Food is all about indulgence. It gives us pleasure and ignites the senses. All of this makes it a really enjoyable gift to give, as well as receive. And unlike a pair of socks or a scented candle, you can make Christmas gifts for foodies surprisingly personal.
“You can choose the recipient's favourite thing, especially with all the unique flavours that are out there now,” says Rebecca Neale, marketing manager at Suffolk Food Hall.
“At Suffolk Food Hall, we offer local, seasonal produce. That means the food we offer can make an even more unique gift and really give the taste of Suffolk.”
Sangita Tryner, founder of Delilah Fine Foods in Nottingham, couldn’t agree more. “Licorice is great for my hubby, for example, because there's so many different types of licorice out there. You can really go to town with good-quality licorice.
“If I'm buying for my mother-in-law, anything nutty, brittles and things like that – but it can be really interesting, rather than your bog standard.
“I've got friends who I always buy spicy things for. We've got some beautiful miso spicy peanut sauces which are just slightly unusual. It's something they probably wouldn't pick up for themselves, but you could introduce them,” she tells Great British Food.
As much fun as it is to choose an ultra-specific foodie gift for a friend or relative, food and drink can make equally great gifts for a Secret Santa who you don’t know very well, or the person on your list who is impossible to buy for.
Sangita points out, “You'll always find something interesting when it comes to food. You've probably got about an 80% chance that they're going to like that food. That's opposed to something like a jumper, where, if you're anything like me, there's about an 80% chance they'll be returning it!” she laughs.
Shining a local light
Choosing Christmas gifts for foodies also offers a great opportunity to shine a light on local British producers – or take it a step further and focus on regional specialities.
For example, at Suffolk Food Hall, everything from chocolate to crisps to beef and poultry is sourced from the local area, Rebecca says.
Sangita also loves any chance to celebrate local producers. “Our miso peanut sauce is made by someone local and is really hard to find. The producer does markets and things like that, but unless you happen to spot her, you'll never come across it,” she says.
For Sangita, choosing a Christmas gift is a chance to introduce someone to a food or drink product that they might not come across on their own.
Delis and farm shops, which are often packed to the rafters with interesting and beautifully packaged products, are the perfect places to browse for inspiration for your foodie friends and family members.
“One of my best things about running Delilah is watching someone walk in for the first time – they don’t know what to look at first. It’s like a feast for your eyes,” Sangita says.
“If you’re looking for some inspiration […], visit a fine food specialist. We’ve spent the last eight months looking for products that you might not have seen. We have the expertise.”
Delilah Fine Food often invites local suppliers into the shop to showcase the innovation and hard work of British producers. “I think we forget sometimes how talented we are,” Sangita says. “We need to support these guys. It's tough out there at the moment, especially in the farming world, and so we're particularly keen on supporting those guys.”
For Rebecca, a selection of local delicacies from the deli makes for a perfect gift. “We have a huge selection of local cheeses which can make up a lovely gift. Pair it with a homemade sausage roll and Scotch egg.
“Our local cheeses have a unique taste. I love being able to give people the opportunity to taste their new favourite Suffolk-produced cheese or cured meat.”
Christmas gift ideas for foodies
Stuck for gift ideas? Take a look through our list of tried and tested UK-made food and drink products that would make brilliant gifts this Christmas…
