I love the sharing of ideas here!
I've given the "cake in a cup" mixes in ceramic mini bread/cake pans that were in Michael's $1 bins one year. I give lots of cookie plates to neighbors and friends using Christmas plates purchased at the Dollar Store or at thrift stores. I look for plates with Christmas designs around the rim so it shows up when filled with cookies.
Not exactly from the kitchen, but I'm thinking this year of starting some amaryllis to gift at Christmas time. I'm also trying some annual seeds that I've heard can be grown to bloom indoors. If they are doing well at Christmas, some of them may be gifted.
Always looking for more ideas!