Sprinkle Love with Plant-Based Gifts for a DIY Holiday

‘Tis the season of giving, and what better way to spread holiday cheer than with thoughtful, homemade plant-based gifts you can easily DIY? Whether you’re a crafting pro or brand new to handmade projects, these ideas offer a heartfelt way to celebrate the season while embracing a compassionate, plant-based lifestyle. These gifts feel special, meaningful, and personal – and they’re a great reminder that mindful giving can be both simple and joyful.

Plant-Based Gifts with a Food-Forward Focus

Some of the easiest and most universally appreciated plant-based gifts are the food-focused ones. These gifts don’t push anyone to adopt a plant-based lifestyle – they simply introduce delicious, accessible treats that everyone can enjoy. From vegan-friendly cookie mixes to homemade jams, these DIY ideas make beautiful, budget-friendly presents.

Favorite Plant-Based Gifts – Vegan Cookie Mix Jars

One of the simplest and most delightful plant-based gifts is the classic cookie mix jar. It’s beautiful, customizable, and great for plant-based and non-plant-based recipients alike. Layer the dry ingredients for vegan chocolate chip cookies in a glass jar, tie it with ribbon, add a recipe card, and you’ve created a gift that brings a little holiday magic into someone’s kitchen.

These make-ahead jars pair well with a small wooden spoon, a festive tag, or a second jar of homemade hot cocoa mix for a sweet gift set.

Warm Wishes Cookie Mix in a Jar

Materials

• Glass jars with lids (16 oz or 500 ml work best)
• Festive ribbons or twine
• Printable recipe cards

Instructions

• Layer ingredients in order using a spoon or scoop.
• Seal tightly.
• Decorate the jar with twine or ribbon.
• Attach the recipe card.

Ingredients to Layer

• 1 ½ C All-Purpose Flour
• 1 tsp Baking Powder
• 1 tsp Baking Soda
• ¼ tsp Salt
• ½ C Rolled Oats
• ¾ C Brown Sugar
• ¾ C Vegan Chocolate Chips

Recipe Card to Include
Warm Wishes Chocolate Chip Cookies
“Sending you warm wishes and homemade goodness! Just add the wet ingredients and bake into warm, gooey, plant-based cookies. Happy holidays!”

To Add

• ½ C Plant-Based Butter, softened
• ½ C Non-Dairy Milk
• 2 tsp Vanilla

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix wet ingredients in a large bowl.
3. Stir in the jar’s contents just until combined.
4. Scoop dough onto a lined baking sheet.
5. Bake 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
6. Cool before transferring to a rack.

The recipients of these gifts will love them, and these VEGAN OATMEAL CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES may become your new go-to cookie recipe!

Sourdough Starter Kit

For the food lover or hobby baker, gift a jar of active sourdough starter with simple feeding instructions and your favorite plant-based sourdough recipe. This gift is especially meaningful because sourdough starter grows and becomes part of your recipient’s kitchen traditions.

Tip: Include a small dough scraper or a linen bread bag to round out the kit.

Homemade Jam

Few gifts feel as timeless and cozy as homemade jam. This easy mixed-berry version is fully plant-based and perfect for spreading on toast, dolloping on oatmeal, or topping dairy-free yogurt. Pack it in decorative jars with handwritten labels.

Homemade Jam Recipe

• 4 C Frozen Berry Mix
• 2 Pitted Dates
• ½ C Water
• ½ C Chia Seeds

Chop dates and add them to a saucepan with berries and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes. Stir well. Remove from heat, add chia seeds, and let cool. Transfer to jars.

Optional addition: Tie a tag to the jar with serving suggestions or pair it with a loaf of homemade plant-based bread.

Specialty Coffees & Favorite Spices

For coffee lovers, put together a personalized sampler of their favorite blends or holiday flavors. Add a small jar of cinnamon or cardamom for a cozy, aromatic twist.

For cooks, create sets of bulk spices like Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, or za’atar. Small labeled jars make these plant-based gifts feel polished and special.

Herb Garden Starter Kit

A mini herb garden starter kit is one of the most functional plant-based gifts you can make. Include pots, soil, and seeds for herbs like basil, cilantro, parsley, or mint. Add a simple care card and tips for growing indoors.

These gifts are fresh, practical, and perfect for anyone learning to cook more plant-based meals.

More Easy and Affordable Plant-Based Gifts

For gifts that go beyond the kitchen, there are plenty of simple, creative, and budget-friendly plant-based ideas that still feel thoughtful and meaningful. These projects bring a touch of nature, beauty, or relaxation into someone’s home, and they’re perfect for anyone who appreciates handmade gifts that are both sustainable and affordable.

Decorated Pine Cones & Pinecone Bird Feeders

Decorated pine cones double as nature-inspired ornaments, while pinecone bird feeders invite wildlife into your recipient’s yard. Both are easy, inexpensive, and great for kids to help with.

Succulent Terrariums

Succulent terrariums bring natural beauty indoors and require very little maintenance. They make wonderful desk companions or coffee table décor. These tiny gardens are visually stunning and surprisingly easy to assemble.

(You may want to link directly to the Spruce article with a cleaner anchor text, e.g., “This guide from The Spruce walks through how to make a thriving succulent terrarium.”)

Homemade Vegan Beauty Products

Homemade beauty gifts feel luxurious and personal. Vegan sugar scrubs, lip balms, and scented bath salts can be created with simple, natural ingredients. Pack them in pretty jars, tins, or reusable glass containers.

These DIY FOOT SCRUB RECIPES from Treehugger.com are the perfect example of how simple ingredients can create luxurious, plant-based beauty gifts.

Tip: Add a handwritten tag with ingredients for gift recipients who value clean, plant-based skincare.

Plant-Based Gifts From the Heart

Some of the most cherished gifts are the ones that tell a story or hold a personal touch. These heartfelt plant-based gifts focus on connection, creativity, and sharing something truly meaningful with the people you love. They’re simple to create, but they carry a depth and sentiment that lasts well beyond the holiday season.

Vegan Recipe Scrapbook

A recipe scrapbook is a beautiful way to pass along plant-based favorites. Add handwritten notes, cooking tips, or stories behind the dishes. This heartfelt gift turns shared meals into future memories.

Personalized Meal Inspiration Cards

Create a small deck of “meal idea” cards featuring easy plant-based dinner or snack ideas. These are great for busy friends or anyone trying to incorporate more plant-based meals without feeling overwhelmed.

Final Thoughts

A plant-based lifestyle extends far beyond what lands on your plate – it’s an expression of kindness, creativity, sustainability, and care. These plant-based gifts show your loved ones that thoughtful giving doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. Enjoy the process, sprinkle love into each creation, and share your handmade holiday gifts with joy. Happy crafting and happy holidays!