69 Amazing Foodie Gifts

Sunset

Handmade kitchen gadgets, delectable treats, and more for the gourmand or avid home cook

Sunset

1 of 69

Serving boards

These modern, handcrafted serving boards are made by master craftsman Chaïm Factor in Wicklow, Ireland, using Irish sycamore and walnut.

Advertisement

2 of 69

Stone cups

This cup set's design is inspired by traditional Japanese motifs. The size is actually the standard beer size in Japan, but are perfect to use for water, tea, and more in the West.

Advertisement

3 of 69 Jeffery Cross

Serving tray

Planning on giving someone breakfast in bed this holiday season? (Or hoping to be the recipient?) A whimsical birch tray, hand-printed by L.A.-based designer Annabel Inganni, could come in handy, either in delivering the goods—or the hint.

Advertisement

4 of 69 Jeffery Cross

Bamboo fruit bowl

This reversible bowl, handmade in Vietnam, does more than just provide a pretty stage for produce. Buying it helps Shopping for a Change, a Bay Area nonprofit, foster creative talent in developing countries.

Advertisement

5 of 69

Serving spoons

Fair-trade and handmade, these serving spoons make a stylish statement while being simple to use.

Advertisement

6 of 69 Jeffery Cross

Rolling pins

It is baking season, after all—why not up the odds of getting more homemade pie in your life? Give your in-house baker one of the Washington State company’s elegant and extremely functional pins, and watch the flour fly. (They come in beech, maple, sapele, Doug fir, or walnut, and are painted with food-safe pigments.)

Advertisement

7 of 69

Coffee scoop

These stylish scoops, hand-carved from Tzalam wood in the Yucatan, are sure to delight anyone who takes their morning ritual seriously.

Advertisement

8 of 69 E. Spencer Toy

Personalized rolling pins

For the baker who wants to put a personal stamp on her pastry or cookies, these laser-engraved rolling pins sold by Northern California Healdsburg Shed are customized with a blackbird, chevron, or circle design.

Advertisement

9 of 69

Butter mold

Make butter beautiful with a traditional butter mold, embossing your butter with a cheerful rustic print.

Advertisement

10 of 69

Tortilla press

Starting with a good tortilla is key, and making your own is the best way to do it. This tortilla press is made in Healsburg, using locally sourced materials.

Advertisement

11 of 69

Handheld food smoker

Finish any dish, drink, or sauce with a hint of hickory or applewood using this culinary must-have.

Advertisement

12 of 69

American skillet

From cornbread to cobbler, celebrate the fact that both your meal and skillet are made in the USA.

Advertisement

13 of 69 E. Spencer Toy

Olive oil

You’ve tried that swanky, gold foil–wrapped EVOO. But have you tried bright, bold, green-tasting olio nuovo, or freshly pressed olive oil? This unfiltered finishing oil keeps just a few months—so pour it on bread, braised greens, polenta, you name it. Try intense Katz December Oil ($25/375 ml; katzfarm.com) or milder Séka Hills ($12; 250 ml.; sekahills.com) and CaliVirgin ($26/500 ml.; calivirgin.com). You can also buy all three at markethallfoods.com, an Oakland, CA-based purveyor of fine foods.

Advertisement

14 of 69 E. Spencer Toy

Mole sauces

Our food editors rarely go for jarred sauces, but these zingy Mexican moles are an exception.

Advertisement

15 of 69 E. Spencer Toy

Spices

For the cook who’s resolved to master a new cuisine, there’s the Bollywood Theater Indian Spice Set. It comes with freshly ground garam masala, tikka masala, and vindaloo masala blends—and a recipe to make with each—from chef Troy Maclarty of the crazy-popular Portland Bollywood Theater restaurants.

Advertisement

16 of 69

Canisters

Go beyond the mason jar for your bulk storage and choose these canisters instead. With four sizes in a set, they're made for storing a variety of dry items and look great nestled together.

Advertisement

17 of 69 Jeffery Cross

Next Level

Small-space entertaining just got a whole lot easier. This mango wood and metal tiered serving tray comes apart for easy washing and storage. Pack it your giftee’s favorite canapés or sweets for the ultimate host(ess) gift.

Advertisement

18 of 69 E. Spencer Toy

Hot sauce

Since 1994, firefighter Lee Taylor has grown a legion of peppers in the Palo Alto fire station’s backyard. Our heroes who make this zesty sauce give all proceeds to the Palo Alto Firefighters Charitable Fund.

Advertisement

19 of 69 Jeffery Cross

Aperitiva

It’s high time for a local alternative to the usual French aperitifs. This well-balanced newcomer—made in Sonoma by San Francisco mix master Duggan McDonell—combines a white wine base with 10 locally sourced herbs. Use it in a cocktail, or drink it on its own, over ice.

Advertisement

20 of 69

Electric wine aerator

We’re not fans of fussy wine gadgets at Sunset, but a simple aerator—a device that quickly introduces oxygen into wine—can soften harsh tannins and release aromas in young vintages, to make a glass of wine markedly more enjoyable without the time lapse of a traditional decanter. Our newest favorite—Aervana—is the first electric version. After quick assembly of batteries and tube, you can just hold your glass under the spigot, push the button, and a stream of wine burbles out. In blind taste tests in the halls of Sunset (our wine: muscular, age-worthy, beautiful Mt. Veeder Cabernet from Napa Valley), the staff got it right every time, identifying the glass that had been aerated.

Advertisement

21 of 69 Jeffery Cross

Wine preserver

There’s no shortage of decanters on the market, but this is the first we’ve seen that’s also an effective wine-storage system. This elegant glass carafe (with the help of a clever plastic float) will keep the contents of that favorite bottle eminently drinkable for up to a week. (An even more affordable all-plastic version is available for $24.95.)

Advertisement

22 of 69 Coravin

Wine saver

Great bottles of wine can present owners with a dilemma—when you open them, you have to drink the entire bottle within a couple of days to avoid the leftovers oxidizing. But what if you’re dying to taste that 2007 Silver Oak, but your husband is off with the kids, and it’s only you? Go ahead—with the Coravin system. Model Two is a sleek device that lets you insert a thin needle through the cork (without pulling it), and pour as much as you want. An inert gas from a small canister shoots in to replace what you’ve poured, preserving the wine from oxygen and keeping it sound for months to come. You can still share with your husband.

Advertisement

23 of 69

Beer growler

A rugged yet minimalist 64-oz. growler made from restaurant-grade stainless steel. Designed and assembled in California.

Advertisement

24 of 69

Cocktail kit

Whether it's a Moscow Mule, Old Fashioned, or Gin & Tonic, these nifty cocktail kits are made for first-class travelers, even if they're sitting in coach.

Advertisement

25 of 69 Jeffery Cross

Cocktail spices

Sure, one could simply grind some star anise or chop some Thai chile or tarragon and toss it in one’s drink. But Addition, a Seattle-based line of tinctures, lets the home bartender flavor a cocktail with exactitude, medicine dropper and all. The 25 flavors range from tarragon to horseradish to “filthy dirty”—for martinis, of course.

Advertisement

26 of 69 Jeffery Cross

Carafe

How’d this tall, handsome drink of water get its name, the Oaxifornia? While on vacation in Oaxaca, Mexico, the owners of the San Francisco haute-kitchenware store March were introduced to these hand-blown carafes, and it was love at first sight. (On their side, at least—carafes don’t kiss and tell.)

Advertisement

27 of 69

Beer snob can

This tasteful glass is fit for a microbrew or classy domestic—and yes, the script is real gold.

Advertisement

28 of 69

Espresso cups

This set of four hand-thrown ceramic espresso cups and pourer will excite an art admirer as much as her caffeine-fiend partner.

Advertisement

29 of 69

Bloody Mary glasses

These gold-printed pint glasses are the perfect gift for brunch-cocktail connoisseurs who know it’s the garnishes that make a Bloody Mary.

Advertisement

30 of 69

Bloody Mary mix

Keep the vodka and ice ready when they open this delicious stocking stuffer.

Advertisement

31 of 69

Tea glasses

Handmade from recycled glass, these beautiful aqua-tinged glasses add global flair to any kitchen.

Advertisement

32 of 69

Mixology glasses

In hand or on the self, these mirrored 20k gold rock glasses will make a handsome statement on any bar shelf.

Advertisement

33 of 69

Mezcal bottle & glasses

Handcrafted by glassblowers in Oaxaca, Mexico, these clear mezcal glasses are meant to showcase the gorgeous golden hues of the smoky spirit, which is quickly gaining popularity in the U.S.

Advertisement

34 of 69 Jeffery Cross

Diamond Cut

It’s time to let go of the mismatched barware and chipped cups. These crinkle-cut glasses are made from durable glass that is highly resistant to breaking and scratches so you don’t have to keep them under lock and key just for company.

Advertisement

35 of 69 Jeffery Cross

Shaken, Not Stirred

This James Bond-worthy shaker deserves a prime spot on the cocktail cart. Made in Japan, the high-style stainless steel tool is plated in 24K gold for unbeatable shine and bullet-proof drinks.

Advertisement

36 of 69 Jeffery Cross

On the Rocks

Chill wine in no time with this eye-catching marble wine chiller. A quick dip in the freezer is all it needs to keep whites ready for sipping all night.

Advertisement

37 of 69

Navy pitcher

Upgrade your dinner table with this sleek, sculpted pitcher. It's a great size for hosting your garden's blossoms or pouring drinks for guests.

Advertisement

38 of 69 E. Spencer Toy

Modern pitcher

Pitcher perfect: the reissued iconic vessel created by Russel Wright, who brought modern design to the masses.

Advertisement

39 of 69 Jeffery Cross

Bar Cart Bombshell

At first glance this compact bottle opener reads more as decor than as bar tool, but its thin, brass frame is extremely durable and easy to use. With a little practice, it will open three bottles in a single go.

Advertisement

40 of 69 E. Spencer Toy

Beer caddy

Perfect to share a home brew, this customizable Western red cedar beer caddy can also step up even the most basic six-pack.

Advertisement

41 of 69

Marble coasters

These marble coasters can morph from four individual units for coffee into one large trivet for a hot dish.

Advertisement

42 of 69

Woven trivet

This gracefully modern trivet looks great whether it's supporting your favorite Dutch oven or acting as a finishing touch to the table.

Advertisement

43 of 69

Casserole carrier

Make attending your next potluck super-smooth by porting your dish in this denim casserole carrier.

Advertisement

44 of 69 Jeffery Cross

Small-Space Savior

A lack of cabinet or counter space doesn’t stand in the way of this mini workhorse. The compact 3.5-cup Mini Food Processor is light enough to store overhead and powerful enough to quickly chop, puree, and mix anything you can throw in it.

Advertisement

45 of 69

Backyard grill

In and around Santa Maria, California, barbecuing beef over a fire of red oak logs has been a way of life since rancho days. Nowadays, the grill of choice—appropriately called a Santa Maria grill—can be raised and lowered so the meat sits just the right distance from the flames. But the models typically used in parking lots around town to serve crowds are a good 20 feet long. For the home cook, Santa Maria Grills makes a range of smaller backyard bbqs that work just the same way.

Advertisement

46 of 69

Artisanal salt sampler

  • #2 Gift Set – Six Vial Salt Sampler with Branded Wood Holder, $35; jacobsensalt.com

Harvested from the Oregon Coast, Jacobsen Salt is celebrated for its pure taste and texture. This sampler set includes the original Pure Flake Salt, as well as five infused variations for the more experimental cook: rosemary, habanero, pinot noir, black pepper, and black garlic.

Advertisement

47 of 69

Bee Local honey

Infuse comfort food like barbecue, chili, or vegetables with the perfect combo of smoky and sweet.

Advertisement

48 of 69 E. Spencer Toy

Chile jelly and jam

  • 3 jars (11 oz. each)/$30 and individually at selected stores; ojaijelly.com

Chile jelly can be wimpy, way too sweet, or both. But Ojai Jelly gets the balance just right. The Southern California company cooks up small batches, and leaves some chopped chiles in the jar for texture, medium heat, and fresh flavor. Choose from jalapeño jelly, habanero jelly, and habanero apricot jam.

Advertisement

49 of 69 E. Spencer Toy

S’mores kit

Imagine the favorite campfire treat with a deluxe makeover and a holiday flavor spin. The peppermint version of the Ticket Artisan S’mores Kit includes four handcrafted chocolate grahams, peppermint-streaked marshmallows, and fine-quality milk chocolate bars coated with crushed peppermint candy. Not feeling minty? Go for the classic kit, with honey grahams, vanilla marshmallows, and plain milk chocolate.

Advertisement

50 of 69 Jeffery Cross

Seasonal ice creams

There’s no wrong time for ice cream, but December is especially good, thanks to Portland ice cream maven Salt & Straw’s decadent holiday ice cream assortment. Available at their shops in Portland, L.A., and San Francisco, as well as by mail, it features a hometown lineup that does Oregon proud. Local mint and booze (plus recipes from a local mixologist and a politician) go into Peppermint Cocoa, Bourbon Pecan Pie, Spiked Eggnog, Mincemeat Pie, and Congressman Blumenauer’s Fruit Cake.

Advertisement

51 of 69 E. Spencer Toy

Utah honey caramels

Made with raw honey by a beekeeping family in Utah, these slightly chewy caramels have a warm, deep sweetness.

Advertisement

52 of 69 Jeffery Cross

Good Karmal caramels

We’re big believers in buttery caramels, and these Montana-made sweets are the creamiest of them all. The best part: Your purchase could help such environmental charities as The Nature Conservancy and Arbor Day Foundation keep the West—and the rest of the planet—beautiful.

Advertisement

53 of 69 Dandelion Chocolate

Single-origin chocolate

  • $30; www.dandelionchocolate.com

Designed for the connoisseur who appreciates chocolate with intense yet nuanced flavors, the Dandelion Chocolate Wrapped Gift Set includes three single-origin bars from different parts of the world. The boutique San Francisco bean-to-bar factory packages the chocolate with care, too; they include a tasting guide and wrap the bars in hand-made, silk-screened paper.

Advertisement

54 of 69 Jeffery Cross

Candies

Where have all the penny-candy counters gone? Never fear—now giving classic candies is as easy as sending an email. You pick the size of the box and hit “send,” your beloved chooses the actual assortment (shown here, clockwise from top, licorice pastels, Boston Baked Beans, Sour Patch apples, pink Sixlets), and Denver-based Sugarwish takes it from there.

Advertisement

55 of 69 Cookies con Amore

Gluten-free cookies

Whether or not you avoid gluten, you’ll want to dive into the gluten-free holiday assortment from Cookies con Amore. The Vista, California company packs 9 classic Italian cookies into the box, including crisp biscottini, chewy amaretti, snowy powdered-sugar coated wedding cookies, orange and almond ricciarelli, raspberry jam-filled polentine, and dried fruit and chocolate-filled cuccidati.

Advertisement

56 of 69 Jeffery Cross

Aw Shucks

You’ve never given an edible gift quite like this. Real Oyster Cult sends farm-fresh oysters overnight so they’re ready to be shucked and enjoyed at their best. Choose from some of the best oysters the Pacific and Atlantic have to offer, like Kusshi from Baynes Sound, B.C. and White Cap from Cape Cod Bay, MA.

Advertisement

57 of 69 Jeffery Cross

Cheeses

The next best thing to living in California’s Mendocino County is eating like you live there ... which means terrific cheeses from Pennyroyal Farm. Varieties include Boont Corners 2 Month Tomme, Bollie’s Mollies, Velvet Sister, and Laychee chèvre.

Advertisement

58 of 69 Jeffery Cross

Charcuterie box

Funny thing: Soon after this wooden crate arrived from Olympia (formerly Olympic) Provisions, and its contents were photographed, they vanished, never to be seen again. No one admitted anything, but the faint aroma of saucisson sec (garlic and black pepper), saucisson d’Alsace (baking spices), and pork pistachio pâté could be detected near our photo studio, and one of our photo editors looked suspiciously content.

Advertisement

59 of 69 Firstleaf

Wine club membership

Any wine lover on your holiday list (yourself included!) is sure to appreciate a one-of-a-kind half case, including award winners recognized for their outstanding quality by Wine Enthusiast, Wine Spectator, Wine & Spirits and other wine authorities. Featuring multiple fine wines rated upwards of 90 points from the world’s foremost wine regions, including Napa, Tuscany and Bordeaux, half cases available exclusively from Firstleaf at a price that’s also a gift!

Advertisement

60 of 69

Recipe subscription

Give the gift of cooking mastery through a subscription to Panna, which features delicious recipes and how-to videos with fantastic chefs.

Advertisement

61 of 69 Courtesy of Venissimo Cheese Lovers Club

Cheese club membership

Some very tasty gift options: Members of the Venissimo Cheese Lovers Club receive three cheeses a month from the San Diego shop, along with just the right accoutrement—say, the perfect cracker.

Advertisement

62 of 69

Chocolate club subscription

  • Chococurb Chocolate Gift Subscription from $20/month; chococurb.com

Whether they like it dark and bitter or milky and sweet, your chocoholic recipients will get a monthly fix of artisanal chocolates perfectly suited to their palate.

Advertisement

63 of 69 Steve Ford / Ritual Coffee Roasters

Ritual Coffee Roasters coffee subscription

A San Francisco fave, Ritual Coffee Roasters delivers the caffeine—12 ounces of special seasonal blends—without the crowds.

Advertisement

64 of 69 Jeffery Cross

Mistobox coffee subscription

  • $60/3-month subscription (one 12-oz. bag/month); mistobox.com

Finally, the perfect present for the serial coffee monogamist in your life. You know who we mean: She’s always trying the most-talked-about (or, alternatively, most obscure) beans around. The Bay Area–based company Mistobox sends regular care packages containing coffee from four different under-the-radar roasters from around the country—think Ristretto, from Portland, instead of Stumptown.

Advertisement

65 of 69 Jeffery Cross

Mini Me

Deck little helping hands in matching pinafores to keep the flour and messes at bay. Both the adult and child versions have excellent coverage and deep pockets for sneaking a cookie or stowing away a surprise doll. The tie-less coveralls make it easy for even the tiniest in the group to get ready for some fun in the kitchen.

Advertisement

66 of 69 Jeffery Cross

Cool Hands

Replace the burned, stained, and mateless oven mitts with this oatmeal linen set that’s worthy of being hung up and used in front of guests. The more they’re loved and washed, the better they wear.

Advertisement

67 of 69 Jeffery Cross

Multitasking Tools

Forget cluttering up the kitchen with a multitude of gadgets. These three jars can be fit with a variety of easy-to-store attachments for an all-in-one item that doesn’t take up extra space. From spiralizer, to juicer, to grater, prep straight into the jars and fill them up again post-dinner to keep leftovers fresh (and save a dish).

Advertisement

68 of 69 Jeffery Cross

Potluck Powerhouse

Sharing food has never been easier thanks to this tote. The unique design holds 13-inch round or rectangular dishes, platters, and bakeware securely so you can travel with your dish without worry. The 100 percent organic cotton canvas tote also fits a full pie, loaves of bread fresh from the market, or everything you need for a gourmet picnic.

Advertisement

69 of 69 Thomas J. Story

Sunset Magazine Subscription

  • Sunset gift subscription, $16 per year

From gardening ideas to up-and-coming travel destinations to wine recommendations, Sunset brings great ideas for living in the West to your fingertips. An annual subscription makes for the perfect stocking stuffer or add-on gift.

Advertisement