This holiday season, why not stand out from the crowd and give some homemade food gifts to family and friends? First of all, a gift you make yourself will be unique, and secondly it’s one of the only gifts the recipient won’t want to return.
Homemade Food Gifts are terrific because they will be consumed, so you can skip all the worrying about whether you’ve chosen someone’s correct size or favorite color. Not applicable! Plus you’ll probably save money making something yourself as opposed to buying a gift at the store. Bonus for the budget!
We’ve gathered a list of 33 amazing DIY Homemade Food Gifts to make and give this year, from some creative and talented bloggers all across the Internet. Your gift recipients will be very happy you made them, and they’ll think you’re super creative, thoughtful, and smart. Which you are.
If you’re looking for a more meaningful gift than something purchased at the Mall, this is the way to go. Homemade gifts are thoughtful, and the ones who are lucky enough to receive them will know you cared enough to DIY. We’re planning to make some for sure. And don’t forget to make some for yourself!
DIY Food Gifts to Make and Give — Both Savory and Sweet
These Homemade Food Gifts are both easy — and yet, still impressive. Whether you’re looking for sweet treats, savory gifts, gluten-free, or extra gluten, this list is filled with easy recipes. Any one of them can be made fancier if you like, and packaging can always be upgraded, but none of that is required for them to be welcome as delicious gifts. Enjoy!
Easy Gluten-Free Chocolate Covered Pretzels (Allergy-Free, Vegan)
From Strength & Sunshine
These pretzels will satisfy anyone’s salty yet sweet cravings while still being gluten-free, vegan, and allergy-free. Plus, they’re easy to make and only take two ingredients.
Related: Great Gifts Made Locally in Los Angeles
3-Ingredient DIY Vegan Instant Hot Chocolate Mix (Sugar-Free, Gluten-Free, Paleo)
From Strength & Sunshine
This recipe is easy and it only takes three ingredients. It’s also sugar-free, gluten-free, Paleo, Keto, and allergy-free. Make this healthy hot cocoa mix for holiday gifts or stocking stuffers. Or, drink it yourself when you’re craving something warm and delicious!
Related: Christmas Events in Los Angeles
Almond Butter Chocolates
From A Sweet Alternative
If you’re looking for a snack or gift that’s chocolatey but also healthy, check out these Almond Butter Chocolates. They’re easy to make and you can choose whatever type of chocolate you want!
Fudgy Chocolate Mug Cake
From In the Kitch
What could be better than chocolate cake to satisfy someone who loves chocolate? This simple recipe makes a great gift for someone who’s single and just about anyone else. If you’re feeling generous, include the recipe so the mug can be used to make a single serving of cake again and again.
Related: Hanukkah Events in Los Angeles and SoCal
Hot Chocolate Spoons
From In the Kitch
No need to buy a powdered cocoa mix when you have these hot chocolate spoons on hand. You can make them for yourself or as gifts and add your favorite festive sprinkles or toppings.
French Chocolate Truffles
From A Baking Journey
Truffles are a fudgy, yummy treat that are perfect for the holidays or as a gift for a friend, loved one, or coworker. This recipe uses only four ingredients and can be made ahead of time and refrigerated.
Related: Where to Find a Christmas Tree in Los Angeles
Pistachio Butter
From Baking Capture
Making your own pistachio butter is a snap! And it makes a great holiday gift that’s cheaper than the store-bought versions.
Christmas Marshmallow Pops
From Trop Rockin
Christmas Marshmallow Pops are a quick, easy snack to make for Christmas. They can be decorated with holiday sprinkles to make them even more festive for your holiday gatherings — or to give to someone as an edible present.
Related: See our Annual Holiday Gift Guide
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Bombs
From Trop Rockin
If you know someone who loves the combination of peppermint and chocolate, these hot chocolate bombs might put you in their good graces. They’re the perfect combination of peppermint and chocolate.
Hickory Smoked Nuts
From WhatSmoking
These hickory-smoked nuts are a wonderful combination of both sweet and spicy. If you need an inexpensive, easy-to-make gift, these nuts are a great snack that won’t disappoint.
Healthy Caramel Popcorn Without Corn Syrup (dairy-free & gluten-free)
From Fit As a Mama Bear
Popcorn is a popular snack most people love. But when you add the ingredients to make this caramel popcorn it becomes the perfect chewy, sweet movie night or holiday snack. As a gift, it’s sure to please and you might even get asked to make more!
Related: Where to get Photos with Santa Claus in Los Angeles
Blackberry Syrup
From foodworthfeed
Fruity syrups make a great addition to serve at any holiday feast — or to give as gifts. And taking the time to make homemade gifts like this blackberry syrup always shows how much you care!
How to Make Potpourri: In the Slow Cooker or On the Stovetop
From Whole Food Bellies
Don’t you just love it when your house smells amazing? That’s what makes this potpourri the perfect gift to give to others during the holidays or at any other time of the year. Plus, this recipe is all-natural, fast and easy to make, and doesn’t require a bunch of weird ingredients you’ll never use again.
Marinated Goat Cheese Spread with Fresh Garden Herbs
From Whole Food Bellies
If you want to give someone a gift that’s as pretty as it is delicious, check out this marinated goat cheese spread with fresh garden herbs. It does take a few different herbs, but you can switch them up depending on the herbs you keep on hand or your preferences.
Homemade Apple Cider Vinegar
From Sustain my Cooking Habit
When you’re looking for a recipe to make that’s easy, yet something most people would like to receive as a present, homemade apple cider fits the bill. Put it in a special container with a cute gift tag and you’ve got a unique food gift for anyone and any occasion.
Pomegranate & Pistachio Dark Chocolate Bark
From Maple + Mango
This recipe takes only four ingredients and is easy to make as well as healthy. It’s also delicious, crunchy, and includes the colors of the season with its red pomegranate arils and green pistachios.
Sweet and Salty Pretzels in a Jar
From Amanda’s Cookin’
For a sweet and salty snack that’s crunchy and satisfying, look no further than these sweet and salty pretzels in a jar. When you give them as a gift in a jar, the receiver will get two gifts in one!
Homemade Chocolate Extract
From Live to Sweet
Here’s a unique gift idea that will satisfy the chocolate lover on your gift list. It’s perfect in chocolate recipes to give the flavor of baked items a wonderful boost.
Quick Pickled Chillies
From Mrs Jones’s Kitchen
Pickled Chillies can be whipped up in a flash when you need a homemade food gift that’s pretty in a jar and, at the same time, yummy. They can also be a sweet and spicy addition to your own recipes.
Hot Cocoa Gift Jars
From The Magical Slow Cooker
Hot cocoa in a jar is a festive and cute gift that will serve a crowd when it’s mixed up and heated in a crock pot. Not only does it make a great present to keep on hand for last-minute gifting, but you can also keep a jar for yourself to mix up for holiday gatherings.
Thai Style Tomato Chili Jam
From Cooking Gorgeous
Tomato Chili Jam is popular in Asia, but there are lots of different ways to use it. And if you’re making it as a gift, you can choose ingredients that will make it as mild or spicy as you think the recipient will like.
Homemade Italian Limoncello
From Your Guardian Chef
Limoncello is citrusy, sweet, and flavorful, and a great way to complete a holiday meal. Make it for friends and family as a unique gift using this simple recipe. Just make sure to start the recipe several days ahead of when you’ll need it.
Air Fryer Roasted Pecans
From Sungow Kitchen
If you need a food gift you can make in a jiffy, these air fryer roasted pecans are a great choice. They’re a healthy alternative that’s perfect for lots of recipes and for snacking by themselves.
Whiskey Infused Maple Syrup Gift in a Jar + Free Printable Labels
From A Country Girl’s Life
If you’re short on time and budget, this recipe is a terrific DIY food option that can help to cross names off your Christmas gift list. You can make the whiskey flavor as strong or subtle as you like.
Best Dang Creole Seasoning
From Recipes from a Pantry
Do you have 5 minutes? Then you can make this Creole seasoning. Gift it to others for the holidays or keep it for yourself. We’ll never tell!
Peppermint Bark Cups
From What a Girl Eats
While peppermint bark is a treat many enjoy during the holidays, there’s no need to pay through the nose to get it. Instead, you can make your own to enjoy, share as gifts, or serve at a party.
Lavender Simple Syrup
From Desert Naturals
Lots of people like the scent of lavender in soaps, lotions, and oils, but it can be added to edible recipes too. Lavender Simple Syrup is one recipe you can easily make and share with others to use in tea, coffee, and other foods.
Rum Balls
From Dinner at the Zoo
You can add these Rum Balls to a selection of other Christmas goodies and share them with others as a holiday gift. Or, gift a tin of just Rum Balls that have a variety of different toppings. Either way, we think they would make a wonderful edible gift this holiday season.
How to Make Lavender Sugar
From Herb Gardening Ideas
Christmas Pretzel Sticks
From 3 Boys and a Dog
Candy-coated pretzel sticks are a great addition to any holiday party. You can also make and wrap them up as gifts.
Related: Halloween Treats for Kids
Reindeer Pretzels
From Budget Delicious
When you need to make a snack that’s crunchy, salty, sweet, and easy, look no further than this recipe for Reindeer Pretzels. They’re almost too cute to eat!
Roasted Chickpeas
From HealthyGreenSavvy
Healthy and holiday snacking don’t always go together, but these roasted chickpeas can fit both descriptions. They’re easy and affordable to make and packed with protein.
Chocolate-Covered Coffee Beans
From Reuse Grow Enjoy
These chocolate-covered coffee beans are a holiday treat that are sure to provide a little pep in the step of anyone who receives them as a gift. They’re easy to make, inexpensive, and different than simply giving someone holiday cookies or other baked treats.
Rosemary Salt
From Aubrey’s Kitchen
Salt infused with herbs can bring out the flavor of any dish you use it in, and making the salt really isn’t hard. If you don’t have your own herb garden you can usually buy herbs from the grocery store.
Happy Gifting and Happy Holidays!
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Jeanne Sloan is a farm wife, mother of two, and grandmother of two who was born in Las Vegas, Nevada but was transformed into a country girl at the age of eight when her parents moved the family to Kansas. You can read more from Jeanne Sloan at mid-lifemusings.com where she writes about whatever strikes her fancy, including advice, recipes, and more.
Acknowledgment: This round-up of recipes and photos from other bloggers was made with their full and express permission to share. We’re grateful to them for sharing their creativity and talent and we encourage you to visit each of their websites for many more recipes like these.
Disclaimer: MomsLA has made every effort to confirm the information in this article; however, things can often change. Therefore, MomsLA makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy of the information published here. MomsLA strongly urges you to confirm any event details, like date, time, location, and admission, with the third party hosting the event. You assume the sole risk of relying on any of the information in our list. MomsLA is in no way responsible for any injuries or damages you sustain while attending any third-party event posted on our website. Please read our Terms of Use which you have agreed to based on your continued use of this website. Some events have paid to be listed on MomsLA.
