DIY Food Gifts & Packaging Ideas
How was your weekend? Between snow and holiday parties, it was pretty festive & fun over here. I know I’ve shared a lot of gift guides, links, and ideas for gift giving this holiday season (hopefully they’ve been helpful), but in my opinion- there is nothing more heartfelt and appreciated than something homemade. I love making holiday treats, whipping up baked goods in my kitchen, and packing up favorites for friends, family, neighbors, and service workers to enjoy. It’s a special and inexpensive way to spread holiday cheer… and I think the presentation can be really beautiful! Clearly I had too much fun in the kitchen last week and over the weekend. I was in the mood to put on music and get festive, so this blog post quickly came to fruition. If you’re behind on shopping this year, are saving money, or just want to get creative at home- click through for lots of DIY food gifts & packaging ideas. These are also ideal (and delicious) for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, favorite things, and secret Santa swaps!
I like baking (and eating) cupcakes during the holiday season- and they make an easy gift. Three fit perfectly into this kraft paper box, and it includes a clear lid… making it one of the easier food gifts to transport. I used bakery tulip-style cupcake liners and tied it with a festive velvet ribbon. If you’re already sick of cookies this time of year, cupcakes are a great option!
In addition to festive sweets, I enjoy making my dear friend Jacqueline’s chex mix recipe this time of year- it’s an old one, but so good. It’s also easy to adapt to your liking. It’s perfect for parties, game night, and also makes a cute and delicious gift! These small bakery bags ended up being the perfect vessel for Jackie’s coveted chex snack mix!
Black & white cookies are a holiday staple in our house. I made an assortment of cookies for neighbor gifts this year. After having just addressed our holiday cards, it occurred to me that I should try making some chocolate seals with my wax stamp. It worked perfectly and they turned out so elegant looking. Freeze the metal stamp, melt some chocolate, pipe it into a circle, press, then allow it to set. It doesn’t get easier. These would making a thoughtful and impressive personalized gift!
Click directly on the packaging items to be redirected to the source, or use the numbered links below the collage to shop…
01: bakery bags // 02: tulip cupcake liners // 03: grosgrain ribbon // 04: navy blue velvet ribbon // 05: striped cotton ribbon // 06: baking loaf pans // 07: silk ribbon // 08: bakery box // 09: kraft paper box with clear lid
Another well received food gift I like to make during the winter months is coffee cake. I bought these easy non-stick mini loaf pans and ended up with 4-5 coffee cakes to distribute over the weekend. I took a few along to the holiday party we attended, so my friends could enjoy them for breakfast the following morning. There is nothing better than pre-made breakfast after a long night or before an early ski morning. I packaged them with cling wrap, tied them with a ribbon, added a dehydrated orange slice, and I think the presentation ended up looking really festive.
I love a good cookie exchange! This year I made an assortment of cookies & treats and boxed them up as gifts. These are ideal for neighbors, friends, family, co-workers, or even as a thoughtful thank you for delivery drivers. I like that these bakery boxes have a clear window to give the recipient a peek inside.
Don’t forget about gifts & treats for the pups! I grabbed these dog cookies from the bakery, but you could definitely make your own. I have these on hand to take along to holiday parties with us- the host is always impressed we remembered their pets. It’s a fun surprise! Plus, I just like making our furry friends happy.
It never feels quite like Christmas until I make my classic butter sugar cookies! It’s a recipe that has always been a gifting staple in my family. My Nan used to bake these by the hundreds- every year she’d make at least 400-500. We would form an assembly line in her tiny kitchen, rolling the dough, pressing the cookies, baking, sprinkling them with sugar, and sorting them into tins for friends, family, and neighbors. Every family member received a tin of her cookies and it was always my favorite gift. She continued the tradition and would mail me my tin, even after I went off to college and moved out-of-state. She’s no longer able to make her famous cookies, so I enjoy carrying on her tradition. I mail her a tin each Christmas. They are very special and nostalgic for me.
Don’t forget holiday candies for gifting, as well! Think peppermint bark, homemade toffee, chocolates, and fudge! These sweet treats are sure to be enjoyed during the holiday season. Please let me know if you’d like any of my recipes and I’d be happy to point you in the appropriate direction. Do you ever give homemade or food gifts during the holidays? It’s something I’ve always loved doing. Here’s to a lovely week ahead!
