The best gifts to buy for foodies
The definitive guide to the best gifts for foodies. Find inspiration for all occasions plus some new favourites, from home kits, gadgets and homeware, to edible and alcoholic presents
Looking for a food- or drink-inspired gift? Look no further. We've compiled some of the very best presents for the budding chefs, passionate foodies and kitchen gadget lovers in your life. For a dose of gift magic, why not treat others or yourself to homeware too, from kitchen accessories and cookware, to unique handmade tableware.
From gourmet food gifts that tickle the tastebuds, to your favourite food lover's top tipple, there are plenty of gifts to choose from, so treat those you love or even yourself – why not brighten up your own kitchen cupboards? There are indulgent sweet treats, DIY kitchen project kits, useful gadgets, gorgeous homeware ideas, and so much more.
Give the gift of festive cheer with Fortnum & Mason Christmas hampers
Whether it’s for your Christmas host or the foodie in your life, a Fortnum’s hamper makes a special gift. There’s a festive hamper to suit your every need, filled with goodies ranging from savoury or sweet treats to bubbles and Christmas classics.
Browse the list for gift inspiration and then check out our guides for much more, including the best budget gifts under £15, best Christmas hampers, letterbox gifts, baking gifts or Thanksgiving gifts. You can also check out coffee table books on our sister brand olive magazine.
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Best food gifts
Positive pickle and potato
- Available from Etsy (from £9.61)
Made from wool, these supportive little vegetables would make a great desk buddy or suitcase companion with their words of encouragement. It's the perfect novelty gift for inspiring some levity, with plaques that can be personalised for your loved ones. We like the positive pickle and potato, but there's a vegetable aisle's worth to choose from, including broccoli, sweetcorn and more.
Available from:
Kelly Loves complete sushi kit
- Available from Kelly Loves (£14.99)
If you’re after a gift for a total sushi-lover, this kit from Kelly Loves contains almost everything you need to make sushi from scratch. Sushi rice, nori and rice vinegar are included, as well as spicy mayo and oh so moreish crispy onions. This kit also comes with an essential sushi mat. Just add your own fish, meat or veggies.
Available from:
Imp and Maker Italian Food Lovers hamper
- Available from Imp and Maker (£59)
Full to the brim with Italian essentials, this hamper from Imp and Maker makes the perfect gift for the person in your life who is obsessed with all things Italy. There’s everything you’d need to accompany an afternoon aperitivo, from cured meats and cheese, to Perello olives and cannoli. Plus, almost everything you need to make a punchy arrabbiata with spaghetti. Mangia bene!
Available from:
Fortnum & Mason afternoon tea for two
- Available from Virgin Experience Days (£140)
Enjoyed by our friends at olive, this afternoon tea is something special. Head to Fortnum & Mason for an elegant afternoon tea in a salon opened by HM The Queen, featuring luxurious finger sandwiches, warm scones with velvety lemon curd, and seasonal patisseries. Enjoy a variety of teas including the famous smoky Earl Grey and champagne highlights like a light Brut rosé and Fortnum’s Brut sparkling from Cornwall.
Available from:
Tokyo Treat Japanese snack box
- Available from Toyko Treat (from $37.50)
If the person you’re gifting is a fan of Japanese snacks widely available in the UK (think Pocky, mochi, Hello Panda) then these boxes offer a diverse tasting experience, ranging from traditional sweets to modern and popular snacks and drinks, meaning they’re sure to try something new.
The Tokyo Treat Box focuses on trendy snacks from Japan and aims to regularly include exclusive items and limited-edition flavours. Standouts from our month’s box included cookies and cream KitKat, Okinawan sea salt doughnut, and shikuwasa soda (Japanese citrus that tastes like a cross between lime and orange).
Available from:
Sakuraco Japanese artisan snack box
- Available from Sakuraco (from $37.50)
The Sakuraco box emphasises traditional Japanese snacks, teas and homeware. Each box often highlights a different region of Japan, allowing you to taste some local delicacies and specialities. Our month’s box focussed on the region of Tohuku, Japan’s leaders in rice production. We particularly enjoyed the peach konjac jelly and the iburi gakko arare (smoky fried pickled radish and glutinous rice bites) from our box.
Available to buy on their own, or to subscribe for three, six or 12 months. Both the Sakuraco and Tokyo Treat boxes (above) include a detailed booklet that tells you about each of the snacks, plus lots of information on the region that inspired the box.
Available from:
Whittard of Chelsea The Tea Discovery collection
- Available from Whittard of Chelsea (£30)
Encased in a lovely presentation box, this discovery collection makes the ideal gift for your favourite tea-drinker. There are eight different teas to discover, from familiar favourites like English breakfast and Marrakech mint to new discoveries like mango and bergamot and English rose.
Yiayia and Friends olive oil
- Available from Fenwicks (£35), Selfridges (£35.99), Harvey Nichols (£37)
Beautifully designed bottles encase equally beautiful tasting fresh and flavourful Greek olive oil. Whether you’re opting for the original extra virgin olive oil option or one of Yiayia’s infused offerings (choose from lemon, basil, chilli, truffle and garlic), these lovingly produced oils are sure to make the perfect gift.
Available from:
- Extra virgin olive oil
Fenwick (£35), Selfridges (£35.99), Harvey Nichols (£37)
- Olive oil gift set
Harvey Nichols (£48), Selfridges (£48.99)
- Flavoured olive oils
Fenwick (£22), Selfridges (£22.99), Harvey Nichols (£25)
Cutter and Squidge classic chocolate mini brownie box
- Available from Cutter and Squidge (£17.99)
Who is ever going to say no to a box of brownies? Choose from a gift box of 12 or 24, and receive pre-cut, fudgy, ganache-topped brownies delivered straight through the door.
Available from:
Maldon Salt Pinch tin set
- Available from Amazon (£5.47)
A cute little token gift, these pocket-sized pinch tins are ideal for travel, picnics or even just popping in your lunchbox for extra seasoning at the office. Don’t forget to buy some salt for these as they do arrive empty.
BomBom Trio
- Available from BomBom (£22)
This set includes three must-have jars to get to know Korean cooking. Sweet and spicy gochujang: a rich and versatile paste used in bibimbap, Korean fried chicken and much more, ssamjang is earthy and nutty, it makes the perfect dip or use it to marinade meat, and finally, this zingy kimchi mayo is sour and creamy, and pairs brilliantly with seafood or is lovely just as a dip for chips.
Available from:
Melt Chocolate Book of Nuts
- Available from Melt (£119.99)
Chocolate-lovers are sure to love this gift from Melt. Housed inside the large cardboard book are eight full-sized chocolate bars filled with different praline pastes. There are traditional and well-loved nut and chocolate combinations like hazelnut and pistachio, as well as more unusual offerings like kola nut and macadamia. The outer cover of the book features a beautiful botanical drawing and the cardboard packaging for each chocolate bar also has a botanical illustration of the nut inside the chocolate. A truly special gift.
If you're after a smaller token gift that's sure to excite, Melt's milk chocolate-covered almonds are a gorgeous gift. (Also available: milk chocolate-covered hazelnuts and dark chocolate-covered macadamias).
Available from:
Book of Nuts: Melt (£119.99)
Milk chocolate covered almonds: Melt (£25.99)
HydroHerb
- Available from HydroHerb (£60)
If you're buying a gift for someone green-thumbed, this herb kit from HydroHerb is a fabulous choice. Pick your choice of three herbs, there are 12 to choose from, and receive three, full-sized kits. Eco-friendly in design, the HydroHerb kit is crafted from a recycled wine bottle and has hand-smoothed edges for safety. Perfect for those short on space, this easy-to-maintain kit ensures fresh herbs for up to two years with organic hydroponic fluid plus spare parts for maintenance.
Available from:
Isle of Wight tomatoes
- Available from Isle of Wight tomatoes (from £13)
A rogue choice perhaps, but no true foodie would turn down a box of fresh heritage tomatoes. With this box you can discover new tomato varieties and explore flavours and textures. Whether eaten alone and simply dressed or used in favourite recipes, this box is sure to delight. Why not add some extra virgin olive oil and balsamic in, too?
Available from:
Isle of Wight tomatoes (from £13)
The Real Cure British charcuterie signature hamper
- Available from Not on The High Street (£45)
Celebrate artisan British produce with a hamper packed with salamis, coppa and venison pepperoni. The spicy Dorset chorizo is our favourite.
Available from:
Not on The High Street (£45)
Fitzbillies Chelsea bun subscription
- Available from Fitzbillies (from £18 a month)
Cambridge-based bakery Fitzbillies has been making these iconic buns since 1920 and this subscription sees six buns delivered to the lucky recipient's door each month.
Available from:
Fitzbillies (from £18 a month)
Single Variety Co. passion fruit preserve
- Available from Single Variety (£6)
Bring some sunshine to breakfast with jar of this tropical jam, made for spooning generously on yogurt or porridge.
Available from:
Single Variety (£6.25)
Spice Pots Curry Night kit
- Available from Not on the High Street (£19.95)
Spice Pots have made curry night simple with four clever dried spice blends (korma, bhuna, tandoori masala and Goan) plus recipes to make you a curry pro in no time.
Available from:
Not on the High Street (£19.95)
Cheeky Nibble cherry bakewell granola (460g)
- Available from Cheeky Nibble (£5.99), Not on the High Street (£6.50)
Inspired by the classic pud, this vegan granola has extra chunky flapjack-style oat clusters, sweet dried cherries and a dusting of tart cherry powder for a very indulgent breakfast or snackable afternoon treat. A perfect gift for that person for whom breakfast is an unmissable event.
Available from:
Cheeky Nibble (£5.99)
Not on the High Street (£6.50)
Paxton & Whitfield The Green Cheese Champion collection
- Available from Paxton & Whitfield (£50)
If you're looking for an eco-friendly gift, this collection of cheese is an absolute treat. Each product has been chosen for its sustainable values, so you can feel good eating it, too. Inside are three artisan British cheeses from farmers committed to sustainable methods, plus crackers, chocolate and foraged quince preserve. Use them to build a cheeseboard you can be proud of.
Available from:
Paxton & Whitfield (£50)
Eaten Alive gut health booster pack
- Available from Eaten Alive (£16.99)
For a health-conscious gift, this trio from Eaten Alive will stock the cupboard with gut-healthy treats. A selection of fermented classics – add the kimchi to burgers and the pink sauerkraut to salads, and drizzle the sriracha over just about anything.
Available from:
Eaten Alive (£16.99)
Coastal foraging experience gift vouchers
- Available from Coastal Foraging (from £85)
Shoreline foraging is an activity that can be enjoyed throughout the year, and Britain’s only coastal National Park in South West Wales is the perfect place to do it. On a day out with eminent forager Craig Evans, you’ll discover different plants, seaweeds and shellfish, which he culminates into shoreline supper of your day’s findings.
Vouchers are £80 for a classic day, or £120 for an extreme low-tide day when a wider variety of shellfish is exposed, and children under 16 can be brought along for free.
Available from:
Coastal Foraging (from £85)
Best drink gifts
OMGTea Gift Set with AAA+ organic matcha
- Available from OMGTea (£50.95)
This bold and vibrantly coloured matcha is the highest quality you can get. This set contains everything you need to either get started with matcha or is an upgrade for aficionados. The tea is smooth and sweet, with earthy and herbal notes too.
For more information on matcha, our friends at olive magazine have reviewed the best matcha teas.
Available from:
Kyrö dairy cream liqueur
- Available from Master of Malt (£21.95), Waitrose (£20), The Whisky Exchange (£22.25)
Made in Finland using local milk, cream and rye whiskey, this is perfect for after-dinner sipping and makes a modern alternative to Irish cream. It's produced using 99 per cent renewable energy, so it has sustainable credentials, too.
Available from:
Master of Malt (£21.95)
Waitrose (£20)
The Whisky Exchange (£22.25)
Mijenta reposado tequila
Newly B-corp certified, this extra special artisan tequila is carbon-neutral, made in small batches and aged for six months for a complex final spirit. Read our round-up of the best tequilas to buy for more top-quality options.
Coachbuilt whisky
Blended from all five whisky-producing whisky regions of Scotland, this new whisky is fruity with subtle spice on the nose, with a long toffee and smoke finish.
That Boutique-y Gin Company gin fridge tin
- Available from Master of Malt (£31.95)
From roasted pineapple to Australian-inspired finger lime, this tin is packed with eight mini unusually flavoured bottles for gin fans.
Available from:
Master of Malt (£31.95)
Avallen calvados
- Available from Amazon (£34.99), Ocado (£37), The Whisky Exchange (£37.95)
Every bottle of this floral, fruity calvados removes 2.73kg of CO2 from the atmosphere (as the apple trees absorb it), for a sustainable, quality spirit choice.
Available from:
Amazon (£34.99)
Ocado (£37)
The Whisky Exchange (£37.95)
Black Lines passion fruit martini
- Available from Black Lines (£22)
Serving up a classic cocktail just got easy with this sunny bottled blend of vodka, pineapple, lime and vanilla made in north London. It is vanilla-heavy, perfect for a drinker with a sweet tooth.
Available from:
Black Lines (£22)
Old Spike Benedict Blend coffee
- Available from Old Spike (£8)
Here’s a great gift for a coffee lover, and 65% of profits from this east London-based roastery directly support the homeless.
Available from:
Old Spike (£8)
Best gadget and kit gifts
Cosori TurboBlaze air-fryer
- Available from Amazon (£109.99)
The new Cosori TurboBlaze air-fryer boasts a high-speed motor and innovative air-duct solution, making it up to 46 per cent faster than the brand's other model, the Cosori Pro. With a wide touchscreen, five fan speeds, and temperatures up to 230C, it's versatile, user-friendly, and relatively quiet despite its chunky appearance.
For more air-fryer reviews, take a look at the best air-fryers.
Our Place Mini Always Pan and Mini Perfect Pot
- Available from Our Place, Mini Always Pan (£85), Mini Perfect Pot (£90)
Following on from their ever popular Always collection and the Instagram-famous Always Pan, Our Place have launched the multifunctional Mini Pot and Mini Pan for cooking smaller quantities, reheating leftovers and simmering sauces. They have a non-stick, non-toxic coating and are compatible with all hob types.
Available from:
Our Place, Mini Always Pan (£85), Mini Perfect Pot (£90)
Crockpot Turbo Express 5.6l multi pressure cooker
- Available from Amazon (£118.96)
Awarded ‘best overall multicooker’ by our reviews experts in testing, this all-in-one gadget has an impressive 14 functions, from slow and pressure cooking to sauté, steam and more.
Available from:
Amazon (£118.96)
Bread shaped bread board
- Available from Fy! (£21)
A classic oak chopping board in a fun shape that’s perfectly designed for slicing up doorstop sandwiches.
Available from:
Fy! (£21)
Kuhn Rikon Black Star iron skillet pan
- Available from Kuhn Rikon (£159.95)
Chosen as our ‘best lightweight skillet pan’ in testing, this innovative spun iron skillet can go straight from hob to oven. A versatile investment built to last.
Available from:
Kuhn Rikon (£159.95)
Cuisinart ice cream and gelato professional ICE100
Earning a five-star rating from our reviews team, this is the ultimate gift for ice cream fans, producing silky smooth gelato, ice cream and sorbet at the push of a button. Read more in our test of the best ice cream makers review.
Available from:
John Lewis (£298)
Currys (£300)
Smeg non-stick frying pan
Choose between red, cream or black finishes on this non-stick frying pan, available in three sizes and ovenproof for versatility.
Best home and kitchen gifts
Platter De La Mer Oyster plate
- Available from Not Another Bill (£52)
Adorned with hand-painted mussels, oysters and lemons, this gorgeous oval-shaped platter makes the perfect serving dish for use at dinner parties or al fresco dining.
Available from:
Tresillo ombre mini cafetiere and mug set
- Available from Oliver Bonas (£45)
A gorgeous cafetiere and mug set that features an ombre design reminiscent of a sunset, this gift offers a joyful pop of colour to any kitchen. A perfect gift for coffee lovers.
Available from:
Croissant and bacon-embroidered napkins
- Available from Not Another Bill (£30)
These twee napkins embroidered with little croissant and bacon motifs add a little character and a pop of colour to any table. Made from 100 per cent linen, these look and feel special.
Available from:
Mori green ceramic oil bottle
- Available from Oliver Bonas (£29.50)
Hand-glazed in Portugal, each bottle is totally unique and is sure to be a stand out piece in any kitchen. It comes with a cork and metal dispenser to fit into the top, allowing you to drizzle the perfect amount of oil when finishing dishes.
Available from:
Le Creuset Stoneware Camembert baker
Serve up a melting Camembert in style with this glossy stoneware dish that gives perfectly gooey cheese every time.
So’home speckled cake stand
- Available from La Redoute (£24.50)
Chic monochrome speckles won’t steal the limelight from the cake or tart a keen baker chooses to display on this simple cake stand.
Available from:
La Redoute (£24.50)
More gift inspiration...
Best sweet subscriptions and deliveries
Best letterbox-friendly gifts by post
Best gluten-free hampers to buy
Best chocolate hampers to give
Best cheese gifts
30 best gifts for coffee lovers
Best gifts for bakers
Best letterbox gifts
Best gifts for coffee lovers
Best gins to give as gifts
Best advent calendars
Best jelly moulds
If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability, please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.