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There is no better way to show you care than with Homemade Food Gifts this holiday season. From cookies and candy to spreads and spices, choose from 80+ DIY ideas with something for everybody on your list!
Homemade gifts in general, and homemade food gifts in particular, can be a lovely way to spread joy in the holiday season without emptying your bank account. And if your list continues to grow to include teachers, delivery drivers, and the gal who cuts your hair, it can get expensive.
Here are my best ideas for food gifts that can travel well, whether it’s next door, in your car, or in a box. But consider your own favorite cookies, candies, snacks, and spreads and whether they might be a gift for someone you know. It’s all about the inspiration!
Table of Contents
Cookies and Bars
People love to receive the cookies you love enough to bake yourself; it’s like getting a mix-tape from the oven! Choose your favorite or do a variety pack, then package them in cookie tins, cardboard boxes, or wrapped on a pretty Christmas plate.
1
Pizzelle
Christmas Recipes
Christmas Sugar Cookies
Cookie Recipes
Cherry Almond Biscotti
Cookie Recipes
Ritz Cracker Cookies
Cookie Recipes
White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
2
Thumbprint Cookies
Christmas Recipes
Gingerbread Cookies
Cookie Recipes
Spritz Cookies
Cookie Recipes
Peanut Butter Blossoms
Cookie Recipes
Snickerdoodles
3
Peppermint Cookies
Cookie Recipes
Molasses Cookies
Cookie Recipes
Fruitcake Cookies
Cookie Recipes
Rugelach
Cookie Recipes
White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
4
Lebkuchen
Cookie Recipes
Peanut Butter Cookies
Cookie Recipes
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Cookie Recipes
Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies
Cookie Recipes
Lemon Cookies
5
Cranberry Bliss Bars
6
Congo Bars
Candy and Chocolate
Homemade candy is a sure sign of love because it takes more effort than baking cookies. Be sure to make extra candy on Baking Day so you’ll have extra to give away.
7
Christmas Crack
Candy Recipes
Peppermint Bark
Candy Recipes
No Bake Peanut Butter Balls
Candy Recipes
Microwave Peanut Brittle
Candy Recipes
Homemade Snickers Bars
8
Rolo Pretzel Candies
Candy Recipes
Pecan Pralines
Candy Recipes
Peanut Butter Buckeyes
Cookie Recipes
Homemade Twix Bars
Candy Recipes
OREO Cookie Balls
9
No Bake Peanut Butter Bars
Snacks
These crunchy snacks double as edible stocking stuffers and are especially great for kids. But make enough for the adults too; you’ll be passing out bags of pure nostalgia!
10
Puppy Chow
Appetizer Recipes
Caramel Corn
Appetizer Recipes
Homemade Chex Mix
Appetizer Recipes
Ranch Oyster Crackers
Breakfast Recipes
Homemade Granola
11
Candied Pecans
Spice Blends
Homemade spice blends are a great way to encourage home cooking after the holidays. Do a big batch of your preferred blend or mix-and-match a four-pack of your favorites. Consider attaching a recipe card that puts the blend to use (such as a recipe for turkey tacos for the taco seasoning).
12
Fajita Seasoning
Spice Blend Recipes
Cajun Seasoning
Spice Blend Recipes
Montreal Steak Seasoning
Spice Blend Recipes
Greek Seasoning
Spice Blend Recipes
Rotisserie Chicken Seasoning
13
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Spice Blend Recipes
Homemade Chili Seasoning
Spice Blend Recipes
Apple Pie Spice
Spice Blend Recipes
Pumpkin Pie Spice
Spice Blend Recipes
Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
14
Everything Bagel Seasoning
Spreads and Sauces
Jams, jellies, and spreads make excellent Christmas gifts that can be stored away for a future day. Bundle with a pretty spreader or spoon, cinnamon ornament, and maybe even a loaf of homemade bread.
15
Orange Marmalade
Stock, Sauce, and Spread Recipes
Red Pepper Jelly
Frosting, Sauce, and Pudding Recipes
Apple Butter
Pie and Tart Recipes
Cherry Pie Filling
Side Dish Recipes
Applesauce
16
How to Make Mustard
Breads and Muffins
While somewhat perishable, a loaf of freshly-baked bread is peak thoughtfulness, especially when paired with a spread from above. For quick breads and loaf cakes, consider using tiny loaf pans and giving an assortment of flavors.
17
Buttermilk Biscuits
Bread Recipes
Soft Yeast Dinner Rolls
Bread Recipes
Focaccia
Bread Recipes
No-Knead Bread
Bread Recipes
Cornbread
18
Homemade Crescent Rolls
Eats
Pumpkin Muffins
Breakfast Recipes
Coffee Cake Muffins
Breakfast Recipes
Morning Glory Muffins
Breakfast Recipes
Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins
19
Blueberry Muffins
Fruit Dessert Recipes
Blueberry Lemon Yogurt Cake
Bread Recipes
Homemade Soft Pretzels
Breakfast Recipes
Apple Cider Donuts
Breakfast Recipes
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Meggan Hill is a classically-trained chef and professional writer. Her meticulously-tested recipes and detailed tutorials bring confidence and success to home cooks everywhere. Meggan has been featured on NPR, HuffPost, FoxNews, LA Times, and more.
What a comprehensive list of gift possibilities. Thank You!
You’re welcome, Patricia! Happy holidays! – Meggan
This is wonderful!! Thank you so much for all of the ideas and recipes to go along with them. Appreciate all of your hard work.
You’re welcome, Meribeth! And thank you! Happy holidays! – Meggan
What a fantastic list of versatile, mainstay recipes. Thanks for always providing recipes that I trust to turn out right!
Hi Sue, you’re absolutely welcome! – Meggan