Make small sachets of aromatic herbs to place in clothes drawers or linen closets. Fill one with catnip for a fun cat toy. Herbal potpourris are colorful just sitting on a shelf, and they release a delightful aroma into the air when a handful is put in a pan of hot water on the kitchen or wood stove. A holiday combination can include cut pine needles, red rose hips and hibiscus, aromatic rosemary, pieces of dried orange peel, star anise, whole cloves, cinnamon sticks, and small alder pine cones. Put the mixture in a beautiful clear decorator jar, adorn with fancy ribbon, and you have a beautiful gift.
Herb flavored vinegar is a great gift for any cook.
Choose a single herb or herb combination. Herbs that are particularly good to use are tarragon, rosemary, basil, dill, garlic, or one of the many flavor varieties of thyme and mint. Pour the vinegar over a handful of herbs per cup and let it steep for 2-4 weeks. To speed up the process, warm the vinegar before pouring it over the herbs, then let it sit in a cool, dark place to brew. When finished, it should smell and taste of the herb.