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.
*Packaging tip - Any tall treat bag, like these, are perfect for packing.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!
*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.
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.
*Packaging tip - I used a freezer-friendly container similar to this but I also love the way The Fresh Cooky packaged hers.
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!
*Packaging tip - These cone-shaped bags work great for nuts. Tie them up with a pretty ribbon and a piece of greenery.
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)!
*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.
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.
I hope you found something on this list that inspires you!
Warmly, Adina
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In Case You Missed It
1. If you’re hosting Thanksgiving this year and want a fun activity to keep the kids entertained, try this Scavenger Hunt!
Don’t have Instagram? Click here for the free printable!
2. Baked sweet potatoes make the perfect side dish for any meal. This recipe is a great gluten-free and vegan option as well. Give it a try!
Don’t have Instagram? Click here for the free printable!
3. Looking for the perfect Christmas gift? This adorable recipe tin is such a sweet way for loved ones to keep their favorite recipes safe and organized. It’s thoughtful, useful, and so pretty!
4. These little Puff Pastry Sleeping Bears are almost too cute to eat! Flakey puff pastry wrapped around milk chocolate and a little teddy graham tucked under the “sheets.” A perfect treat to make with the kids, or send along the ingredients and directions for a friend to make with their kids!
Don’t have Instagram? Click here for the recipe!
5. You can brighten someone's day by making the containers that you use to deliver your food attractive. Here are some of our favorite ways to make your packaging pretty from Pinterest!
Easily Organize Meal Schedules for Friends
Take Them A Meal is an easy (and free!) online tool for coordinating the delivery of meals to loved ones. If a friend is ill, elderly, or welcoming a child, you can rally their community to take them meals. We also offer delicious, fully-prepared meals that can be shipped directly to their door!
Send Love in a Box - Freshly Prepared Meals Shipped Nationwide!
Surprise your loved ones with a delicious, chef-made meal delivered straight to their door. Explore Shipped Meals
Tested Recipes that Transport Well
Our culinary team has tested each of these recipes to make sure we can heartily recommend them. Explore Our Recipes
Gifts & Such
Check out these thoughtful and practical gifts including engraved spoons, meal carriers and more!
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