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Spread cheer with these easy and homemade food gift ideas for neighbors that are sweet, savory, and perfect for the holidays or any time!
Share a Little Homemade Happiness!
There’s something extra special about giving (and receiving!) a homemade treat. Whether it’s a plate of cookies, a jar of snack mix, or a loaf of fresh-baked bread, food gifts are such a heartfelt way to show appreciation. We love surprising our neighbors with a few of our favorite goodies—especially during the holidays, but honestly, any time’s a good time to share a little sweetness!
This collection is packed with easy, tried-and-true recipes that make perfect gifts. There are no complicated steps or fancy packaging required. From classic Christmas toffee to cozy quick breads, these are the kinds of treats that make people smile (and maybe ask for the recipe!). Scroll through, pick your favorites, and spread some homemade love this season!
Kristyn’s Gifting Tips
Wrap it all up beautifully with simple touches:
Mason jars with ribbon + printable tag
Cellophane bags with twine
Small loaf pans with parchment + washi tape
Mini tins or festive boxes from the dollar store
PRO TIP: Pin or bookmark this list so you’re ready with delicious recipes to take to neighbors all year round!
Top 10 Most Loved Food Gift Ideas For Neighbors
These are our go-to neighbor gifts that are easy, delicious, and always a hit with friends and families alike.
1 Caramel Candy Recipe
Caramel Candy Recipe
Total Time: 1 hourhour40 minutesminutes
Buttery, soft, and chewy homemade caramel candy is the perfect treat to easily wrap in wax paper and gift to friends and family.
Sweet Salsa Verde – a delicious salsa recipe that is sweet and takes just minutes to make. Ingredients include tomatillos, jalapenos, sugar, & cilantro.
2cupchocolate chips,milk, semi-sweet or dark chocolate chip
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a baking sheet and set aside.
In a stand mixer (or with a hand mixer in a large bowl), cream butter, oil and both sugars. Add eggs and beat until fluffy.
Add flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and vanilla, and mix until incorporated.
Chop ½ cup M&Ms and fold into cookie dough mixture along with sprinkles and 1/2 the chocolate chips.
Use a medium cookie scoop to scoop dough, roll into balls and place onto the prepared baking sheet. Top with more whole M&Ms. Bake for 9–11 minutes.
Let cookies sit on the cookie sheet for a few minutes, then remove to a rack to cool.
Notes
Store the dough, covered, in the fridge for 1-2 days or frozen for 3-4 months, See How to Freeze Cookie Dough for tips.Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 2-3 months.
Kristyn Merkley is a published cookbook author, wife, mom of six, and major food enthusiast! For the past 15 years, she has been sharing foolproof, family-friendly recipes—each one tested in her kitchen—that anyone can master. As a seasoned recipe creator, she loves making cooking simple, stress-free, and totally doable for everyone!
