I get it, you’re so busy planning and prepping for the holidays, that you’ve left a few people off of your shopping list (i.e. teachers, your neighbors, co-workers). Or, you have Vegan friends or family members that are hard to shop for because they only buy Vegan products. Or maybe, you just want to add a special touch to your party by sending everyone home with a cute, take home party gift.
I’ve got a 3 last minute home-made git ideas that are Vegan-friendly, thoughtful, and fun to make with the kids.
Since you’re already limited on time, we’ll get right to it…
Vegan Gift Idea #1: Vegan Hot Chocolate Jar or Reindeer
Place Vegan Hot Chocolate (recipe below) in a keepsake mason jar and layer with mini Vegan chocolate chips (i.e. Enjoy Life), and Vegan mini marshmallows (i.e. Trader Joe’s Vegan Marshmallows). Wrap jar with holiday-inspired ribbon and be sure to include pepper-flavored hot cocoa stirrers.
You can also do your layering in a pastry bag to create his and her reindeer (kids love this). Make antlers with pipe cleaners and confectionery eyes, mouth, etc. This also a great take-home party gift. Be sure to also attach a gift tag with printed beverage prep instructions.
Vegan Hot Chocolate
Recipe By: Add A Pinch
Ingredients:
3 ½ cups turbinado (raw) sugar
2 ¼ cups organic cocoa powder
2 tsp. salt
Directions:
Combine first 3 ingredients. Store in airtight container. To enjoy, add 2 heaping tablespoons to a cocoa mug. Add 1 cup of dairy-free milk. Stir until combined. Microwave until desired temperature is reached. Top with non-dairy coconut whip-cream or Vegan mini marshmallows.
Vegan Gift Idea #2: Doubled-Dipped Pretzels w/ Chocolate & Peppermint
This one is super easy and super quick. Place peppermint candies (i.e. candy canes) in a Ziploc freezer bag. Seal. Using a mallet or rolling pin, or canned good. Crush the peppermint candies. Place in a bowl. Set aside. Grab a baking pan. Line with parchment paper. Set aside. Slowly melt Vegan chocolate chips (i.e. Enjoy Life or Trader Joe’s brand) in a double boiler. While chocolate is still warm, dip one side of twisted pretzels into chocolate. Quickly dip the coated pretzels (chocolate side) into the crushed peppermint candies. Place on prepared baking sheet to set. Continue until all pretzels have been double-dipped. In a rush? Place finished pretzels in the fridge for a few minutes to speed up the process.
Place Double-Dipped Pretzels in cute cellophane bags. Tie with holiday ribbon, pomp poms, etc. Use a gift tag to personalize.
Vegan Gift Idea #3: Vegan Holiday Bark
This one is pretty easy, too. Line a baking sheet with raised edge or roasting pan with parchment paper. Set aside. Place peppermint candies (i.e. candy canes) in a Ziploc freezer bag. Seal. Using a mallet or rolling pin, or canned good. Crush the peppermint candies. Set aside. Place whole pretzels in another Ziploc bag. Break up pretzels but be sure not to crush into crumbs. You want ½” pieces. Set aside. Slowly melt Vegan chocolate chips (i.e. Enjoy Life or Trader Joe’s brand) in a double boiler. I used 2 – 12-oz bags to cover the bottom of a 9 x 13” pan. Evenly spread the melted chocolate into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with pretzel pieces and peppermint pieces. You can also add graham crackers pieces or Oreo cookies pieces (yes, they’re Vegan).
Allow to completely set in the fridge before cutting or roughly breaking up into pieces similar in size.
Place stacked Vegan Holiday Bark in cellophane. Tie with holiday ribbon, pom poms, etc. Use a gift tag to personalize.
Have a Very Merry Christmas!
