Need gift ideas for the foodie in your life? This list has a ton of affordable options for Christmas gift giving!
It’s no secret that things feel a bit tough right now. Over the past few years, I’ve felt pretty overwhelmed about Christmas and the sheer amount of “stuff” that comes into our house each year.
Last year, I tried to give consumable gifts where I could. My idea was that by giving consumables, I don’t add to the “stuff” in anybody’s house, and I can get them something that feels like a bit of a treat in comparison with what they buy everyday.
For example, I loaded up mini coolers with ice and my favorite cheeses to give my siblings! Another family member received frozen, wild-caught salmon from Alaska. I know they love seafood and it’s hard to find good quality seafood here in the Midwest! Another friend that loves to bake received some super high-quality butter. I was a bit nervous about giving these types of gifts, but they were so well received!
This year, I thought I’d put together a list of my favorite affordable food gifts. These items are not only delicious, but they’re also primarily from family owned and run companies right here in the United States. So, you can feel good about gifting from this list because you’re supporting family businesses.
I hope you find your new favorite item to gift for Christmas! If you end up gifting any of these products, please let me know how it went in the comments below.
Big Picture Farms Goat Milk Caramels
Big Picture Farms is a family run goat dairy creamery in Southern Vermont. It's known for its award-winning goat milk caramels and cheeses made from their herd of 40 free-range goats.Their caramels are some of the best I've ever had! I recommend the Sea Salt and Vanilla and Cider Honey flavors.
Grab them here.
Ready Popped Popcorn
Ready Popped is owned by a lovely family in Central Missouri, and they make the most delicious popcorn blends I've had! My faves: White Chocolate Candy Cane, Christmas Bliss (Christmas Tree Cake flavor), Caramel, and Charmel (Cheddar and Caramel Mix).
Get it here
Jacobsen Salt
For the serious cook in your life, I can't think of a better gift than something from Jacobsen Salt. We visited Jacobsen Salt Co in coastal Oregon this past summer, and I loved that the salt was harvested straight from Netarts Bay off the Oregon coast! The Black Garlic Salt is excellent as a steak rub, or grab the larger bag of flaked salt, which is excellent used as a finishing salt!
Get them here
Harney & Sons Williamsburg Duo
Have a tea lover in your life? I think Harney & Sons offers some of the best tea blends available, and as a bonus, they are a family owned and operated business based out of Millerton, New York. Not sure where to start? Try their most popular Hot Cinnamon Spice tea blend, or I love the Williamsburg Duo which is beautifully packaged with two holiday tea blends and a lovely tea towel.
Get it here
Gastro’s Salami
Gastro's was started by two friends in Rhode Island motivated to do salami “the right way.” And I can tell you, it's as good as it gets!Made with Berkshire pork and dry aged for 6 weeks, our favorites are the spicy Calabrian chili and garlic flavors.
Get it here
Sailor’s Brew Coffee
For your favorite coffee fanatic, some high-quality beans are a no-brainer! I like to buy something a bit nicer than what they'd purchase for every day, so it feels extra special.Veteran owned and operated Sailor's Brew Coffee started in Pasadena and is committed to single sourcing their coffee from farms paying fair wages.
Get it here
Fresh Seafood from Sizzlefish
SizzleFish is my go-to for individually portion seafood that's as fresh as it gets! My pick? The holiday sampler!
Get it here
Melinda’s Mini Liquid Spice Rack
Hot sauce is more popular than ever! If you have a chilehead in your life, I think they'd love a gift set from Melinda's, which was founded by two brothers in the 1980's and is still independently operated out of Texas.I like the Mini Spice Rack, which comes with hot sauces AND other sauces that can be used for grilling and basting. But, if the person in your life is a purist, I think they'd love the more affordable Extreme Fiery Variety Pack.
Get them here
Platterful Charcuterie Box
If you're shipping a gift to friends or family and they love to graze or host, Platterful is a wonderful option! What I love most about Platterful is their commitment to including artisan makers. Every time I've received a box; I've found new cheese, jam and cracker makers that I really love. The portions are generous, and it's just plain fun to put together!
Get the recipe
Bread and Pasta from Wildgrain
I've been a Wildgrain member for several years, and my family loves it! They send the BEST homemade sourdough bread and pasta. It can all be stored in the freezer then heated when you need it. We literally don't make soup without a loaf of Sourdough Ciabatta from Wilgrain!
Get it here
Terrapin Ridge Farms Pepper Jelly (and more)
I'll just come out and say it; Terrapin Ridge Farms makes epic pepper jelly! I love gifting it for teacher's and hostess gifts because it really comes in handy during the holidays. Just pour the jar over a block of cream cheese and serve with crackers for an easy holiday appetizer! My gift recommendations are both under $20, which makes it even better. 2 Pack Hot Pepper Jam 3 Pack Mini Jams
Get them here
Asian Snack Box
For just $20, Asian Snack Box lets you customize and send a variety of popular snacks from across Asia.My teenage son absolutely loved this gift, especially the grape and peach Oreos from China, and strawberry biscuits from Taiwan. So fun!
Get it here
Upland Farms Rush Creek Reserve
Is this the best cheese I've ever had? Well, it's up there. Made in Wisconsin on their family farm, Rush Creek Reserve is released once per year. Think of it as a savory, custardy brie-like cheese, and it's wrapped in spruce bark. The packaging makes it very giftable for your favorite cheese lover!
Get it here
Brownwood Farms Raspberry Champagne Jam (and more!)
For my charcuterie lovers, Brownwood Farms' Raspberry Champagne Jam is next level! Made with fruit from the Great Lakes Region, you can just taste how fresh it is. I also love their BBQ sauces and fruit spreads. Delicious!
Get it here
Of course, if you have extra time, you can always make handmade gifts! I love my Christmas Crack or these Spiced Nuts for gifting.
Merry Christmas!
