Homemade Edible Gifts for Christmas
Elevate Your Holiday Hampers with Homemade Treats
Homemade edible gifts are a fantastic way to show your love and appreciation during the holiday season! Not only are they delicious, but they also add a personal touch to your Christmas hampers. By creating these gifts yourself, you can ensure that they are made with high-quality ingredients, they match your giftee’s tastes and reflect your unique style! While I don’t always make it in time for Christmas – because let’s be honest, homemade hampers are incredible presents but they can be a lot of work – I truly love gifting homemade treats. Here’s what I did last year:
In these hampers, I had included homemade Brutti ma Buoni, Cantucci, three liqueurs (chocolate, coffee and my own orange spiced liqueur), a chocolate salami and some more non-edible gifts such as homemade bookmarks and some packets of flower seeds. 😊They were a great success!
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Why Homemade Hampers?
Homemade hampers are a wonderful alternative to store-bought gifts. They are more personal, thoughtful, and often more affordable! Plus, they can be customized to suit the recipient’s tastes and preferences…and of course, dietary requirements. Homemade food hampers are incredibly versatile and make it possible to create wonderful gifts even for the most vulnerable and challenging dietary requirements! So whether you’re gifting to family, friends, or colleagues, a homemade hamper is a surefire way to spread joy and cheer.
Ideas for your homemade edible gifts
Let’s get creative with your homemade food gifts! Here’s a list of ideas for you:
Homemade Liqueurs
Please drink responsibly. Excessive alcohol consumption can be harmful to your health. These liqueurs are intended for adults and should be enjoyed in moderation.
As some of you know already, I don’t drink alcohol but I LOVE brewing it. The process fascinates me a great deal and I know that if you have some spirits and liqueur lovers in your life, they will absolutely adore these homemade liqueur recipes! Trust me, it’s been trialled and tested over the years by me and my mum before me. 😉
Festive Spiced Orange Liqueur
The classic festive taste. This Spiced Orange Liqueur is always brewing in Bean’s closet all year round to make sure I have a batch ready for Christmas. Make sure your giftee likes orange and cinnamon because this is a true citrusy blast!
Creamy Vegan Chocolate Liqueur
This Chocolate Liqueur is the most popular of my selections of Homemade alcoholic drinks. It’s much quicker and easier to make compared to the Festive Spiced Orange one so if you’re in a time crunch, this one is for you. You can drink it as it is or use it as a topping on your favourite ice cream or pudding!
Coffee Liqueur
Coffee lovers anyone? This Coffee Liqueur is a great hit among my Italian family and friends and can be made with normal coffee or decaf! It’s a great replacement for the traditional espresso after lunch or you can add to your afternoon latte for a little boosy twist.
Chocolate treats
If your loved ones love chocolate, then these delectable homemade food suggestions are sure to make a great impression. They are all very easy to make and highly customisable for gluten-free, vegan and lactose-intolerant folks! Make sure to double-check that your giftee can eat chocolate. 😉
Rose del Deserto
Who doesn’t love some chocolate crunchy clusters? Super easy and quick to make, they look delicious and they taste like heaven. 😋
Vegan Chocolate Protein Balls
These chocolate treats are great for your gym pals who are looking for some protein intake but still want that delicious sweet treat. They are gluten-free and vegan and there’s no added sugar! You can wrap them singularly like little soft candies or add them in a lined biscuit tin for a nostalgic effect.
Homemade Hot Chocolate Bombs
This recipe by @cakemehometonight is very easy and customizable, try it out with vegan chocolate and marshmallows for your vegan loved ones!
Biscuits and Cookies
Homemade biscuits are a classic Christmas treat that’s always appreciated. They’re easy to make, customizable, and make for a very cute addition to any homemade Christmas hamper. Make sure to pick biscuits that have a longer shelf life so you and your loved ones can enjoy them throughout the holidays! Here are two of my all-time favourites to gift:
Brutti ma Buoni biscuits
Brutti ma Buoni translates to “Ugly but Tasty” and it’s a staple treat that I grew up with. They are a meringue-based biscuit with crunchy pieces of nuts and, the most known version of this biscuit calls for hazelnut granola but in my region, Veneto, we use almonds. 😊 They’re probably the easiest biscuits I’ve ever made. They’re also gluten-free and a literal sugar bomb so you know they’re gonna taste nice!
Additionally, they have a good shelf life and despite their look, they make for some really good homemade edible gifts.
Cantucci Toscani
Cantucci, also known as biscotti, are traditional Italian almond cookies that originated in the Tuscan region and they are a favourite in Bean’s house! They are often enjoyed with a glass of Vin Santo, a sweet dessert wine, or simply dunked in a cup of coffee or tea – the latter being my favourite way to have them! After all, their versatility and delicious taste have made them a popular snack worldwide and they make for a great homemade edible gift to add to your Christmas hampers!
I have my own family recipe for Cantucci, however, I’m experimenting with different gluten-free flours to see if I can make it adaptable to coeliacs. I haven’t perfected it so it’s not on the Cheeky Green Bean yet. But, in the meantime, check out this easy and mouth-watering recipe by @federicofuscachef!
Homemade Granolas
Homemade granola is a nutritious and delicious gift that’s perfect for health-conscious friends and family. It’s easy to customize with your favourite nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, making it a truly personalized gift. Plus, it’s a great way to encourage healthy snacking habits!
Vegan Coconut Granola
Who needs store-bought when you have a delicious healthier alternative in the cupboard? This coconut granola is classic, I make this for myself many times a year! For your hamper, make sure to pick a nice-looking and festive airtight jar to complete the gift.
Granola Bars
Granola bars are also a great homemade edible gift! They are the perfect on-the-go snack, packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavour. They’re easy to customize, making them a versatile and thoughtful gift to add to your homemade Christmas hamper. So whether you’re going for a classic oat and honey combination or a more adventurous trail mix-inspired bar, homemade granola bars are sure to satisfy any craving. Check out this recipe by @therealfooddietitians.
Jams and relishes
Homemade jams and relishes are a timeless edible gift that adds a touch of sweetness and savoriness to any hamper. These homemade treats are not only delicious but also make for thoughtful and personalized gifts. From classic strawberry jam to spicy chilli jam, the possibilities are endless. You can experiment with different fruits, vegetables, and spices to create unique and flavorful preserves for your loved ones! Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner, making your own jams and relishes is a rewarding experience. So why not give it a try and spread some festive joy with your homemade goodies?
Cranberry Relish
You can never go wrong with a Cranberry jam or relish. It goes with pretty much everything! Cheese, turkey, crackers, sandwiches..you name it! And it’s a festive classic in many parts of the world. If you decide to gift this in a hamper make sure to sterilise your jars and lids like this.
Apple and Strawberry Christmas Jam
Try @stephcookstuff jam recipe for even more Christmas cheer!
From the Kitchen with Love: Homemade Edible Gifts
I hope you found some good ideas in this blog post and that you now feel inspired to make your own homemade edible gifts this Christmas!
Adding your own homemade food to Christmas hampers is a wonderful way to have a personal touch and show your loved ones how much you love them. With a bit of care, these gifts can be not only delicious but also thoughtful and unique! So, get creative, have fun, and enjoy the process of making your own homemade edible gifts.
Happy Holidays!
