Figuring out what to gift family members and friends during the holidays can be difficult and stressful. Homemade gifts are a thoughtful and sometimes healthier and less expensive alternative to holiday shopping.
You also have more control over the ingredients when you make gifts at home. Simply adjust the recipe for a snack mix or sweet treat to suit special dietary needs. Recipes can also be modified to fit vegetarian and vegan lifestyles.
Here are some ideas for healthy, homemade gifts you can give to your loved ones this holiday season.
Blood Sugar-Friendly and Heart Healthy Snacks and Desserts
The American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) have several recipes on their websites that could be given as gifts. The AHA’s caramel kettle popcorn and ranch-chive popcorn are simple to make. Package these heart healthy goodies in plastic treat bags tied with ribbon for a festive finish. The ADA has recipes for high-fiber, gluten-free brownies and low-carb apple spice muffins. These make great gifts you can give in tins or treat boxes. Or, create a customized cookbook with recipes from the AHA’s recipe section and the ADA’s Diabetes Food Hub.
Homemade Candles, Potpourri or Soap
Handmade candles, potpourri or soap make an extra thoughtful gifts for your loved ones. Choose calming scents like lavender or cozy notes like vanilla to help them relax. Or use clean linen and citrus notes to make their space feel clean or bright. Pinterest and other DIY or craft sites are filled with ideas and simple directions for making candles, potpourri or soap.
Protein Bar or Smoothie Ingredient Baskets
Do you have friends and family members that love working out? If so, support their healthy lifestyle with a gift kit that includes a recipe and some ingredients to make their own protein bars or smoothies. The AHA has several recipes you can use to create an ingredient gift basket. Try peanut butter banana protein bars, a triple berry protein smoothie, or an avocado and coconut refresher smoothie.
Tried and True Classics
Coupon books and hot chocolate kits are classic homemade holiday gifts. They’re sure to please friends and family members who enjoy the little things in life. Create a coupon book of different activities you and a loved one can do together. Then let them redeem the coupons throughout the year. You can also gather your favorite hot chocolate ingredients and gift them to a friend as a simple way to help them stay cozy during the winter.
However you choose to get creative, these homemade holiday gifts are a thoughtful way to show your friends and family that you love them. Choose to spread some holiday cheer through healthy, handmade gifts this season!
