24 Simple, Easy, & Delicious Vegan Gift Basket Ideas

Care packages are an excellent gift. Whether it’s the holidays, a birthday, or just because, food makes for a lovely present. If your loved one doesn’t eat any animal products, you can still put together something special—you just have to think outside the box. Get inspired by these vegan baskets to surprise your loved ones.

What is a vegan gift basket?

There are no wrong ways to put together a vegan gift basket. However, keep these 3 things in mind:

1. Do not include animal products or byproducts

Vegans don’t eat or drink any animal products. That means nothing that contains or is made of meat, fish, shellfish, dairy, eggs, or honey. It may seem like a lot of restrictions, but it means the world to be considerate of the needs of others.

Keep in mind that if they’ve been vegan or vegetarian for a long time, their body may no longer produce the enzymes needed to break down those foods safely.

2. Some recipes are have vegan substitutes

Most baking recipes can be made suitable for vegans. Replacing regular milk with plant-based milk, butter with vegetable shortening, or honey with agave syrup in raw granola are some examples.

There are even vegan substitutes for eggs—for instance, 1/4 cup of apple sauce for each egg. If you have a family recipe you know your friend will love, tinker with it to make it vegan-friendly.

3. Always check ingredient labels

A good habit to get into in general when using store-bought ingredients is always checking the ingredient label to make sure it’s vegan. Especially if there are additional dietary restrictions like soy, which is present in most packaged vegan options.

Grab it now on Instacart:

Earth Balance Natural Shortening (15 oz)

Agave Syrup (64 oz)

Simple Truth Semi-Sweet Vegan Chocolate Chips (10 oz)

Miyoko's Creamery Organic Oat Milk Butter (12 oz)

Signature Apple Sauce (48 oz)

Andre Prost Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk (11.6 oz)

Spectrum Essentials Cold Milled Organic Ground Premium Flaxseed Dietary Supplement (14 oz)

14 simple ideas for vegan gift baskets

Looking for quick, but memorable vegan gift basket stuffers? Check out these easy, expensive options.

1. Spiced mixed nuts

These spiced mixed nuts make for a thoughtful snack. Make it vegan by replacing the egg white in the recipe for 1tbsp of agave syrup.

2. Caramel corn party mix

Use vegan butter or margarine to make this finger-licking good caramel corn party mix.

3. S’mores chocolate bark

Making s’mores chocolate bark is surprisingly easy. Just make sure you use dairy-free chocolate chips and marshmallows with no animal products.

4. DIY Mexican hot chocolate

Mix the spices, sugar, and chocolate in a jar and include a note reminding your friend to add boiling water and hot plant-based milk.

5. Hot cinnamon cider

Let your friends indulge in warming cinnamon cider whenever they want. Combine all the ingredients in a large bottle and gift.

6. Candied orange cranberry sauce

This tart-yet-sweet sauce compliments a ton of vegan dishes. Make sure to use dairy-free butter and a nice jar.

7. Almond maple granola

The perfect breakfast? This easy, thoughtfully made almond maple granola on plant-based yogurt is topped with fresh fruit.

8. Molasses spiked cider

Another tasty drink, this spiked cider is perfect for a special gathering or to enjoy at night in front of the fireplace.

9. Barbecue spice rub

Who says vegans can’t enjoy a nice barbecue? This homemade spice rub can be used on tofu, seitan, and even veggies for a smokey, tasty meal.

10. Five-spice pistachios

Chinese 5-spice makes pistachios an even more delicious snack your friend is bound to love.

11. Walnut-stuffed dates

This luxurious appetizer is the simplest of them all: place a walnut in a pitted date. Take it to the next level by stuffing it with vegan cream cheese.

12. Golden latte mix

Combine all the spices in a pretty jar to gift your friend the ability to have this comforting drink whenever they want.

13. Raspberry rhubarb compote

Use agave or maple syrup instead of honey to make this fresh compote. It’s great on ice cream, pancakes, and yogurt.

14. Carrot ginger vinaigrette

If your friend eats a lot of greens, they’ll surely appreciate this zingy carrot ginger vinaigrette.

10 elaborate vegan care package ideas

If you have a little more time on your hands, give these vegan-friendly recipes a go. They’re not overly complicated but look oh-so luxurious.

1. Vegan chocolate cake

This vegan chocolate cake recipe proves you don’t need animal products to make a rich, airy, delectable dessert.

2. Peppermint surprise brownies

Put your baking skills to the test with these brownies. You’ll need 1/2 cup of apple sauce and vegan butter to make this recipe plant-based, but it’s worth it.

3. Mocha latte fudge

Use vegan condensed milk and margarine to make these irresistible fudge squares vegan-friendly.

4. Candy cane fudge

Alternatively, you could make a batch of these peppermint fudge squares to gift. Just remember to use vegan condensed milk.

5. Strawberry cider jam

This jam is more time-consuming than most, but it’s worth every second of your time. Who knew apple cider vinegar and strawberries could go so well together?

6. Candy bar cookies

Use margarine instead of butter to make these cookies packed with peanuts, chocolate, and butterscotch chips.

7. Orange date bread

Replace the egg with a “flax egg” (1 tbsp of ground flaxseeds mixed with 3tbsps of water) to bake a deliciously zesty orange and date bread.

8. Zucchini pickles

Pickles take some time to make but are a staple in so many vegans’ diets. If you have zucchinis fresh from the garden, follow this recipe.

9. 1-day dill pickles

These 1-day pickles are ready a lot quicker. They’re the perfect last-minute addition to vegan gift baskets.

10. Gingerbread biscotti

Lastly, include these holiday spiced gingerbread biscotti in the care package that can be made with a flax egg.

Get all your vegan basket essentials from home

Whether you’re in a rush or are looking to plan something pleasantly over-the-top, let Instacart help put these ideas into action. Order everything you need online and have it delivered the same day right to your door. Get in touch with your creative side and gift your loved one with a personalized care package filled with goodies they wouldn’t normally get to enjoy.

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