Nobody wants to give a gift that wastes away, never gets used, sits in storage for years, or is immediately donated or regifted. Sometimes, the best gifts aren’t things that sit on a shelf or hang in a closet, but something that’s meant to be enjoyed immediately — or better yet, consumed. Whose eyes don’t light up at the sight of holiday cookies?
But sweets aren’t the only edible treasure worth wrapping up. With the help of our Good Taste newsletter editor, we’ve compiled the ultimate cheat sheet for gifting the foodies in your life. But your giftees don’t have to be seasoned chefs to enjoy these amazing products. If anything, these presents might go over best with the loved one who refuses to treat themselves to high-quality tea, organic honey, or flavorful olive oil in the name of saving a few bucks.
While shopping locally and small is our preferred way to do things, buying something online can be quicker and more convenient, especially if you’re sending it to another state. Read on for the grub (and food-related accessories) worth gifting.
For more gift ideas, visit our complete 2025 Holiday Gift Guide.
The Best Food Gifts for the Holidays
Quince European Linen Fringe Napkins (Set of 12)
Quince
Cloth napkins are an aesthetically pleasing and eco-friendly gift with thoroughly practical applications. This set sold by one of our favorite retailers is a standout: Reviewers say they’re thick, high-quality, and gorgeous, making them an easy pick for the host with the most or the eco-conscious chef.
Jade Leaf Organic Hojicha Powder
Jade Leaf
By now, you’ve heard of matcha powder, but allow us to introduce you (and your recipient) to the next big thing in it beverages: Hojicha lattes. It’s a roasted Japanese green tea that has a mild, nutty taste, and it’s a treat in the form of a subtly flavored, yet seriously delicious, sip.
The Favorite Royal Riviera Pears
Harry & David
“These delicious pears never disappoint,” Katie says. “I love them, and they’re such a wonderful, healthy snack. I often send them to my extended family — and so far, no complaints!” We wouldn’t gripe either — these pears are big and juicy, with a luscious, buttery texture. A box comes with about five pounds of pears, so there will be plenty to go around.
Yiayia and Friends Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Chili Pepper
Yiayia and Friends
During the cold winter months, sometimes the best gift is one that can turn up the heat. This supremely giftable, Greek-made, extra virgin olive oil from Yiayia and Friends is infused with zesty chili peppers that add a warming kick to anything it’s drizzled on. Your giftee is guaranteed to feel like a pro chef when they add this to a salad, soup, baked pasta, or hunk of bread.
Staub Enameled Cast Iron Pine Tree Braiser
Williams and Sonoma
Got someone in your life who goes wild for picture-perfect holiday meals? We picked this gorgeous seasonal braiser because it’s elegantly festive and made of ultra-durable cast iron that will last for years.
Brightland’s The Essential Capsule
Brightland
Readers of last year’s gift guide know that we can’t recommend Brightland’s signature oils and vinegars enough (Katie is even known to gift these sets to loved ones). This year, we’re giving our drizzle- and dash-obsessed friends The Essential Capsule, which contains two extra virgin olive oils and two zingy, fruit-infused vinegars.
Caroline’s Cakes 7-Layer Caramel Cake
Caroline’s Cakes
Did you know that you can give the gift of a decadent Southern dessert without an oven — or any baking skills? This classic seven-layer caramel cake was Katie’s dad’s favorite, so Katie herself can vouch for the tender crumb and melt-in-your-mouth icing.
Snake River Farms Wagyu Ribeye
Snake River Farms
Meat lovers, prepare to salivate. This cut of American Wagyu filet mignon has a distinctive buttery aroma and texture that’s unlike anything your grill-master has ever tasted. It’s naturally tender, and will melt in their mouth. Yes, it’s pricey, but it’s also an experience they’d likely never buy for themselves.
GIR Ultimate Tool Set
GIR
Any home cook will love and appreciate a refresh to their most used kitchen tools. We like this 5-piece set from Gir because the silicone material makes scraping, flipping, and serving as easy as pie. Plus, the tools are all BPA-, BPS-, and phthalate free.
Teaspressa Mixology Cubes Kit
Anthropologie
These handcrafted, naturally infused flavored sugar cubes craft delicious, no-fuss, instant cocktails. If you’re puzzled about what to get the hosts of holiday parties and dinners this season (that isn’t another bottle of wine) these cocktail mixes are sure to be a hit.
Estelle Colored Champagne Coupe
Estelle
Heirloom-level glassware is an item that most of us admire but rarely invest in for ourselves. This year, we’re shopping for a set of unique coupe glasses. We turned to a brand Katie’s raved about for years and couldn’t resist this multicolored set, which isn’t limited to serving bubbly at a fancy dinner party. Use them for cocktails, mocktails, or even to add immediate sophistication to a simple juice.
Milk Bar Cookie Faves Tin
Milk Bar
If you’re already a fan of Milk Bar’s confections, you know that their Cookie Faves Tin is the perfect present for anyone with a sweet tooth. This reusable box is packed with three of the iconic brand’s best-selling cookies, all individually wrapped to ensure a fresh bite. Reviewers agree this tin is a top-notch way to gift instant joy.
Truff Hot Sauce
Truff
Still think of hot sauce as just a supermarket buy? Think again: Truff’s rich, truffle-infused sauces prove that hot sauce can be a gourmet experience and a spicy surprise for any ‘shroom lover. Choose between spicy habanero, tart jalapeño lime, and classic original.
Atlas Coffee Club Gift Subscription
Atlas Coffee Club
A high-quality cup of joe is truly one of life’s simple pleasures, so why not gift your crew their daily pick-me-up? Atlas Coffee Club supplies beans (or grounds) from the world’s finest growing regions, and they also offer subscriptions of high-quality Nespresso pods or Keurig cups.
Flamingo Estate California Native Mountain Wildflower Honey
Flamingo Estate
Need a little something-something in that cup of coffee? This exquisite wildflower honey is an antioxidant-rich sweetener with floral notes and an herbal finish. Reviews say it’s full-bodied and just as wonderful on yogurt as it is swirled in a mug of tea.
Avaline Welcome Set
Avaline
The sommelier on your list will appreciate this set of natural wines from Avaline. We’re fans of the brand because they use organically farmed grapes and don’t use unnecessary additives. This box includes two bottles of red, one white, one rosé, one sparkling, and one Chardonnay — all for under $200. Give it all to one person or split it up — we won’t tell.
Aerflo System
Aerflo
If their recycling bin is constantly overflowing with seltzer cans, this will be a lifesaver. Instead of investing in an expensive, counter-hogging carbonator, this one works inside an average-sized water bottle, allowing for bubbly bevvies on the go. Simply fill, spritz, and shake for cold, crisp carbonation.
Wildgrain Subscription
Wildgrain
Is there a pick-me-up on earth more delicious or delightful than a delivery of fresh, artisanal bread? Wildgrain makes it unthinkably easy to send frozen sourdough loaves, beautifully crafted pastries, and fresh pasta anywhere in the country.
Downton Abbey Two Tea Gift
The Republic of Tea
Downtonians — aka Downton Abbey fans — will squeal over this collection of limited-edition tea canisters. Choose between flavors like Grantham’s English Breakfast and Lady Mary’s Race Day Herbal Blend, each inspired by a character from the series. If you’re a viewer, you can probably guess the latter is punchy and bold.
Fellow Aiden Coffee Maker
Fellow
Do you know someone who’s been using the same old drip coffee maker since the Y2K scare? Grab them this unbelievably sleek model featuring built-in brewing guidance and barista-quality results. It’s a gift that says “I love you, but your caffeine habit deserves better than that percolator from 1976.”
Meater Pro
Meater
If you’re shopping for a grill master, we’ve got a giftable gadget that’s sure to please. This wireless meat thermometer can handle temperatures up to 1000 degrees, which means it can help pinpoint the exact moment when their brisket is the juiciest. Simply connect to the probe using a free app, pop it into the meat, and watch the progress from a phone so there’s zero chance of accidentally making a steak well done.
Tumbler Rolling Knife Sharpener
Tumbler
Home chefs of all stripes know that nothing is worse than a pile of hopelessly dull knives — which are dangerous and a nuisance. Instead of further cluttering their silverware drawer or knife block, try gifting this easy-to-use manual sharpener that’s guaranteed to revive any knife. Reviewers say this sharpener works exquisitely on everything from traditional to specialty blades. Plus, this compact device won’t take up too much space in a drawer.
Our Place Tall Night & Day Glasses
Our Place
It’s about time the humble water glass got the upgrade it deserves. This set of glasses from our friends at Our Place is the perfect size and weight to carry all of their preferred beverages. They’re also utterly gorgeous, which can motivate just about anyone to stay hydrated.
For more gift ideas, visit our complete 2025 Holiday Gift Guide.