Nobody wants to give a gift that wastes away, never getting used, hidden in storage for years, or 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? Not only do snacks and drinks make practical presents, but they’re also amazing for sharing with multiple people during the festive season.
To that end, we’ve narrowed down the ultimate cheat sheet for all 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 a gift to a friend or loved one in 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 that have thoroughly practical applications — and we’re also over the moon that this set is made by one of our favorite retailers. Reviewers say these napkins are 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 flavor, 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!” And 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 something 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 adore this gorgeous seasonal braiser because it’s elegantly festive, but we also love that it’s made of ultra-durable cast iron that will last for years and 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 that 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 is 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 five 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 exquisite, multi-colored coup glasses. These ones, inspired by vintage champagne vessels, are making a Gatsby-sized comeback, and for good reason: Your giftee can use the glasses for bubbly, 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.
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 loved ones their daily pick-me-up? Atlas Coffee Club supplies regular beans (or grounds) from the world’s finest growing regions, and they have an option to send a subscription 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 adore this set of natural wines from Avaline. We love that the brand uses organically farmed grapes and doesn’t use unnecessary additives. This set includes two bottles of red, one white, one rosé, one sparkling, and one Chardonnay, all for under $200. You can choose to give it all to one person or split it up amongst friends — we won’t tell.
Aerflo System
Aerflo
If their recycling bin is in a constant state of overflowing from seltzer cans, this will be a lifesaver. Instead of investing in an expensive and 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
Wildgrain
Is there a pick-me-up on earth more delicious and 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 across the country.
Downton Abbey Two Tea Gift
The Republic of Tea
Downtonians — a.k.a. Downton Abbey fans — will squeal over this gift set of limited-edition tea canisters. We love that you can choose between flavors like Grantham’s English Breakfasts and Mary’s Race Day Herbal Blend, each inspired by a character from the series.
Fellow Aiden Coffee Maker
Fellow
Be honest: Do you have a loved one who’s been using the same old drip coffee maker since the Y2K scare? Grab them this unbelievably sleek model that has built-in brewing guidance and gives barista-quality results. It’s a gift that says “I love you, but 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 on deck 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 the probe into the meat, and they can watch the progress from their 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 purchasing your loved one a new set, 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, we love that this compact gadget 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 favorite 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.