Giftmas Gift Guides 2020: Day 3, For the Foodie…

(Good Candles ‘School Dinners’ candle, Ravneet Gill’s The Pastry Chef’s Guide, Fortnum’s chocolate bars, Helm Provisions box, Arthouse Unlimited chocolate, Lucy Burton Bakes Christmas brownies, Pazner’s Deli Hamper, Authentic East Asian cooking sauces from ChinaeastSezme)

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For day 3 of Giftmas, we’re talking all things food (which wasn’t a good idea to write at lunch time…)

When it comes to writing a gift guide for a ‘foodie’- what I probably really mean, is anyone who likes food. This isn’t necessarily for a Jay Rayner-style critic or a fine dining extraordinaire, but someone who might like to spend a little time in the kitchen- or even just on the sofa eating the contents of aforementioned kitchen too. Obviously at the moment there are also tonnes of incredible local restaurants offering hampers, delivery and cook-at-home options- so rather than listing every place I’ve ever eaten and loved, have tried to keep it to a select few (but obviously suggest checking your favourite restaurants too, because there are some incredible options and would make a lovely doorstop surprise).

Anyway! The picks! I’ll start with the non-edibles which include this sweet-as-a-button (and smells it too) ‘School Dinners’ candle from Good Candles. There are four scents, but this totally captured my heart and I love the charity initiative behind (and story too)! I’ve also included the brilliant new cookbook from mega-babe Ravneet Gill which not only is so beautiful, but is so inspiring for all things sweet in the kitchen. Now, for chocolate! I included these Fortnum’s bars last year -which are not only delicious, but the names and packaging make for the loveliest little gift- as well as this Arthouse Unlimited bar, with the prettiest packaging I’ve seen. For treats to post direct, Lucy Burton’s Christmas post brownies are exceptional (and come in mulled spice and salted caramel, peppermint and dark chocolate brownie with crushed candy canes, candied Italian citrus peel and stem ginger and eggnog)- which are by far the most creative festive brownies I’ve seen. The ladies at Helm Provisions will always be high on my delicious deliveries list with their provisions boxes, and I’ve also added the Christmas offering from Panzer’s in too- because I don’t think I’ve ever not been excited by their gorgeous treats (and this is no different). Finally, for perfect stocking fillers, I’m in love with these homemade East Asian cooking sauces from ChinaeastSezme– they’re all under £5 and would be perfect for the avid home cook who wants to add in some truly authentic delicious touches to their cooking.

Other brilliant spots offering fantastic foodie fixes…

• For the Babka baker: Give the gift of baking babka, without having to leave the house for ingredients! Shuk offer a dreamy kit for baking your own, with Painted Dog Bakehouse offering a pre-cooked dream if that’s just too much.
• Something to look forward to: One day soon we will be able to eat in our favourite places, and supporting them by buying a voucher as a gift is a perfect idea. Spots like Dishoom are great for this, with places like Spring London doing home food deliveries too (with vouchers to buy for that also)!
• Hampers and home deliveries: Okay, there are a lot of hampers out there- but this year the beautiful Jikoni are offering a truly beautiful basket (as a big treat option)- with bakeries like Pump Street offering chocolate boxes, and Monty’s doing their epic sandwich pack too.
• Leaf Bold Street: For tea lovers, iconic Leaf on Bold Street offer membership to their Tea Club as a perfect gift, as well as a totally shoppable tea menu online.
• The Mother Cooker: The perfect non-contact cookbook filled with seasonal cosy recipes for anyone. Treat someone to a cookbook straight to their tablet or phone for the ultimate no-nonsense cooking gift.
• Bakes straight to their door: Oh my god THE CHOICE. Sending a delicious bake has never been easier and some of my favourites include Dees Basement (THE MADELEINES)! The Good News Baker, Nova Bakehouse and Joi Joi Bakehouse (who also do gorgeous masks too.
• For the avid home-cake maker: If you want to send some gorgeous bake-at-home cake bits, look no further than Tiny Bakebox and Crumbs and Doilies for your cake fix.
• Cooking for Christmas: One of my favourite people to follow, Bre Graham, has created the most beautiful Christmas-cooking zine with 12 festive recipes and would make the most gorgeous present for a food loving friend.
• To decorate their table: If your recipient is a fan of hosting, help deck out their table with candles from Mou Mou Living and Bable. I’ve also fallen in love with Soeufshop (for all the egg lovers out there)!
• And for the perfect Italian feast: Finally, if you want to treat someone to an unforgettable Italian dinner from home both Lina Stores and Artusi/Marcella are offering delivery (please check postcodes first)- any other brilliant UK wide Italian spots welcome too! 

I’ve also added previous links to guides which largely fall under foodie umbrella, if you need further reading too (as well as some extra picks below)!

2015/2017/2019

Come back tomorrow for day 4 of Giftmas, for the pal in need of a pamper!

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