Finding a gift for a foodie is hard, especially when Christmas is a few days away. But the good thing about foodies is you know they will always love something edible or food-related. It can be cooking tools, kitchen decor, specialty ingredients, or even a homemade treat. Here are some gift ideas for your foodie friends if you find yourself scrambling at the last minute to find/make/shop something special. You can gift these items separately or put them in a basket as a more elevated presentation.
For the innovators
For the aspiring cooks and bakers that make everything for themselves and the people they care about. The people who take the famous saying “the way to a person’s heart is through the stomach” seriously would appreciate their craft and will help you elevate/take their skills to the next level.
Cheesecloth: They need to make kombucha, plant-based milk, or mozzarella cheese. You can find them at stores like Shoppers, Safeway, Walmart, and Giants. (I got mine from Walmart for $3.99.)
Vegetable chopper: Cut the time for using and cleaning a cutting board by half. Prices vary from site to site, but this model is fairly inexpensive at $26. Plus it’s super safe and will slice or chop any vegetable.
Hot sauce from the Hot Ones: If the gift recipient has a high spice tolerance, doesn’t mind a little kick in their meals, or is a casual fan of Hot Ones, then some hot sauce from the show is the perfect gift. One or two bottles are enough, but it depends on your budget and if they can take the heat.
For the self-sustainers
Almost always associated with the “only organic” or self-sustainer foodies like to grow their food. These items can bring them one step closer to growing their garden in their backyard (if they haven’t done so already).
Microgreen, fruit, and vegetable seeds: They gotta start somewhere, right? This set comes with 10 varieties and is only $20.
Clay pots and a spray bottle: To water the plants and provide a home without getting too much soil and water on the floor. Get this six-pack for $17.
For coffee and tea lovers
Caffeine is in their bloodstream; it keeps the heart pumping and the brain… braining.
A map of cafes and coffee shops in their local area: This sounds time-consuming, but listing the top two or three shops is a good starting point for cafe-hopping without spending too much. The map can be physical or digital. If you choose to go digital, make sure to give the recipient ownership for them to edit and add more over time.
Coffee mug: It could have a cute message or illustration, keep a blank, or a design that suits their personality and tastes. Check out this mushroom coffee mug!
Flavored coffee and tea: Batches of their favorite flavors of coffee and tea bags.
Instant coffee: If that person doesn’t have a coffee maker, then instant coffee can bring them the right pep in their step.
For travel eaters
People love to travel but don’t have the luxury or money to leave home. There is one answer: imported snacks!
Ask the recipient for their favorite snacks and search them at local and international stores and markets. You’re not near one, websites like Galactic Snacks, Weee!, and African Delights offer delivery and shipping directly to your door.
For photogenic foodies
Tripod: Whether it’s for a phone or a camera, it must stay stable and at the right angles. This one will only run you $20.
An SD card: You never know when they need more storage.
A cookbook: When they need inspiration on how to take photos, they can break out a new cookbook and flip through the pages. We have a whole article on the best cookbooks to gift this season.
Cheese grater: Now hear me out! If the person is really into visual arts and photography, then filming grating cheese, lemons, or food in general tests how they want the food to be viewed. They might even add it to their portfolio.
This article was originally published on December 24, 2023. It was updated on December 5, 2025.