Homemade, Eco-friendly and Edible Gift Giving

Give a meaningful gift this holiday season with homemade goodies, filled with love and wrapped in sustainable packaging.  

There’s something deeply special about receiving a homemade present. Knowing that someone took the time to make a gift just for you, is heartwarming. Find a variety of scrumptious recipes perfect for gifting, from easy to elaborate, all filled with healthy wholefood ingredients.  

1. Everyone loves to receive homemade baking. Go the extra mile to pick a recipe to suit their dietary requirements. These plant-based cookies are exceptionally delicious, choose from Vegan Mini Pavlovas, Cranberry & White Chocolate Cookies, or Christmas Gingerbread. Wow your Keto mate with these Keto Snickers Bars. Pack them up in an upcycled biscuit tin or a stainless-steel lunchbox that can be reused. 

2. Pack a special lunch for a friend or colleague, wrap a ribbon around it and give it to them in the morning. Try one of these make-ahead bowls: Plant-based Buddha Bowl, Tempeh Gado Gado, or a Falafel Salad Bowl.  The surprise will make their day!

3. For the friend who likes to celebrate the holidays with a celebratory tipple, this simple Christmas Gin with a personalised touch makes for a very festive G&T. 

4. Homemade mustard, jam, jelly or pickle can be made early and given to just about everyone on your list. Condiments make a perfect gift for the host. This Christmas Chutney recipe from Nigella Lawson is tasty on Christmas dinner leftovers. Or try this Latin Style Sauerkraut recipe. 

5. Chocolate can be gifted to anyone on your list. Try one of these popular recipes:  Chickpea Brownies, Chocolate PB & J Love Cups, or  Vegan Hot Chocolate, paired with a plant-based milk or box of tea, makes a delightful gift. 

Homemade Goodies to Fill an Upcycled Glass Jar

Gift wrapping can create a lot of unnecessary waste at this time of the year. Reuse a glass jar to pack your homemade goodies. Simply tie a ribbon around the top, wrap the jar with twine or have the kids paint it. These recipes are perfect for filling: 

• Healthy, wholegrain popcorn is made into a moreish and festive gift with this amazingly delicious Peanut Butter & Cinnamon Caramel Popcorn recipe. 

• A jar of nuts is the perfect gift for someone who loves to nibble. This healthy Hemp Heart, Nut & Seed Cluster recipe is paleo and vegan friendly too. 

• Rise and shine with a homemade muesli or granola. This dried fruits make this Christmas-Spiced Figgy Granola look delightfully festive in a glass jar. 

• Fill a small glass jar with wholesome energy balls. These are our favourites: Healthy Holiday Truffles, Chocolate Bliss Balls, and Chocolate Tahini Bites which are unique as they use black tahini.      

• Any baker would love homemade vanilla extract and here is how you do it: Find a small, thin jar at your local resale shop. For each 2 split vanilla beans, add 50ml of vodka. Close the jar tightly and add a festive name tag and instructions: Shake twice a week for at least 4 weeks. The longer the vanilla beans soak, the more intense the vanilla essence. For best results, try and let the vanilla beans infuse 6 to 12 months. It’s worth the wait!

• What about a gift for the dog lover? Make wholefood dog treats for a special doggie bite. 

If time is running out, put together a ‘foodie’ gift basket with healthy, plant-based foods. Find a great selection of natural and organic products here. 

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