Easy DIY Holiday Food Gifts
One of the unexpected blessings of starting Take Them A Meal was being able to give to my friend, Rachel, the gift of my time. The meal sign up process was happening without me, so I was able to help in other meaningful ways.
I have this same desire to be present during the holidays. I want to enjoy more time with family, friends and neighbors, rather than frantically searching for the perfect gift. Over the years, I have found that I love making a simple homemade treat to show others what they mean to me.
This list of my favorite homemade food gifts is not complicated or fancy, but made with love. They are also easy to package, tasty, and budget-friendly!
- Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods - When I asked my college-aged daughter what her favorite holiday food gift is to receive, without hesitation, she said chocolate covered pretzels. The key for great dipped pretzels is to buy and melt a chocolate bar for dipping (Trader Joe's has good ones) instead of using chocolate chips.
- Chai Tea Mix - My co-founder, Scott, is not quick to claim something to be his favorite, but he is as enthusiastic as I have ever seen him about this Chai tea mix. A mutual friend gifted it to him years ago and it remains a favorite!
- Frozen Cookie Dough Balls - Sometimes, it can feel like there are too many sweets during the holidays! Gifting frozen cookie dough balls allows your friend to enjoy warm cookies any time.
- Candied Nuts - These are such a good alternative to baked goods because they offer some protein and can easily be added to salads. Our friend, Maureen, was given these and they were a family favorite!
- Simmer Pot Kits - Fill your friends home with the scents of the season. I love this recipe because it shows you how to make your own dehydrated orange slices (which are so pretty)!
- Hot Chocolate Kits - These kits were designed by our very own, Nadia, who introduces us to the most thoughtful (and pretty) ideas to care for our friends. She designed packaging for one of the best hot chocolate recipes out there.
*Packaging tip - Any tall treat bag, like these, are perfect for packing.
*Packaging tip - Mason jars are a lovely way to transport ground mixes. Add a pretty ribbon or twine. You can even use wrapping paper to make a festive mason jar topper.
*Packaging tip - I used a freezer-friendly container similar to this but I also love the way The Fresh Cooky packaged hers.
*Packaging tip - These cone-shaped bags work great for nuts. Tie them up with a pretty ribbon and a piece of greenery.
*Packaging tip - The natural elements in a simmer pot are beautiful in themselves. Everything tied up in a cellophane bag is lovely and the link above offers a free printable gift tag.
I hope you found something on this list that inspires you!
Warmly,
Adina
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- Take a moment: New Year Reflection Questions
- A holiday message for you from Adina & Scott
- 10 Simple Ways to Care for A Grieving Friend During the Holidays
- Local Treasures From Harrisonburg - Wrapped & Shipped
- Plan an Easy Freezer Meal Workshop
- Easy DIY Holiday Food Gifts
- Ways Your Church Can Do Even More with Take Them A Meal + Perfect Potluck
- When Taking Meals Isn't Your Thing
Welcome! We're thrilled you stopped by. A well-timed meal delivered by a friend is one of the best gifts imaginable. In this space, we share our favorite recipes, meal-taking tips, and other ways to care for those who are dear to you.
You can find our popular You Are Loved spoons in our Gifts & Such store.
