Thoughtful & Homemade Christmas Food Gifts: 80+ Ideas Everyone Will Love!

They say that food is the key to every man’s heart – but here at Thoughtful Gift Club, we think it’s they key to EVERYONE’S heart, especially during the holidays!

From peppermint bark to Christmas coffee truffles, we’ve got you covered for last-minute gift ideas that you need to whip up for the ultimate foodies in your life. Most of these recipes yield generous portions, so you’re in luck when it comes to gifting to ALL your fave peeps (unless, of course, you happen to eat all of the extra treats yourself… but we won’t judge!).

We’ve also separated this article into sections based on homemade food ideas, food gifts in a jar, homemade drink gifts, AND even some nommy gift ideas for your pooch!

Don’t forget, if you’re looking for homemade vegan gift ideas, scroll to the bottom of the page for some helpful plant-based ideas!

Pin for later:

Homemade EDIBLE Christmas Gift Ideas

There’s no better way to show someone that you love and appreciate them than with a thoughtful, homemade (and yummy) Christmas gift! Fair warning, though – these recipes will have you drooling, and we don’t take any responsibility if your kitchen turns into a war zone tonight after reading this article for inspo.

You’ll be the most prepared gift-giver of the season with all of these delicious items to cook or bake up!

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

These cookies are so delicious, you might have a hard time parting from them! They’re a great Christmas baking gift idea for a few reasons: they’re super simple and require basic ingredients that you would likely have already (if you’re a baker); they don’t require a standard mixer (woohoo!); and even the little tykes can help out if they want to. After all, these cookies are covered in powdered sugar – like a real winter wonderland!

Learn how to make these delicious creations via Bake or Bust. Click here for the recipe.

Reindeer Hot Chocolate Ornament

This is a simple way to combine a cute craft with something everyone usually has on hand for the holidays: cocoa powder! Learn how to make this adorable reindeer hot chocolate ornament in just a few steps. Click here for the tutorial from Hello Creative Family.

Christmas Coffee Truffles

Christmas coffee truffles are heavenly chocolates made with quality dark & milk chocolate, double cream, and barista-style instant coffee. Watch your friends’ amazement when you tell them that you made these! Click here for the recipe, via Fab Food 4 All.

Neapolitan Marzipan Chocolates

These delicious neapolitan marzipan chocolates only take an hour-and-a-half to make! They’re a perfect snack for friends and family to munch on after dinner or while watching some nostalgic holiday films. Click here for the recipe from Fab Food 4 All.

Smoked Cheese

This home-smoked cheese is perfect for the foodie on your list. Plus, it’s easy to make, not your typical gift (everyone loves cool surprises!), and delicious. Click here for the recipe from Crave the Good.

Caramel Chocolate Pretzel Rods

If you are needing some Christmas food gift inspiration, these caramel and chocolate pretzel rods will be perfect for gifting this holiday season. Simple to make, no need to buy gourmet! Click here for the recipe from Cincy Shopper.

For chocolate-covered pretzel sticks, try this alternative method from Profusion Curry. Check out the recipe here.

Sesame Seed Crunch Candy

This is sesame seed crunch candy is super simple to make (it’s only three ingredients!) and hails from various cultures. It’s the perfect mixture of sweet and nutty, and it’s gluten-free, paleo, vegan, AND top-8 allergy free! Click here for the recipe from Strength & Sunshine.

Holiday Biscotti

This festive-looking cranberry pistachio biscotti cookie is the ultimate Christmas gift for those you care about most! It’s also a lighter, healthier alternative to your typical holiday cookies. Click here for the recipe, via Food Meanderings.

Gingerbread Yule Log Cookies

Featured in Taste of Home‘s “Ultimate Cookie Swap,” this soft gingerbread cookie is a delicious combination of gingerbread, Nutella, and lime (and no molasses) all rolled up in a festive yule log cookie, via Food Meanderings. It makes the ultimate homemade edible Christmas present! Click here for the recipe.

Heart-Shaped Brownies

To show someone you really love and appreciate them this Christmas, give them these heart-shaped brownies! They’ll KNOW they were baked with extra love and affection. Click here for the recipe from Tasty Galaxy.

Rainbow Chocolate Truffles

Here’s another homemade Christmas food idea for a Christmas gift – and it only requires three ingredients! Give these vibrant rainbow chocolate truffles to anyone on the “nice” list this year, and they’ll be begging for more. Click here for the recipe from Tasty Galaxy.

White Chocolate Pistachio & Caramel Fudge

White chocolate pistachio & cranberry fudge comes together in minutes and is pretty and festive enough to give as a gift. Click here for the recipe from Culinary Ginger.

Christmas Peanut Butter Balls

These Christmas peanut butter balls are the perfect DIY Christmas gifts! They’re scoops of creamy peanut butter rolled into balls, dipped in white chocolate, and covered with sprinkles for the holidays. Click here for the recipe, via Bitz n’ Giggles.

M&M Cookie Dough Fudge

Create a creative and delicious dessert that combines the flavor of cookie dough and creamy fudge, packed with festive M&Ms. This treat is perfect for parties and holiday functions, as Bitz n’ Giggles shows. Click here for the recipe.

Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies

These soft n’ chewy chocolate chip cookies are easily baked in the air fryer. They’re an ideal Christmas gift to make in advance and store in the freezer before giving them away for the big day! Click here for the recipe, via Recipe This.

Mini Salted Nutella Cookies

These mini salted Nutella cookies are adorable and perfect for packing with ribbons! They make great stocking stuffers, especially due to their tinier-than-average size (go on, eat as many as you like!). Click here for the recipe, via Kelham Island Kitchen.

No-Bake Peanut Butter Clusters

These no-bake peanut butter clusters are the perfect homemade edible Christmas gifts! With white chocolate, crispy candy filled with chunky peanut butter, mini marshmallows, and roasted peanuts, they’re bound to tantalize the taste buds of anyone you gift these to. Click here for the recipe from Bitz n’ Giggles.

Almond Bar Cookies

Friends, family, and just about anyone will love these crunchy almond bar cookies! The best part is that cleanup for these heavenly treats is a snap, as At Home with Kathy mentions. Click here for the recipe.

Gingerbread House

If you TRULY want to impress your recipient, why not make them a beautiful gingerbread house?! After all, it not only looks great as Christmas decor, but also tastes great (and if someone has kiddies, they’ll eat it up in seconds). Learn more from Tikkido, which even includes free printable templates. Click here for the tutorial.

Cinnamon Raisin Bread

We all know that irresistible smell of freshly-baked bread that wafts through the air from bakeries. So, why not gift this delicious homemade version of cinnamon raisin bread? Learn how to make this from At Home with Kathy; click here for the recipe.

Christmas Cookies

These delightful Christmas cookies can be made with simple cookie cutters and packaged up for anyone you love. Adventures of a Military Fam of 8 shows how you can make them in reindeer and Christmas tree shapes! Click here for the recipe.

Shortbread Cookies

Shortbread is the delectable, defining taste of the holiday season, so these cookies are ideal for gifting to anyone. Learn how to make these in a simple step-by-step guide from At Home with Kathy. Click here for the recipe.

Holiday Potpourri

Use your slow cooker or stove top and make your home smell like Christmas with this simmering holiday potpourri! Wrap the spice mix in small packages for gifts and attach a printable gift tag, included in this recipe via Flavour and Savour. It’s a great Christmas gift to make in advance! Click here for the recipe.

Pickled Eggs

Pickled eggs are a delightful Christmas gift with a homemade vintage flair. They also complement any main dish well, so pair them with one of the other recipes on this page and you’re sure to impress your recipient! Click here for the recipe from Primal Edge Health.

Sweet n’ Spicy Cashews

These cashews are super simple to make and double as a great Christmas gift to make in advance! They’re the perfect level of sweetness mixed with spice, so everyone us bound to love these homemade treats. Click here for the recipe, via Heavenly Home Cooking.

Crockpot Christmas Crack

This Crock-Pot Christmas crack mixes together German, semi-sweet, and white almond bark chocolate flavors. It’s the ultimate baking gift idea for something salty and sweet. Since it yields a large batch, you’ll even have enough to give to all of your friends and family! Click here for the recipe from Kim and Kalee.

Peanut Butter Fudge

Want to give a baked Christmas present that only requires five ingredients? Try out this scrumptious PB fudge, divide them up into squares, and gift them to your loved ones without breaking the bank! Eating on a Dime details a great tutorial; click here for the recipe.

Condensed Milk & Gingerbread Fudge

This creamy condensed milk and gingerbread fudge recipe is made from only six ingredients and takes only 15 minutes to make! It’s the perfect homemade edible Christmas gift that will delight anyone this season. Click here for the recipe, via Nourish Plate.

Orange Cranberry Cookies

These homemade cookies have a natural hint of orange, cranberries, and walnuts. They’re crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside, making them absolutely drool-worthy! Click here for the recipe from Simple Living Recipes.

Gingerbread Holiday Fudge

This delicious gingerbread holiday fudge is perfect as a thoughtful homemade gift. They’re present-shaped, which is even cuter, and you can even decorate them with sprinkles if you wish. Click here for the recipe from Living Sweet Moments.

Peppermint Bark Popcorn

Peppermint bark popcorn is festive and full of yummy flavors that will truly delight whomever you gift this. Click here for the recipe, via Pics & Pastries.

You can also try this recipe from The Zhush for Christmas popcorn made with pretzels and red and green M&Ms (mmm!).

Chocolate-Covered Pretzel Angels

These chocolate-covered angel pretzels are perfect gifts for any age! Not only are they tasty, but they’re simple to make and so adorable as well. Click here for the recipe from B4 and Afters.

Cranberry Orange Bread

Make this delicious cranberry orange bread with customized holiday printable tags for the best edible Christmas gift! Click here for the recipe from Play Party Plan.

Spiced Apple-Plum Chutney

This spiced chutney recipe is so easy to make, and also the perfect way to preserve an autumn glut of plums and apples. It’s a perfect gift to get your recipients through the winter, especially divine when paired with cold cuts, cheese, and leftover turkey. Click here for the recipe, via Fuss Free Flavours.

Homemade Caramels

This Christmas, give these homemade caramels packaged up in Christmas wrapping to throw in as stocking stuffers. Your recipient will be flattered to know that they were made with love, and they obviously taste far better than anything store-bought! Click here for the recipe, via Garnish & Glaze.

Peanut Brittle

This is a great Christmas baking gift idea that mixes the perfect amount of crunchy and nutty. It’s one of those must-have gifts for the holidays that actually lasts longer than the average cookie! Click here for the recipe from Garnish & Glaze.

Nutter Butter Angel Cookies

These Nutter Butter angel cookies are a great way to let someone know that you’re thinking of them this holiday season! They’re a sweet twist on typical Nutter Butters. Click here for the recipe, via Mom, Wife, Busy Life.

Mocha Princess Cupcakes

These delicious mocha cupcakes are the perfect gift for a little princess this Christmas. The marshmallow topping will make that princess feel extra special! Click here for the recipe from Life Begins with Dessert.

3-Ingredient Chocolate Clusters

These 3-ingredient homemade chocolates with cranberries and walnuts are unbelievably easy, but an impressive gift nonetheless. Even if you’re not much of a cook, these homemade chocolate clusters will make you seem like an absolute pro in the kitchen. Click here for the recipe, via Healthy Green Savvy.

Peppermint Fudge

This lusciously smooth peppermint fudge takes mere minutes to prepare! Plus, there’s no slicing or wrapping necessary – you can pour it right into decorative tins and give it as a delightful delicacy. Click here for the recipe from The Monday Box.

Norwegian Christmas Cookies

These crunchy, cinnamon-y Norwegian Christmas cookies are better known as Brune Pinner, and will be bound to leave your recipient begging for the recipe. They take less than 20 minutes total to whip together, which is divine for a last-minute gift you need to make for that foodie in your life! Click here for the recipe from It is a Keeper.

No-Bake Granola Bars

For the health-nut in your life, give them these no-bake granola bars! They don’t require any baking, and they’re packed with essential nutrients and flavor. Click here for the recipe from Happy Kitchen.

Rice Krispie Christmas Pudding

For a unique homemade edible gift that no one else will think of, make these bite-sized delicacies of puffed rice cereal, marshmallows, and chocolate. They’re so easy, they whip up in less than 15 minutes with minimal cleanup! Click here for the recipe, via Crumbs & Corkscrews.

Salted Caramel Walnuts

These salted caramel walnuts with rosemary are delicious, flavorful, and a healthy snack to gift anyone this Christmas. Plus, they whip together in just 10 minutes with five ingredients! Click here for the recipe from Happy Kitchen.

For a different take on candied walnuts, check out a variation from Natalie’s Health, which uses blackstrap molasses and cinnamon. Click here for the recipe.

Also, try your hand at making these delicious candied pecans from The Anthony Kitchen. Click here for the recipe.

For a fun twist on candied pecans, try these pumpkin pie spiced pecans from Two Healthy Kitchens. Click here for the recipe.

Chocolate Cranberry Amaretti Cookies

These chocolate cranberry amarettti cookies are naturally gluten-free and are the perfect holiday gift for the cookie monsters in your life. A unique take on the regular crinkle cookie, these will fill anyone’s mouth with nostalgic Christmas-y flavors. Click here for the recipe, via Kitchen Sanctuary.

Almond Roca

This homemade almond roca is rich caramel smothered in smooth chocolate and smashed almonds. It’s a great homemade edible Christmas gift that can be packaged up or tied up with a bow for delicacies galore! Click here for the recipe from Suburban Simplicity.

Seven-Layer Bars

For another unique homemade Christmas present idea, whip up these chocolate seven-layer bars. They even have graham crackers and coconut in them – what’s not to love?

Click here for the recipe (along with five other ideas) from Saving Talents.

Cookie Decorating Kit

The holidays are an ideal time for baking cookies, so why not gift the ultimate cookie decorating kit? Anyone will love this thoughtful kit that you can assemble with a few simple decorations and toppings (and best of all, you can eat all the extras, since you won’t gift them all). Click here for the recipe, via Bit First, Joy.

Indonesian Butter Cookies

These Indonesian “Snow White” butter cookies are a scrumptious recipe that any recipient will be delighted to receive. Best of all, you only need three ingredient to make them! Click here for the recipe from So Yummy Recipes.

Candy Cane Marshmallow Pops

Looking for a tasty addition to your hot cocoa this holiday season? These candy cane marshmallow pops are easy and sweet to add to any drink, and they’ll be the perfect decoration on anyone’s gift! Click here for the recipe from Two Kids and a Coupon.

Homemade Christmas FOOD Gifts in a Jar

Sometimes, the easiest Christmas gifts can be thrown together in a mason jar with a beautiful bow popped on top. Whether you’re giving ingredients for sweet treats or putting the actual delicacies in the jar and gifting as is, we’ve got you covered on all the most creative ways to purpose a jar for homemade Christmas food gifts. Read on for the full list!

Snowman Mason Jar

Give this adorable Christmas gift in a jar with white chocolate-covered pretzels inside. It’ll be so cute, don’t be surprised if your recipient won’t want to eat the contents inside! Click here for the recipe, via Mom, Wife, Busy Life.

Elderberry Syrup Kit

This DIY elderberry syrup kit is a snap to make. Just gather dried elderberries with dried herbs, then package it all up in a jar and print off instructions to give along with it. Your recipient will be especially grateful to have this on hand to ward off any germs this season! Click here for the recipe, via Healthy Green Savvy.

Brownie Mix

This homemade brownie mix tastes far better than a pre-bought boxed mix! You can either gift the brownie mix in a mason jar with a bow, or prepare the brownies yourself in about half an hour and give those to your loved ones as a homemade Christmas gift. Click here for the recipe, via Little Sweet Baker.

• 

• 

Click here for another recipe, along with a printable gift tag, from Saving You Dinero.

Cookies in a Jar

Cookies in a jar make the perfect Christmas gift for teachers, friends, and neighbors. Either bake the cookies yourself, or just give the ingredients with the recipe attached in the free printable from Smart Party Planning. Click here for the recipe.

Instant Pot Apple Butter

Apple butter is a delicious, versatile spread that also makes a thoughtful gift this season – and it’s even better when you cook it up with your Instant Pot! Decorate your jar with the included print labels from Feast for a Fraction for the perfect finishing touch. Click here for the recipe.

Raspberry/Blueberry Jam

This delicious raspberry-blueberry jam from Fluxing Well makes a lovely, vibrant Christmas gift for anyone. Pop it in a jar with a grandiose bow, and you’ve got yourself a thoughtful homemade gift for anyone! Click here for the recipe.

Three-Bean Chili Mix

This three-bean chili mix gift jar is quick, budget-friendly, and all the right color schemes of the holiday season! With the free printable gift tag of instructions, your recipient will be able to cook up a warm batch of this chili in no time. Click here for the recipe from Marathons & Motivation.

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookie Mix

This white chocolate cranberry cookie mix in a jar is simple to create. It makes a wonderful homemade Christmas gift for anyone important in your life. Click here for the recipe, via Marathons & Motivation.

Brandied Pears

If you have a glut of pears during the autumn season, make the most of them by gently cooking them in a brandied syrup. Seal in sterilized jars and your Christmas gifts are sorted! Click here for the recipe, via Greedy Gourmet.

Blueberry Syrup

This blueberry syrup is an easy Christmas food gift idea in a jar that will surely delight your recipients. It’ll spellbound foodies when poured over pancakes, ice cream, or just about anything sweet! Click here for the recipe, via Fluxing Well.

Amaretto Cherries

Bring a bit of summer to this Christmas gift in a jar with these delicious amaretto cherries. They’re so delightful when paired with ice cream and desserts – definitely the sweetest gift of the holidays! Click here for the recipe from Greedy Gourmet.

Peppermint Bark

This homemade peppermint bark in a mason jar is a perfect gift for Christmas for friends, coworkers, teachers, and your classmates. Click here for the recipe, via Maple Planners.

You can also try this fun peppermint Oreo bark recipe here, from The Gingerbread House.

And if you want a Williams-Sonoma copycat recipe of peppermint bark, check out this simple recipe here, from The Anthony Kitchen.

Sous Vide Vanilla Extract

Whip up some homemade love for the baker on your Christmas list! They’ll love this homemade vanilla extract. Click here for the recipe!

Hot Chocolate Mix

Why not package up some hot chocolate mix into a jar for another nifty Christmas gift idea? This recipe is incredibly easy to follow and yields a hefty batch, so you’ll have plenty of weather-appropriate gifts for everyone around you. Click here for the recipe, via Tikkido.

Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix

These Christmas cookies in a jar make a delicious gift with mind-blowing presentation! Truly wow your recipient by transforming a regular jar into a holiday-enhanced one with all the ingredients for their baking needs. Plus, they’ll have the pleasure themselves of baking the cookies, which is that much more meaningful and special this season. Click here for the recipe, via Honey & Lime

DIY ‘Seasoning’ Greetings Jar

This DIY ‘Seasoning’ Greetings jar is a creative gift idea for anyone who loves cooking. This budget-friendly gift idea includes free gift tags to print at home and spruce up your homemade present. Click here for the recipe, via But First, Joy.

Christmas Peppermint Brownie Mix

For another cute Christmas-gift-in-a-jar idea, try assembling this peppermint brownie mix. Your recipient will love backing these non-traditional brownies with some minty flavor! Click here for the recipe from Confessions of an Overworked Mom.

Friendship Soup Mix

If you want to give a savoury over sweet gift, put together this friendship soup mix for another fun Christmas gift in a jar. It’s the perfect blend of unique and thoughtful. Click here for the recipe, via Confessions of an Overworked Mom.

Homemade Christmas Drink Ideas

What would the holiday season be without some delicious drinks to go along with your delectable foods? Try your hand at some of these simple (yet impressive) drinks, all of which you can bottle up and give as fun gifts, or just save for your fun holiday parties at home.

Peppermint Vodka & Candy Cane Martinis

This is an easy homemade holiday Christmas gift for anyone who has that extra sweet tooth. This peppermint-infused vodka is the main ingredient for candy cane martinis, or you can mix it in hot chocolate, chocolate liqueur, and even eggnog! Click here for the recipe for the vodka, as well as a recipe for candy cane martinis, via Delicious Table.

• 

• 

Irish Cream Liqueur

This homemade decadent treat is great for anyone who loves a dash of sweetness added to their drinks. Bottle it up and pop a bow on it, and you’ve got yourself an iconic homemade Christmas gift that will probably be well-appreciated in the span of a few days! Click here for the recipe from Savored Sips.

Edible Homemade Gifts that are Vegan

Don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about vegans! If you need to gift some homemade food for a vegan in your life, look no further than our handy dandy list of choices. Heck, there’s even a recipe for vegan Baileys! You might even end up eating most of these treats yourself, even if you’re not a vegan – they’re that delicious!

3-Ingredient Vegan Peppermint Fudge

This vegan peppermint fudge is the perfect Christmas gift for anyone from teachers to family members! Simply wrap it in cellophane and tie with a red bow and candy cane for the perfect gift. Click here for the recipe!

Vegan Baileys Irish Cream

This luscious, creamy, homemade, and vegan Baileys Irish Cream is made with just a few simple ingredients you may already have at home. Print the free labels for a unique and easy gift idea, via Seven Roses! Click here for the recipe.

Vegan Banana Bread

Vegan banana bread makes a sweet Christmas gift for anyone to unwrap, and it still tastes as amazing as the regular recipe! This is an easy, inexpensive recipe that also doubles as a great way to use up overripe bananas. Click here for the recipe from Instant Veg.

3-Ingredient Vegan Hot Chocolate

This is an easy DIY gift for homemade vegan hot cocoa! Give the gift of a cozy drink that’s vegan, paleo, gluten-free, AND even keto, so anyone can enjoy it. Click here for the recipe!

Vegan Pesto

For those vegan friends, you can easily make this vegan pesto recipe and gift it in a jar. It’ll pair perfectly with spaghetti and pasta for the holidays! Click here for the recipe from Natural Goodness.

Vegan Peppermint Bark

This vegan peppermint bark is the perfect solution for your holiday gift giving. Click here for the recipe from Pink Fortitude.

No-Bake Vegan Chocolate Cookies

What’s that? You’re not a baker? These 20-minute chocolate cookies are your perfect solution to making a quick, easy gift for your office buddies. At Home with Kathy shows you how; click here for the recipe.

CHRISTMAS FOOD Gifts for Dogs

We didn’t want to neglect dogs in this list! Here are a few ideas on how to make homemade Christmas gifts for your dogs – because, yes, your pets deserve to be remembered as well!

Holiday Leftover Dog Treats

This is an easy four-ingredient recipe for dog treats that will make your furry friend happy AND help you make room in the fridge! It’s an ideal way to use up turkey and sweet potato leftovers, and the best part is that they freeze well – thus, Fido has more than one Christmas whenever you bring them out! Click here for the recipe, via Two Healthy Kitchens.

For other ideas, this site has an incredible list of reci’paws’ that you can make for your pooches just with the ingredients you have at home. From doggy eggnog to gingerbread dog cookies, all of these will satisfy your your fuzzball to his/her heart’s content!

We hope you enjoyed this roundup of homemade Christmas food gifts!

As always, let us know if you have any suggestions or your own versions of Christmas recipes that you’d like to share. We love reading about all these amazing, budget-friendly homemade edible gifts, and we hope you’ve been able to read this entire article without salivating TOO much!