Our Favourites: Gifts For Foodies

Buying a gift for lovers of food and drink? Purchasing a memorable gift for the food and drink lover in your life can be difficult, but the good news is there is a hoard of on-theme products, books and workshops available. A foodie is at his or her happiest when consuming or partaking in any activity associated with sustenance so tailoring your gift to their tastes is a great idea.

Foodie books

Going with a classic but always appreciated cookbook may appear to be a simple gift idea but you can show that you are thinking outside the box by opting for food theory rather than quick recipes. There are now numerous books out there that go into detail about food culture in respective countries and how to prepare dishes. Daniel: My French Cuisine, for example, features essays from the renowned American chef and restaurateur, Daniel Boulud, who covers everything from food history to tips, best dishes and recipes.

Ramen bowls

Asian street food has had a vast impact on the UK restaurant scene in recent years so why not buy a Ramen bowl so a friend or loved one can enjoy a tasty pork broth without having to visit a popular chain on the high street. Traditional stoneware bowls are recommended, and you could even include a new set of chopsticks and a few bottled beers from Asia to complete the perfect sit-down meal. I recommended some Japanese cookery sets in our Gifts For Parents post, can you see a theme arising?

Coffee lovers

New research from the UN International Agency for Research on Cancer and Imperial College London discovered that three cups of coffee a day can add years to a person’s life and reduce the chance of heart disease and other health problems. I think it’s time I started drinking it! There’s never been a better time to purchase a coffee related gift for both non-believers and the converted.

Connoisseurs of the coffee bean now demand obsessive precision during every stage of production, so if you are purchasing a gift for a coffee snob, go for the Kalita Wave stainless steel dripper. This robust brewer is now considered the best pour over method by professionals due to its excellent, consistent results. You could pair the Kalita Wave with some finely roasted beans and a selection of filters to ensure that special someone has access to the very best hot drinks for weeks on end.

Foodie courses

Food courses are always a great gift because they are a useful and enjoyable day out. So why not help someone get away from the stresses of work and modern life by treating them to a trip to one of the many courses available across the UK? For those with a sweet tooth, maybe opt for a weekend course run by the London Beekeepers’ Association, where visitors can learn everything about honey, from hive making to husbandry. Courses there usually take place in the spring.

Sumosan in London serves up the best sushi roll in the capital according to leading chefs and it has been championed by movie stars including Penelope Cruz and Nicole Kidman. A Sushi masterclass at this stunning locale in W1S costs £150 and features an introduction to sushi history, plus a range of how to’s, including preparing, slicing and making the final product. Plenty of sampling and a goodie bag round out a memorable afternoon for lovers of Asian food.

Whisky and wine

Whisky and wine are two alcoholic beverages that work well as festive and year-round gift ideas and the enjoyment of both is heightened when using the best glasses and related products. Dartington Crystal offers a tailored selection of high-quality whisky glasses, ranging from the classic heavyweight tumbler to other cut glass and decorated options. Feeling fancy? You could also purchase a whisky pipette so a friend or loved one could add drops of fresh water to the spirit to create new flavours and aromas.

Small gifts

You don’t have to break the bank to buy a gift. Jars of sauces and condiments are a traditional stocking filler, and they are an excellent way to freshen up a foodie’s palette. You could even make your own condiments to give. If you have a health-conscious friend, create a new coconut butter spread for morning toast, or whip up an all-in-one marinade for busy parents to use. Pack up your sauce in an airtight jar and provide instructions and additional recipes.

Appliances

Even foodies need quick and simple food sometimes. Make their life easier by buying a quirky but useful appliance, such as a stovetop pizza oven so they can rustle up an Italian classic without having to opt for a midweek takeaway, or perhaps a colourful stand mixer for baking tasty goods throughout the year.

 

The gift ideas don’t stop there. You could also buy a cheese board with a mix of aged cheddar, goat gouda and comte, book a dinner for two at a Michelin star restaurant or purchase a gift card or voucher for another favourite eatery. From crafted and bespoke, to luxury and premium, a food-related gift is sure to win over any gastronome.