My Favorite Food Gifts (That Aren’t Kitchen Tools)

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In previous years with Lifehacker, I’ve steered clear of sharing ideas for edible gifts. I’ve suggested kitchen related presents or general gifts for foodies, but actual food and beverage gifts have struck me as too ephemeral.

Well, people can change. This past year, I’ve tasted some really special food items that are sure to delight the senses and are pretty enough to be gift-able, and I can’t resist telling you about them. Here are my six favorite edible gifts I'm giving this year.

Compartés gourmet chocolate bars

Good chocolate is subjective, but gorgeous chocolate cannot be argued. It just so happens that Compartés provides good looks and excellent flavor in their gourmet chocolates. They offer filled chocolates and a chocolate of the month club (which is a tempting year-round gift option), but I’m a big fan of their bars, like the ones in this holiday chocolate bar gift set. Their silky chocolate makes for a sturdy base and, depending on the flavor, they’re filled or topped with a signature ingredient. I love the Hot Fudge Sundae bar and their California Berries bar—which are as beautiful as they are delicious, with freeze dried red berries scattered over the top. My partner is a big fan of the Tiramisu bar which has crunchy bits of lady finger cookies mixed in. All of which are in this Chocolate is Art box. It's perfect for the chocolate lover in your family, and pretty enough to deserve a spot on the holiday dessert table.

Savannah Bee Company honey gifts

As if bees haven't done enough, they’re also making spirits bright with the Savannah Bee Company. There are a wonderful options to choose from, and between whipped honeys, flavored honeys, and hot honey, you really need to peruse the offerings yourself. But if I must suggest something, then I’d say the Afternoon Tea Gift Set, because honey and tea belong together, or the Trio Flute Gift Set, for the honey connoisseur on your list.

Mala Market Sichuan pepper kits

One of my favorite food finds this year, the Mala Market is offering some fabulous collections of Chinese chili oils, regional Chinese noodles, and even fermentation kits, complete with ceramic jars. I got the Starter Sichuan Collection, which I’ve been experimenting with for a few weeks now. It has three different types of tingly chilies, a pack of Pixian chili bean paste, and yibin yacai mustard pickle. Anyone who loves to cook will be thrilled by the possibilities in this gift set. There’s a sale on shipping at the moment too, so strike while the chilis are hot. 

Kolkata Chai Co. chai variety packs

A hot, comforting beverage is always on the menu during the winter months, but for Christmas, treat yourself (and others) to a tea that’s a bit more special than the same flavor of Celestial Seasonings. Soothing, aromatic, and creamy, the chai mixes from Kolkata Chai Co. make a lovely gift. As soon as you open a pouch you’re greeted with the enticing fragrance of Assam tea. There aren’t any bags here—the packs are a mixture of loose whole spices, and the directions on the package guide you through the brewing process on the stovetop (rather than simply adding water to a tea bag). I rather enjoyed the brewing and steeping; it requires some attention but is far from being a chore. I consider it a 10-minute break from my daily hubbub. I suggest this variety pack (with a decaf bag included) as a gift for chai lovers—even the uninitiated. 

Big Picture Farm goat caramels

Cats, I love—but I never thought I had a soft spot for goats. The goat milk caramels and candies from Big Picture Farm have shown me that I do indeed love goats, and I’m more than happy with this discovery. The caramels from this sweet goat farm up in Vermont come in numerous delicious flavors, like golden milk, raspberry rhubarb, chai, wild chocolate mint, and sea salt vanilla. The confections have a soft chew that reminds me of taffy (not the kind that rips your molars out). You can get these caramels in single bulk flavors, or a variety pack in a glass milk jug, but I suggest this gift set so after finishing off all of the caramels your giftee can have a keepsake: a cute tea towel with all the goats’ faces on it. 

Hot Ones 3-sauce set

Hot Ones is more than a hilarious interview show in which celebrities succumb to a capsaicin-fueled fever dream—real small businesses are featured on the show, and Heatonist is offering some excellent combinations that make fantastic, spicy gifts. You can buy a 10-pack by season of the show, but let’s be honest, 10 hot sauces is a lot. Pare it down to a 3-pack so your special someone can actually get through them. Try this offering from Season 24, which happens to include my favorite, Mark’s Fermented Kimchi hot sauce.