The 50 best gifts to buy for foodies

Browse the list for gift inspiration, and check out our extended lists for more food and drink, homeware and gadget gifts, the best hampers, letterbox gifts, baking gifts, chocolate gift sets and our favourite cookbooks of 2020. For the ultimate personalised gift, why not create a customised BBC Good Food cookbook, or treat a loved one to one of our online cookery courses?

Jump to section:

• Best alcohol gifts
• Best gourmet food gifts
• Best gifts and gadgets for cooks
• Best homeware gifts for food lovers
• Best novelty food gifts

Best alcohol gifts

1. Sapling vodka (70cl, 40% ABV)

A seriously smooth, crisp vodka with slightly zesty, peppery notes. And what’s even better is that a tree is planted for every bottle sold!

Available from:
Master of Malt (£27.95)
The Whisky exchange (£25.75)
Sapling Spirits (£30)

2. El Bandarra Al Fresco (1 litre, 14.5% ABV)

Similar to a classic bitter Italian aperitif but slightly lighter and fresher, this has a subtle red berry taste and is excellent with soda – a lovely gift for any spritz fans.

Available from:
El Bandarra (£19.99)
31Dover (£21.45)

3. Love Delhi gin (70cl, 37.50%)

Inspired by the flavours of India, this has an intense aroma of tropical fruit with a delicate mango flavour. It’s a surprising and subtly fruity (but not too sweet) gin, that would make a great addition to a juice-based punch, or try simply served with tonic water and ice.

Available from:
Master of Malt (£28.95)
Love Delhi gin (£36)
Amazon (£29.34)

4. Cabby’s spiced rum (70cl, 41.2% ABV)

A unique spiced rum with punchy notes of almond, clove, ginger, cinnamon and a subtle treacle-like sweetness. Delicious sipped over ice, or use in a dark & stormy cocktail.

Available from:
Taxi Spirit (£35)
The Distillery (£35)

5. Cazcabel coconut liqueur (70cl, 34% ABV)

Made from a base of blanco tequila and Jalisco coconuts, this liqueur has notes of rich caramel and toasted coconut. It’s great sipped ice-cold alongside spicy Mexican dishes, or even a Thai curry.

Available from:
Master of Malt (£22.46)
Amazon (£24.99)
Proof Drinks (£26.99)

6. Salcombe Gin Voyager Series 'Restless' (50cl, 46% ABV)

An extra-special, blow-the-budget gin, this was made in collaboration with Great British Menu's Niall Keating, and is deliciously herbaceous, zesty and easy-drinking.

Available from:
Salcombe Gin (£65)
Master of Malt (£64.95)

7. The Character of Islay Whisky Company tasting set (five 3cl drams)

Take a virtual tour of the Scottish islands famed for their smoky, peated whiskies, and follow an online tasting of five characterful Islay drams. From Aerolyte Lyndsay’s burnt caramel and sea salt, to a tropical 33-year-old malt, this little tasting box is full of surprises.

Available from Master of malt (£29.99)

Related reviews:
The best whisky to buy as gifts
The best craft whiskies
The best whisky
The best bourbon

8. Nio Cocktails box (three 100ml pouches)

A great stocking filler for booze-lovers, these high-quality, single-serve cocktails in little boxes come in sets of three, six or nine. Just pour into a glass full of ice and it's ready to drink! We especially love the zingy daiquiri.

Available from Nio Cocktails (£19.50)

Related reviews:
Best ready-made bottled cocktails

9. Six of the best ciders of 2021

All ciders sold through Cider is Wine are made exclusively from 100 per cent apples, with no concentrates whatsoever. This set features six really special ciders in different styles, including sparkling, still and a sweet ice cider. It also includes a cider and food-matching wheel.

Available from Cider is Wine (£80)

10. El Rayo reposado tequila (70cl, 40% ABV)

The ideal gift for any tequila-lover, this smooth, complex tequila has notes of raw almond skins on the nose, and is a really special sipper. Plus, the utterly gorgeous bottle it comes in makes it great for gifting.

Available from:
El Rayo Tequila (£36.95)
Master of Malt (£36.83)

Related reviews:
The best tequila
The best mezcal

Best gourmet food & drink gifts

11. Graceburn truffle cheese (250g)

This insanely creamy, feta-like soft cow’s cheese is marinated in British rapeseed oil, black winter truffle and a drop of truffle oil, and the result is seriously special.

Available from The Great British Charcuterie Co. (£8.95)

12. Knoops milk chocolate flakes, 43% single origin, Venezuela (250g)

An extra-special hot chocolate for cold winter nights – stir these single-origin Venezuelan milk chocolate flakes into hot milk for an indulgent, rich chocolate drink with just the right amount of caramel sweetness.

Available from Knoops (£9.50)

13. Sous Chef's ‘Don’t Look Down on Pasta’ kit

Pasta fans will delight in this kit, which contains high-quality Italian ingredients for making classic pasta dishes like carbonara and spaghetti pomodoro. A recipe booklet and wooden spaghetti stirrer are also included.

Available from Sous Chef (£38.50)

14. Odysea PDO kalamata extra virgin olive oil (1 litre)

A good medium-bodied olive oil that's smooth and buttery. Use in dressings, for drizzling over salads, marinating feta or dipping with bread. The golden tin makes it a great (and very affordable) gift for a foodie.

Available from Odysea (£12)

15. Scarlett Coffee roaster trio gift box

A set of three freshly roasted coffees from London-based Scarlett Coffee Roastery. We love the gorgeous flamingo-design bags.

Available from Scarlett Coffee Roastery (£32)

16. Willie’s Cacao sea salt caramel pearls (150g)

These gorgeous caramel-filled chocolates are available in either 70% dark (pictured) or 54% milk chocolate, and are individually gold-wrapped for an extra touch of festive luxury.

Available from Willie's Cacao (£6.95)

17. Niche Tea (37.5g, 15 teabags)

These beautifully blended, soothing artisanal teas make a really special gift for any herbal tea fan. We love the delicate white tea blend called ‘Skin’, as well as the calming ‘Sleep’ blend, which has notes of vanilla and chamomile.

Available from Niche Tea (£10)

18. Hotel Starlino maraschino cherries (400g)

A lovely gift for cocktail lovers, these cherries are firm and sharp while the syrup is rich and sweet, with an intense cherry flavour. Try adding one or two to a negroni, or use the syrup in an amaretto sour or sweet manhattan.

Available from:
Master of Malt (£9.95)
Amazon (£9.98)
Proof Drinks (£10)

19. Eaten Alive hot sauce discovery pack

The new discovery pack from fermented food specialists Eaten Alive features four of their best-selling hot sauces – Smoked Sriracha, Chocolate BBQ, Scotch Bonnet and Preserved Lemon. They’re all packed full of flavour and vegan-friendly.

Available from:
Eaten Alive (£15.99)
Amazon (£19.99)

20. Personalised Heinz Beanz

Know a baked-bean-lover? Order them their very own personalised tin via the Heinz to Home website (order before 18 December).

Available from heinztohome.co.uk (£5.49)

21. Islands chocolate bars (70g each)

Sustainably and ethically made with cocoa beans from St Vincent in the Caribbean, these bars have great snap, gorgeous melt-in-the-mouth texture and complex flavours. Choose between 55% milk chocolate and 65%, 75% (pictured) and 100% dark chocolate.

Available from:
Islands Chocolate (£4.50)
Amazon (£4.50)
Borough Box (£3.99)

22. Zoe’s Ghana Kitchen salt sampler

Add pep to everyday dishes with this flavoured salt trio, including an umami okra, extra-hot chilli, and the aromatic hibiscus salt, which goes well with red meats.

Available from Zoe’s Ghana Kitchen (£10)

23. Cake or Death vegan brownies mixed box

You’d never guess that these super-fudgy chocolate brownies are vegan! This mixed box includes two sea salt, two peanut butter and two Lotus Biscoff (our favourite) brownies, and comes in a gorgeous (and letterbox-friendly) pink-animal-print box.

Available from Cake or Death (£19)

24. Frantoio Muraglia aromatic olive oil selection

This is a set of four very different, but equally delicious, flavoured oils. We recommend drizzling the celery oil over fish or salad leaves, using the ginger oil on steamed vegetables, spooning the lemon oil on chicken, and serving the chilli oil with dumplings or pizza.

Available from Sous Chef (£22.99)

25. Rooted Spices explorer's spice set

This high-quality set features a wide range of spices, each displayed in a beautiful tin. Take your dish to the next level with hot smoked paprika, Aleppo pepper or ground sumac.

Available from Rooted Spices (£37.50).

Best gifts and gadgets for foodies

26. Bespoke Binny pink Nyame apron

With a vibrant, African-style print, this is not just an apron, it's also a style statement. You’ll find plenty more fun, colourful designs on the Bespoke Binny website, as well as matching oven gloves.

Available from Bespoke Binny (£26.99)

27. Opinel Paralelle trio knives

This handy wooden-handled knife set includes a chef’s knife, carving knife and small peeling knife.

Available from:
Whitby & Co (£64.95)
Selfridge’s (£65)
Knives and Tools (£55.25)

28. The Breville Barista mini coffee machine

Coffee connoisseurs will enjoy being a barista at home with this sleek machine. It has a portafilter, steam wand and milk jug to make everything from americanos to flat whites, and its compact size makes it great for small kitchens.

Available from Currys (£249)

29. Habitat Perdita brown splatter rectangular cookware

For the cook who likes to entertain, this attractive splatter-effect 29 x 21cm dish is perfect for taking straight from oven to table.

Available from Habitat (£20)

30. Classic 25cm stainless steel tri-ply casserole pan and lid

A pan, stock pot and casserole all in one, this stainless steel beauty is safe to use on all hobs, in the oven and goes in the dishwasher, too.

Available from Samuel Groves (£147.51)

31. Fiesta gold metal and glass cocktail shaker

Home mixology just got even more chic with this chunky glass and gold cocktail shaker.

Available from Oliver Bonas (£22.50)

32. Marcato Atlas 150 pasta maker machine

Pasta-making is a huge trend this year, and this sturdy chromed steel pasta maker was the winner in our recent review of pasta-making gadgets and kit.

Available from:
Lakeland (£59.99)
Amazon (£54.34)

33. Eco-friendly washing-up set

Help someone go plastic-free in the kitchen with this pretty eco-friendly set that contains a wooden washing-up brush, dish soap and soap rack.

Available from Peace with the Wild (£15)

34. Brass Brompton Coffee scoop with clip

This two-in-one tool is a great, budget-friendly gift for coffee lovers – use the scoop to measure out your coffee, and the clip to reseal the bag so it always stays fresh. For more like this, don’t miss our top gifts for coffee lovers.

Available from:
Garden Trading (£10)
Cotswold Trading (£10)

35. Herd tote bag

Made from recycled plastic bottles, these durable bags are great for food shopping, and we love their bold, arty designs.

Available from Herd Bags (from £12)

36. Green Island Co food huggers (four-pack)

Anyone mindful of using up leftovers will appreciate these silicone ‘huggers’ that keep veg fresh after it’s been sliced. They can also be used as a bottle or can lid. A great eco-friendly stocking filler for home cooks!

Available from:
Plastic Freedom (£9.95)
Peace with the Wild (£9.95)
Friendly Turtle (£9.50)

37. Wheat Fields bread bag

For those who don’t have space for a bread bin, these sustainable cotton bags keep bread fresh (and are great for transporting baked goods, too).

Available from The Foragers Cottage (£15)

38. BBC Good Food magazine gift subscription plus cookbook offer

Sign up for a BBC Good Food magazine subscription today for only £34.99 every 12 issues, and we’ll also send your choice of hardback cookbook from Nadiya, Nigella or Mary to enjoy for yourself, or gift to a foodie friend.

Available from Buy Subscriptions

39. Le Creuset cast iron Grillit pan

One of the most trusted brands in cast iron and ceramic cookware brings us a gorgeous deep teal pan that's sure to last for years.

Available from Le Creuset (£125)

40. AnySharp Twist knife sharpener

A knife sharpener might not be the most glamorous gift, but it’s certainly one of the most useful. This often-overlooked kitchen essential is a must-have, and this new design has an angled sharpening function. It also has suction pads on the base to keep the sharpener safely in place during use.

Available from Amazon (£9.99)

Related review:
The best knife sharpeners

41. Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 multifunction electric pressure cooker

Pressure cookers have surged in popularity recently, and it's no surprise – you can do just about anything in this one, from cooking rice to steaming veg, and even making yogurt.

Available from Amazon (£85.03)

Related review:
Instant Pot review, plus recipes

Best homeware gifts for food lovers

42. David Shrigley 'Be Nice' tea towel

Make someone smile with this brightly coloured designer tea towel sporting a rainbow motif and heartfelt (and important!) message.

Available from:
Third Drawer Down (£26)
Amara (£35)
Trouva (£35)

43. Ray bowl

We love the bold design and teal colour on this glazed terracotta dish. Its size makes it ideal for serving snacks, tapas or dessert.

Available from Abode Living (£15)

44. Ferm Living ripple carafe

Help someone stay hydrated in style with this trendy ridged-glass carafe and glass set.

Available from:
Not Another Bill (£29)

45. Van Verre fish serving platter

This large handmade fish-shaped dish in terracotta clay is great for anyone who loves hosting dinner parties – they can use it to serve whole baked fish, or big piles of salads and sides.

Available from Trouva (£44.49)

46. Carolyn Gavin mug

We love the vibrant colours on this large and seriously huggable mug.

Available from Anthropologie (£12)

47. Fish storage tins (set of two)

These fun, brightly coloured tins are great for storing kitchen utensils.

Available from:
Rex London (£6.95)
Trouva (£6.95)

48. Happy Hour Cocktail card game

Need an easy activity after dinner? Give this card game, featuring 52 cards illustrated with classic cocktails, a go – group them into sets of four to win, and learn about your favourite cocktails along the way!

Available from:
Laurence King Publishing (£14.99)
Amazon (£14.99)

49. S’well bottle (500ml)

Not only is this reusable water bottle super-stylish, its clever design means it keeps drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for 12, without creating condensation on the outside (and yes, we’ve tested these claims!). We love the colourful new ‘Eden’ design, but there are plenty more to choose from on the S’well website. For more reusable water bottles, don’t miss our review.

Available from S’well (£24.50)

50. Kalabash vegan soy wax candle in calypso coconut

Made with natural soy wax, we love the sweet coconut and lemon scent of this candle.

Available from Kalabash Body Care (£13.50)

More foodie gift guides

The best whisky to buy as a gift
The best gifts for bakers
The best letterbox gifts
The best gifts for coffee lovers
The best boozy gifts
The best gins to give as gifts
Best cookbooks to give as gifts 2020

This review was last updated in October 2020. If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability, please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.