Give the Gift of Food This Holiday Season

Gift giving. We either love it or hate it. The struggle to find the perfect, personalized gift for someone is real for many of us. I personally love to give gifts with thought and meaning, and not just buy something online or from a big box store (although there is nothing wrong with that!). It is no secret that food brings people together – so why not give the gift of food or something else from your kitchen this holiday season!

Food gifts appeal to our senses, spark conversation, and brings out our creativity. And let’s be honest, sometimes we don’t want to receive gifts that add to our clutter! Food gifts are perfect for those who appreciate useful, meaningful gifts.

Homemade Gifts Made Simple

Homemade gifts from the kitchen don’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. Your famous cookies can be made and shared, or a family recipe can be printed on a beautiful recipe card to be passed down for generations, or even preparing dry soup mixes to help a busy family have easy meals in the midst of chaotic schedules. If you love to garden, preserve your produce to share with family and friends over the holidays. Even if you don’t grow your own food, you can make beautiful home-canned recipes sourced from local foods. [Pro tip: If you don’t know how to do home canning but are interested, be sure to watch for our canning classes in 2026!]

Support Local and Seasonal Gifts

You certainly do not have to do all the work and prepare something homemade from scratch! Let our local businesses help you out with that! Honey from a nearby farm, locally roasted coffee, baked goodies, hot sauces, jams, or artisanal bread offer something unique and meaningful while supporting local small businesses and local food producers.

Another option for supporting local this holiday season is in lieu of giving a physical gift to someone, consider making a food donation in honor of them to a local food pantry or supporting another local non-profit helping those in need this holiday season.

Homemade Gift Giving Made Affordable

If you are looking for lower-cost gifts (or maybe not confident in the kitchen), preparing a gift from your kitchen or food-themed is a good way to go. Assembling themed gift baskets is a great option. Things like a movie-night popcorn kit, a cozy drink kit with tea, cocoa, or coffee, or a snack-lover kit with some favorites, or a cookie decorating kit can be meaningful and customizable.

Here is a list of other homemade holiday food gifts:

• DIY mixes like pancake, brownies, or spices
• Homemade granola
• Homemade dehydrated fruit or fruit leathers
• Homemade energy bites
• Homemade trail mixes
• Homemade breads or biscuits with herbed butter
• Homemade potpourri with dehydrated citrus, herbs, and spices

by Chelsea King, Nutrition, Food Safety and Health Agent, 2025