
• 2 Tbsp dried parsley
• 1 Tbsp dried dill
• 1 Tbsp garlic powder
• 1 Tbsp onion powder
• 1 1/2 tsp dried chives
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp mustard powder

Instructions:

Use 2 Tbsp mix to replace 1 store-bought ranch packet.

Gift Idea: Add this mix to a “Snack Night Kit” with pretzels and chips.

Pro Tip: You can easily double or even triple the recipe to use for gifts or summer cookouts.

Best Ways to Store Homemade Seasoning Mixes

To keep your homemade blends fresh and flavorful for months:

• Use airtight glass containers.
• Keep them cool and dark.
• Label and date them. Most blends stay fresh up to 6 months.
• Shake before using.

Tips for Keeping Homemade Spice Gifts Budget-Friendly

Want to keep your seasoning gift jars under $5 each? Try these easy tricks to save money without sacrificing quality or flavor:

Buy Spices in Bulk

Check warehouse stores, local co-ops, or discount retailers for bulk bins. Buying spices by the ounce instead of the jar can save up to 70%.

Shop at International or Dollar Stores

Ethnic grocery stores often have large bags of spices (especially cumin, chili, and coriander) for a fraction of grocery store prices.

Reuse or Upcycle Jars

Clean and reuse baby food jars, small jelly jars, or spice containers. Add a cute label or twine and they’ll look just as good as store-bought!

Make Mixes in Batches

Combine ingredients for 5–10 jars at once to cut down on both cost and prep time. Bulk mixing means fewer leftover ingredients. Plus, you’ll whip these up in way less time!

Dry Your Own Herbs

If you garden (or buy fresh herbs on sale), dry them yourself for free herbs all year long. Just air-dry or use your oven on low for 1–2 hours.

More Unforgettable Gift Ideas

Don’t miss these other creative things to give others!

• Homemade Vanilla Extract
• In Case of Emergency Break Glass Gift
• DIY Chai Tea Latte Mix
• Best Homemade Granola in a Jar

What’s Next?

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