How to Wrap Baked Goods for Christmas
Easy and inexpensive ways to wrap baked goods for Christmas giving!
Who else loves giving Christmas treats and goodies? It’s one of our favorite things to do—the holiday baking and then giving food gifts to family, friends, neighbors, and so many others. It’s part of the season, and we look forward to it every year.
Depending on what you’re giving, wrapping can be a little tricky. I’m sharing with you some of my favorite ways to wrap bake goods that are super easy and inexpensive.
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How to Wrap Baked Goods for Christmas
This first method is perfect for loaves of sweet breads, quick bread, or any kind of bread or pound cake. It works with any size loaf, which I love! I usually make smaller or mini loaves, but if you do full size loaves this will work just as well. This technique isn’t just for holiday giving–you can use it anytime you’re wrapping up loaves.  In the fall I always make a bunch of Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread to give away, and I use this same method, but using fall ribbon instead! It’s a simple and creative way to wrap your baked goods!Â
1. Start by wrapping the loaves really well with plastic wrap, once they’re out of the oven and completely cool. I don’t like to use aluminum foil, because then you can’t see the loaves, and it’s harder to keep smooth, but it’s certainly an option if that’s what you have and want to use it.
2. Cut strips of parchment paper and wrap them around the center of each bread loaf. I like the natural color of the unbleached option–but you can definitely use white as well.
3. Next comes the ribbon! I prefer thicker ribbon, but you can certainly use anything you have. I went with a moss green satin and a red stitch for these loaves, and I love them both. The result is so festive and beautiful! It looks so fancy and festive, but takes literally minutes to put together. Â
Wrapping Cookies or Candy for Holiday Giving
You can do something similar when you have cookies, candy, or fudge, but need an actual container. I really like paper loaf pans, and I fill them up with whatever holiday treat I’m giving away. (I got mine at Target in the holiday section last year–they usually have a different pattern every year, so it’s worth a look if you’re there.)
These are my favorite Snowball Cookies! It’s super easy–just fill the pan, cover in plastic wrap, then tie a cute Christmas ribbon around the middle. You can try and use the parchment if you want to–but it’s a lot trickier when the top isn’t flat.
Bakery boxes are go-to for me all year long, but Christmas is most definitely a favorite. They’re charming, adorable, and are the perfect container for any of your Christmas cookies and candy. I like the 6x6x3 size, but there are a bunch of options depending on what your needs are. I find mine on Amazon, usually for less than $1 each–even closer to 75 cents each. For an elevated gift box, it’s a great price. I prefer this method over using cellophane bags or clear cellophane, and use them if at all possible. They make super cute cookie boxes!
It’s really the easiest way of all…line your box with parchment paper (or wax paper), stack your treats inside, close the box, and tie a big fat ribbon into a bow or knot around the middle! Isn’t that lovely? I regularly stock up on ribbon from my local craft store for all different seasons and holidays, so I have it when I need it! Treat-filled bakery boxes are perfect for hostess gifts and neighbor gifts all through the season.
I always keep them on hand in case I need them quickly, or someone stops by and I want to send them home with treats. Â Whenever I do any holiday baking I give some away, so they really come in handy. They also work well when boxing muffins, cupcakes, or pastries, since they provide a more stable packaging for when in transit. If you have thinner cookies, boxes are also great when you need to pack in layers–just separate by parchment paper.
Add a gift tag for the recipient to any of the above options, tie on with ribbon and a bow, and you are ready to give!
Don’t forget to check out my new book, Simply Tradition: 70 Fun & Easy Holiday Ideas for Families. It’s chock full of holiday traditions and ideas, and recipes for every family. It makes a great gift!
As always your articles and website are fabulous! Your kids are growing up and you have a beautiful family. I think I’ve been following you since the beginning! Natalie
Oh, thank you so much, Natalie! I LOVE hearing from people that have been with me from the beginning–I can’t believe how long it’s been now. Happy Thanksgiving!! xoxo