Blog

Nov 08, 2024

The 34 Best Food Gifts for Every Kind of Gourmand | The Strategist

When in doubt, I gift food. It’s a pretty much foolproof tactic because there’s something out there for everyone, whether they’re an accomplished home cook who will appreciate a niche condiment or an

When in doubt, I gift food. It’s a pretty much foolproof tactic because there’s something out there for everyone, whether they’re an accomplished home cook who will appreciate a niche condiment or an avid eater who has the local pizza joint on speed dial. There’s also an appropriate pick for every occasion: inexpensive stocking stuffers like a chunky garlic chile crisp several experts say they drizzle on everything, thoughtful host offerings for all those parties you’re about to attend (it’s not a competition, but they might very well be happier to receive fancy maple syrup than yet another bottle of wine), and all-out showstoppers like an indulgent tasting set of caviar.

To round up the very best edible gifts, I’ve dug deep into our archives to pull the most special and delicious items we’ve written about over the years, scoured the internet for some of our favorite brands’ holiday-specific offerings, and added some of my own favorite treats to the list too. And if you’re interested in more specific food guides — like gifts for cheese lovers, spice lovers, coffee drinkers, and tea drinkers — we’ve got you covered there, too.

This giant bucket of Maldon, at once industrial and fun, is a joy of a gift to open. It will probably make them laugh — and then they won’t run out of the very best crunchy, flaky finishing salt for at least a year (maybe two).

Any real chile-crisp enthusiast probably already has a bottle of Fly by Jing’s tingly, deeply savory version, but more is more — and they’ll still be so excited to expand their collection with four other (very good) spicy ingredients from the brand. This box includes the original for when they run out plus a chile oil for finishing dishes, a vinaigrette for easy salads, an umami-rich dumpling sauce, and a super-versatile spice mix.

I first spotted Mama Teav’s in Carla Lalli Music’s kitchen, and since then, two other pro cooks have told me how much they love this version of chile crisp. It’s not insanely spicy (it leans more on the garlic than the chile), so they can drizzle it on everything, and the crunch-to-oil ratio is perfect.

This curated gift box from Brooklyn’s Big Night counts as edible thanks to the olives — and is the perfect curation of goodies for the martini drinker. They’ll enjoy using the olive picks and olive-embroidered cocktail napkins for years to come.

We’ve recommended this preserved-lemon paste, a favorite of chef and writer Lauren Joseph’s, for home cooks and professional food people alike because it adds instant punch to any dish. A little goes a long way stirred into dressings, marinades, salsa verde, dips, and even drinks.

Strategist senior writer Liza Corsillo recently tried this soba-making collection and highly recommends it. It includes buckwheat noodles, dashi sachets, dipping-sauce cups, a small gold grater for ginger and wasabi, and a recipe card for broth — all in all, a lot of bang for your buck. You can also pay a bit extra to have it wrapped in a furoshiki, a traditional, reusable Japanese wrapping cloth.

If their favorite winter activity is cozying up with an at-home movie, they’ll surely appreciate this fancy box of popcorn kernels from BjornQorn that tastes nuttier and fresher than your average microwave bag. Bonus points if you gift it alongside the popper and cheddar-cheese seasoning.

Strategist writer Dominique Pariso is among a couple of Strategist staffers who love BonBon’s naturally colored candies imported from Sweden. She says the company’s mixed bags make a perfect gift for adults who never grew out of their sweet tooth but want something a bit nicer than your standard box of citric-acid-coated sweets.

Matiz Piparra pickled peppers aren’t exactly cheap, which makes them the perfect little indulgence to give. Your recipient can snack on them plain, chop them up to sprinkle on salads or sandwiches, or set them out on a dazzling snack tray at their next dinner party.

This beautiful gift box is a bit of a cheat (it features bath products along with olive oil and honey for the kitchen) — but enough is edible that I decided to include it. All the goods come from the Flamingo Estate property and feel truly luxe.

Heilala vanilla paste is a small luxury to have around, even if they already stock premium extract. It includes actual pods, so the consistency is thicker (a little goes a long way), and it imparts a deeper, stronger flavor into baked goods than pure liquid.

Even if you think espresso martinis are a bit last year, your recipient can use this to make their favorite drink at home without having to worry about pulling an actual shot. Cheeky sources beans from Brooklyn’s Café Integral and bottles a well-balanced, just-slightly-sweet mixer that, when shaken with vodka and ice, produces a drink as well balanced and smooth as any bartender could make.

If they’re a collector of spirits, mixers, and bitters, they’ll love having these amaro-soaked cherries on their bar cart to finish off cocktails in an unexpected and sophisticated way. Instead of preserving them in sugar (which can make them cloyingly sweet), St. Agrestis uses the digestif to give them a smoky, bitter, boozy flavor.

Even when I’m not hosting, I’m often put on salad-dressing duty — and I know that nothing makes a noteworthy one like high-quality vinegar. No shade to Bragg’s (really), but this ACV will turn your recipient into a devotee because the sweet and tart notes are perfectly balanced and it tastes like real, juicy apples.

Brightland’s Pizza Oil, infused with raw jalapeños, garlic, oregano, and basil, is a fun way to dress up any pie — especially one that has turned lackluster in the trek from shop to door. It has a slightly spicy, distinctly herbal richness, and they’ll thank you every time they dunk their crust instead of leaving it behind (boo, hiss).

Helena Barquet and Fabiana Faria, owners of New York City’s ultracool design shop Coming Soon, say these in-shell peanuts make a super-fun gift because they actually taste like really good peanut butter. We think it’d be especially nice to give to a holiday-party host as an alternative to a bottle of wine.

This is a real showstopper — an actual edible basket filled with bite-size truffles, buttery caramels, and chocolate fruits from California.

Dandelion makes chocolate worth gifting across the board — but I’m especially enamored with this very pretty box of hot-chocolate mixes. It includes its classic, a slightly spicy variety, and one flavored with hojicha.

Imagine their delight at receiving Brooklyn institution Four & Twenty’s whole Salty Honey pie at their door — no matter where in the country they live. It’s the signature flavor from the shop, beloved for its “wonderfully gooey, sweet, luscious, and just-rightly-intense custard,” Eater Austin editor Nadia Chaudhury says.

If they like to bake their own goods, this package of high-quality (and somewhat unexpected) spices would make a lovely present. The cardamom and cinnamon are regular staples in my own cabinet, and they make all the difference between lackluster sweets and truly stellar ones.

Another A-plus delivery idea from another esteemed New York establishment, this collection of French cheeses (with plenty of accoutrements) can be set out in full at their next dinner party or stocked in the fridge for personal snacking.

Fishwife’s holiday gift bundles are looking better than ever, shipped in a large tin created in collaboration with New Jersey–based illustrator Adrianne Paerels. You can choose from four different packages (this one features three of its smoked fishes), each of which comes with branded toothpicks and a limited-edition sticker.

If they top their pancakes and waffles with an average grocery-store squeeze bottle, they’ll be blown away by this one — especially if you opt for the giant size. It’d be great to have around during the holidays, too, for big breakfasts with houseguests.

Another idea for the person you know is putting up family and friends this season is this tote bag from King Arthur, full of some of the company’s signature baking mixes. They can whip up cinnamon buns, panettone, almond-filled sweet bread, and Stollen bread.

This is another recommendation from Corsillo, who received it as a gift after her baby was born — and loved it so much she bought more to gift to a friend shortly thereafter. She says all the granola varieties are delicious, but the turmeric is a standout: “A little bit spicy and warming, so a perfect thing to eat in the winter.”

Cookies are a no-fail gift, especially when they’re as gorgeous and delicious as the shortbread from baker Laurie Ellen (formerly of San Francisco’s famed Tartine). Bonus: She sources ingredients from some of our favorite companies, including Burlap & Barrel, Heilala Vanilla, and Murray’s Cheese (all of which make an appearance on this list).

This subscription includes four shipments of six different pastas each — so they’ll never be without a box on hand. Sfoglini’s shapes are more fun than anything at the grocery store, making even a dashed-together weeknight dish feel special.

This collection from Bellocq will have them set as the weather turns chilly. It comes with a toasty breakfast blend, a citrusy mint flavor, a white studded with cedar and black currant, a floral black flavor, and a green variety with notes of passion fruit and rose. It includes 25 tea bags, too, plus the option to gift wrap for an additional $10.

Driftaway sources delicious beans from around the world (I’m making my way through a bag at this very moment), but this isn’t an ordinary coffee delivery. It comes with three types, each paired with a chocolate bar from Raaka (and information cards with tasting notes), so they can compare and enjoy them together.

Caviar is a real indulgence — the kind of thing they’re unlikely to splurge on themselves. Pearl Street comes recommended by event planner and expert host Lilli Sherman, who likes to put out these multiple tins at a party so everyone can taste different kinds, but we won’t judge if they keep them all to themself.

Just like with the Maldon bucket and Siesta Co. anchovies, it’s simply fun to give a giant version of something delicious, and these salty, crunchy, toasty chips from Spain certainly fit the bill. They’re a statement set out at parties (we’ve spotted them at swanky events all around the city) or a post-soirée snack to last the social season.

If they’re a fancy host, this clever spice-blend collaboration between Spicewalla and Island Creek Oysters makes mignonette a whole lot easier: They just have to stir with some Champagne vinegar and serve. It’s also great for whisking into dips and dressings.

This stir-fry sauce from Los Angeles’s popular pop-up turned restaurant Woon is just the thing for turning out delicious food with ease (the restaurant uses this exact one in both its beef and veggie noodles).

Every winter, my mom sends me a delivery of vibrant, juicy citrus straight from sunny California — and it’s the absolute best thing to get in the mail. The box, stuffed to the brim with Meyer lemons, cures any winter blues I’m feeling (and the farm also has limes, limequats, kumquats, Ojai Pixies, blood oranges, mandarins, yuzu, and more on offer).

By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us.

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.