Make a darling hot cocoa gift set for Christmas giving this year, plus FREE printables to go with it!
Christmas is just the happiest time of year for me.
I have many fond memories of Christmas- our ornaments on the tree, ice skating, picking out the perfect presents, getting cozy, and driving to the snow.
Helping Others This Christmas
Some of the most meaningful experiences during Christmas are those that involve helping and serving others.
This year I wanted my kids to experience the joy that comes from doing something nice for someone else.
I came up with the idea of giving a hot cocoa gift basket to a few families we thought would enjoy them, just like we did with our Christmas gift baskets we made for families.
Instead of just giving the hot cocoa basket to others, we thought it would be more fun to put it on their doorsteps.
The plan was to ring their doorbells, then run and hide and watch their reactions when they saw their surprise.
My kids were SO excited to get started!
Today I’ll share with you how easy it is to create a hot cocoa gift set to give away.
I even created FREE printables that will make it even easier!
Hot Cocoa Gift Set Tutorial
Here are some ideas on what to fill your basket with:
- Basket + paper shred
- Hot cocoa (packets or the powder mix in a jar)
- Clear plastic treat bags + ribbon
- Free printable tags
- Candy canes
- Peppermints
- Marshmallows
- Chocolate chips
- Small candies, treats, cookies, etc.
Add Filler to the Gift Basket
Fill up the basket with shredded paper.
You can either buy paper shred, or make your own.
To make your own, simply putting blank paper in any color through a shredder.
If you don’t have much filler, feel free to use newspaper underneath, then cover the newspaper with shredded paper.
Package the Hot Cocoa Toppings
Add hot cocoa toppings to small clear plastic bags.
I used the cone shape bags, but any shape will work.
Hot Cocoa Topping Ideas
- crushed peppermints
- mini candy canes
- mini marshmallows
- large marshmallows
- chocolate chips
- butterscotch chips
- white chocolate chips
- hot cocoa bombs
- chocolate sprinkles
- rainbow sprinkles
- dark chocolate
- toffee pieces
- hot fudge
- crushed candy bars
- crushed Oreros
- Andes mints
You can also include any other small candies, treats, or cookies to go with the hot cocoa!
Other Treats to Add
- cookies mix in a jar
- wafer cookies
- meringue cookies
- mini cookies
- chocolate no bake cookies
- Andes mint cookies
- mini chocolate bars
- rolled cookies
- caramel
- graham crackers
- chocolate covered pretzels
- biscotti
- gingerbread cookies
- red hots
Add the Free Printable Tags
Print out the free printables I created, then cut them out.
There are tags in a few different sizes for the toppings and hot cocoa, then another tag to attach to the basket.
Punch a hole in the top of each tag you want to use.
Tie a ribbon around each plastic bag, then attach a tag to each one.
Assemble the Hot Cocoa Gift Set
Now comes the fun part- putting it all together!
If you’re giving mugs, add those to the back of the basket.
I placed hot cocoa packets inside each mug with a tag on each one.
You can also include a jar of hot cocoa instead of the packets.
Add the toppings and treats bags, then add a big bow with the biggest tag to the front of the basket.
Isn’t she pretty?
I LOVE how our hot cocoa gift sets turned out!
We chose a few families and individuals who we thought would really enjoy the gift baskets we put together.
Later this week, we’ll be delivering the baskets.
The kids are so excited!
What’s your favorite way to give to others this holiday season?
Merry Christmas!
This article was updated in November 2024 and was originally published in November 2016.
