16 of 36

Write now Article Tools

One of the most thoughtful and creative gifts you can give is a homemade food gift. The amount of time and flair you put into your food gift or food gift basket shows your gift receipent that you went the extra mile for them. Its also inexpensive, fun and a great way to involve the whole family in gift giving.

A few years ago, I received a thank you gift that I cherished. In a mason jar with a pretty bow and fabric covered lid, my friend had combined the dry ingredients for chocolate chip cookies. With a nicely written recipe card, I completed her cookies in a snap. The aroma filled my home and instantly made me think of my friend. What a clever gift!

I decided to explore making homemade food gifts. Naturally, I didn't want to steal my friend's signature food gift. I therefore scoured recipe books for brilliant ideas.

The first food gift I tried was a simple gift basket. In it I included all the non-perishable ingredients for homemade pesto sauce and dry pasta. I found some unique jars at the local thrift store, sterilizing them thoroughly in the dishwasher. Placing the items in the jars, I arranged them in a small basket (also purchased at the thrift store).

The gift was such a success, I decided to try again.

Friends were moving into their first house during the warm month of July. I decided to craft the ultimate house warming gift.

In an expensive yet colorful plastic ice tub I placed lemons, a small jar of pre-measured sugar, and a plastic pitcher with matching cups perfect for making homemade lemonade.

Alongside my lemonade kit, I nestled a jar full of homemade BBQ rub (1/4 cup garlic powder, 1/4 cup of black pepper, 2 tbsp white pepper, 3 tbsp sea salt, 2 tbsp chili powder). I surrounded the jar with a variety of vegetables fresh from my garden.

The finishing touch was a sealed jar of homemade salsa (canned from garden ingredients) and some homemade tortilla chips.

I received so many compliments at the house warming party, I knew I was well on my way to becoming famous within my circle for thoughtful, homemade food gifts.

Since my first forays, I have let the seasons be my guide. In Autumn, I like to prepare jars full of dried ingredients (and a can of pumpkin) for homemade pumpkin pie filling.

During the chilly days of winter, cinnamon sticks tied around a homemade hot chocolate or apple cider mix is a welcome, warm treat.

The spring I love to make salad dressing mixes (just add oil) and then add in all the fixings with vegetables when my garden grow in.

Homemade food gifts are an inexpensive way to show someone you care. Not only that, they are fun and a great way to experiment in the kitchen.

Learn more about this author, E.D. Cameron.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Tips for homemade food gifts?
We want to hear your view. Write now!