It’s all a Matter of Taste! Gifts for the Curious Foodie

Shopping around for the self-proclaimed “foodie” in your life can be a tricky task. If, like myself, you look for gifts that show you have put care, thought and consideration into finding them something they will love, buying something generic or off the shelf can often not be the way you want to go.  

I’ve always believed that food lovers are some of the easiest people to buy gifts for—the options are practically endless! With every new flavour, ingredient, or kitchen gadget, there's a chance to surprise and inspire them. For foodies, the gift-giving possibilities are as expansive and exciting as their love for all things delicious! 

As November flies by and Christmas approaches faster than ever, finding the perfect gift for my culinary-minded friends is top of mind. My online search has uncovered some intriguing options, sparking fresh ideas for unique and memorable presents. Below I have formulated a go to guide for your ultimate culinary fan.  

• High Quality Olive Oil Set - A selection of olive oils from different regions can elevate any cooking. TOP TIP! Look for infused options like lemon, rosemary, or truffle oils 
• Herbs and Spices - Unique Spice blends can offer endless culinary inspiration! You can get ready made gift sets, but my TOP TIP is to look out for customisable sets!  
• Artisanal Cheese Subscription - So, moving away from your run of the mill cheese board, the gift that keeps on giving! Small batch cheese deliveries are a dream for cheese lovers!  
• Gourmet Salt - Yes, something I am personally new to! Take flavours to a new level with Smoked Sea Salt to bring out flavours in dishes in a brand-new way!  
• Charcuterie Board Set - A stylish wooden board with beautiful cheese knives and maybe even some artisan meats, cheeses, or nuts to start off their charcuterie obsession. TOP TIP – If you attend food festivals you will have a host of these to choose from! 
• Authentic Pasta - For those who love Italian cuisine, a pasta maker is a great addition to their kitchen. TOP TIP! Add some unique pasta flour and a guide to homemade pasta to make it a complete package. 

Beyond the usual gift boxes and physical presents lies the electrifying world of gastronomy experiences! There’s a whole world of food experiences just waiting to be unwrapped. If you've got a true food lover in your life, why not go away from a cookbook or gadget and give them a day they’ll actually taste and remember? Experience days let them step into the kitchen and try out everything they’ve been craving—learning new techniques, diving into new flavours, and really getting their hands into the mix! 

• Full Day Cookery Class  Gift someone a full day of cooking in Hertfordshire with the renowned chef Kumud Gandhi. Dive into flavours from around the world—like Asian, Spanish, Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine—with all ingredients, lunch and a recipe pack included. Perfect for food lovers of all levels, with vegan and vegetarian options available. It’s a delicious way to sharpen skills and create amazing dishes to share! 
• Indian Food For Beginners Cookery Class And Dining Experience Looking for a flavourful, fun gift? This Indian Food cookery class is perfect for anyone ready to dive into delicious cooking! Learn to make classics like Butter Chicken, Pilau Rice, and Kachumba Salad, with vegetarian and vegan options, too. No experience? No problem! The instructor’s got you covered with easy, step-by-step guidance. Treat someone to a tasty adventure and book your spot today—it’s time to spice things up! 
• Caribbean Cookery Class Spice up someone’s life with a Caribbean Cookery Class! Dive into the heart of bold, authentic Caribbean flavours with Monica and Lee, passionate home cooks who’ll guide you in crafting jerk chicken, curry mutton, rice and peas, and golden dumplings. Perfect for all skill levels, with vegan and veggie options available. This hands-on class is more than cooking—it’s a cultural celebration! Choose from three classes held year-round and give the unforgettable gift of Caribbean cuisine. 
• Learn How To Make Sushi & Sake Tasting Roll up your sleeves for a hands-on sushi-making adventure! Learn to craft delicious nigiri and maki rolls with expert guidance, then savour your creations alongside a premium sake tasting. Enjoy four exceptional sakes, including sweet plum and fizzy varieties from the Akashi-Tai range. It’s the ultimate blend of Japanese flavours, culture, and fun—perfect for food lovers and adventurers alike! 
• Pasta Academy Workshop In London Looking for a unique, flavourful gift? Treat someone special to the Pasta Academy Workshop in London! This hands-on experience combines Italian flair with pasta-making fun, guided by an expert chef. Begin with aperitivo and antipasti, then dive into crafting pasta like ravioli and tagliatelle. Afterward, enjoy a delicious meal of your creations with Prosecco and soft drinks. Perfect for food lovers and aspiring chefs, this workshop isn’t just a class—it’s an adventure, a chance to make memories, and a gift they’ll savour with every bite! 

For those who enjoy hands-on activities but may not be as excited about attending in-person events, consider these immersive, home-based experiences. Designed for you to enjoy at your own pace and in the comfort of your own home, these options let you explore new skills and flavours from the familiarity of your kitchen. Embrace the joy of learning, experimenting, and creating without ever needing to leave your house! 

• Online Cookery Course Kickstart your healthy eating with Ann Hood from BBC’s MasterChef! Join her online course to learn easy, tasty recipes that help you lose up to 1 stone in 21 days—right from your own kitchen! Just one hour a day with Ann will boost your cooking skills and health, supporting weight loss, better sleep, and a happier you. 
• At Home Wine And Cheese Tasting Kit Experience wine tasting like never before with our DIY set featuring five expertly selected wines to enjoy from the comfort of home. Perfect for refining your palate, this set includes five 100ml bottles showcasing diverse flavours, simple tasting instructions, detailed wine fact sheets, tasting notes to record each wine’s unique aromas, and five carefully paired cheeses. Ideal for beginners and enthusiasts alike, it’s a unique treat for yourself or a memorable gift for others. 
• Cheese Course Gift Hamper Voucher Indulge in the ultimate cheese course hamper, featuring a bottle of Marqués del Puente Nuevo Tempranillo, Scottish cheddar, and a selection of Savory treats. Perfect for elevating any meal, it’s an unforgettable gift for friends, family, or colleagues. 

Now, let’s turn our attention to the laid-back foodie and the dining-out devotee—those who relish the experience of a great meal without the hassle of cooking. We’re excited to present a curated selection of unique dining experiences; each offering its own twist to surprise and elevate your culinary adventures. 

• Corrigan's Mayfair Two Course Dinner Plus Optional Wine Pairing  Discover award-winning dining at Corrigan's Mayfair! Savor a two-course meal crafted by Michelin-starred Chef Richard Corrigan, blending British and Irish flavours with the finest seasonal ingredients. Start with dishes like poached asparagus or beef tartare, followed by mains like roast cod or Irish Hereford beef. Finish with indulgent desserts and elevate your experience with wine pairings. 
• Chinese Fine Dining - Five Course Duck Menu  Treat yourself to a memorable Five Course Duck Menu, featuring the legendary Peking duck and the finest Chinese flavours. Each dish is crafted with seasonal ingredients, with optional wine pairings selected by our head sommelier. Perfect for groups of 2 to 6, this dining experience is ideal for special celebrations. 
• Chefs Table Dining Experience in Yorkshire An unforgettable Chef's Table experience with an 8-course tasting menu by chef Josh Barnes, featuring the finest seasonal ingredients from the estate and the Northeast. Begin with a seasonal aperitif, followed by a front-row seat to culinary artistry, with each course paired expertly by our sommelier.  
• Tasting Menu Dining Experience with Celebrity Chef Enjoy a unique tasting menu experience crafted by celebrity chef Andrew Sheridan of Great British Menu fame. Savor classic dishes with a modern twist, made from high-quality, local ingredients—all in a relaxed, informal setting. 
• Oxford River Cruise With Tasting Menu Experience For Two Give the gift of an unforgettable evening with an Oxford River Cruise and Tasting Menu Experience for Two. Start with a 40-minute cruise along Oxford’s picturesque waterways, enjoying Champagne and scenic views. Then, indulge in a 6-course tasting menu at The Folly, Oxford’s riverside gem. 

Shaun