Thoughtful and tasty.
Nobody wants to give a gift that wastes away, never to be used, hidden in storage, donated, or regifted. Sometimes, the best gifts aren’t things that sit on a shelf or hang in a closet, but something you can use. Or even better, consume. 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.
Katie is both a foodie and a gift-giving champion, so she has a penchant for giving edible delights for birthdays, family gatherings, and beyond. “Food always seems to be appreciated by the recipients,” she says. “I do try to focus on giving mostly healthy things, but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring!”
Last-minute shoppers will probably enjoy giving food as much as a giftee enjoys getting it. It’s easy to pick up gourmet goodies from a local store or bakery on your way to a Christmas dinner or Hanukkah celebration. Plus, it’s an amazing way to support local businesses.
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 worth gifting, hand-picked (and tasted) by Katie.
The Best Food Gifts for the Holidays
Maldon Salt
Amazon
“Everything — yes, even chocolate chip cookies — is better with Maldon salt, and a big tub is such a welcome present in my house!” It’s only $25 for a three-pound tub of the salt on Amazon, and if you pair it with a cute salt cellar like this one from Williams & Sonoma, you’ve got yourself a gift for every home cook.
Brightland Olive Oils
Brightland
Sometimes the key to a delicious dinner is in the details — like a high-quality olive oil that’s already infused with go-to seasonings like garlic or basil. These supremely giftable oils will make anyone feel like a professional chef when they drizzle one over a salad, pasta dish, or hunk of bread. Katie loves giving these out as a set, but you can also purchase individual bottles if you know your recipient’s preferred flavor.
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 siblings and so far, no complaints!” Reviewers feel the same way, calling the pears’ flavor “out of this world.” A box comes with about five pounds of pears, so there will be plenty to go around.
Cushman’s Florida HoneyBell Heritage Box
Harry & David
This citrus package won’t ship until January, but Katie says they’re worth the wait. “These are so delicious and obviously packed with vitamin C,” she says. “They’re another go-to of mine for the holidays, but they’re wonderful to gift any time of year.” Despite not shipping until the new year, Harry & David does promise that they’ll send a gift notice to your recipient in December to let them know that something sweet is on the way.
An Assortment of Teas from The Republic of Tea
Amazon
“We all know that green tea is super good for you, but let’s face it, sometimes it tastes like your sipping lawn cuttings — but it doesn’t have to,” Katie stresses. “The Republic of Tea has wonderful offerings: blueberry, pomegranate, pineapple ginger, and ginger peach, which is my personal favorite. I often put together my own gift set by buying an assortment of teas for my recipient. It’s a thoughtful way of telling people you love them and care for their health.”
Vermont Maple Syrup
Runamok
“I love maple syrup and often use it as a sugar substitute,” Katie explains. “Nothing compares to real maple syrup from Vermont. There are so many to choose from, but my latest favorite is from a small brand called J.J. Hapgood, in Peru, Vermont, which has been around since 1827.” Unfortunately, the store is currently changing ownership, so you can’t order from them directly, but you can support other small maple syrup makers in Vermont by buying their products.
Runamok, another Vermont maple syrup brand, just released this liquid gold concoction for the holidays, and it’s a gorgeous, festive option to gift anyone in your life.
Lopaus Point Waffles
Lopaus Point Waffles
Named after the founder’s hometown, Lopaus Point Waffles makes some of Katie’s most-eaten breakfast foods. Not only are the waffles easy to cook and delicious (“Pop ‘em in the toaster and they’re good to go!” she says), but they’re also allergy-free. Katie’s giving the holiday gift set, which includes syrup, to several people this year.
Stonewall Kitchen Holiday Jelly Collection
Stonewall Kitchen
According to Katie, crackers, cream cheese, and hot pepper jelly are a match made in heaven — and we’d have to agree. This holiday-themed set comes with both a regular pepper jelly and a festive cranberry pepper jelly, all wrapped up in a gorgeous gift box, so you can save yourself the trouble of wrapping it.
