9 Creative Themed Mishloach Manot Ideas

Preparing mishloach manot can be a truly creative, hands on experience. With a bit of thought and planning, you can move beyond predictable, forgettable packages and create something that genuinely delights the people who receive it.

Instead of standard assortments, themed mishloach manot turn the mitzvah into an experience. Each theme below includes suggested food items along with a reusable base for packaging that doubles as a gift. When a perfect reusable base is not practical, we also suggest small items that fit naturally into the package and add charm and value.

Italian Theme

Suggested base: Stainless steel pasta strainer, preferably red

Contents may include:
A package of pasta
A bottle of olive oil
A jar of marinara sauce
A jar of pesto
Two fresh red tomatoes and a red bell pepper
A bottle of wine
Italian cheeses such as mozzarella, ricotta, or Parmesan
An oversized wooden spoon and fork
A red and white checkered kitchen towel

Beer and Snacks Theme

Suggested base: Popcorn bowl

Contents may include:
Two bottles of beer
Two beer glasses
Assorted nuts and snack mixes
Nacho chips, store bought or homemade
Salsa dip
A small jar of olives

Cake Theme

Suggested base: Cake pan

Contents may include:
A cake
A bottle of chocolate milk
A box of chocolates or assorted sweets
Oven mitts

Soup Theme

Suggested base: Wicker basket

Contents may include:
Two soup bowls
Instant soup packets
Soup noodles
Soup croutons
Two rolls
A large wooden spoon
A colorful kitchen towel

Well Wishes Theme

Suggested base: Wooden crate

Contents may include:
A glass jar labeled “Livelihood” filled with chocolate coins
A glass jar labeled “Health” filled with health bars
A glass jar labeled “Calm” with a soothing snack inside
A glass jar labeled “Love” filled with chocolates or heart shaped candies
A glass jar labeled “Luck” filled with fish shaped crackers

Coffee Theme

Suggested base: Wicker basket

Contents may include:
Coffee or ground beans
A mug
Coasters
Cake or cookies
A box of chocolates or assorted sweets
Sugar cubes
Milk or coffee creamer

Ice Cream Theme

Suggested base: Wicker basket

Contents may include:
Three ice cream cups
A tub of ice cream
Ice cream cones
Whipped cream
Chocolate syrup
Sprinkles
Marshmallows
An ice cream scoop

Good Luck Theme

Suggested base: Tray or bowl

Contents may include:
Homemade fortune cookies with personal notes
A glass jar labeled “Luck” filled with fish shaped crackers
A key shaped challah
A hamsa keychain

Rustic Theme

Suggested base: Wicker basket

Contents may include:
Rustic bread
An assortment of specialty cheeses
A glass jar of olives
Assorted spreads such as pesto, sun dried tomatoes, or jam
A white and red checkered kitchen towel

A Final Halachic Reminder

Mishloach manot must include two different items that are ready to eat. A sealed package of dry pasta, for example, does not meet this requirement on its own. Be sure to include prepared foods such as bread, cake, muffins, ready to eat canned items, or similar foods to fulfill the mitzvah properly.

With a bit of creativity and intention, mishloach manot can be meaningful, practical, and a true joy to give and receive.