Make your gifts unique and personalized with edible presents your loved ones will devour.

Many holiday memories revolve around food—sitting around the table with family and friends, baking Christmas cookies, and sipping hot cocoa by the fire. These tasty treats remind us of moments with loved ones and holidays past, so it's no wonder that edible gifts are proving popular this year.

From high-end gourmet gifts to homemade goodies, edible presents are one of the season's hottest gifting ideas because they can be customized to the recipient. For ideas on the tastiest treat to gift to friends and family, we spoke to two experts for their take on this trend.

Meet Our Expert

• Alex Kaplan is the head of coffee product at Cometeer, a specialty coffee company
• Soraya Aguilar is the co-founder and president at Seasons Olive Oil & Vinegar
  

Related: How to Wrap Gifts Like a Pro

What Makes Edible Gifts So Popular?

"I think sharing food and drinks is one of our most natural human impulses. In the realm of coffee, it has always brought people together, from the Jebena Buna ceremony in coffee's ancestral home of Ethiopia to modern-day cafe culture," says Cometeer's head of coffee product Alex Kaplan. "So, gifting something that encourages community makes a fantastic gift."

Edible gifts also tap into overarching trends in modern lifestyles, especially with younger consumers looking for novel memories instead of tangible products.

"People seek experiences over material possessions, and high-quality, thoughtfully selected gourmet foods provide just that," says Seasons Olive Oil & Vinegar co-founder and president Soraya Aguilar. Edible gifts shine as practical and eco-conscious choices in an era of sustainability and reducing waste."

How Can You Choose Meaningful Gourmet Gifts for Friends and Family?

Choosing a gift for loved ones puts the pressure high, so consider their lifestyle and interests—you want this to feel personal.

"Think about the recipient's preferences," Aguilar says. Do they enjoy cooking or hosting? Are they adventurous with food or prefer simple, classic flavors?"

A gourmet grazing board atop a charcuterie platter could be perfect for the hostess with the mostest, whereas a cook would appreciate a set of rare spices or unique jars to fill with their favorite seasonings. You could even create a thoughtful gift basket filled with items the recipient enjoys. For the sweet tooth, consider packaging fun-shaped sugar cookies with loads of icing and sprinkles for a fun and delicious craft. Regardless of your selection, showing you went out of your way to create something unique to them will be enough to call it a successful gift.

And make sure to note any allergies or dietary requirements before concocting the most scrumptious present. Your prize-winning peanut brittle recipe will fall flat with someone who can't eat it.

When Should You Gift Something Homemade?

Homemade gifts can be incredibly meaningful, especially if there's a story behind the item. If you're famous for your oh-so-thick fudge, consider whipping up a batch for the holidays. It's also a way to show that you care, as it's more of a time commitment than grabbing something off the shelf.

"Making a homemade edible gift is also meaningful and thoughtful, showing the recipient the effort you've invested into the relationship," Kaplan says. "And every time they eat it, they'll think fondly of you."

Another delicious idea is to recreate an iconic family recipe. For people who knew the original chef, this is a great way to keep traditions alive for future generations. Include the recipe on a handwritten card so the recipients can recreate the treats (but keep any secret recipes within the bloodline).

Presentation matters, too. If the gift is freshly baked, present it on a delicately painted tray or in reusable bakeware, boasting two gifts in one.

However, there are a few caveats to homemade gifts. This might not be the time to put your chef hat on and attempt a new recipe. If you know cooking is outside your skill set, opt for a bundle of ingredients and let the cook in your life enjoy the items themselves. Many online ordering companies offer impressive gourmet arrangements, with delivery options to keep transportation simple.