DIY Food Gifts That Are Easy to Make
Whenever I’m stumped for a gift to give, I’ll often go with a food gift. And if you really want to personalize that edible gift, you can go the do-it-yourself route to make it super special. Read on for ideas on DIY food gifts that are thoughtful, budget friendly and sure to delight everyone on your list. And you don’t even have to have exceptional baking or cooking skills to make them.
Why DIY edible gifts?
This page may contain affiliate links, which means I may be compensated if you click a link. However, there is no cost to you. Also, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info, please see my Privacy and Disclosure page.
Making edible gifts at home isn’t always just about saving money — it’s about adding a personal touch that no store-bought item can replicate. For instance, my older daughter’s best friend in high school was an accomplished baker. Each year she would give my daughter some sort of DIY food gift. One year it was a mason jar filled with all the ingredients you need to make homemade chocolate chip cookies. Another year it was a jar with hot cocoa mix and mini marshmallows. We always appreciated how she packaged these presents in eco-friendly materials. This is gifting at its most thoughtful — and sustainable.
When asked how she chooses what homemade gifts to make, Laura Sampson of Little Frugal Homestead said, “I love to figure out what recipes I make that my recipients love but won’t or can’t make for themselves. And that’s why I make them for the holidays. I feel like it’s a great way to share my talents and not fill their house with junk they don’t want or need.”
If you’re ready to add a little extra love to your holiday gifting, here are nearly a dozen edible gift ideas. They are all guaranteed to impress without breaking the bank.
Chocolate bark with festive toppings
Chocolate bark is customizable and as easy to make as it is beautiful. It’s basically a no-bake treat or dessert. Separately melt dark and white chocolate, layer or swirl them together on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then sprinkle on your favorite toppings. Crushed candy canes, dried cranberries, pistachios or even edible glitter can make this treat pop. Once the bark hardens, break it into pieces and pack it in a decorative tin or glass jar tied with a ribbon or a piece of twine for a polished finish.
Homemade hot chocolate mix jars
Everyone loves a cozy cup of hot chocolate on a chilly winter day. To create your own mix, layer cocoa powder, powdered sugar and dry milk in a mason jar. Top it with mini marshmallows, crushed peppermint or chocolate chips for a decadent twist. Tie a festive tag around the jar with simple instructions for making the perfect cup, like: “Mix 2 tablespoons with 1 cup of hot milk or water. Stir and enjoy!”
This is just like the hot chocolate jars my daughter’s high school friend would give out at the holidays. We loved getting her DIY food gifts.
Brown butter roasted pecans
Brown butter roasted pecans with honey and sage make an elegant and savory homemade gift that’s sure to impress. Their rich, nutty flavor, balanced with a touch of sweetness, is a sophisticated, savory take on traditional holiday snacks. Package them in glass jars or reusable tins, and add a festive ribbon or tag for a thoughtful homemade gift that’s as delicious as it is unique.
Infused olive oils
Infused olive oils are elegant gifts that feel gourmet but are surprisingly easy to make. Fill small glass bottles with high-quality olive oil, then add ingredients like fresh rosemary sprigs, peppercorns or chili flakes. Seal the bottles and let the flavors infuse for a week before gifting. These oils are perfect for drizzling over salads, bread or pasta and will impress the foodies in your life.
Mini bread loaves
Homemade bread has a comforting, nostalgic charm that never goes out of style. Bake mini loaves of your favorite recipes, such as pumpkin spice, banana bread made with cake mix or cranberry orange bread. Wrap each loaf in parchment paper, tie it with twine and tuck in a sprig of rosemary or a cinnamon stick for a festive touch. These loaves are ideal for gifting to family or bringing to a holiday brunch.
DIY soup mix in a jar
Bring comfort and convenience together with a homemade soup mix. Layer dried beans, lentils, rice and spices like cumin, thyme and paprika in a large mason jar. Attach a tag with instructions for preparing the soup, such as adding broth, tomatoes and fresh vegetables. These jars are perfect for busy parents or anyone who could use a warm, hearty meal during the hectic holiday season.
Hot chocolate bombs
Hot chocolate bombs are the ultimate showstopper. They are easy to make, fun to decorate and can be customized with many festive flavor combinations. This hot chocolate bomb how-to guide will walk you through all the steps and includes both stovetop and microwave instructions.
Place the hot chocolate bombs into festive holiday mugs, wrap them in paper and tie them with a festive bow. These treats are magical gifts for chocolate lovers of all ages — just drop one in hot milk and watch it become a cozy drink.
Homemade caramel popcorn
Sweet, buttery caramel popcorn makes for an indulgent yet approachable gift. Start by whipping up a caramel sauce with butter, brown sugar and a touch of vanilla, then toss it with freshly popped popcorn until coated. Spread the popcorn on a baking sheet and bake until crispy, stirring occasionally. Once cooled, package it in decorative tins or reusable glass jars for a crowd-pleasing treat.
Holiday jam or chutney
Seasonal jams and chutneys are practical gifts that elevate any meal. Make a cranberry-orange jam or spiced apple chutney using fresh, festive ingredients. Sterilize small jars before filling them, and decorate the lids with holiday fabric secured with twine. These spreads are perfect for pairing with cheese boards, roasted meats or simply spreading on toast.
Homemade holiday cookies
No list of holiday DIY gifts would be complete without homemade cookies. Whip up a batch of sugar cookies, cut into festive shapes and decorate them with icing and sprinkles. Even slice-and-bake cookies are OK when making big batches to give as gifts.
For a crowd-pleaser, try chocolate chip cookies with a holiday twist, like adding crushed candy canes or dried cranberries. Once cooled, pack the cookies into reusable tins, parchment-lined boxes or glass jars and tie a cheerful ribbon around them.
If you need some help deciding on homemade holiday cookies, be sure to check out the recent 12 days of Christmas cookies. It added up to 144 different cookie and treat recipes that you could use for Christmas or Chanukah or another time of the year. FYI, baking cookies was always my favorite to make and give as teacher gifts when my daughters were in elementary school.
“During the holiday season, I always make more cookies than I need, then find cute gift bags and ribbons to wrap them in,” says Mandy Applegate, My Reliable Recipes. “I always say that people give some of the biggest smiles when they realize you’ve made their gift.
Portions of this article originally appeared on Food Drink Life.