Gourmet Gifts

By Sharon Naylor Toris

August 11, 2022 4 min read

Some people dream about jewelry as their Christmas gift. Others dream about game systems and gaming chairs. And others dream about cheese. And charcuterie. And champagne. Delectable bites and sips that feel indulgent, for one or for a beloved group. The right gift for these folks may be a culinary adventure of new tastes and textures, such as a creamy brie with apricots and figs. A gourmet gift might transport you to another place and time, such as an Italian countryside alfresco lunch. It might check a big wish off your bucket list, such as enjoying a particular vintage of wine.

A gourmet gift might be a wish come true. Or it may simply be some really fun-sounding jalapeno beer nuts.

Let's start with treats to enjoy:

*Chocolates

Jennifer Lee, a food and wine marketer and Forbes Travel contributor (@The_Jenius on Instagram and Twitter), points to "Socola Chocolates -- founded by Vietnamese sisters, named one of the best chocolatiers in the country" as a gift whose flavors she calls "playful and unique."

Li-Lac Chocolates is the oldest chocolate house in Manhattan, a bit of history that could remind the recipient of their time spent in New York City. It's a bit of time traveling in tiny chocolate treats.

*Charcuterie

This is a buzzword for gourmet gifts now, with present packages and stocking stuffers consisting of summer sausages, slices of salami, cheeses, dips, olives and assorted crackers. Whatever you may see on charcuterie board-themed Pinterest pages, those ingredients (and a board to put them on, plus utensils) delight.

*Seafood

Joy abounds when someone receives a shipment of fresh or frozen seafood such as lobster, shrimp or salmon. These may be lifelong favorites and they have the power to lift spirits when our current era's budget pressures mean that lobster is off someone's grocery list. You can bring it back to the table as a thoughtful and generous gift.

*Meats

Similarly, many people appreciate a gourmet gift of steaks, ribs, burger, sausages and other meats. "My recommendations ... would be Stemple Creek Ranch, or Papa Wagyu," says Lee. Her chef friends from "Top Chef" and Michelin-rated chefs use these brands. If you follow the example of these experts, food items with a famous pedigree win the day.

*Fruits and Vegetables

Consider making this gift from the best options in the farmers market, with freshness as the focus. Add in staples of fresh, crusty bread, herbs, farmer cheese, pie and assorted treats such as flowers and honey for a classic gift.

*Bubbly, Beer and Spirits

Make it possible for your gift recipient to toast their happy occasions with the best bubbly around and show off their mixology skills with some cocktail magic. Or fill their man cave fridge with unique beer brands. Lee says of her top picks in champagne: "Iron Horse Vineyard's Russian or Wedding Cuvee. Served from the White House to Buckingham Palace, they are perfect for celebrating."

*Take Your Pick

Gift cards to websites such as a single brand's menu or Goldbelly's collection of brands let your recipient pick out what they really want. If they haven't had a key lime pie in forever, now is their time, with your gift's help, and the key lime pie might come right from Key West. Gourmet gift cards allow you to give authenticity and thrill.

*Final Touches

To complete the gift, think cheese knives, personalized cocktail napkins, ice cube molds and other accessories a foodie would love. Think sauces and dressings, boxes of baking mixes and gourmet crunchy snacks. Or pick a theme such as honey and get honey-flavored chips, crackers, dips and candies. With these tips, gourmet gifts are sure to please this holiday season.

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