Questions You Might Ask
What foods are best to give as gifts?
The best food gifts are whatever your recipients might enjoy—consider their cravings, cooking tendencies, and favorite dishes. Some popular food gift categories include:
- Baked goods and bread
- Condiments, sauces, and oils
- Spices and herbs
- Chocolates and candy
- Pretzels, chips, and snack foods
- Baking mixes
- Cured meats
- Cheese
Which food items last the longest without refrigeration?
Some food items need to be refrigerated or frozen, but shelf-stable gifts can last for months or even years without going bad. Plus, if you’re looking for stocking stuffers, they’re a great option.
- Pantry staples like pasta, oils, spices, herbs, and sauces can stay fresh for months or years—just follow any instructions on the packaging, as some items may need to be refrigerated or used within a time frame after opening.
- Keep fresh foods like cheese or refrigerated pickles in the fridge, and use them before their best-by date, which may be weeks or months after purchase.
- If you want to gift something frozen, like specialty ice cream or mochi, make sure your recipient will be home to open the gift and put it in the freezer. Frozen items can also last for months when stored properly.
- Baked goods will have specific shelf-life guidelines, so follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and choose your gifts accordingly, says Lyew.
How much should you spend on food gifts?
“Food gifts can fit any budget,” says Bridenstine. “They don’t necessarily have to break the bank to be significant—it’s the intent and narrative behind the gift that counts the most.”
The right amount to spend on a food gift depends entirely on your budget.
- For under $10, you can find plenty of great gift options, like gourmet popcorn or a spicy pepper sauce.
- Food gift ideas under $25 include fancy sea salt, small-batch jerky, and candy selections.
- Popular food gifts under $50 might include a box of chocolates, a trio of jams or sauces, special honey, or a truffle-infused oil.
- If you’re open to spending over $50,you can gift luxurious options, including a complete NYC brunch spread, a box of specialty foods, or a collection of high-end olive oils.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Nina Bahadur, a writer and gift-giver who has over 10 years of experience covering home, health, beauty, and food topics; and updated by Taylor Rock, senior shopping editor for Real Simple. For this piece, she spent hours researching both inexpensive and splurge-worthy food gifts to suit every type of gift recipient. She also consulted Sarah Bridenstine, a professional baker and chef who runs the blog Baking Kneads, and Elisa Lyew, the chef and owner of NYC gluten-free bakery Elisa’s Love Bites, to get expert input on selecting the best food gifts.
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