If you don't have a large jar on hand, then pick up a box of them at the grocery store. Using ribbon, tie bows around the necks of the jars, or print out personalized labels to stick on the jars. Then pour in all the dry ingredients of this festive gingerbread cookie recipe.

Gingerbread cookies

Ingredients:

• 2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

On a note card, jot down "You will also need" and the following ingredients and directions:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 egg

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Combine the flour, sugar, butter, molasses, egg, cinnamon, baking powder, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda and salt together until smooth.
3. Cover the bowl, and refrigerate the mix.
4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough, and cut it into shapes using cookie cutters.
5. Bake for roughly 8 minutes or until edges are browned.

While preparing a recipe for your gift recipient is sweet, if you have a little more time, bake the cookies yourself, and place them in a decorative tin. Try this sugar cookie recipe on for size.

Sugar cookies

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 4 teaspoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Cream together the butter and sugar.
3. Mix in the egg, milk and vanilla.
4. Add the flour, baking powder and salt.
5. Divide the dough in half, and chill both sections for 30 minutes in the fridge.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough, and cut it into shapes using cookie cutters.
7. Using a spatula, place the cookies on a greased baking sheet.

Bake the cookies for 8 minutes or until lightly browned.

If you're having trouble narrowing down what recipe to make or prepare for your loved ones, then why not create their very own cookbook?

Include recipes you know they'll love as well as your favourite desserts. Add anecdotes about why those choices mean so much to you, along with memories you've shared.

You can have it bound at your local office supply shop, bind it yourself with staples or make a cover and sew the selections together.

This personalized gift will impress any host or hostess.

More gift ideas

Best gifts for a host
Best of Etsy: Personalized gifts
Edible party favours