You can’t go wrong with food-related gifts. From the lavish to the practical to the unexpected, a food gift covers all bases. Here are some of the things I have on my wishlist (er… I mean, what I’m getting other people).
via Food52
Is there anything chicer than a white marble kitchen with copper accents? Short of a kitchen remodel (and maybe buy a house first), this serving board is the next best thing. $130-$150 at Food52
via La Boîte
La Boîte creates nuanced spice blends for top kitchens. Rose oil : perfume :: cumin : a La Boîte blend. I’m partial to MishMish N33 (crystallized honey, saffron, lemon, spices), Orchidea N34 (Sichuan pepper, lime, orchid root and spices), and Pierre Poivre (8 different peppers and spices). Here’s the full collection. Starting at $15, La Boîte
via West Elm
I thought of something better than white marble and copper. White marble, copper, and coffee. I live in a decaf/caf household with high coffee intake, so we can never have too many French presses. Bodum, $30-$60, West Elm
via Amazon
Can a restaurant be your favorite if you've only been there once and live 3,000 miles away? Gjelina is like your summer camp boyfriend... short-lived, long-remembered. Food Whore and the Gjelina cookbook had the same pub date and I think I was more excited about the latter. $19, Amazon
via Terrain
These petrified wood serving boards have so much character and are a nice break for when you're done with marble and copper. $78, Terrain
via Williams-Sonoma
A good gift-buying strategy. What does the recipient like? And what's the luxe version of that? Maraschino cherries are delicious, but dye-soaked child's play. Get this. $20, Williams-Sonoma
via Papa Bubble
The Papa Bubble store in NoLita is the most austere, semi-intimidating candy store I've ever encountered. But the candies! They are miniature masterpieces with delightful, if not totally thematically appropriate flavors. To whit: the Safari Collection: Lions (Mango), Giraffes (Passionfruit), Monkeys (Banana-Pineapple), Elephants (Coconut) and Zebras (Kiwi). Starting at $6.50, Papa Bubble
via Sakara Life
If the definition of a great gift is something that a person wants but would never buy for him or herself... then meal delivery from Sakara Life is a great gift. Single days start at $99 (three meals, two snacks, and morning and night water). But let's go all out and get the 20-day package, which includes model and Taylor Swiftian food like Turmeric Spiced Eggplant + Ginger-Lime Dressing and Protein Bagels with Cashew Cream Cheese. 20 days, $990
Bourbon and maple syrup ... two brown liquids that, together, turn into gold. $16, Dorset Maple Reserve
And of course... for the food-lovers on your list, might I recommend the Food Whore x Tilit apron and a book? I'll even sign it for you if you email me here.
Other Ideas:
A meal delivery subscription to Marley Spoon (example dishes: Cauliflower Steak with Almond-Olive Relish, Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Radishes, Cucumber and Chile), about $10.25 per person, per meal
Zingerman's Culinary Adventure Society, filled with global goodies curated with Midwestern heart, $175 per box
Assuming the recipient has a frozen stocking or you can keep it cold, Roberta's frozen margherita pizza (the best frozen pizza ever), freshdirect, $10.99
Sfoglini seasonal pastas in flavors like porcini trumpets and Bronx Brewery radiators, starting at $7
Beet ketchup from Brooklyn Beet Company, so much better than HFCS, $9