10 Creative Ways to Gift Culinary Herbs This Holiday Season

Thinking of giftable food ideas that aren’t loaded with sugar can be a bit tricky sometimes, but the effort is so worth it. Many people have health conditions that make it better to avoid too much sugar, and others might simply prefer healthier, more natural options. Offering gifts that are thoughtful and mindful of someone’s preferences or needs shows an extra layer of care and creativity.

That’s why gifting culinary herbs is such a fantastic idea! They’re versatile, beautiful, and bring a fresh touch to anyone’s kitchen. Whether it’s a bundle of fragrant fresh herbs or a beautifully crafted herbal iinfused item, these gifts feel personal and unique. Here are a few clever ideas to inspire you:

1. Herb Infused Olive Oils

Create a variety of infused oils using fresh herbs like rosemary, basil, or thyme. Pack them in glass bottles with handmade labels

DIY Instructions:

1. Choose fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil.
2. Wash and thoroughly dry the herbs (moisture can cause spoilage).
3. Slightly bruise the herbs to release their oils and place them in a clean glass bottle.
4. Fill the bottle with high-quality olive oil, ensuring the herbs are fully submerged.
5. Seal tightly and let it infuse for 1-2 weeks in a cool, dark place.
6. Add a decorative label and ribbon for gifting.

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2. Herb Bouquet

Bundle fresh herbs (like rosemary, thyme, sage, and lavender) together, tied with twine or festive ribbon for a rustic and aromatic bouquet.

DIY Instructions:

1. Gather fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, thyme, and lavender.
2. Trim the stems to the same length.
3. Arrange the herbs in a small bundle.
4. Tie them together with twine or festive ribbon.
5. Optional: Add a small gift tag with suggested culinary uses.

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3. Herb Butter Gift Set

Make homemade vegan herb butter (with plant-based butter) flavored with herbs like dill, chives, and parsley. Wrap in parchment paper and tie with twine.

DIY Instructions:

1. Use softened plant-based butter (or traditional butter if preferred).
2. Finely chop fresh herbs like dill, parsley, and chives.
3. Mix the herbs into the butter, adding a pinch of salt if desired.
4. Roll the butter into a log using parchment paper, twisting the ends to seal.
5. Chill in the fridge until firm.
6. Wrap in parchment or wax paper and tie with a ribbon for gifting.

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4. DIY Herb Garden Kits

Gift a set of small potted herb plants like basil, mint, and cilantro, along with biodegradable pots, soil, and plant markers. Include simple care instructions.

DIY Instructions:

1. Purchase small potted herb plants like basil, cilantro, and mint.
2. Include small pots, soil, and plant markers.
3. Arrange all items in a decorative basket or box.
4. Add simple care instructions on a handwritten card.

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5. Dried Herb Blends

Create custom herb blends (like Italian seasoning, herbes de Provence, or taco seasoning) using dried herbs. Package in small glass jars or tins.

DIY Instructions:

1. Choose dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
2. Combine in a small bowl to create blends like Italian seasoning or herbes de Provence.
3. Funnel the blends into small glass jars or tins.
4. Label the jars with the herb blend name and suggested uses.
5. Tie a ribbon or twine around each jar for a festive touch.

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6. Herb-Infused Sea Salts

Mix dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage into sea salt for a gourmet herb salt blend. Package in cute jars with a ribbon.

DIY Instructions:

1. Combine coarse sea salt with dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage.
2. Optional: Add lemon zest or garlic powder for extra flavor.
3. Mix well and spread out to dry if needed.
4. Package in small jars with decorative lids.
5. Add labels or tags with usage ideas (e.g., perfect for seasoning roasted veggies).

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7. Herb-Infused Vinegars

Infuse vinegar with herbs like tarragon, oregano, or basil. Pour into decorative glass bottles and label for use in salad dressings or marinades.

DIY Instructions:

1. Choose a mild vinegar like white wine or apple cider vinegar.
2. Wash and dry fresh herbs like tarragon, oregano, or basil.
3. Place the herbs in a clean glass bottle.
4. Pour the vinegar over the herbs until fully submerged.
5. Seal the bottle and let it infuse for 1-2 weeks.
6. Add a label with suggested uses and a festive ribbon.

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8. Herb Wreath

Craft a small wreath made from rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves. It can double as holiday decor and a fragrant cooking tool!

DIY Instructions:

1. Use a wire frame or a circular piece of sturdy wire as a base.
2. Attach fresh sprigs of rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves using floral wire.
3. Overlap the herbs as you work around the frame.
4. Finish with a festive bow or ribbon.
5. Include a note that the wreath can double as decor and a cooking tool.

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9. Herb Sachets for Cooking

Make little sachets filled with dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves, perfect for adding to soups and stews. Wrap in small muslin bags.

DIY Instructions:

1. Fill small muslin bags with dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
2. Tie the bags securely with twine or ribbon.
3. Add a tag with instructions: “Toss into soups or stews for instant flavor!”
4. Package several sachets in a decorative box or bag.

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10. Herb Cracker Gift Pack

Bake homemade vegan crackers infused with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or dill. Wrap them in a cute tin or basket alongside a little jar of vegan cheese spread.

DIY Instructions:

1. Make homemade vegan crackers using a simple recipe with ingredients like flour, olive oil, and fresh herbs (e.g., rosemary or dill).
2. Bake until golden and crispy.
3. Cool completely and package in a tin or cellophane bag.
4. Add a ribbon and a small note with storage instructions.

Each of these gifts is practical and fragrant, bringing a flavorful touch to holiday cooking!