AMES, Iowa — Do-it-yourself food gifts are unique expressions of warmth and connection with a personal touch. When crafted with health in mind, they become even more meaningful, offering both nourishment and joy. Perfect for a festive gathering, heartfelt thank-you, or a simple gesture of kindness, healthy, homemade food gifts, like dry soup mixes, spice blends, and dip mixes, are simple and affordable options for family, friends, co-workers, neighbors and teachers.
Soup it up. Capture the essence of comfort and warmth with dry soup mixes. Recipes containing ingredients like beans, pasta, lentils, and whole grains are simple to assemble, and they can be made in advance. Recipes ideas include: Three-Bean Chili in a Jar, Chicken Noodle Soup Mix, Split Pea Soup Mix and Spicy Black Bean Soup Mix. This is the gift of a hearty meal that has a lengthy shelf life and is as nutritious as it is delicious and easy to prepare. Packaged in a clear jar or bag, the colorful layers of ingredients are decorative on their own. Add a festive ribbon or tie and it’s ready to go. For a larger gift, put the soup package in a basket or bag with shelf-stable ingredients like canned tomatoes, perhaps adding a wooden spoon, spoon rest, or colorful kitchen towel or oven mitt.
Spice it Up. Homemade salt-free and sugar-free seasoning mixes and herb and spice rubs enhance the flavor of foods in a heart-healthy way. Create your own seasoning and rub blends with versatile ingredients like onion and garlic powder, cayenne or red pepper flakes, and dried sage, rosemary, and thyme. Try salt free Taco Seasoning Mix https://spendsmart.extension.iastate.edu/recipe/taco-seasoning-mix/ or Dried Onion Soup Mix https://spendsmart.extension.iastate.edu/recipe/dried-onion-soup-mix/ from Spend Smart. Eat Smart. For a more substantial gift, line a basket with a colorful apron or dish towel. Arrange the mix with a serving platter or bowl and utensils to enhance the theme. You can even include cards with recipe ideas.
Keep these tips in mind for your healthy food gifts:
➧ SHOP. Choose recipes with accessible, affordable ingredients. Buying in bulk can save money when making
multiple gifts.
➧ BE EFFICIENT. Gather ingredients and jars or bags, line them up, and assemble several gifts at once. Make
extras to keep on hand for last minute occasions (or for your own use after the holidays).
➧ CONTAIN IT. Choose packaging that suits the recipe, such as a jar, bottle, or bag. Consider accessibility,
cost, and options to repurpose or reuse.
➧ TAG IT. Make or purchase tags with space to handwrite or print out things like ingredients, how to prepare,
how to use, and a “To /From” section or separate tag.
➧ PACKAGE IT. If you want to add to the gift, pair it with other shelf-stable ingredients, cooking implements,
and/or serving dishes.
And last but not least: DIY Dips. The perfect accompaniment to a platter of fresh vegetables, dips are a wonderful option for gatherings at holidays or any day. Give your family and friends a homemade dip mix or two like Tex Mex Dip Mix or Herb Dip Mix or create your own signature blend. For a more substantial gift, add a dip bowl and a package of crackers.
With a little planning and preparation, you can craft a healthy homemade food gift that truly shows you care 🙂
Adapted from Tufts Health & Nutrition Letter December 2024.
–Amy Jones, ISU Extension
