Last Updated on December 12, 2023 by Toya
Looking for the perfect gift for the foodie in your life? Look no further than these 15 spice mixes that are sure to ignite their culinary passions! These flavorful blends are not only delicious but also make for thoughtful and unique presents that will last well beyond the holiday season.
So without further ado, let’s dive into the world of spice mixes that make for perfect gifts!
The Best Spice Jars to Buy for Gifts
If you’re planning to give spice mixes as gifts, it’s important to choose the right spice jars to complement the flavors of your blends. Small glass jars with cork lids are an excellent choice for several reasons.
First, glass jars are an eco-friendly option since they are reusable and recyclable. They also offer a clear view of the contents, allowing the recipient to appreciate the colors and textures of the blends. Second, cork lids provide an airtight seal, preserving the flavors of the spices for longer. Finally, the combination of glass and cork creates an elegant and sophisticated look that elevates the presentation of your gifts.
When choosing the size of your jars, we recommend 7oz ones since they are small enough to fit in a gift basket or box and large enough to hold a generous amount of spice mix. You can buy these jars at your local craft store or online. Keep in mind that you may need to buy a bulk quantity for a better value.
Best spice mixes for gifts
Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix
If you’re a fan of fall flavors, then you’ve probably heard of pumpkin pie spice mix. This versatile blend of warm spices pairs perfectly with pumpkin-based desserts like pies, cookies, and cakes. It’s also a delicious addition to coffee and other warm beverages during the cooler months.
The classic pumpkin pie spice mix usually consists of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice. However, you can adjust the ratios or add other spices to create your own unique blend.
If you want to make your own pumpkin pie spice mix at home, here’s a simple recipe:
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
Mix all the spices together and store in an airtight container. This recipe yields approximately ½ cup of pumpkin pie spice mix.
Now that you have your pumpkin pie spice mix, you can start adding it to your favorite fall recipes. Try sprinkling it on oatmeal, adding it to pancake batter, or mixing it into whipped cream for a festive touch.
And if you’re feeling generous, make a larger batch and consider packaging your homemade pumpkin pie spice mix in a cute spice jar and giving it as a gift to your foodie friends.
Apple Pie Spice Mix
If you’re a fan of apple-based desserts and recipes, then you’ll love the apple pie spice mix. This blend of spices captures the essence of autumn, with warm and comforting flavors that make any recipe feel like a cozy hug.
While you can easily buy pre-made apple pie spice mix at the store, making your own at home is simple and customizable to your liking. The key ingredients of an apple pie spice mix are cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. You can adjust the ratios of each spice to your preference, adding more cinnamon for sweetness or some cloves for a spicier kick.
Here’s a simple recipe for making your own apple pie spice mix:
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cardamom (optional)
Mix all the spices together and store in an airtight container. This recipe yields approximately ½ cup of apple pie spice mix.
Now that you have your own homemade apple pie spice mix, try adding it to your favorite apple pie recipe, apple crisp, or even sprinkle it on top of oatmeal for a cozy breakfast treat.
Or, you can make a larger batch and package it in a cute glass jar with a ribbon for a thoughtful gift.
Southwest Spice Blend
The southwest spice blend is a versatile mix of spices that adds a zesty kick to your dishes. Inspired by the flavors of the Southwest region of the United States, this blend is perfect for adding a burst of flavor to tacos, chili, and grilled meats.
To make your own homemade southwest spice blend, simply mix together chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. You can adjust the quantities of each spice to suit your taste preferences.
- 2 tbsp ancho chili
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp Hungarian paprika
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp dried oregano or Mexican oregano
- 1 tbsp salt
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp coriander powder
- 2 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp black pepper
This spice blend can be stored in small glass jars with cork lids, making them perfect for gift-giving. Not only is this homemade spice mix a thoughtful and unique gift, but it also adds a touch of warmth and flavor to any dish.
Whether you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine or just looking to try something new, the southwest spice blend is a must-have in your spice collection.
Taco Seasoning Mix
Do you love Mexican-inspired recipes? Then you’ll definitely want to try out this easy spice mix!
Taco seasoning mix typically includes a mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano. You can adjust the heat level by adding more or less chili powder.
Here is a simple recipe:
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
To make your own taco seasoning mix, simply combine all of the spices in a bowl and mix well. You can store the mix in an airtight container and use it for seasoning ground beef, chicken, or vegetables for tacos, burritos, or fajitas.
Also, don’t forget to share this with your foodie friends as a thoughtful gift if you’re looking for gift ideas!
Cajun Seasoning Mix
Cajun seasoning mix is a spicy and flavorful blend that is commonly used in Cajun and Creole cooking. It typically includes a mix of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano. You can adjust the heat level by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
Here is a simple recipe:
- 1 ½ tbsp. paprika
- 1 tbsp. garlic powder
- 1 tbsp. onion powder
- 1 tbsp. salt
- ½ tbsp. white pepper
- ½ tbsp. black pepper
- ½ tbsp. oregano
- ½ tbsp. thyme
- ¼ tbsp. cayenne pepper (adjust to your liking)
To make your own cajun seasoning mix for gifting, simply combine all of the spices in a bowl and mix well. It can be used for seasoning chicken, shrimp, or vegetables for jambalaya, gumbo, or blackened dishes.
Ramen Seasoning Mix
The Ramen Seasoning Mix is a blend of traditional Japanese flavors that will elevate your homemade ramen bowls. With a combination of spices like ginger, garlic, and thyme, this seasoning mix will add depth and complexity to your ramen broth.
To make your own ramen seasoning mix, combine:
- 2 tablespoons of Chicken bullion cubes
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
This recipe makes approximately 1/2 cup so make a larger batch for gifting.
Mulled Spices
Mulled spices are perfect for creating warm and aromatic drinks during the winter season. This mix of spices includes cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, which blend together beautifully for a comforting and cozy experience.
To make your own mulled spices, combine:
- 3 oz. cinnamon sticks
- ⅓ cup cardamon pods
- ¼ cup allspice berries
- ¼ cup whole cloves
- ¼ cup star anise
- ¼ cup black peppercorns
- 2-inch piece of peeled fresh ginger
- ¼ cup dried orange peel (optional)
Mulled spices are the perfect thoughtful gift to give to someone this season!
Allspice Recipe
If you’re looking for a versatile spice to give as a gift, look no further than allspice. This warm and complex spice is perfect for adding depth and flavor to a wide range of dishes, making it a must-have in any spice collection.
This recipe is simple to make and can be packaged in a small jar for easy gifting.
Here is a simple recipe:
- 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon of ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon of ground cloves
- ¼ tablespoon of ground black pepper
So next time you’re looking for a unique and flavorful spice to give as a gift, consider allspice. With its versatility and delicious flavor, it’s sure to be a hit with any food lover.
Caribbean Seasoning
Looking for a unique spice blend to gift to your foodie friends? Look no further than Caribbean seasoning! This flavorful blend will transport their taste buds to the tropics with its combination of warm spices and zesty citrus flavors.
Making your own Caribbean seasoning is easy and allows you to customize the blend to your personal preferences. Simply combine ground allspice, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, a touch of cinnamon, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat. Then, add in some dried orange zest and lime zest for a burst of refreshing citrus flavor.
Once you have combined all of the ingredients, simply package the blend in a cute jar or tin, and tie it up with a colorful ribbon. Your foodie friend will love experimenting with this unique spice blend in a variety of dishes, from chicken and fish to roasted vegetables and even grilled fruit!
So why not give the gift of the tropics this holiday season?
Seafood Seasoning
If you’re looking for the perfect gift for a seafood enthusiast, consider this easy homemade seafood seasoning. This versatile and flavorful blend can be used to elevate the taste of various seafood dishes, and it’s the perfect addition to any spice collection.
To make your own shrimp seasoning, combine:
- 1/4 cup of salt
- 1 tbsp of sumac
- 1 tbsp of coriander seeds
- 1 tsp of mustard seeds
- 2 tbsp of paprika
- 1 tbsp of thyme
- 1 tbsp of whole black pepper
- 2 tbsp of onion powder
- 1 tbsp of garlic powder
- 1 tsp of cornstarch (optional)
Not just limited to shrimp, this seasoning blend can be used on a variety of seafood dishes, including crab, lobster, and fish. Sprinkle it on grilled fish for a smoky, spicy flavor, or add it to crab cakes for a delicious twist on a classic dish.
Overall, seafood seasoning makes a fantastic gift for any seafood lover or home cook looking to spice up their dishes with bold and delicious flavors. Include it in a gift basket with other homemade spice blends for a thoughtful and personalized touch.
Pork Rib Rub
A good pork rib rub can take a rack of ribs from good to great. This recipe balances sweet and savory flavors with a touch of heat for a well-rounded taste.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Mix all ingredients together in a bowl and place in a cute small spice jar for gifting.
Chipotle Seasoning
Chipotle seasoning adds a rich, smoky flavor to meats, vegetables, and even popcorn. This recipe can be adjusted to your preferred level of spiciness by adding or subtracting chipotle powder or cayenne pepper.
- 1 tbsp chipotle powder
- 1 tbsp crushed chipotle
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1 tbsp paprika (use smoked paprika if you have it)
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp sea salt
Mix all ingredients together in a bowl and place in a small jar for gifting.
Fajita Seasoning
Fajita seasoning is a must-have for lovers of Tex-Mex cuisine. This recipe is perfect for seasoning chicken, beef, or vegetables for fajitas, tacos, or any other Mexican-inspired dish.
- 1 tbsp Chili powder
- 3 tsp oregano
- 2 tsp Paprika
- 2 tsp Onion powder
- 2 tsp Garlic powder
- 2 tsp Cayenne pepper
- 2 tsp Ground cumin
- 2 tsp Sweetener
- 1 tsp salt
Mix all ingredients together in a bowl, then package in a glass jar for gifting.
Shrimp seasoning
For seafood enthusiasts, there’s nothing quite like a homemade shrimp seasoning to enhance the flavors of your favorite dishes. This blend of spices is easy to make and oh-so-delicious, perfect for grilled shrimp, sautéed shrimp, or even added to pasta dishes.
The best part? You can whip up a batch of this flavorful seasoning right in your own kitchen and give it as a thoughtful gift!
Here’s what you’ll need to make your own homemade shrimp seasoning:
- ½ tablespoon of salt
- 2 teaspoons of onion powder
- 2 teaspoons of garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of crushed Aleppo peppers
- 1 teaspoon of crushed red peppers
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
Simply mix together all of the ingredients until well combined. Then, store your homemade shrimp seasoning in an airtight container until you’re ready to use.
Chili Seasoning Blend
Nothing says flavor quite like a bold chili blend. This spice mix is perfect for anyone who enjoys a little heat in their dishes. Whether you’re making chili, stews, or marinades, this chili seasoning is sure to enhance the flavor profile.
Creating your own bold chili blend is simple and allows you to customize the level of spiciness to your liking. Start with a base of chili powder and cumin, then add in paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
- 2 tablespoons of paprika
- 1 tablespoon of cumin
- 2 teaspoons of cayenne
- 2 teaspoons of garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of oregano
- 1 ½ teaspoons of salt
- ½ teaspoons of red pepper flakes
Once you’ve mixed all the ingredients together, pour it into a jar. Give it to a friend or family member as a gift, or keep it for yourself and enjoy it in your own cooking!
From the warm and complex allspice to the bold and spicy chipotle seasoning, there’s something for everyone on this list. And with our simple recipes, you can easily create your own homemade spice blends to package as thoughtful gifts in less than 5 minutes!