5 Creative Ways to Give Candy As a Holiday Gift

If you are looking for a fun gift to give this holiday season, we’ve got 5 creative ways to give candy to all your friends and loved ones. This is the time to treat everyone to something sweet, both in regards to flavor and care for others. 

For many people, candy is an essential part of holiday traditions. Whether you make your own candy, play games with it, or simply like to savor all your favorite flavors, candy can be one of the most exciting and memorable parts of this time of year. 

To help you create the perfect gift for the people you love, we’ve compiled a list of fun ways to give candy as a gift that is both enjoyable and memorable. Let’s get started.

1. Candy Bar Bouquet or Wreath

Flowers and other seasonal fauna can certainly be a beautiful gift to give and receive, especially when you can display them somewhere prominent to be enjoyed. The problem, however, is that they usually only last a few days before wilting and looking…less than merry and bright. 

Instead, incorporate candy into a bouquet or wreath! The many different patterns and colors of both the candy and the wrappers can make for some really unique and dynamic designs that you can personalize for each person you are giving to. In addition, you can include some “punny” messages that tie the candy in with your love and care for the recipients.

The trick with candy bouquets and wreaths is balancing their decorative potential with how delicious the candy is. See how long you can resist devouring all the yummy candy before the arrangement loses a bit of its sweetness. The good news is that everyone can enjoy this fun gift until it’s all gone!

2. Dreidel

Holiday traditions are truly what give meaning to this special time of year. One way to celebrate and give a fun gift is to make a game of dreidel that includes the best candy. Traditionally, dreidel is played during Hannukah with gelt, chocolate coins wrapped in gold, but the possibilities of candies that can be used are endless.

To play, first you need a dreidel. This four-sided top has a hebrew letter on each side that together represent “a great miracle happened there.” This fun gambling game also requires pieces to put into the pot, usually candy or pennies. Each player puts at least one game piece into the pot and players take turns spinning the dreidel. Players either gain or lose pieces as the game continues, depending on which of the four sides lands facing up.

• If נ‎ (nun) is facing up, the player does nothing.
• If ג‎ (gimel) is facing up, the player gets everything in the pot.
• If ה‎ (hei) is facing up, the player gets half of the pieces in the pot. If there are an odd number of pieces in the pot, the player takes half the pot rounded up to the nearest whole number.
• If ש‎ (shin) or פ‎ (pe) is facing up, the player adds one of their game pieces to the pot (sometimes accompanied by the chant "shin, shin, put one in”). In some game versions a shin results in adding three game pieces to the pot, one for each stem of the letter shin (ש‎).
• If the player is out of pieces, they are either "out" or may ask another player for a "loan".

A simple gift to put together, dreidel is a fun way to celebrate Hannuhkah and create memories with friends and family during the holidays.

3. Decorative Wrapping

Part of the joy of giving and receiving gifts any time of the year is the wrapping! Hiding the surprise and seeing people discover what is inside can be so exciting. Double the fun by using candy as part of the wrapping.

Try replacing a bow with a candy bar or a small bag of brightly colored candy. Or, add another element of surprise by hiding candy in between multiple layers of wrapping paper or tissue paper. If you are looking for an even more impressive way to wrap a gift, you can use candy wrappers to create a bag or your own wrapping paper — and, of course, include the candy in a small container or bonus gift. 

4. Gingerbread Kit

Another holiday tradition is to make gingerbread in a variety of ways. Channel your inner architect by constructing a gingerbread house, or show off your own style and fashion skills with a well-dressed gingerbread cookie family. The magic of gingerbread comes, not from the delicious sweetness and spice of the actual gingerbread, but from the candy used to decorate it. 

Whether you make your own gingerbread or buy some pre-made from the store, you can easily put together a gingerbread kit with some of your favorite candy and a jar of royal icing. Be sure to include a wide variety of colors, textures, sizes, and shapes so whoever receives the kit can use their full creativity to create their masterpiece. 

Pro-tip: Freeze dried candy like Salt Water Taffy offers even more options for texture, size, and shape! Plus, it lasts longer than other candy that may quickly go stale sitting out on the gingerbread. 

5. Christmas Tree Ornaments

Along with all the pretty lights on the Christmas tree, candy can make some of the best homemade ornaments. Hang some candy canes on the branches or place pieces throughout the tree for some sweet additions. 

Create a cute set of ornaments to give to your family and friends using your favorite candy. You can make it even more fun by choosing a theme or color scheme for each set. Collect some different candies with peppermint for a pretty red and white color scheme, or pick out some pretty pastels for a sugar plum fairy theme.

Flavor and Fun from Candy Jan

At Candy Jan, we believe candy should be as fun as it is flavorful! Our freeze dried candies offer a whole new experience and unique way to enjoy your favorite candy. It’s perfect to give as gifts, but be sure to grab some for yourself, too! Check out our bestselling bundles and order some today!