Buying gifts can be a bit of a minefield, right? Most of us know the people we are gifting fairly well, so we know what kind of ballpark we should be operating in but then, so many of the people we know seem to have everything they could ever want or need, and when we ask them to give us a clue, they’re too humble and tell us that we don’t have to get them anything. Not very helpful, right?!
The good news for us gift buyers is that we all have to eat, and most of us enjoy food, if we’re not downright foodies, right? So, buying food-based gifts is pretty much always a winner, provided you know their likes and dislikes. That being the case, let’s take a look at some of the best foodie gifts that are sure to go down a treat:
- Arabica Coffee Beans: The Brewtiful Gift
If you know someone who is never too far away from their coffee cup, then you can be pretty sure that buying them some high-quality Arabica coffee beans will go down well. People who have coffee as their main vice in life usually know a good cup when they taste – or smell- one, so they will absolutely appreciate you taking the time to pick up some premium beans for their next pick-me-up.
Now, this isn’t just a bag of beans. Oh no, this is an experience. Choose a single-origin variety for a bit of flair, maybe something from Ethiopia or Colombia. These beans are full of nuanced flavours, and your gift recipient will feel like a proper coffee connoisseur. And if you’re feeling extra generous, throw in a manual grinder or a fancy French press. That way, they’ll know you’re not messing about—you’re serious about their caffeine needs.
- Artisan Chocolate: The Sweetest Gesture
Most people love chocolate, which makes things pretty simple for you. Yes, if you want to pick up some brownie points with your gifts, then you could do a lot worse than artisan chocolate. Now, I’m not talking about the stuff you pick up last-minute from the supermarket, oh no. I’m talking about the sort of chocolate that looks almost too good to eat but tastes even better.
Think small-batch, hand-crafted bars with unique flavours like sea salt caramel, chilli, or even gin and tonic, and you will be on the right track. You can also pick up some beautifully packaged handmade chocolates that will melty in the mouth as they melt the heart of the lucky person you have decided to gift with such a delightful treat.
- Gourmet Cheese: The Big Cheese of Gifts
If there’s one thing that can unite people from all walks of life, it’s cheese. Whether you’re into mild and creamy Brie or a cheddar so mature it’s got a mortgage, cheese is a gift that’s always well received.
Now, don’t just pop down to your local and grab a block of the usual. No, no, no. You’re going for the good stuff—think a cheese board filled with an assortment of artisanal cheeses that would make any deli owner proud. Maybe a blue cheese that’s so pungent it could clear a room, or a Gouda that’s been aged to perfection. Throw in some posh crackers, a jar of fig chutney, and perhaps even a bottle of something to wash it all down with, and you’ve got yourself a gift that’s practically screaming, “I have excellent taste.”
- A Bottle of Top-Shelf Olive Oil: Liquid Gold
For the person who’s always whipping up something fabulous in the kitchen, a bottle of top-shelf olive oil is the perfect gift. But not just any olive oil—no, this is the good stuff. We’re talking cold-pressed, extra virgin, and straight from the sun-drenched groves of Italy or Spain.
This isn’t the kind of oil you use to fry up some chips (although, fair play if you do); this is the kind you drizzle over fresh bread, toss through a salad, or use to finish off a dish with a flourish. It’s basically liquid gold, and anyone who’s serious about their cooking will appreciate the difference. You could even pair it with a fancy vinegar—perhaps a balsamic aged longer than most of us have been alive—to create a gift that’s as sophisticated as it is delicious.
