Easy DIY Holiday Food Gifts

NOVEMBER 25, 2025  /  ADINA BAILEY  / 

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
    
*Packaging tip - Here are the supplies: jars, stamp set, & spoons (which will be on sale for a week starting December 2nd).

Read other recent articles by Adina Bailey:

• Easy DIY Holiday Food Gifts
• Ways Your Church Can Do Even More with Take Them A Meal + Perfect Potluck
• When Taking Meals Isn't Your Thing
• How to Set Up a Meal Schedule After a Sudden Loss
• Comfort in a Casserole (and a Cute Pumpkin Craft!)
• Click here to read all articles written by Adina Bailey

Adina & Maureen

Welcome! We're thrilled you stopped by. Our own joys and sorrows have taught us that a well-timed meal delivered by a friend is one of the best gifts imaginable. In this space, we share our favorite recipes to take to friends, meal-taking tips, and other ways to care for those who are dear to you.

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Coordinating a meal for a group? Try PerfectPotluck.com!