Food For Gifts: Tips
For Handmade Gifts
When we were younger (when we had no income and no means by
which to buy our parents something that wouldn’t have come out of their own
pockets), we used to make them gifts ourselves. In many ways, those might have
been the most thoughtful and relational gifts we could have ever given.
Why? Because we put in the effort of making it with our own
hands.
We live in a society that is getting increasingly “gift
weary” because of the high amount of focus on birthday and holiday shopping.
Gift cards, in particular, have made it easy to view gift giving as an
obligation with little or no thought (or effort) required.
While you can give a gift card with thought and sincerity,
you can still (even as an adult) make something yourself that will be
considered far more thoughtful.
It’ll probably also cost you a lot less, so everybody wins.
Since food lends itself easily to this style of gift giving,
let’s look at a few ideas for homemade gifts in that category.
1. Fruit Infused
Vodkas
Finding a cute and attractive glass bottle to keep it in is
easy and fairly inexpensive. The process to actually make the fruit flavored
vodka is even easier. Essentially, just buy the vodka and add the fruit. You
can find plenty of recipes and instructions online.
2. Jams and Preserves
Since these are so easy to make, it’s odd that you see
people buying them as gifts so often. Making them yourself is a pretty simple
process and you can get creative with flavors and the jars you use to present
them. Pinterest is a great place to go for flavor
and presentation ideas.
Your out of pocket expense will be pretty low for this one.
3. Spice and Dry Rub
Mixes
It might sound a bit redundant for someone who probably
already has an adequate spice rack, but having a spice or rub mix already made for you is great
when you’re ready to cook a meal that calls for it.
The person you gift this to will appreciate the fact that
you took the time to mix it all up. Like the vodka and preserves, you can
present it in a variety of different “gifty” ways.
Try making a few different kinds, labeling each container
and giving them in a gift basket. These are especially great if you know people
who love to cook.
4. Flavored Sugars
Different flavored sugars are easy to make and, like the
spice mixes, are best offered in different flavors or variety packs. These
might be ideal for someone you know who drinks a lot of tea or coffee, or who
likes to bake on a fairly regular basis.
5. Homemade Cookie
Dough
Presentation is
everything with this one. The best way to wrap it up is to make it into a log,
like you will often see at the store. To start, use some kind of baking paper,
then wrap that paper up in something decorative and tie it off at the ends.
Once it’s all wrapped, add a decorative label and you’re good to go.
You could also reuse a gift box (i.e. wine box) or gift bag
that you have received in the past for any of these homemade gifts.
One of these gifts is sure to please and the recipient will
definitely appreciate the fact that you took the time to make the gift yourself
(and it won’t burn a hole in your wallet!).
Marcela De Vivo
is a freelance writer from the Los Angeles area whose writing covers everything
from healthy eating and cooking to technology and manufacturing. When it comes
to budgeting, she enjoys saving money by making thoughtful handmade gifts for
her friends and loved ones.
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