A DIY Cookie Kit Is the Perfect Gift for the Baker in Your Life

Cookie kits are an easy way to spread holiday cheer and can be created to suit the tastes of sophisticated adults and youngsters alike. Instead of scrambling around to discover the perfect gifts for loved ones, you can accomplish thoughtful homemade presents with an afternoon of baking and boxing.

If this idea sounds sweet to you, we have some good news. We spoke to a bakery owner about what goes into the perfect DIY cookie kit so your gifts will be the most delicious ones under the tree.

Why a DIY Cookie Kit?

In addition to being fun and tasty, cookies are a creative way to give affordable gifts in large quantities.

"I may be a little biased as a baker. However, a DIY cookie kit is a great gift for just about anyone, especially those looking to have a day of fun with family and friends that ends in a sweet treat," says AmazCakes founder and CEO Iesha Williams. "Making and decorating cookies is about the fun and memories created with family and friends, from the most novice baker to the most seasoned chef. Who wouldn't enjoy making cookies and eating them, too?"

Gingerbread house kits are a classic activity around the holidays, and while something like a giant gumdrop house is lovely, there are high stakes to make it look perfect so you can display it all season long. With cookies, they will be eaten in no time (and you get multiple attempts at creating the cutest designs).

What Should Be Included in the Kit?

The most important aspect of assembling cookie boxes is providing everything needed to create an adorable (and delicious) cookie spread. You don't want the recipient traveling to the store for piping bags or cookie cutters to make the gift work.

"A DIY cookie kit should consist of a few main items: a blank cookie (usually sugar cookie, but we've used other flavors) or cookie mix (this is an excellent idea for those with food like vegan or vegetarian restrictions), cookie cutters or a cookie in the shape of an object, and at least 1 to 1.5 ounces of each frosting color to decorate the cookies," says Williams.

From there, consider including additional decorating items unique to the recipient. If you know they love all things glitter, consider incorporating a bit of unicorn dust or shimmering sprinkles. If you don't know what icing colors they'd prefer, you can toss in a few mini food coloring bottles so they can mix their favorite icing themselves (include some spatulas, too!).

"Additional decorating items, such as popsicle sticks, sprinkles, food coloring, glitter, rock sugar, marshmallows, or chocolate chips, can add an extra layer of creativity to the project," says Williams.

Choose a Theme

Select a cohesive theme that allows the recipient to decorate to their heart's delight. This is especially easy if you choose a color scheme for all the items in your box or opt for a classic holiday theme.

"Cookie kits can be customized by colors, theme, or holiday. The cookies being decorated can symbolize something unique to that person; it can be an object, color, shape, or item that's special and unique to that individual. A thoughtful touch can turn a simple cookie kit into a special moment," says Williams.

And consider the age of the people decorating the cookies. For kids, it could be fun to gift cookie dough so they can create fun shapes on their own (and don't forget sprinkles that match all colors of the rainbow). As for adults, you can probably leave the dinosaur-shaped cookie cutters out.

"If you are planning to create your cookie kit with children, be sure to find a kit with lots of fun shapes and objects of cartoon characters or holiday items that are one to two colors so that it's not too complicated and overwhelming," explains Williams.

The Packaging Matters

One way to elevate a homemade gift is by creating a beautiful presentation. This will show loved ones you put effort into their presents, and assembling the boxes can be a fun pastime or craft.

Bakery boxes are available at grocery or craft stores and don't forget a ribbon to tie it all together. Bonus points for festive-colored boxes! To make sure you don't accidentally gift your mother-in-law a princess-themed cookie kit, add name tags on top of every box.