It’s so fun to make and give treats around the holidays to neighbors and friends. But, what do you do if your neighbor has dietary restrictions, food allergies or medical conditions that make it hard to find foods that fit their diets? If you’re not comfortable delving into the world of reading labels, or trying to cook with different ingredients you’ve never used, then use these cute non-food gift ideas.
These holiday gifts are range from homemade, to store bought but all show thought and care as well as any goodie plate ever could. Plus, they’ll be used and enjoyed for more than a few minutes, unlike food. I know I’d be happy receiving any of these!
Soapn You Have a Merry Christmas
May your holidays be safe and inclusive! I hope this list helps you think outside the box when it comes to giving gifts.
Be sure to pin this so you don’t lose it! Also, check out all of my other allergy-friendly Pinterest boards.
Hi! I’m Megan, a mom to four kids, two with multiple food allergies & one with EOE. I’m a published cookbook author who constantly tweaks recipes to make them allergy-friendly—it’s an addiction. I’m also a member of the Allergy Advisory Council for Certified Free From Foods, where I help advocate for safer labeling and standards. I share every recipe & tip with the hope that they help you as you manage your food allergies & dietary restrictions. You can still be awesome, even with food allergies!
Amanda
I love this! I need so many teacher gifts this year, that this is perfect! I always worry about allergies and now I won’t have too!
Megan Lavin
YAY! I’m so glad that this will come in handy for you. Your teachers will love you.
Alisa Fleming
Such fun practical ideas! I want those rice packs and bath salts for myself!
Megan Lavin
Me too! I’m secretly hoping my neighbors are paying attention 🙂
lindsay Cotter
I love the blanket idea! I need to get a bunch for my family too. So clever!
Megan Lavin
Yes, you can never go wrong with a blanket!
Jeneane Mckibben
Love these ideas! How do I get the printable cards??
Brianna Hobbs
These are such fun and creative non-food alternatives! Love them all!
Megan Lavin
Thanks Brianna! Hopefully there’s something for everyone.
Sabrina | The Tomato Tart
This is awesome tips , very thoughtful ideas for gifts. Looks fun and yet meaningful.
Megan Lavin
Thanks Sabrina. I think meaningful gifts are the best!
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish
I love those bath salts and the felted wool dryer balls. Such a fun list of ideas for gifts!
Megan Lavin
I do too! I think that’s why I put them, I’m secretly hoping my neighbors are paying attention 🙂
Kelly @ TastingPage
So many great ideas and love that they aren’t things to pack on more extra calories!
Megan Lavin
Yes, it definitely is a waist-saver!
Lindsay Cotter
Love these gift-giving ideas! This is a helpful list to have on hand for the holidays!
Megan Lavin
Thanks Lindsay! I’m glad you found it helpful 🙂
Chrystal @ Gluten-Free Palate
I love this roundup of non food gifts!! Everything doesn’t need to revolve around food 😉
Megan Lavin
Amen and amen, Chrystal!
Cricket Plunkett
With so many allergies and special diets I don’t like giving food as presents so this is a great list!
Megan Lavin
That’s a great way to look at it, Cricket. Yes, it’s always safer to give non-food nowadays.
Sharon @What The Fork
I enjoyed reading all of these non-food ideas! I love gifts that are meaningful as well. These are great!
Megan Lavin
Thanks Sharon. Agreed–meaningful gifts (and thoughtful) and THE best.
Elizabeth DiBurro
Some of these ideas are just brilliant! Hand Santatizer? Love it!
Megan Lavin
Wasn’t that one fun?! Loved that idea. Thanks! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Depending on the year I make non-food gifts! I always make my gifts DIY/homemade though! So much more meaningful!
Megan Lavin
It’s so true! I bet your friends love getting your gifts.
Laura |Petite Allergy Treats
All of these gifts look beautiful and fun! Love the food-free ideas!!
Megan Lavin
Thanks Laura! Yes, sometimes it’s nice to just get away from the worry and hassle of food!