Christmas Gifts for Food Lovers 2023

You might think a pizza oven is just for summer, but we're here to tell you, you're wrong. Sure, this restaurant-grade dual-fuel machine can rustle up an authentic 'za in 60 seconds, but it's also capable of creating meats, fish, breads and vegetables too.

And frankly, we think a foodie's arsenal is incomplete without one.

We’re strong advocates for keeping a fully stocked bar cart, but to get them off to a stellar start, Harvey Nichols has collated all the key components in one of its signature wicker hampers. From party-starting aperitifs, mixers and minis, to full-size spirits and RHOC-hipster-satire Torres crisps, it’s got it all.

We love this visual reminder that nothing, we repeat nothing, should get between you and an expertly made cocktail. This limited-edition, black and white print of a waiter delivering coupes on the icy slopes of St. Moritz will look perfect above his bar cart and comes mounted and framed, ready for gifting.

It may seem early to be thinking about advent calendars, but when the contents are this good, you do not want to miss your pre-order slot. Drinks by the Dram has collated 24 of the most premium wax-sealed drams and presented them in a smart walnut box, alongside a tasting glass. One for true whisky aficionados, this absolute treasure trove has all they need to seriously upgrade their whisky collection.

But if £10k feels like a frankly ridiculous amount to drop, this stunning Kintsugi-inspired Japanese Whisky Advent Calendar (£249.95) won't leave you feeling short-changed.

If the budget doesn’t quite stretch to buying an actual Ferrari this year, you can recreate the winning F1 podium moment with this bottle of Italian fizz instead.

This blanc de blanc is created with grapes grown on the slopes of Trentino and aged on lees for 38 months, resulting in the same creamy brioche notes you’d expect to find in vintage champagne. Whether you serve in chilled flutes or spray all over the room is entirely up to you...

If they’ve watched one too many episodes of The Bear, whispering the words “Big Green Egg” in their ear is likely to provoke a visceral reaction. Yes, it’s an investment, but frankly, we feel this stunning bit of kit is worth the hype. So much more than a BBQ, it comes with a lifetime guarantee, so you can look forward to grilling well into old age.

And let’s face it, it’s sexy as hell. In fact, we’d go so far as saying it’s essential.

Staring into an empty fridge after a heavy weekend is a sure-fire way to bring on a case of the Sunday scaries. Include a bottle of this miraculous sauce in their stocking and ward them off for good.

Somewhere between teryaki and tonkatsu, it can be added to just about anything, elevating the most mundane ingredients, to God-tier level grub.

There are many delicious bonuses at Christmas time, of which the abundance of cheese is perhaps the most glorious. Upgrade their trusty chunk of cheddar for this generous membership, which includes a bountiful hamper, plus a whole years' worth of seasonal fromage deliveries from the world’s best cheesemakers.

Alternatively, this one-off Comforting Cheese & Wine Treats — containing cheese, crackers, pickles and a cracking bottle of red — is the definition of the perfect winter’s night in.

Apparently, cheeseboards aren’t for everyone, and you shouldn’t have to swallow a chunk of after-dinner gouda just to be polite. Pierre Marcolini provides a sweet alternative with this three-drawer sharing box of fine Belgium chocolates.

Filled with over one hundred of the most delectable ganaches, pralines and treats we’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting, there’s simply no better chocolate in our eyes.

If you can’t take a nostalgic trip down memory lane at Christmas, when can you? This new charity cookbook is a beautifully written ode to food memories and recipes from more than 100 of the UK’s top chefs and food writers.

It’s been written to raise money for Magic Breakfast, a wonderful charity that supports children living in food poverty, with the aim of ensuring no child in the UK is too hungry to learn. With recipes from the likes of Jeremy Lee, Ottolenghi and more, it’s the easiest form of ‘giving back’ we’ve ever done.

If they spent their childhood pining for a SodaStream, this is the 2023 way to indulge that inner kid’s fantasy. Made with stainless steel, this metallic sparkling water machine makes staying hydrated a stylish affair, with clear instructions and an alert to let you know your water is sufficiently fizzed. And let’s face it, it makes a better gift than a crate of San Pellegrino.

Celebrate the joy of a big night in (ahead of Dry January’s inevitable stranglehold), while creating the perfect ambiance with this mood-boosting scented candle. Boy Smell’s scents are endlessly popular, and this one will appeal to the guy who was baking banana bread throughout lockdown like his life depended on it.

While we’d never dream of questioning their culinary skills, if their efforts in the kitchen have sometimes gone awry, we’d be tempted to gift them a set of Laetitia Rouget's dreamy tongue-in-cheek ceramics.

Pep up that homemade pizza, add a finishing swirl to pasta, or just give a knowing nod to the all-seeing eyes on this cute decanter every time you step into the kitchen. It contains a delicious cold-pressed Cretan extra virgin olive oil, infused with garlic for a little extra zing.

This tasty treat from Acid League is a chic way of upping the heat of a dish, without blowing anyone's head off. Part of the brand’s range of ‘gut-friendly gastronomy’, the pineapple habanero hot sauce is made with active apple cider vinegar and takes tacos to the next level.

Pre-empt the January health kicks with this powerful nootropic. The vegan and organic so-called ‘smart drug’ is designed to boost memory and support cognitive function, keeping you on your A-game, without the need for a double espresso. We feel Steven Bartlett would approve.

Forget decking the halls with boughs of holly, we're embracing the kitsch and festooning the tree with our favourite food and drink items.

Naturally you'll need an expertly made negroni on hand while you decorate, and we know just the vermouth for the job.

Superstition dictates that it's bad luck to gift a knife (representing a 'cutting' of the relationship). So, to compensate for this, the kind folk at Katto send its quality knives with a lucky penny.

Made with Japanese steel and sustainable wood (that can be personalised with their initials), it's a thing of beauty and cuts through tough veg like a dream.

The ultimate gift for coffee connoisseurs, this illy machine in festive red is a statement piece of Italian 60's design, that will surely stand the test of time.

The best bit? It effortlessly switches brewing methods. So, on easy breezy Sunday mornings you can opt for a traditional ground coffee, or for a rich, full-bodied cup of joe on the go, use the compostable E.S.E. pods. Seamless.

Sure, a bottle of champagne makes a great Christmas present. But do you what beats that? Six bottles of champagne. This collaboration between Veuve Clicquot and Italian artist Paola Paronetto presents six bottles of its richly textured 2015 vintage, La Grande Dame, in a range of insanely chic shades.

Split them up for multiple giftees, or gift to one very lucky recipient.