Gifts That Nourish…Literally
Your Guide to Edible Gifting
Food is my love language, so it is definitely a go-to when I’m gift giving. I love that it creates an experience and it is relatively easy for the gift giver. The secret to successful food gifting? Know your audience. You wouldn't send lobster to someone who's mentioned they don't love seafood, right?
Here are my tried-and-true food gifts. Let's start with the sweet stuff.
Japanese Kit Kats: A flavor adventure. Last Christmas, I gave both my boys a 60-piece Japan Kit Kat Variety Pack and it was a hit. My boys (ages 22 and 16) loved trying different flavors, such as cheesecake, pistachio, and matcha. It’s a great gift for teens or those who enjoy culinary adventures.
A no-cake birthday tradition. For the past four years, my oldest has been away at college for his birthday. Instead of trying to bake and ship a cake, I send him a four-pack of edible cookie dough. They have lots of different flavors to choose from and they also offer vegan and gluten-free options.
Art you can eat. I ordered these gorgeous chocolates from Richart for my team. They're like little works of art that are almost too pretty to eat. Almost.
I also just ordered a build your own box of these bonbons to thank a dear friend for watching one of our dogs. These chocolates look like marbles. They were a huge hit and lasted one day. Flavors include bourbon maple pecan, dulce de leche, liquid salted caramel, mint chocolate cookie, and more. They offer nut-free, gluten-free and vegan options.
A healthy sweet option. For something a little different, consider a Maui Gold pineapple. Maui Gold pineapples are considered the “gold” standard because of their perfect balance of acid and sugar. Plus pineapples symbolize friendship and generosity, making them an even more meaningful gift.
I’m someone who prefers salty over sweet so these savory gifts are right in my wheelhouse.
Charcuterie never disappoints. My husband has figured out the secret to my heart is through charcuterie boards. We will order boards from our local vendor, Cheese and Charcuterie for a date night versus going out to a restaurant. I've also shipped their DIY boards across the country and I've never heard a single complaint.
The ocean delivered to your door. Way back when, my husband and I would go to a Red Sox game in Boston at least once a season. As part of our trip, we’d always eat at Island Creek Oyster Bar near Fenway. They closed that location, but they ship fresh seafood right to your door. I sent oysters to family in California and they couldn't believe how incredible they were.
Say “¡Delicioso!”. I recently sent my dad La Tienda's Deluxe Tapas Starter Sampler for Father's Day. This box included chorizo sausage, stuffed olives, dark chocolate fig bonbons, olive oil potato chips, Marcona almonds, and more. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.
Another birthday tradition. In addition to the edible cookie dough, I also send my son the Gramercy Tavern Burger 4-pack. This isn't just any burger. We're talking a 70/30 chuck and brisket blend with bacon, smoked aioli, aged cheddar, and the most perfect bun. Everything arrives ready to create a restaurant-quality experience at home.
Food gifts work because they are personal and memorable. So next time you're stumped about what to give someone, remember: food is love…delivered.
From left to right: Japanese Kit Kats; Dō Edible Cookie Dough; Richart Chocolates; Island Creek Oysters; Charcuterie DIY Board from Cheese and Charcuterie
Top image: Stick With Me New York, New York Bonbon