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How to Creatively Package Edible Gifts

Feb 212010

Package Your Food Gifts Creatively (Photo courtesy of Adie Reed)

Edible gifts are great– you don’t have to worry about whether they’ll fit or if you’re selecting the right color. I mean, who doesn’t like good food? Plus, edible gifts can be very affordable and thoughtful. But as with just about any gift, the package can make a big difference. Here are some ideas for creatively packaging edible gifts.

Jars

Mason jars may be great for jams or jellies, but what about for cupcakes? Julie at Joy’s Hope stacked two cupcakes in eight ounce mason jars, layering them with frosting. She topped it with a cupcake print fabric and ended up with a sweet gift. You could also fill your jars with layers of dry ingredients for muffins, cookies or bread. Or as the photo shows, bake pies in them.

Takeout Boxes

Continue the food theme into the packaging by using a takeout box. You can pick up a set of 12 for just $8.40 from FavorStudio.com. Choose between hot pink, turquoise, lime and almond. Or if you need something more heavy duty, check out the SafePak take-out boxes from The Container Store.

Mixing Bowls

Take something practical from the kitchen and turn it into a way to package your edible gift. Use a mixing bowl, decorative tray or even a coffee cup and make it part of your present.

DIY Cake Plate

Make the display part of the gift with a DIY cake plate. Back in December we gave you the simple step-by-step instructions for taking thrift store finds and making cute cake plates. Top them with cookies, chocolates or mini cakes and your edible gift is ready.

Creative Tags

Sometimes simple is better. You could easily package your yummy gift in a plain brown box or bag from a craft store, wrap it with baker’s twine and attach a cute gift tag like this one. Just load some card stock in your printer, make a copy and cut it out.

Recycle

You may be throwing packaging options into your recycle bin without even thinking about it. Mini loaves of bread can be cutely squeezed inside cleaned out tin cans. Or a coffee can may be a great way to store and transport your handmade treats. Just make sure you thoroughly wash out anything you decide to use.

How to Make Creative Gift Tags

Feb 052009

Gift tag. photo courtesy of Fern R

Gift tags are a great way to add some flare and creativity to your packages and bags. It makes a gift more personal when someone’s name is attached to it. Plus, if you are reusing a gift bag, there is a good chance that the matching gift tag it came with has your name written on the inside– not the person you’re giving the gift to. In just a few steps and with a few key tools, you can have a personalized gift tag ready to go.

Gather up some supplies. You’ll need some ribbon, a paper hole punch, and some scissors. Scissors that cut more detailed and fancy edges can add some visual interest. Pull out some cookie cutters stashed in that kitchen drawer. For the paper part of your project, use construction paper, scrapbook paper or even the front of pretty greeting cards.

Cut out shapes. Using the cookie cutter as your guide, trace a shape on the back of the greeting card or on the paper you chose. Cut out the shape.

Punch a hole in the corner. Using your hole punch, create a hole in the top of the gift tag. You could even use a hole punch with a creative shape like a heart or a star.You may want to use a small reinforcement circle like this one to make sure your paper doesn’t easily rip. It also adds a decorative element.

Size up some ribbon. Using coordinating ribbon, figure out just how much you need to attach the gift tag to the bag or package. cut the right amount and feed it through the hole punch.

Write a note. On the back of the gift tag you just so thoughtfully created, make sure you use it for it’s intended purpose and write the recipient’s name. You can also include a short, but sweet note and that way you won’t have to worry about picking out a greeting card.

Attach your tag! Now the only thing left to do is attach your beautiful new gift tag!