Need A Thoughtful Gift? Create This Easy Personalized Recipe Box

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A personalized recipe box makes a thoughtful gift for weddings, housewarmings, and other special occasions!

A personalized recipe box given as a wedding present to Hip2Save's Amber

Looking for a meaningful gift? Create a personalized recipe box.

Are you sick of mundane registry gifts that end up sitting in the back of a storage closet, or worse, being thrown away after a few uses? Sometimes the perfect present is one that’s a little more thoughtful. That’s why we think a DIY personalized recipe box is one of the best presents to give someone special.

Not only is a recipe box extremely easy and affordable to create, but it’s a gift that can be cherished for years to come. It’s a thoughtful present for anyone of any age who loves to cook or try new foods!

It’s especially ideal for a young adult just starting out in life, That’s why these personalized recipe card boxes are popular wedding and engagement presents. However, they can also be gifted when someone buys their first home, graduates college, or has their first baby (more mouths to feed means more recipes needed).

A recipe card box can also be used to preserve the recipes of a loved one who passed away and would make a very meaningful gift for their children, grandchildren, or other family members.

A personalized wedding box from WoodCookStudio on Etsy
Credit: WoodCookStudio on Etsy

How to create a personalized recipe box for someone special.

It’s super simple to create these personalized recipe boxes. You can buy your own recipe boxes and cards at a place like Michaels, Hobby Lobby, or Walmart. Use craft paint or a wood burning tool to decorate and personalize it.

For a simpler route, you can also simply buy a personalized recipe box off Etsy. They have so many amazing options and your box can come engraved with names, dates, and even quotes.

Once you have your box. Here’s what to do:

  • Write down your own special family recipes using note cards or recipe cards.
  • Use a ballpoint pen or get creative with gel pens, colored pencils, or markers.
  • You can also ask the recipient’s loved ones to contribute their recipes too.
  • Compile all the recipes together and place in the box.
  • That’s it! Enjoy watching the recipient’s heartfelt reaction as they open your gift!

If a box isn’t your style, another variation is to use a recipe binder or scrapbook, both of which can be found for cheap at Walmart or on Etsy. Paste the recipes inside along with stickers, photographs, or even special notes and well wishes from the owner of the recipe.

Whichever method you choose, the recipient is sure to be touched. This is one gift that won’t end up in the donation pile later on!

A personalized wedding box from WoodCookStudio on Etsy
Credit: WoodCookStudio on Etsy

Hip2Save’s Amber and Chelsey received a recipe box as wedding presents…

“My family created a recipe box when I got married. They ordered a personalized box and then every family member hand wrote their favorite recipe on a card and added it to the box. They did this all ahead of time so when I received it, it was packed with recipes. My favorite recipe is from my grandpa, it says something like – ‘Fried Fish — call grandpa and he’ll make it.'”– Chelsey, Hip2Save team

A personalized recipe box sitting on a kitchen counter

“My husband’s and my family each did this for me when I got married. Loved it too and still go back to those recipes every so often.” – Amber, Hip2Save team


Have you received a personalized recipe box as a gift? We’d love to hear about it!


Have a mason jar? Check out these other easy DIY gift ideas!


About the writer:

Kara is a writer and photographer from the Midwest. Her creative work has appeared in various publications over the past decade. With a background in finance, she loves to be money-savvy.


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