The 10 Best Edible Christmas Gifts Our Food Editors Are Giving This Year

If there’s one gift any food person loves to receive, it’s something edible. While giving an edible gift can be a real no-brainer (as simple as grabbing something from the grocery store shelf), it’s always nice to put in a little extra effort and find something truly special. That’s where Simply Recipes come in. This year, I’ve gathered a well rounded, highly recommended group of edible ideas from the team, with something for anyone and everyone on your list.

From heat seekers to tinned fish lovers, sweet tooths to pasta fanatics, you don’t need to know too much about a person to find a food gift below that will suit them. While any of these would sit very well under the tree for close family, they’d be just as excellent wrapped up and gifted to a beloved teacher, friendly neighborhood mail person, occasionally grumpy colleague, or new-in-town neighbor.

My favorite thing about giving food gifts is the knowledge that everyone needs to eat and most people take joy in it, especially around the holidays, so I always feel assured that an edible gift will never go unused—perhaps regifted, but never thrown away or wasted. So, no matter who you’re shopping for (maybe yourself?) I hope you enjoy our editors' picks and find at least one memorable edible gift to give this year.

1. Fly By Jing Holiday Noodle Set

I am totally smitten with this fun gift set from Fly By Jing, conveniently available at Target as well as on their website. The $20 price tag makes it a no-brainer, and the fun bright red packaging makes it feel special. I love their noodles, and the little bottles of chili crisp are adorable. —Laurel Randolph, Associate Editorial Director

2. Olivieri 1882 Apricot and Salted Caramel Panettone

I know panettone doesn’t have a great reputation, but hear me out: Olivieri 1882 makes a loaf that's moist, airy, and indulgent. It's the exact opposite of the stereotypical dense, artificial-tasting panettone. Plus, it comes in a quiet luxury bakery box that’s more than gift-ready. —Lara Eucalano, Senior Editor

3. Farm Steady Baking Kits

I love a cute holiday activity moment, even better when it's a food activity. I mean that's what the holidays are about: gathering friends, doing a cozy craft with hot cocoa (or mulled wine) in hand, and stuffing our faces as we laugh the night away. So this year I'm gifting these baking kits. Each kit comes with the essential ingredients, pre-measured so all you have to do is mix, roll, and bake. They come in varying difficulties, from the easier-to-make Jelly Doughnut box to the bakery-at-home level Pain au Chocolat box, and are inclusive of all baking levels. —Munni Pramanik, Editorial Projects Manager

4. The Mandarin Man Kishu Mandarins

Fresh fruit is my love language, and I'm gifting it liberally this year. Any seasonal fruit from a farmer who knows how to grow it is the ultimate treat. I love pears and pomegranates, but I keep coming back to the jewels that are The Mandarin Man's Kishu Mandarins. —Sarah Crowder, Senior Digital Art Director

5. El Yucateco Hot Sauce Gift Pack

Most of my family and friends are hot sauce lovers, and this is such a fun gift to me! This is hands-down my favorite hot sauce brand. It's Mexican-owned, and their hot sauces are so flavorful and well-balanced. —Mariana Gonzalez, Content Marketing & Operations Manager

6. La Petite Occasion Classic Vanilla Caramels

I have loved caramels since I was a little kid. My grandpa always had Brach's soft caramels as a treat when I came to his house. These are the softer, more grown-up versions. They're sweet with a hint of salt, oh so delicious, and definitely all I want for Christmas! —Haley Scarpino, Associate Editor

7. Rubirosa Pasta Sampler

I bought this popcorn-style tin full of artisan pasta for a friend last year and she lost her mind. If you also have a pasta fanatic in your family or friend group, you’ll definitely give them an unforgettable holiday with this Rubirosa find. —Laurel

8. Carr's Cider Syrup

One of the things I miss most about living in Boston is getting to visit the great farmers markets there that are full of local purveyors from throughout Massachusetts. Lucky for me, Carr's Ciderhouse, one of my favorites, ships nationwide! Their cider syrup (aka boiled cider) is one of my all-time favorite food products. Made just like maple syrup, fresh sweet cider is boiled down to a gorgeously thick, deeply dark, unbelievably apple-y liquid that I drizzle onto yogurt, use as a glaze for chicken or pork, or pour onto pancakes. It lasts forever and tastes like pure New England! —Afton Cyrus, Senior Editor

9. Guittard Chocolate Lovers Gift Set

Guittard is the chocolate baker's reach for, and for good reason. If you have a baker/chocolate fan in your life, this gift set will be an ideal gift. Packed with various chocolate goodies, the tote bag proudly proclaiming "CHOCOLATE" is worth it all on its own. —Laurel

10. Fish Wife Tinned Fish and Hot Sauce Gift Set

This is for the tinned fish lovers in your life. I've been eyeing this gift set for my charcuterie-loving sister who (bravely) never shies away from a good tinned fish board, and I am so excited to give her this. The set comes with two of Fish Wife's popular flavors—Smoked Rainbow Trout and Slow Smoked Mackerel with Chili Flakes—and a small vial of their hot sauce. Serve it with good crackers (like Firehook Crackers), briny olives (the Castelvetrano Olives from Costco are amazing), a creamy cheese, and some freshly cut veggies for a fancy spread. —Munni