Chef-Approved Ideas from The Culinary Studio Kitchen
If you have ever stood in a store holding a bouquet of blue flowers and thought, There has to be a better gift than this, you are in the right place. Homemade food gifts are thoughtful, personal, and delicious and surprisingly simple to pull off.
These gifts are practical. They travel well. They taste incredible, and best of all? They are real gifts people will actually use (and ask for again next year).
Here are The Best Homemade Food Gifts, crafted from our tried and true recipes, ready for beautiful packaging.
Why Homemade Food Gifts Always Win
Let’s be honest: people do not need more stuff! They do not need another candle, a mug or a bath bomb. But what do people always need?
Food. Good Food. Thoughtful Food. Tasty Food!
Homemade food gifts feel personal. They also tell the person on the receiving end, “Hey, I took the time to make something just for you.” That lands differently. It feels thoughtful.
As a chef, we love gifting things that are reliable, delicious and can be added to your next charcuterie boards. This list has all of that, and everything is pulled from our recipes that you already know and love.
Let’s get gifting!
1. Homemade Pancake Mix in a Jar
This is a cozy, nostalgic, and universally loved. It is perfect for holiday gifting, cottage weekends, university students, busy families or anyone who could use an easier morning (so…everyone).
Layer the dry ingredients in a jar so it looks pretty. Add a ribbon. Include a small card with the instructions for adding melted butter, eggs, and buttermilk. There you go! Breakfast. Gifted! And if you’re feeling real generous, add one of those cute little maple leaf shaped bottles of maple syrup from the St. Jacob’s Market!
Click HERE for our recipe!
2. Homemade Chutney
Chutney is one of the absolute best homemade food gifts because it feels gourmet but the good news is it is incredibly straightforward to make.
It pairs with:
Cheese Boards
Roast Turkey or Chicken
Ham
Sandwiches
Grilled Sausages
Our favourite! Simply with crackers and sharp cheddar
It is shelf-stable, make-ahead and looks gorgeous in a jar! Click HERE for our recipe!
3. Strawberry Shrub (The Prettiest Drink Mixer You’ll Ever Gift!)
Shrubs feel fancy. People assume they are hard. They are…not.
This Strawberry Shrub is stunning. Bright red. Sweet. Tart. Refreshing. It is a perfect gift of cocktail lovers, mocktail drinkers, hosts, or anyone who loves playing bartender at home.
Include a bottle of sparkling water for a ready-to-make spritzer. Add a little tag:
“Mix 1-2 Tbsp with soda water. Add gin or vodka if you are feeling festive.”
4. Bits and Bites Snack Mix
This one is nostalgic, crunchy, savoury and basically impossible to stop eating. People LOVE receiving this because it is practical, snaky and delicious
Make them, jar them and gift them! Nothing beats the homemade version!
Click HERE for our recipe!
5. Chocolate Chip Cookies (as a Cookie Box or Frozen Dough Logs)
Cookies are the classic homemade gift because they are simple. Comforting and everyone loves them. But here is the twist:
You can gift them two ways:
- Fresh baked cookies in a festive box or tin.
- Frozen cookie dough logs tied with ribbon so people can bake warm cookies whenever they want.
Click HERE for our recipe!
6. Lemon Cucumber Gin Punch Kit
Yes, you can absolutely gift a punch kit and this one is gorgeous!
How to package it:
- Bottle the punch base (minus the gin)
- Add a small bottle of gin on the side
- Include a note: “Mix over ice. Top with sparkling water.”
For non-drinkiers, gift is as a refreshing mocktail base.
Perfect for holiday hosts, summer parties, birthdays and cottage weekends.
7. Ginger Shots (A Wellness Gift That Actually Tastes Good)
Ginger shots make fantastic gifts, especially around New Year’s, busy seasons, or for anyone who loves a health boost.
Package them in small glass bottles with handwritten note:
“Shake me! Keep me refrigerated. Take 1-2 shots per day.”
You can also gift a triple pack:
- Classic ginger
- Ginger + turmeric
- Ginger + lemon + cayenne
Great for the health-conscious friend, gym, lovers or anyone who needs a little “reset” after holiday indulgence. Click HERE for the full recipe blog.
How to Package Homemade Food Gifts Like a Pro Chef
Presentation matters. Here’s how to elevate your gifts:
Use clear jars or bottles
People eat with their eyes.
Add handwritten labels
Use kraft labels or simple white tags for a boutique look.
Include serving suggestions
A tiny tag that says “Try me with cheese!” goes a long way.
Ribbon, twine, or a sprig of rosemary
A tiny touch feels big.
Bundle items together
Pair Strawberry Shrub with sparkling water.
Pair Chutney with crackers.
Pair Pancake Mix with mini syrup bottles.
Small curated sets = big impacts.
Substitutions
Chutney adjustments:
Swap raisins for dried cranberries
Change apples to pears.
Pancake mix variations:
Add cinnamon, cardamom, or chocolate chips.
Shrub swaps:
Use raspberries or blueberries instad of strawberries.
Bits & Bites:
Use any cereal or crackers you love. Gluten-free works too.
Chocolate Chips Cookies
Swap chocolate chips for chunks. M&Ms or white chocolate.
Ginger Shots:
Add turmeric, orange juice or cayenne for extra kick.
What to Know / Avoid
- Don’t gift anything that must refrigerated without clear labelling.
- Cool chutney completely before jarring.
- Label ginger shots with a “Use with X days” note.
- Let cookies cool fully before packaging to avoid sogginess.
- Bits & Bites should be fully dry and crispy before packing.
- Shrubs last for weeks, but always label “Refrigerate after opening.”
Storage Recommendations
Chutney
Fridge 2-3 weeks.
Frozen up to 3 months.
Pancake Mix:
Store in a cool, dry place for 4-6 months.
Strawberry Shrub:
Fridge 4-6 weeks
Bits & Bites:
Room temperature 2-3 weeks in an airtight container.
Chocolate Chip Cookies:
Counter 5-7 days.
Frozen dough 3 months.
Lemon Cucumber Punch (base only);
Fridge 5-7 days.
Ginger Shots:
Fridge 5-7 days.
FAQ
What’s the easiest homemade food gift to make?
Pancake Mix and Bits & Bites; easy, fast, loved by everyone.
What gift travels well?
Chutney, pancake mix and cookie dough logs (kept chilled in transit).
Can I ship any of these?
Yes! The shelf stable ones: pancake mix, chutney (sealed), Bits & Bites, and cookies.
What’s the most impressive gift?
A themed gift box with multiple items.
Can I make these ahead?
Absolutely. Many can be made weeks in advance.
What can I give someone who doesn’t like sweets?
Chutney, pancake mix, Bits & Bites, or Ginger Shots.
What about non-drinkers?
Strawberry Shrub and Lemon Cucumber Punch both work perfectly alcohol-free.
