The sweetest gifts are the ones you can eat and nothing says I care quite like edible gifts bursting with flavor and cheer. Homemade treats made with love and a little help from Dole^® are guaranteed to put a smile on anyone’s face. Plus they are affordable, easy to whip up and add a dash of heartfelt holiday magic to the gifting season. That’s what makes edible holiday gifts irresistible. Share a bit of sunshine this holiday season with Dole. Here are a few fun and festive edible gift tips, tricks, and ideas that everyone in your life will love. 

Why Edible Gifts Are Holiday Heroes

Edible gifts are as personal as a handwritten card (and much tastier too!) They are simple to make in batches, making it easy to treat everyone on your list from teachers to coworkers to favorite neighbors. Homemade holiday presents let you spread cheer without breaking your budget. Just one batch of cookies or cupcakes can truly go a long way!

Sweet Treats to Bake and Share

Thinking beyond the fruitcake opens up a world of fruit-forward baked goods that stay fresh, travel well, and look especially appealing boxed or tinned. For a touch of summer flair, bake Pineapple Cupcakes. For comforting classics, Dole Raisin Oatmeal Cookies are always a favorite. Brunch lovers will appreciate Pineapple Carrot Raisin Muffins which are pure magic from a muffin tin. For lasting freshness, package your homemade edible gifts in cupcake boxes, tins or parchment-wrapped bundles so they stay delicious all season long.​

DIY Fruit Baskets: A Personal Twist

Bring your own creative flair to holiday gifting with a homemade fruit basket starring Dole fruit. Mix and match Dole^® Mandarin Oranges in 100% Fruit Juice* or Dole^® Pineapple Chunks in 100% Fruit Juice* with Dole^® Fruit Bowls^® Snacks and fresh fruits like peaches and mangos to make each basket unique. For an extra thoughtful touch, include honey, a jar of granola, gourmet tea bags, or crunchy nuts and top it off with one of your homemade baked goods for the ultimate DIY Christmas edible gift.​

Festive Presentation Ideas

Homemade goodies made with love and a little help from Dole^® add a bright touch of holiday magic to your gift list. Feed your festive spirit and sweet tooth even more with a few decorative packaging ideas to elevate how you present your festive edible presents.

• Use a woven basket, wooden crate or festive tin.
• Line it with kraft paper or colorful tissue.
• Add greenery or a sprig of rosemary for a rustic vibe.
• Mason jars tins or clear cellophane bags with ribbon let your treats shine.
• Include handwritten recipe cards for homemade gift ideas that guests will actually use.
• Layer your ingredients for cookie jars or trail mix to create a gift that is as lovely as it is tasty.​

DIY Gifting Tips

Save time by baking and assembling gifts in batches so you always have a treat ready to share. For variety, mix and match a cookie, a muffin, and your favorite flavor of Dole^® Fruit Bowls^® Snacks for the perfect snack trio. Involving the kids or the whole family in baking, wrapping and decorating together makes homemade gift ideas more memorable and fun for everyone.

Wrapping It Up (Literally!)

Edible winter gifts are heartfelt, creative and deliciously easy to make with Dole. This year, think outside the gift box and try fruit baskets, baked goods or even homemade jams. Ready to unwrap more ideas? Explore more Dole recipes to create sweet and shareable gifts this holiday season.