This post contains affiliate links. All photos and opinions are mine and should not be used without written permission.
Since I’m on a kick this year of having less stuff, I have decided to only give practical and delicious gifts that will not lead to more junk around our house and our friends’ houses. We did it with the kids’ birthdays this year. Instead of getting them toys, they got weekend trips for their birthdays. We spent about the same amount of money as we would have with parties and toys, and they had an absolute blast and made some great family memories!
Now to do the same for Christmas. This year, we’re going to Walt Disney World, so that’s pretty much our gifts to one another (why has it gotten so dang expensive?) but for everyone else in our lives, I have opted to *spoiler alert* make them baked goods.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…food equals love in our household, so if I cook for you, you know I love you.
Friends, get ready, because if you’re like me and want to make something meaningful for your friends and family that they actually want, here it is.
This “Baked Goods Basket” is a great gift for anyone in your life – your child’s teachers, pastor, daycare workers, the Amazon delivery man, and your hubby’s co-workers. Everyone likes food. So give the people what they want!
How to Start
Expensive Option. You will need some sort of basket. I love this Tobacco Basket I found because your recipient can use it as wall décor after they eat all of the cookies and sweets. There’s all different sizes, so you are sure to find something to fit your specific needs. Next, I like to take nice linen napkins and layer them on the bottom. These are great because they can also use them for their dinner table afterwards as well.
Cheap Option. Go to the Dollar Tree or get some cheap plastic containers like this on Amazon. Make sure to layer the bottom with parchment paper so it looks a little nicer than just throwing some cookies in a box.
Items to include
Meringues. They’re super cheap to make and they make a lot with just one batch. You also can personalize them and make them with different colors, sprinkles, etc. You can find my recipe for them here.
Muffins. If I make muffins, I’ll bake them with these tulip paper liners instead of those little paper cups. It gives them a fancier look and helps keep them from spilling over the sides too.
Cookies. Any kind of cookie will do. If you have a special family recipe that you love to make each year, make some extra of those and put them in these boxes to give away. If you want to go above and beyond, you can include a recipe card so that the recipient cake enjoy making the cookies for others as well. Our family loves these light and fluffy snickerdoodles.
Other Items to Include. All of your favorite Christmas treats. Fudge, fruit, bread, and nuts all work well! Layer it up!
Make it Personal
If you know someone is on a special diet (Keto, gluten-free, etc), be sure to take that into consideration! Try some recipes that you think they might enjoy and it’s okay to include some of your favorites (even if they can’t eat it). They’re sure to have family members or friends that will gladly help them with their goodie basket.
This baked good basket isn’t just for Christmas! It would make a great baby shower gift, house warming gift, treat for an out of town guest, or a thank you!
If you’re looking for more holiday gifting ideas like this, follow me on Pinterest!
