Edible Gifts for Unique Holiday Treats

Baked goods make great homemade holiday gifts—especially when you use some creative holiday wrapping.

Holiday Wrapping Ideas for your Homemade Christmas Gifts

When it comes to packaging your holiday treats, think outside the box. These ideas for festive containers and wrappings add a special touch to homemade holiday gifts.

• Berry baskets (plastic or cardboard)
• Decorative cardboard boxes
• Unused take-out food containers
• Plastic or glass jars and canisters
• Transparent or colored cellophane or plastic bags
• Cups and saucers or large goblets
• Serving plates and platters
• Small trays and baskets

For extra embellishment, adorn package tops or bows with items that go with the edible gift, such as:

• unique silverware
• pie servers
• spreaders
• ladles 
• nested measuring cups or spoons
• a candy thermometer
• cookie cutters
• recipe cards

Where to Find Supplies for Unique Holiday Gifts

So, where do you find these unique holiday wrapping ideas for your edible gifts? Clever shoppers find unique plates, saucers, cups, silverware, doilies, napkins, containers, themed merchandise and collectibles by leaving department stores behind.

Instead, check garage sales and flea markets throughout the year. Clearance, dollar and discount stores are packed with inexpensive hidden treasures. Antique and consignment stores will tempt you with unique, one-of-a-kind gifts.

The best part? Never having to step foot in a crowded mall.

How to Mail your Homemade Holiday Gifts

To make sure your edible Christmas gifts arrive shipshape, here are some pointers:

• Wrap your holiday treats with plastic wrap.
• Wrap cookies in pairs, back to back.
• Brownies and bars are best uncut; just wrap the whole rectangle or square in plastic wrap.
• Pack your homemade gifts in sturdy containers.
• Metal cans, rigid plastic containers and firm-sided cardboard boxes are excellent choices.
• Before adding treats, line the container with waxed paper, plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Fill each container until almost full, allowing space at the top to cushion with crumpled waxed paper, paper towels or packing peanuts to prevent shaking and breakage. Put top on container.
• Pack your holiday treat containers into a padded shipping box.
• Pack your filled containers in a corrugated cardboard or fiberboard packing box.
• Cushion the box with bubble wrap, crumpled newspaper, shredded paper, plain popped popcorn or packing peanuts.
• Start by placing several inches of fill in the bottom of the packing box; add more between items so the containers won’t get jostled during shipping.
• Seal and label the box for safe shipping.
• Seal the box with clear shipping tape, and cover the address label with tape for added protection.
• If applicable, have the post office or shipper label the box “This side up” or “Fragile” to encourage careful handling.