2023 Holiday Gift Guide

The festive season is fast approaching and we're all looking for inspiration in what to make or buy for friends and family. We see a lot of sales happening at this time of year, and every time November rolls around I plan on doing my full Christmas shop early in an attempt to maximise on the discounts and get ahead. This plan of attack starts with knowing what gifts I'm going to get everyone. And that is often the difficult part!

For that reason, I’ve curated 24 items that I think would make fantastic presents for the people in your life that enjoy cooking, eating or food, in general. The theme for the guide is gourmand, because that is my specialty. Use this list to assist you in purchasing something meaningful for the people you love most, or send to them so they can be inspired for what to gift back to you!

Things to consider when looking for your gifts:

First and foremost, who are you buying for? What do they like and what are their hobbies? Asking yourself these questions straight off the bat will point you in the right direction for gift giving. Consider whether they love to cook at home, read books, wear beautiful jewellery or enjoy an aesthetic home.
Is this a gift that the person will use? For me this is an important point to consider. I don't want to buy someone a gift simply for the act of handing over a present. I want them to love it and get use out of it! This applies for decorative pieces as well. Gift an item that will be enjoyed by the receiver.
What is your budget? A very important thing to keep in mind, at this time of year, but also in general. Spending a lot of cash does not the perfect gift make! If you have a lot of people to buy for, you want to put heart into each and every thing you are giving and this may mean adjustments to your spend.

Gifts by price category

You can view the full gift guide with links via my newsletter, Midnight Snack. But for this post, I thought it helpful to break down my suggestions by price point, and provide a little explanation about what I love about the gift.

If you're looking to get right to it, jump to each section here:

Best bang for your buck: gifts for under $50
Pieces that will impress: gifts for under $100
Luxurious but affordable: gifts for under $150
A little bit bougie: gifts for over $150

Best bang for your buck: gifts for under $50

Interactive Recipe Books by Lotta Nieminen: the cutest gift for a child, new or expecting parents! There are five books in this series - cookies, tacos, pancakes, pizza and spaghetti. Each book goes through the recipe with interactive features that invite the reader to participate in the process.
Why We Cook by Lindsay Gardener: this beautiful book features essays, profiles and recipes from over 100 women who work in and with food. From restauranteurs and activists to food writers, professional chefs and home cooks. A fantastic gift for any women in your life, or those that will appreciate the stories behind the food.
With Miles Chopstick Rests: I've featured the butter toast and the tempura chopstick rests, but you'll also find a ketchup bottle, a fried egg in a pan and a sourdough loaf. These pieces are handcrafted and detailed by skilled artisans and will add a cute little touch to any dining table.
Homemade Brown Butter Cinnamon Shortbread: yes, this is my recipe, and let me just tell you it is an absolute winner! Nothing says I love and care for you more than a sweet little treat baked at home. Stack up five or six of these cookies, wrap them in some cellophane and ribbon and gift them. I guarantee you'll be getting messages back asking for the recipe.
Homemade Date Coupons: I love the idea of creating a personalised coupon or gift certificate for your loved one that outlines a dinner date or sunset picnic. Create these to suit the person you're giving them to and encourage them to 'redeem' them with you throughout the year. I've linked to a selection of free Canva templates that you can use to get started on creating your own.
It's Olio Mr Olio Extra Virgin Olive Oil: squeezy EVOO is all the rage right now and I'm about it. It's practical and cute enough to sit on your kitchen counter as a decorative piece. Mr Olio EVOO is made from 100% cold pressed, organic South Australian olives providing a mellow but herbaceous finish. Encourage use of this oil to dress a salad, drizzle over pastas or dot on top of a dirty martini for that extra kick.
Hey Tiger Chocolate: a Melbourne-based chocolate company committed to creating a more equitable global landscape within the chocolate industry. Hey Tiger uses ethical sourcing and production practices and donates funds to The Hunger Project. Their chocolate bars are a great little gift for a stocking stuffer, your child's school teacher or a friend who is hosting a Christmas dinner.
Nonna's Grocer Butter Candle: I'm a long time fan of Nonna's Grocer who create candles designed to create an ambient space for good conversation with your favourite humans. The pieces are handmade locally in their studio in Sydney. The butter candle would look fantastic on a plate in the centre of a dining table. Alternatively the tomatoes, burrata and avocado candle are my top picks. Very cute!

Pieces that will impress: gifts for under $100

Gigi & Tom Strawberry Bouquet Ceramic Vase: now this is a talking piece! A glazed red ceramic adorned with life-like strawberries would sit pretty in the home of your loved one with the most style. I love that its versatile; it doubles as a floral vase, sculptural decor item, centrepiece or wine cooler.
Nelly Fran Designs Aussie Snack Print: Nelly is a Melbourne-based visual artist and print maker. This particular design features a variety of Australian classic snacks, from the beloved sausage sizzle to the iconic Tim Tam. The prints are available from A4 up to A1 and would look fantastic on the wall of any foodie.
Eau Bags All Day Bag: perfect for any and every occasion. Is your loved one in need of a baby bag? Perhaps a picnic bag, market bag or beach bag? This tote is made with recycled nylon materials and can be used everyday.
Etota Bittersweet Aperitivo: I purchased this a few months back soon after I found out I was pregnant, and it has been one of my favourite drinks to sip on. A combination of 15 ingredients distilled for 96 hours, Etota is inspired by the Italian Aperitif. Drink straight on the rocks, or mix with soda for a refreshing sip. This mixer is for your friend that loves a drink or cocktail. It works well with other spirits too. Get creative!
Hommey Apron: a brand well known for their beautiful fluffy robes (also a great gift!). I love these stylish striped aprons they make, great for any home cook. It features an adjustable strap, front pocket and comes in four funky designs.
Dennis Did It Billy Dish: stainless steel dishes from a Melbourne-based biz. You may have seen these aesthetic dishes all over Instagram, they are a favourite among cool girls and caterers alike. I love these for featuring olives, fruit or even ice cream - they make for a chic addition to any food-lovers serveware. You can purchase the short and tall dishes separately, or as a duo.

Luxurious but affordable: gifts under $150

Asoke Louzon Wave 16 Piece Cutlery Set: another practical but beautiful gift idea is a set of stunning cutlery, you know, the fancy cutlery that we bring out only when we have guests over. In saying that, this set is understated enough for the everyday, but also chic enough for special occasions. We love a product that does both! Asoke is a homewares brand founded by Australian food royalty Marion Grasby, originally of Masterchef fame.
Delicacies Jewelry: a jewellery company that celebrates all things food with a collection of stunning pieces that honour and respect simple ingredients. I love the dumpling collection (of course), and I'm lucky enough to own a few pieces of my own - the gyoza earrings and necklace, and soup dumpling bracelet. Pieces range from $50 to $1900, so there is something here for everyone!
Pura Utz Mini Lemon Bracelet: this adorable glass bead bracelet is handmade by artisans in Guatemala. The Pura Utz team pride themselves in paying three times the market standard to honour the women who create their products. Find other fruits, like apples, grapes and lemons, and other styles on their website. A great gift for the stylish friend.
DedCool Milk Layering + Enhancer Fragrance: okay, this is my wild card gift. Felt a little left of centre for the theme, but relevant because it's called Milk. Does that count? Never before have I been told by so many complete strangers that I smell divine until I wore this perfume. It's designed to be worn on its own, or layered with others in their range or from your own collection. Milk mixes with your unique chemistry and has notes of bergamot, white musk and amber. Purchase this one in a small travel size bottle, or the regular size. An absolutely wonderful gift for your friend who always smells amazing, or yourself really. Trust me on this one.
Good Day People Gift Hampers: another gift collection that actually sits across multiple price ranges, from $40 to $450. They truly have something for everyone: friends, lovers, mums and dads, people that drink, people that don't, Christmas-themed or not. Each hamper features a selection of luxe and delicious products. Also these guys are another Australian small business, which we love!
Tanchen Wine Bag: this is a gift that combines function with fashion. It holds a standard bottle of wine, or any bottle with a similar capacity. The bag is elegantly crafted with nylon elastic yarn and a wood handle. For your wine-loving friend.

A little bit bougie: gifts above $150

Gozney Roccbox: this has been on my personal wish list for the longest time now. A restaurant-grade portable pizza oven with dual fuel capabilities. If your loved one loves pizza, and let's be honest, who doesn't, then they will adore this.
Maison Balzac Bordeaux Wine Glasses: hand-blown and come in both clear or pink colours with a grape feature for the stem. These are absolutely beautiful and such a talking point. Would look fabulous on the table.
Favr the Label Embroidered Buon Appetito Tablecloth: a 100% linen tablecloth to elevate any tablescape. I've linked the blue one here, but also comes in black, beige and red. A small business from Western Australia, Favr create an array of lovely pieces for your friend that loves to entertain.
Garden Street Gin Club Gift Subscription: choose from 3, 6, or 12 monthly boxes, or alternatively you could organise a one-off box for your loved one who enjoys gin. Their gin specialists select a craft gin each month, often exclusive and not available elsewhere in Australia, and organise to have it delivered right to your door on the 5th of the month. The gift that keeps on giving! Boxes include a bottle of gin, plus mixers, garnishes and snacks, along with a magazine with stories, tasting notes and recipes.

A final word from me...

I hope this guide provides you with some gifting inspiration this festive season! This time of year is about spending time with the most important people in your life, and showing your affection can be done in many ways.

I would love to hear your feedback on my ideas, or what you’re planning on giving to your loved ones this year. Catch up with me over on Instagram.