When it comes to gift-giving, nothing says “I care” more than a thoughtfully handmade gift. Whether savoury or sweet, edible gifts offer a personal, heartfelt touch that store-bought gifts can’t match. They’re also budget-friendly and perfect for all occasions: birthdays, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, and a heartfelt thank you, or just because.
Here are our top 10 DIY edible gifts that are easy to make, made to share, and guaranteed to delight.
1. Nougat
Delicate and chewy, packed with a variety of flavours and textures, nougat makes the perfect gift for a sweet tooth. Our toasted coconut nougat recipe is packed with coconut for a tropical twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, add some roasted, salted pistachios or cashew nuts, or finish off with a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for a luxurious touch.
2. Chocolate Truffles
Rich and indulgent, you can never go wrong with chocolate truffles. A timeless gift that delights almost every sweet tooth and chocolate fanatic, give these La Chocolaterie Maya Truffles a go. Perfect for gifting in a ribboned box. If you’re feeling adventurous, add sea salt flakes, orange zest, or a splash of liqueur like Amarula for an extra kick.
3. Infused olive oil
With the rise in the cost of olive oils globally, why not personalise a bottle as a gift? Infused olive oils are versatile in the kitchen, adding another layer of flavour to slow-cooked stew or the perfect final touch to a freshly-made pasta. The flavour possibilities are endless, but don’t worry, our take on ‘how to make infused oils 3 ways’ is the perfect recipe to get you started.
4. Rocky road
A playful, chunky treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. These rocky road squares provide chocolate, marshmallows, and crunch in every bite. The beauty of rocky road? You can customise it to include your favourites like mini chocolate eggs, mini pretzels, dried fruits, nuts, shortbread biscuits, and Turkish delight.
5. Biscotti
A classic Italian accompaniment to a strong espresso, the elegant and timeless biscotti make for the perfect tea-time treat. Just like their (very) distant cousin, rusks, their long shelf life makes them perfect for wrapping and gifting. Try our almond, apricot, ginger, and fig biscotti recipe for your next birthday or Mother’s Day tea party. Or, use the base recipe and create your own flavour combinations like dark chocolate chip and orange zest, mixed salted nuts (like pistachios, cashew nuts, almonds), or hazelnut and milk chocolate.
6. Homemade pickles
Pickled veggies are the ultimate practical gift a home cook or chef can ask for. Pickled veggies are super quick and easy to make, just make sure to use fresh veggies, or better yet, home-grown veggies! Take your pick between pickling onions, carrots, bell peppers, or cucumbers to make gherkins. Even if you can’t decide, choose to make a pickle medley! Use the base recipe from our ‘how to pickle onions‘ recipe for the perfect pickling base. The rest is up to you.
7. Brownies
Everyone loves a gooey brownie, hot out of the oven. These classic chocolate brownies are rich and utterly addictive. Feeling adventurous? Add espresso powder, walnuts, or mini candy canes for a festive touch.
8. Cookies
Whether it’s shortbread, ginger snap, the classic chocolate chip, or even a homemade fortune cookie, cookies are a universal crowd pleaser, especially regarding edible gifts. Stack them in a mason jar or wrap in wax paper and twine. Try a range of options like:
- Peanut butter cookies with honey and cinnamon butter
- Fortune cookies with your own special messages inside
- The ultimate chocolate chip cookies
- No bake halva cookies
Not a confident baker? Make a DIY cookie jar! Weigh out the dry ingredients of your favourite cookie recipe and layer them in a mason jar. All they’ll need to do is add in the wet ingredients. Wrap with a bow and gift with the recipe, ready for when their cookie craving strikes.
9. Flavoured salts
A simple and easy gift to make, flavoured salts pack a punch and enhance any flavour profile of a dish they’re added to. Whether you choose garlic, mixed herbs, or lemon, our guide on ‘how to make your own flavoured salts‘ is sure to get your creative juices flowing.
10. Meringues
These light-as-air sweet treats are as versatile in the kitchen as gifts. Whether you make small individual clouds, sweet little figurines, or the perfect base for a fresh pavlova, use our ‘easy guide to making meringues‘. If you’re feeling adventurous, try swirling some raspberry coulis before baking for a tart and bright red touch, sprinkle with toasted coconut shavings, or sandwich with homemade lemon curd.
Don’t forget to use your favourite wrapping paper
Edible gifts are a beautiful way to show how much you care, whether as a birthday gift, to celebrate Mother’s Day, or to brighten someone’s day. With these 10 DIY edible gift recipes, you’ll have no shortage of inspiration to get creative in the kitchen. Spread a little joy, one treat at a time.
ALSO SEE: DIY food gifts your loved ones will actually love
Feature image credit: Pexels
