Wrap Up the Holidays

I love giving homemade treats as gifts for a number of reasons:

• You don’t have to worry if it fits or wonder if the recipient has one like it already;
• It is much more personal than a gift card;
• It doesn’t contribute to our already “stuff”-filled world (I am anti-clutter, so I hate to contribute to it by giving knickknacks for gifts); and
• Yum! Who doesn’t like a tasty treat they can keep for themselves or share with others?

I think the creativity of food gifts starts in the kitchen with the food. Of course it needs to taste good and look appealing, but the way in which you give the gift can add even more to it. Don’t think you are crafty or creative? Here is a list of tips and short cuts to make even the least imaginative person shine during holiday gift giving.

 1. Canning jars aren’t just for sauces and condiments anymore (though, of course, they work great for that).

These trendy jars are great for wrapping up all kinds of edible gifts, including snack mixes, small cookies and crackers.

2. Local craft stores have endless options for customizing plain boxes. Look for things like washi tape, ribbon, scrapbooking stickers, and colored or patterned papers to express your unique giving style.

3. Don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns or colors. The old rule about not mixing stripes with polka dots doesn’t apply to gift packaging.

4. Even a basic, resealable, plastic food bag can get a gift-worthy look by attaching scrapbook paper over the top with a cute label or bow.

5. Labels are another easy way to customize a gift. Chalkboard labels are fun and found in a variety of shapes and sizes. There are even “chalk” markers available to write on labels so that names won’t get erased before you present the gift.

If you need more ideas about what to put inside your fun and festive packaging, be sure to check out our 2013 Holiday Recipe Brochure “Wrapping Up the Holidays,” or the 2013 Holiday Recipe Collection.