Jam jar Picture: Pexels
We’ve finally reached December and that means it’s time to get the festive planning into full swing. For those who love gift giving, the idea of a long list with a small budget can be scary, but D.I.Y gift giving should be your best friend!
Who doesn’t love a homemade gift, especially one you can eat? DIY food gifts are the perfect way to show some love, whether it’s for the holiday season, a special occasion, or just because. Plus, making something from scratch feels extra meaningful and gives you the chance to add a personal touch.
From sweet treats to savoury snacks, these DIY food gift ideas are simple to make and bound to be crowd-pleasers that the entire family will love. You don’t have to be a pro in the kitchen, either—many of these recipes come together with minimal ingredients and time.
D.I.Y gifts to give your loved ones:
1. Chilli Oil
Spice up their pantry with a homemade chilli oil that’s perfect for drizzling over pizza, noodles, salads, and more. This easy-to-make gift is loaded with flavour from a blend of chillies and garlic —delivering that signature kick.
Pour the cooled oil into a glass bottle or jar, and add a personalised label for a thoughtful touch. For a little extra flair, you could tie a small spoon or serving tag around the bottle. It’s a bold, delicious gift that’s sure to fire up their taste buds!
@ellenikatalanos RECIPE BELOW 👇 1 lt of neutral oil 300g of fresh chillis 3 tbsp of chilli flakes 1 whole bulb of garlic 2 star anise #vegan #christmaspresents #diychristmas #homemadepresents #christmas ♬ Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree – Brenda Lee
2. Honey butter jars
Sweet, creamy, and utterly irresistible, homemade honey butter makes a delightful gift that can turn any breakfast or snack into a treat.
Made with just butter, honey, and a pinch of salt, this spread is perfect for slathering on toast, warm biscuits, or even pancakes. Package it in small mason jars, and add a charming label with serving suggestions or a note to refrigerate.
@carolinagelen honey butter jars #honey #butter #gift #giftideas ♬ Oh Honey – Delegation
3. Flavoured salts
Flavoured salts are a game changer and this D.I.Y food gift is super easy to make!
Try creating a variety of flavours, like rosemary-lemon, smoky chipotle, or garlic-herb. Simply mix sea salt with dried herbs, spices, or citrus zest, then let it dry completely before packaging. Spoon each flavour into small glass jars or test tubes, and label them with suggestions for pairing. It’s a thoughtful, practical gift that any foodie will love sprinkling into their favourite recipes!
@colleenscooking Easy, delicious & affordable homemade holiday food gift!! #salt #foodgift #foodies #homemade #learnontiktok ♬ original sound – Colleen
4. Homemade jam
There’s something nostalgic about a jar of homemade jam, especially when it’s crafted with love. Bursting with fresh fruit flavor, this DIY gift is perfect for spreading on toast, swirling into yoghurt, or pairing with cheese.
From classic strawberry to unique flavours like peach-ginger or blueberry-lavender or onion homemade jam is a sweet surprise. Pour the jam into small mason jars, and add a handwritten label or a tag with a favourite recipe idea. Wrap the lid with a piece of patterned fabric or tie with twine for a cosy, homemade touch that makes this gift a treat for the eyes and the taste buds!
Try this onion jam recipe:
@mo_good_food Edible Gift Guide Part 1: Onion Jam A unique, sweet and savory condiment for cheese plates, sandwiches, and burgers! Onions Sugar Balsamic Vinegar EVOO Salt Full recipe + tips on ConcordKitchenTN.com #giftguide #diygift #diy #ediblegift #foodgift #foodpresent #homemadegift #homemadechristmas #onionjam #jamrecipe #caramelizedonions #partyfavor #masonjar #cheeseplate #thoughtfulgift #foodie #cooking #cookingvideo #boujeeonabudget #hostingonabudget #series #cookingseries ♬ original sound – Morgan
5. Salted caramel sauce
Salted caramel is always a yes! Rich, creamy, and with just the right hint of salt, homemade salted caramel sauce is a decadent gift that can turn any dessert into something special.
Drizzle it over ice cream, dip apple slices, or swirl it into coffee—there’s no wrong way to enjoy it! Pour it into small glass jars, and add a cosy label with serving suggestions or a cute spoon for easy drizzling. This indulgent gift is sure to make anyone’s day a little sweeter!
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@nesti.studio Like half of TikTok, I fell in love with @thecaketoonist’s salted caramel recipe! It’s so delicious and easy to make. It’s also perfect for making in a big batch for Christmas gifts. I made 2.5L of the sauce and then added some labels and gingerbread tags. The gingerbread tags are just ones I picked up from IKEA and decorated with the recipients’ initials and a simple floral pattern (the same technique I used for my Santa sacks). n e e d e d : • Salted caramel sauce – find the simple 3 ingredient recipe from the @thecaketoonist • Preserving jars – I used the 250ml jars from Coles • Labels • Gingerbread heart tags (VINGERSAGA from IKEA) • White icing (I used Queens Designer Icing) • Twine #christmasgiftideas #diygift #diygiftideas #foodgiftideas #christmasfood ♬ Here Comes Santa Claus – Gene Autry
Complied by Maegan-Leigh Jacobs
Originally published by Food & Home
