Posted by Tastefully Simple on December 5, 2022
I used to agonize over what to get for those hard-to-buy-for folks on my list. Usually I fell back on generic “male” or “female” items; mom generally got that year’s popular perfume, and I don’t like to think of how many flashlights and work gloves my brother-in-law has unwrapped from me over the years. (Sorry, Mark.)
Then it occurred to me: everybody loves great food. Surveys have shown that as people are staying home more and managing budgets carefully, the popularity of foods and food-related gifts is at an all-time high. In fact, in 2021, $33 billion was spent on food gifts! That’s good enough for me; I plan to jump on the fabulous food train this year.
There are lots of pre-packaged options for food gifting, of course, but there’s plenty of room for creativity, too. Here are a few ideas if you’d like to give the gift of delicious!
1. Themed meal bundles: Create a dinner experience around a particular theme, such as …
Awesome Asian: Arrange a bamboo tray with a set of rice bowls, chopsticks, a box of fortune cookies and ingredients like rice, sesame oil, jarred ginger and Honey Teriyaki Sauce.
Fiesta Time: Fill a large sombrero with a taco shell holder, salsa bowl and foods like Corn, Black Bean Salsa and Mom’ Favorite Taco Seasoning; tuck in a set of margarita glasses and beverage mixer like the Cocktail Trio.
A Night in Tuscany: Fill a rustic basket with a red-checked tablecloth, a bottle of wine or sparkling grape juice, a selection of pastas (include both familiar varieties like spaghetti and more unusual types such as radiatore), a couple of bottled sauces or easy mixes (two to try: Mama Mia™ Marinara Sauce Mix, Dried Tomato & Garlic Pesto Mix). Tuck in a wooden spoon and salad tongs.
Tip: Include one or two of your own favorite recipes that fit with your chosen theme.
2. Lifestyle-oriented gifts. Create gifts that can make life easier and more fun. Examples:
Go-Getter gift. For someone who seems always to be on the run, pack a handy tote (I recommend the Get a Grip bag) with favorite beverages and travel-friendly snacks like Twisty Grahams®, mixed nuts, protein bars, etc. Include disinfectant wipes and a roll of paper towels or napkins.
Stress-Buster gift. Encourage someone to relax and pamper themselves once in a while! Choose a decorative box or bag (a good choice: Cool Tote with “Chill Out” embroidered on the front). Pack it with self-indulgent treats they might not buy for themselves: bath oil, a scented candle, cozy robe and comfort foods like a jar of Creamy Caramel Sauce or maybe even a bottle of wine.
Just Starting Out gift. Recent college grads, newlyweds and anyone in a new space can use some kitchen essentials. Set them up for success with a selection of seasonings (the Seasonings Assortment fills the bill perfectly), a cutting board, casserole dish and a few items of bakeware like the Silicone Square Baking Pan, Large and Small Spatulas and a set of fun Pot Holders.
3. Gifts You Can Share. Be part of the gift when you give something you’ve made yourself, like filling their freezer with a week of premade meals (check out Tastefully Simple’s meal kits for inspiration) or getting the family together for a cookie-baking “workshop.”
Check out the recipes available to make cookies using our pound cakes. What a fun way to share the love.
There are so many ways to give DIY gifts that are thoughtful and delicious. Visit tastefullysimple.com for even more ideas!
-kgm