Looking for a special gift for the foodie in your life this Christmas? From indulgent treats and fine wines to new and luxurious new kitchen utensils, the options this year are endless, and with a plethora of tempting culinary-themed ideas to choose from, you’ll have little trouble finding something show-stopping to spoil them with.
While some people can be rather difficult to buy for, the good news is that this type of friend or family member is quite possibly one of the easiest to please, and with a plethora of decadent delights filling the food halls this year and a variety of inspired alternative gifts to pick from, too, the biggest challenge will be settling on just one.
From those who love to cook, to those who simply prefer to eat, drink and be merry, we’ve rounded up six of the best luxury gift ideas for food enthusiasts this Christmas, and all are certain to please.
1. Cooking classes
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a complete novice in the kitchen, when it comes to cooking, there is always something new to learn. From pasta-making classes to bread-baking workshops, there are always new skills to learn and hone, and for the foodie in your life, a hands-on gift like this is certain to put a smile on their face.
The great thing about cooking classes is that they generally aren’t too time consuming and can fit easily around busy schedules – one-off evening classes are just as easy to find as week-long masterclasses, depending on how in-depth you want to go. Led by some of the world’s very best cookery schools, you’ll even find some great courses that can be done virtually these days, so the recipient of your gift can even indulge from the comfort of their own home.
Giving them the opportunity to pursue their passion for food and to learn how to prepare show-stopping dishes is a thoughtful gift that shows you know them well, and is certain to go down a treat.
2. A luxury cheese subscription box
‘Tis the season to eat, drink and be merry – and what better way to indulge a foodie friend than with a luxury cheese selection? Comprising a variety of different high-end cheeses from around the world, it’s a great way to send them on a culinary journey – just add some carefully chosen wine pairings for a social gift they’ll no doubt want to share.
For a gift that keeps on giving, a monthly cheese subscription box is a great option, and many British cheese makers now offer them – the best ones come with a range of accompaniments, too, including luxury crackers, chutneys and more.
3. Some professional chef tools
If there’s a professional cook in your midst, then why not give them the gift of great culinary prowess by equipping them with all the right tools for the job? A quality set of Cheffy tools will enable them to up-level their performance in the kitchen and serve up their finest creations yet over the New Year celebrations and beyond – and from a quality set of custom-made knives to the signature apron and hat, there are plenty of great ideas to set them up for success.
Japanese knives, outdoor grills, and other chef-specialised tools are certain to go down a treat, and will show that you understand their passion.
4. A fine dining restaurant voucher
Of course, not all foodies have the know-how required to cook up a storm themselves – in fact, some would rather let others do the hard work and simply sit back and enjoy. And what better way to allow them to do just that than by gifting them with some luxury restaurant vouchers? Treating them to a meal at their favourite Michelin-starred eatery or to an opening-night table at the new fine dining establishment on the block will allow them to enjoy an evening being treated like royalty, whilst enjoying some inspired culinary creations and wine pairings, too.
If you’re unsure which restaurant they might like, then consider buying them a SquareMeal Voucher, which will allow them to pick an option they love, or would like to try out, from many top dining destinations across the UK.
5. A box of high-end bottled cocktails
Almost every type of business has been impacted by the pandemic – but for some, it has sparked innovative new ideas that have transformed the way we enjoy our cuisine and favourite drinks. A good example of this is the move by many high-end cocktail bars to start offering their tempting creations ‘to go’ – and these days, you can get a variety of different cocktails delivered bottled, to your door.
For the friend or family member who enjoys a creative tipple, why not surprise them with a boxful you can enjoy together over the festive period – or a monthly subscription box that will teach them how to make their own?
6. A luxury coffee subscription
You might be noticing a bit of a theme here, but there’s a good reason; subscription boxes make for excellent gifts that will keep surprising them all year. For the coffee connoisseur in your life, a coffee subscription gift will allow them to try out a selection of different blends and brews and sample new delights they may never have otherwise come across.
Better yet, they’ll be fully equipped to rise to a superior, barista-quality brew, each and every morning – putting a smile on their face first thing, and all because of you.
