Finding the perfect gift for friends and family during the holiday season can often be challenging. While traditional gifts like clothes, toys or electronics are always appreciated, sometimes it's nice to give something a bit more special and memorable. Gourmet food and beverage gifts are a fantastic option for both casual acquaintances and close loved ones this Christmas. From specialty hams and cheese baskets to artisanal chocolate boxes and barrels of craft beer, these types of gifts will be enjoyed well after the holiday season has ended. Here are some ideas for thoughtful gourmet food and drink gifts to give this year:
1. Jam and Preserves
Homemade or artisanal jam, jelly and preserves make wonderful small gifts that will be used up over time. Choose regionally inspired flavors like cranberry orange marmalade, spiced apple butter or wild blueberry jam. Bundle a variety of mini jars together for an assortment. These spreads also pair well with crackers, breads or cheese plates as part of a larger gift basket. Look for preserves made from high quality, in-season ingredients for maximum flavor. Glass jars add to the presentation.
Popular Deals:
Check out Stonewall Kitchen or Bonne Maman for holiday promotions on artisanal preserves at CouponUpto.
2. Specialty Coffees and Teas
Coffee and tea lovers will appreciate unique single-origin beans or blends from small batch roasters. Pair a bag of premium coffee with a gift card to their favorite local coffee shop. Loose leaf or bagged teas also make great stocking stuffers. Try herbal blends, white teas, oolongs or pu'erh. For the truly indulgent, include a pour-over brewing cone, French press or tea infuser to elevate their at-home beverage experience. Cozy seasonal flavors like spiced apple chai or gingersnap rooibos pair well with the holidays.
Popular Deals:
Find exclusive holiday offers on Blue Bottle Coffee, Teavana, and David’s Tea via CouponUpto.
3. Olive Oil and Vinegar
High-quality extra virgin olive oils and aged balsamic vinegars make unique gifts. Choose single-estate, nutty or buttery olive oils from regions in Italy, Spain or California. Grape, herb or fruit-infused oils provide more intense flavors. Include glass bottled or canned oils for decorative display. For vinegar gifts, bundle white, red wine or specialty varieties like pomegranate or fig balsamic alongside salad dressings or seasoned oils for heightened taste. Beautifully packaged olive oil and vinegar sets provide ingredients for sophisticated cooking and salad making.
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Discover deals on olive oil and vinegar sets from retailers like Olive Oil Lovers and Sur La Table on CouponUpto.
4. Craft Beer and Cider
Homebrewers and beer enthusiasts love receiving specialty six-packs, cases or growlers from local or micro breweries. Uncommon styles like fruit lambics, barrel-aged stouts, wild ales or gingerbread porters delight adventurous palates. Hard ciders also craft unique blends using heirloom apples, spices and herbs. For responsible serving, include stemless wine glasses or corkscrews. Sampling gift sets allow gifting a variety while staying within a set budget. Look for local, seasonal or small-batch options not easily found elsewhere. For designated drivers, bundle non-alcoholic options from regional brewers.
Popular Deals:
Check out seasonal craft beer deals from Drizly and local breweries listed on CouponUpto.
Related: Top 16 Sweetiest Birthday Gifts for Your Girlfriend in the Fall
5. Chocolates and Sweets
Handcrafted chocolates, truffles or fudge make indulgent gifts. Luxurious assortments come in elegant boxes perfect for presentation. Find single-estate or specialty bean chocolates, fruit-filled pralines, chocolate covered nuts or pretzels, or flavored ganaches and nougats. Bakeries also package European pastries, cookies or miniature pies. For the health-conscious, opt for dark or antioxidant-rich choices. Consider packaging bulkier sweets in a basket lined with festive paper or cloth for easy transport. Individual bonbons or truffles also fit nicely in stockings.
Popular Deals:
Shop holiday discounts on Godiva, Lindt, and Vosges Haut-Chocolat on CouponUpto.
6. Artisanal Spirits
Hand-distilled liqueurs, gins, rums or whiskeys round out thoughtful beverage gifts. Inexpensive choices include mini bottles or airline sized nips bundled together. For hard-to-find expressions, full sized bottles work well for serious connoisseurs and cocktail aficionados. Add quality mixers, tonics, bitters or drinking accessories like copper muddlers or jiggers. Unique offerings include barrel-aged bourbons, bone marrow-infused gins, or fruit liqueurs like cherry eau de vie. Local distilleries often curate gift packs highlighting their signature styles. Bonus gift cards allow the recipient to further customize their home bar.
Popular Deals:
Look for exclusive spirit deals from retailers like Master of Malt or The Whiskey Exchange on CouponUpto.
7. Charcuterie and Cheese
Artfully arranged cheese and charcuterie platters or baskets allow recipients to sample different regional specialties. Include cured meats like prosciutto, salami or pate alongside soft and hard cheeses. Add breadsticks, crackers, pickled vegetables, dried fruits and nuts for spreading, dipping and snacking. For non-perishable options, gift sets of gourmet popcorn, crisps or flatbreads provide the components for an impromptu board. Many specialty shops and online retailers allow customizing cheese and meat flights by variety and region.
Popular Deals:
Shop gourmet cheese and charcuterie options at Murray’s Cheese and Harry & David, both available on CouponUpto.
8. Tailgate or Picnic Baskets
For the avid griller, pack hearty smoked meats, seasonal produce and pantry items into a festive picnic basket. Cure your own bacon, ham or sausage, or select specialty regional varieties. Bundle chips, crackers, nuts, pickles and jarred tapenades alongside fresh produce like smoked Gouda, berries, heirloom tomatoes or mini peppers. Tuck in beer, cider or non-alcoholic beverages alongside utensils, plates and napkins. Add personal touches like flavored salt blends, barbecue sauces or cooking tools like grill brushes, mops or seasonal aprons. A basket allows gifting multiple homemade or gourmet items in one meaningful package.
Popular Deals:
Look for picnic basket deals from Omaha Steaks and Williams Sonoma on CouponUpto.
9. Specialty Breads and Pastries
Artisanal breads, pastries or cakes lend homemade warmth to any gift. Local bakeries expertly package loaves of rosemary focaccia, olive rolls, braided challah or fruit and nut breads. Choose from classic European pastries alongside American cinnamon buns or sticky buns. For decadence, include cream puffs, eclairs or beautifully decorated specialty cakes. Flaky scones, biscotti or petit fours round out the selections. Tuck in jars of flavored honeys, jams or fruit butters to complement the baked goods. As breads are best enjoyed fresh, deliver directly or include delivery instructions for a thoughtful touch.
Popular Deals:
Find discounts on specialty baked goods from Milk Bar, Panera Bread, or Harry & David on CouponUpto.
10. Holiday Hams and Meats
Nothing says holiday indulgence quite like a hand-selected ham, roast, or specialty cut of meat. Rustic farms cure, smoke or brine heritage breed pigs, game birds or cuts using time-honored recipes. Present beautifully packaged center-cut hams, spiral sliced pork loins, rolled beef briskets or standing rib roasts tied with jute twine. Include honey-glazed baked hams, stuffed turkeys or lamb shoulders for festive main dishes. Pair with recipes, rubs, jus or barbecue sauces from the purveyor. Meats lend themselves well to sharing between neighbors, coworkers or bringing to festive celebrations as a hostess gift.
Popular Deals:
Holiday meat deals from Omaha Steaks and D'Artagnan are often featured on CouponUpto during the festive season.
11. Specialty Pasta and Sauces
Pasta lovers appreciate homemade or artisanal sauces, pastas and accompaniments. Assemble a collection featuring roasted garlic marinara, bolognese, pesto and alfredo sauces in resealable jars. Pair with organic dried pasta shapes like tagliatelle, orecchiette or bucatini. Add rustic breadsticks, olive oil and parmesan cheese for a complete meal-in-a-box. For the adventurous cook, bundle specialty flours for homemade pasta alongside fresh or dried ingredients for stuffing ravioli or tortellini.
Popular Deals:
Find pasta and sauce sets at Eataly and DeLallo through CouponUpto.
Tips for Finding Gourmet Food and Beverage Deals on CouponUpto
Finding gourmet food and beverage gifts doesn’t have to break the bank. Here’s how you can find the best deals this Christmas:
- Use Holiday Promo Codes: Many retailers offer exclusive holiday discount codes that are only available during Christmas. Check CouponUpto for daily updates.
- Take Advantage of Free Shipping: Gourmet gifts, especially large baskets, can be expensive to ship. Look for retailers offering free shipping promotions to save more.
- Subscribe for Early Deals: Many gourmet food and beverage retailers offer early bird deals or discounts for newsletter subscribers. Sign up to receive notifications of these offers.
- Check Last-Minute Deals: Some of the best gourmet gift deals appear closer to Christmas. Keep an eye on CouponUpto for last-minute promotions from top food and beverage brands.
These are just a sampling of the many delectable gourmet food and beverage gift ideas available this holiday season. Thoughtfully selected, handcrafted consumables provide long-lasting memories beyond the holiday itself. Gifting these edible treats spreads cheer through flavors, aromas and items made with passion by artisans. From breakfast breads to meal accompaniments to nightcap spirits, each item has potential to become a family favorite recipe or tradition enjoyed for years to come. Combining multiple specialty foods presents a memorable gift basket perfect for any cuisine enthusiast on your list this Christmas. Bon appétit and best wishes for a happy holiday season!
Related: Gift Ideas Under $50 for Students this Holiday: Thoughtful, Affordable, and Practical
