Nobody wants to give a gift that wastes away, never gets used, sits in storage for years, or is immediately donated or regifted. That’s why sometimes the best gifts aren’t objects to be worn or used, but treats that are meant to be enjoyed immediately — or better yet, consumed. Whose eyes don’t light up at the sight of holiday cookies?
But cookies and candies aren’t the only edible treasures worth wrapping up this year. With the help of our Good Taste newsletter editor, we’ve compiled the ultimate cheat sheet for gifting to the foodies in your life. Your giftees don’t have to be seasoned chefs to enjoy these amazing products: If anything, these gems might go over best with that 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. And while shopping locally and small is our preferred way to do things, buying something online can certainly be quicker and more convenient, especially if you’re shipping it to another state.
So read on for the grub (and food-related accessories) that are truly gift-worthy.
For more gift ideas, visit our complete 2025 Holiday Gift Guide.
The Best Gifts for Foodies 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 these napkins are thick, high-quality, and gorgeous, making them an easy pick for the host with the most or the environmentally conscious chef.
Jade Leaf Organic Hojicha Powder
Jade Leaf
By now, you’ve heard of matcha, but allow us to introduce you (and your recipient) to the next big thing in beverages: Hojicha. It’s a roasted Japanese green tea that has a mild, nutty taste, and it’s a subtly flavored, yet seriously delicious sip. This powder lets you whip up plain teas and lattes like a champion barista.
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’ll be plenty to go around.
Yiayia and Friends Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Chili Pepper
Yiayia and Friends
During the cold winter months, 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 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 — making it the kind of cookware that earns a permanent spot on the stove.
Brightland’s The Essential Capsule
Brightland
Speaking of oil, readers of last year’s gift guide know that we love recommending Brightland’s signature oils and vinegars. (Katie has been 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 she can vouch for the tender crumb and melt-in-your-mouth icing. One slice and anyone will be hooked.
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 probably 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 help you craft delicious, no-fuss, instant cocktails. If you’re puzzled about what to get the hosts of holiday parties and dinners this season (something that isn’t another bottle of wine) these cocktail helpers are sure to be a hit.
Estelle Colored Champagne Coupe
Estelle
Heirloom-level glassware is something most of us admire but rarely buy for ourselves. This year, we’re obsessed with Estelle’s multicolored coupe glasses — a Katie favorite — that elevate any drink, from bubbly to mocktails to a simple morning juice.
Milk Bar Cookie Faves Tin
Milk Bar
If you’re already a fan of Milk Bar’s confections, you know that its 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 freshness. It’s a top-notch way to gift instant joy.
Truff Hot Sauce
Truff
Still think of hot sauce as a snooze-worthy supermarket buy? Think again: Truff’s rich, truffle-infused delights prove that hot sauce can be a gourmet experience and a zesty 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 a better daily pick-me-up? Atlas Coffee Club supplies beans (or grounds) from the world’s finest growing regions — plus subscription options for high-quality Nespresso pods or Keurig cups.
Flamingo Estate California Native Mountain Wildflower Honey
Flamingo Estate
Need a little something-something in that plain cup of tea? 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 into a mug of Earl Grey.
Avaline Welcome Set
Avaline
The sommelier (amateur or legit) 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 skips 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 among giftees — 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 gadget 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 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. And if you’re a viewer, you can probably guess that the latter is just as vibrant and bold as Mary herself.
Fellow Aiden Coffee Maker
Fellow
Do you know someone who’s been using the same old drip coffee maker since we were worried about Y2K? Gift 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 grilling aficionado, 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 that 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. Then say goodbye to tough steaks.
Tumbler Rolling Knife Sharpener
Tumbler
Home chefs of all stripes know that nothing’s 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 it works exquisitely on everything from traditional to specialty blades. Plus, this compact device won’t take up much space — a boon for small kitchens.
Our Place Tall Night & Day Glasses
Our Place
It’s about time the humble water glass got the upgrade it deserves, but this set of glasses from our friends at Our Place is the perfect size and weight for any beverage. They’re also utterly gorgeous, which can motivate just about anyone to stay hydrated. We’ll toast to that.
For more gift ideas, visit our complete 2025 Holiday Gift Guide.