Foodie Gifts Can Be Surprisingly Thoughtful — 3 Experts Share Ideas That Are More Personal Than A Hamper

Who better to ask about finding the best gifts for foodies in 2024 than a trio of cult chefs and bakers? Instead of aimlessly scrolling on social media for inspiration or panicking every Christmas, birthday or notable occasion, there’s lots to learn from their – admittedly subjective – answers. “I was once given a white truffle in a gorgeous tiny box. It’s such a chic present,’ remembers Violet Cakes owner, Claire Ptak, “You wouldn’t buy one for yourself and you have an excuse to eat pasta with butter and white truffle for days.” In other words: a single wonder ingredient is a genius foodie gift idea.

“My friend Anna once gifted me some Andaliman pepper native to my North Sumatran Batak tribe – it was incredibly thoughtful since it’s so rare in Europe,” shares Spoons supper club founder, Rahel Stephanie. Clearly the thought counts as much as the effort. “I’m also a sucker for a beautiful bottle of wine with a story behind it or a wine gift voucher so I can pick one myself!” Reframing gift vouchers as an option for food lovers – rather than lazy and last-minute – is much appreciated. “Naomi Campbell brought me Rwandan chilli oil and hot sauce from the President,” Ghetto Gastro co-founder Jon Gray reveals. “She told me she was going, I told her my favourite chilli oil was there, and she came back with the presidential stash.” Such a flex, but the key takeaway is that the supermodel listened to exactly what he wanted and delivered it. It can be helpful to note down ideas throughout the year as conversation sparks inspiration. Below, the three experts share their inspiring 2024 foodie gift edits.

Rahel Stephanie: Indonesian chef, Spoons supper club founder and Pedas zine creator

“I love introducing people to lesser-known ingredients, especially from marginalised cuisines that aren’t easily found on the high street. Something from an independent POC seller is always a winner, and homemade and small-batch items are really popular. Do think about dietary preferences and make sure the gift suits the person. Don’t give something too perishable unless it’ll be enjoyed right away. I love using reusable glass jars with handwritten labels. For baked goods, a tin, basket, or a simple paper box tied with ribbon keeps things functional and chic. My Pandan Berry Blondies are my go-to gift – and they never fail to please!”

From dinner party-perfect drinks and a richer alternative to a morning coffee, to fragrant spices food lovers will enjoy experimenting with, discover Rahel Stephanie’s edit of foodie gifts below.

Jon Gray: co-founder and CEO of Bronx-born culinary collective, Ghetto Gastro

“Usually when I gift food, I’m blessing my people with Ghetto Gastro Goods out the trunk. What’s currently trending? Flavour and function. Rare snacks from abroad. Limited editions. Flavours from Africa, Asia, Central and South America. Real food without f*cked up ingredients and artificial dyes. Make sure you’re aware of allergies or aversions when you bless people with edible gifts. When it comes to gift wrapping, the Japanese have got it locked. You can’t go wrong with a nice gift bag with some luxurious paper or something that can have a second life, like a nice tote bag. All my gifts hit. I recently blessed a dear friend with some pine balsamic vinegar from Casa Maria Luigi in Modena.”

Jon Gray’s edit of foodie gifts below reveals he’s a food lover and innovator who aims to spark joy and empower fellow cooks with the best ingredients and equipment.

Claire Ptak: Baker, owner of California-style bakery Violet Cakes and food writer

“I like bringing back treats when I travel. Beyond that, I love things in tins: fish, chocolate, marzipan, golden syrup. We are selling more matcha blondies and California sprinkle cookies than we can keep on the shelves. I think people feel like the world is quite heavy, so maybe the rainbow sprinkles cheer them up. Also, green tea feels slightly more healthy even though it’s cake. Never bring flowers, wine, or a bulky food gift if you’re meeting them out because you’ll have to carry it around. Choose something that has meaning or tells a story. A satin ribbon boosts anything. I’m known for gifting birthday and wedding cakes. It’s so personal when I make them myself and it feels nice to be part of the celebration.”

Clarie Ptak gives the best cakes and other thoughtful trinkets to the food lovers in her life – as per her edit of foodie gifts below.

More gifts for foodies

From stocking fillers to bigger kitchen items, below you’ll find Vogue’s edit of gifts that the foodies in your life will love. Another idea is to make your own hamper, filled with really personal (and delicious) treats.