Use Your Slow Cooker for These Genius Last-Minute Holiday Gifts

Hopefully by now you've discovered the magic that a slow cooker can work in a kitchen, with everything from simple three-ingredient appetizers to hearty fall soups to slow-cooker side dishes. But did you know it can also make gifts? This holiday season, if you're pressed for time, your slow cooker will once again come to the rescue with a host of edible gifts that you can choose from. Scroll through for 14 of our favorites that are sure to be a hit with friends, neighbors, and everyone on your list!

Fudge: This recipe is a sweet victory for all. Just add the ingredients, walk away, and bam! You have beautiful and delicious fudge that's made for sharing. Top it with coarse sea salt for extra flavor and elegance. (via Creme de la Crumb)

Sugared Candy Walnuts: In the winter, walnuts abound. Take advantage of their seasonality and buy them in bulk. That way, you can make massive amounts of candied walnuts to give away by the bagful. (via Image and recipe via Tammilee Tips)

Maple Apple Butter: Although it's a fall staple in many households, what you buy at Trader Joe's is nothing like the real deal. Homemade apple butter has far less sugar than its store-bought counterpart. However, if you like things sweeter, there's no harm in adding a splash of maple! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Chocolate Bars: You probably didn't know that you could make chocolate bars in a Crock-Pot. Surprise! This revelation will be useful year-round. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Spiced Nuts: Forget cookie cutter gifts — with this option you can easily mix and match the variety of nuts and spices to make personalized presents for everyone on your list. (via Posh Journal)

Pumpkin Butter: We love pumpkin butter any time of year, but you can really only get your hands on it during the fall. Remedy this situation by giving a few jars to your friends so they'll be stocked up long after pumpkin-everything season ends. (via Mommy Musings)

Cookies and Cream Fudge: Packed with chocolate, condensed milk, and real cookies, this recipe is the holiday treat everyone needs. (via Taming Twins)

Low Carb Granola: Regardless of dietary restrictions and preferences, granola is beloved by all. It’s a winner with vegetarians and carnivores, sweet tooths, and health nuts alike. (via Recipes from a Pantry)

Dulce de Leche: A slow-cooked sauce by nature, dulce de leche made on the stove can easily consume hours of your day. Instead, pop the ingredients in a slow cooker — and spend all that time you save wrapping gifts. (via Simply Seasonal)

Crock Pot Candy: Sweet, salty, and crunchy, these yummy clusters are the perfect solution when you're in a gift-giving pinch. (via Lemons for Lulu)

Almond Joy Candy: A little candy nostalgia goes a long way. This homemade version of a childhood favorite is mounds better than the store-bought variety. (via Life Made Sweeter)

Rocky Road Candy: Requiring just five ingredients and no cooking or baking, these sweet and salty candies are ready in a heartbeat and make the ultimate last-minute treats. (via I Heart Naptime)

Pear Butter: Just like apples, pears are a fleshy fruit that when slowly cooked for hours turn into a creamy, buttery spread. This one is is delightful on everything from toast to dessert. (via Aleisha Enid)

Sea Salt Chocolate Almond Clusters: Chocolate and nuts are a classic combination that pleases almost everyone. Adding a hidden pinch of sea salt is a sure way to really bring out smiles. (via The Magical Slow Cooker)