Hot Cocoa Gift Ideas: 14 Jars, Mugs and Kits to Make
Hot cocoa gifts are cozy, inexpensive and loved by almost everyone, including kids and the friends who never drink coffee. A jar of homemade mix, a mug kit or a small basket of toppings can be made in an evening and given to neighbors, teachers, coworkers and family.
Here are 14 hot cocoa gift ideas, a simple homemade mix you can put in jars, and packaging ideas that make them look finished. If you are hosting, our hot chocolate bar ideas show how to set up a full cocoa station for a party.
Hot Cocoa Gift Supplies
Mason jars with lids – the classic container for layered cocoa mix
Mini marshmallows – the topping every cocoa gift needs
Peppermint stirring sticks – a festive stir stick that melts into the cup
Hot cocoa gift bags – for wrapping mugs and kits
Chalkboard jar labels – for the name and mixing directions
Holiday mug set – turns a cocoa kit into a mug gift
Hot Cocoa in a Jar Gift Ideas
1. Layered Hot Cocoa Mix Jar
Layer the homemade mix below with mini marshmallows on top in a wide-mouth jar. The layers look pretty through the glass, and the recipient just scoops and stirs.
2. Peppermint Hot Cocoa Jar
Add a layer of crushed candy cane between the cocoa and the marshmallows, and tie a peppermint stick to the lid.
3. Mocha Mix Jar
For coffee lovers, add a spoonful of instant espresso powder to each jar. It turns the cocoa into an easy mocha. Pair it with a card for our peppermint mocha recipe.
4. Mini Jar Favors
Small 4-ounce jars hold one or two servings. They work as party favors, place settings or bulk gifts for a classroom or office.
How to Make Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix for Gifts
This is the basic mix most homemade cocoa jars use. It makes about 4 cups, enough for two medium jars.
- 2 cups nonfat dry milk powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar or powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Whisk everything together until no lumps remain, then spoon it into clean, dry jars. Write these directions on the tag: Stir 1/3 cup of mix into 1 cup of hot water or hot milk. Kept sealed in a cool, dry place, the mix is best used within a few months.
Hot Cocoa Mug Gift Ideas
5. The Classic Cocoa Mug
Fill a holiday mug with two cocoa packets, a small bag of marshmallows and a peppermint stick, then wrap it in cellophane. See our coffee mug gift ideas for more filled-mug combinations.
6. The Cocoa and Cookies Mug
Add a few wrapped cookies beside the cocoa. It is the neighbor gift people remember.
7. The Kids Cocoa Mug
For kids, use a fun holiday mug, rainbow sprinkles, mini marshmallows and a small chocolate. Keep peppermint sticks out for very young children.
Hot Cocoa Kit and Basket Ideas
8. The Hot Cocoa Kit Box
Fill a small kraft box with cocoa mix, marshmallows, a candy cane, a whisk and two mugs. It is the hot cocoa kit gift for a family or a couple. Our Christmas coffee mugs roundup has festive pairs that suit a kit.
9. The Toppings Kit
Package three or four toppings in small bags: mini marshmallows, crushed peppermint, chocolate shavings and caramel bits. It works well alongside a jar of mix.
10. The Hot Cocoa Gift Basket
For a bigger gift, combine a jar of mix, two mugs, toppings, a small bottle of syrup and a cozy blanket. Our coffee gift basket ideas use the same layout.
11. The Flavored Cocoa Sampler
Fill small jars with three flavors: classic, peppermint and salted caramel. Label each one and line them up in a box.
12. The Grown-Up Cocoa Kit
For adults, add a small bottle of homemade holiday coffee syrup like gingerbread or peppermint and a good dark chocolate bar.
Hot Cocoa Gift Packaging Ideas
13. Hot Cocoa Gift Bags
Spoon single servings of mix into small clear bags, top with marshmallows and tie with ribbon. Fold a printed tag over the top and staple it closed.
14. Hot Cocoa Bomb Packaging
If you make or buy cocoa bombs, set each one in a cupcake liner inside a clear box so it does not crack, and add a tag that says “place in a mug and pour hot milk over the top.”
Hot Cocoa Gift Ideas by Recipient
| Recipient | Best gift | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Neighbors | Layered cocoa jar | Easy to make in a batch, looks homemade |
| Kids | Kids cocoa mug | Fun toppings, no caffeine |
| Teachers | Cocoa and cookies mug | Practical and cozy |
| Coworkers | Mini jar favors | Small, inexpensive and easy to give to a team |
| Families | Hot cocoa kit box | Everything for a cocoa night in one box |
| Coffee lovers | Mocha mix jar | Cocoa with an espresso kick |
For more gift ideas for the coffee drinkers on your list, see our stocking stuffers for coffee lovers and coworker Christmas gifts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you put in a hot cocoa gift?
Hot cocoa mix or packets, mini marshmallows, a stir stick such as a peppermint stick, and optional extras like cookies, chocolate or a mug.
How much hot cocoa mix goes in a jar?
A 16-ounce jar holds about 2 cups of mix, enough for around six servings at 1/3 cup each.
How long does homemade hot cocoa mix last?
Stored sealed in a cool, dry place, it is best used within a few months. Marshmallows can go stale sooner, so add them close to giving.
Is a hot cocoa gift good for kids?
Yes. Cocoa has no coffee, and kids love the toppings. Skip hard candy for young children.
Marcus Webb writes about home coffee for BrewElevate. He researches and compares brewing gear, beans and recipes so home brewers can make a better cup without overspending. His rule: if he wouldn’t be comfortable buying it himself, it doesn’t make the list.
