Creative No Waste Mishloach Manot Packaging Ideas

Looking for non-disposable no-waste Mishloach Manot packaging ideas? These fun solutions can be repurposed by the recipient and double as small gifts! If you want more, check out my big list of Mishloach Manot ideas. This post contains affiliate links.

I’ve shared some fun and easy Mishloach Manot ideas in the past, and even a huge list with over 101 Purim theme ideas.

But I never addressed my favorite way to do Mishloach: with no waste packages.

Now, let me be straight with you: I’m not overall a no-waste person. I generally recycle but I also use disposables, and even sometimes use cellophane on my Mishloach Manot.

But when I can find something affordable and nice, I do try to make my main container something reusable – both from the waste angle and the cost angle. And frankly, with many people receiving piles of food on Purim, I find that it’s nice to give a little more on the packaging and a bit less on the inside (though at least for the “main” mishloach to fulfill the MItzvah, you want to make sure you have 2 types of foods.)

Tips for finding no waste Mishloach Manot packaging

Anything with a lid can really be used for Mishloach. If it’s smaller, you can fit smaller, higher quality items. You may be looking for packaging for “sub-items” in your package and go for reusable for that. Some things can contain things enough that even if they’re not covered, you don’t need anything else.

Some of these things might need some supportive external packaging but they still minimize waste from single-use boxes, etc. Choose what works best for you – my job is to provide the inspo!

I’d like to point out at this point that sometimes it’s a luxury to be able to provide something like no-waste Mishloach Manot. I say this because I know that for many it’s a luxury to be able to be altruistic. I am trying to hunt down items on the more affordable end of the spectrum, but I would not want you to G-d forbid feel any less than amazing because these are pricey for you.

Everyone is in a different place, which is fine, and when we can accept that, we’ll get rid of a lot of the “keeping up with the Cohens” that plagues us. I’m providing a resource for those who can afford it to produce less waste and feature a little gift with their packages. I will, like I said, be mindful to try to keep prices low, but it won’t be for everything.

For many of us who can’t afford to gift these to all of our friends, it can also be a resource for DIY “gift” Mishloach Manot packages – the kind you give to in-laws, teachers, the boss, or anyone you plan to do something nicer for, without having to spend a fortune on a professionally assembled package.

There are two ways I categorize “no waste” – things that the recipient will likely reuse and things that I’ll use the extras of instead of getting stuck with it.

Both are great ways to think of waste on Purim. And while I can’t always work with the first option, I pretty much always try to gift something (the food AND the packaging) that I’ll use the leftovers of. I’m mindful of both those categories when listing no waste Mishloach Manot packaging ideas.

Note: gifting food in reusable items in some cases may subject your packaging to Hilchot Tevilah – consult with a Rabbi regarding this.

No Waste Mishloach Manot Packaging For kids

If you’re gifting to kids – whether it’s your own kids giving to their friends, gifts for students or family – these fun ideas are perfectly age-appropriate and adorable!

Water Bottles – My son once got a really sweet Mishloach packaged in a reusable water bottle. You have lots of variation in size and budget here so go with what best suits your needs.

Covered Tumblers – I got these cups from Target a few years ago as reusable “popcorn cups” for a birthday party – that doubled as a party favor. I customized ours with Lego heads on my Cricut but you can also just use it as-is. Target often has these for very cheap and if you get lids too, they are totally waste free. If you don’t find lids, you can simply pack it well and gift it open.

School Supplies boxes – These generally cost about a buck a pop if you shop well and are a fun, totally functional storage option that make for a great kid-friendly no waste Mishloach Manot packaging. If you get one with a flat surface, you can customize it for your theme too.

Pencil Pouches – I got these pencil pouches a few year ago for our kids’ Mishloach and it was really a big hit. I used the rest for organizing around the house, especially in my craft room. This was the easiest idea ever and the price was incredible. It was as easy as using a ziplock bag, and the zipper pull was the perfect spot to attach a tag.

Complete No Waste Mishloach Manot Packaging For adults

As I mentioned, some items need some support from disposables and some don’t. These no waste Mishloach Manot packaging ideas are those that DON’T need support. Many of these can be gifted high or low – depending if you’re just looking for a practical and affordable packaging solution, or if you’re looking for an actual beautiful gift.

Tote bags – If you’re gifting larger items, a tote bag is a fun and quirky way to package it. Go on-theme or plain. Quality does matter here, so definitely consider upgrading this to make it more likely to be reused and enjoyed.

Jars, jars, jars – While the Mishloach in a Mason Jar era may have passed, jars are still fabulous – and there are so many different types! I got some sweet overnight oats and yogurt jars to turn into etched glass honey dishes for Rosh Hashanah and I think they make perfect packaging options. Any food storage jar can work.

Decorative Canisters – if you’re making a really nice package, you can go for those counter-top canisters that people use to store dry food products. This is a higher-end product that is ideal when giving a gift-type Mishloach Manot.

Grown-up pencil boxes – I get these containers from Michaels and Dollar Tree for organizing around the house all the time, and I think they’re perfect for Mishloach, especially if filling it with smaller items – like mini liquors, nuts, etc. This is also highly personalizable to fit a theme and so versatile for use around the house. Note: this is something where quality does matter, and the Michaels one is definitely stronger. If you’re buying a few in-store it might not be worth it, but if you need it in bulk, Michael’s Bulk pack might come out cheaper than buying Dollar Tree online due to shipping and processing costs.

Pouches – Simple blank canvas pouches are quite cheap and come in virtually any size. Keeping it classy with neutral colors like off white or black allows a cheap item to still feel nice. And they make fabulous cosmetic or art supply pouches. You can also upgrade this, of course. You can also upgrade this for a more gift-y package.

Coffee Cups – My friend introduced me to these reusable cups from Dollar Tree and they’re my go-to all year. They make fabulous no waste Mishloach Manot packaging for those who are on a budget, especially when on-theme. You can fit a breakfast bar or muffin, and single serve coffee fixings inside.

Of course, you can also use ceramic mugs or higher end travel mugs.

Tumblers – On the same note, grown-up water bottles are also a pretty cool choice! It doesn’t need to be a Stanley to be super cool and functional (though if you’re looking for an upscale gift Mishloach Manot that is a cool idea too.)

Cleaning bottles, soap dispensers – hear me out! Obviously you’re gifting these before you fill them. But they can be a gorgeous, giftable item! The one pictured was purchased at Target for $3 (Bullseye Playground – in stores only, get similar soap dispensers at Amazon)!! It makes sense if it fits a theme dressing up as “vash-ti”?, or if you’re looking for a gift that can be theoretically filled with food but the focus is on the gift. In that case, get a set with a tray.

Oven-to-tableware – If you’re making a homemade cake or kugel, you can bake it right in the reusable. Or just use it to package your Mishloach. Some of them come with lids too.

Vases – They come in a huge variety of shapes, sizes and budgets and can be so much fun to use! You can fill the base with layered candy sand-art style and add a fake flower to the top. Or just use it as a container. Because of the tall shape, you don’t need to use external packaging if you don’t want to.

Pay close attention to size when buying these online.

Less Waste Mishloach Manot Packaging that need some additional wrapping

There are so many ways to package Mishloach Manot while incorporating a reusable gift item, even if it’s not fully contained. This is a better option than standard wooden or cardboard generic “holders” that are often sold, and sometimes similar in cost.

Cutting or charcuterie boards – whether you’re doing something like a cheese board or not, wood boards make fabulous base surfaces. The one pictured is one I personally laser engraved with my artwork but the base was a few bucks and looks gorgeous. I use it as a trivet for hot dishes.

Ceramic bowls – Dollar Tree often has nice, deep ceramic soup bowls – the one pictured was bought for a few bucks and spotted later at Dollar Tree. It fits a decent amount inside and can be used instead of a basket. I’ve used this years ago (I’m talking newlywed days) when making sesame noodle type items for Mishloach. I stacked it with an Arizona iced tea. It definitely needs supportive packaging but to me it was nicer than using a tossaway container.

Candy and/or dip dishes – I’ve used cheap glass prep bowls from Dollar Tree as a packaging base in the past, both as mini fruit bowls (don’t recommend this) and candy bowls (a really fun theme). I used the extras as dip dishes for years. You can also try to find more exciting glass bowls. Or, for a nicer gift, you can fill a trio of dip dishes on a base (something I’ve done for teachers).

Ceramic trays – This is along the same lines as a board – they make a versatile gift and work as a reusable rigid surface for different items.

Got any no waste mishloach manot ideas to add to the list? Comment below!