Updated on Feb. 04, 2025
There's no shortage of food gifts that are, simply put, delicious in every way. From sweet to salty to just plain indulgent, we found the best food gifts for everyone on your list.
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When it comes to gifting, you can never go wrong with food. Whether you send a sweet treat, a savory snack or something in between, there’s a delicious option for any recipient. After all, everyone needs to eat!
We’ve scoured the internet and taste-tasted dozens of products to identify the best food gifts. These tasty eats and drinks will make any foodie smile. From cookie clubs to gift baskets, we have the best food gifts covered.
One word of warning? Don’t read this list on an empty stomach. Or you might just order one of everything for yourself!
Looking for one of the best food gifts? Levain Cookies are absolutely wow-worthy. “Levain’s commitment to high-quality ingredients and the range of flavors offered sets it apart from other brands of its kind,” shares Senior Shopping Editor Katie Bandurski in her Levain review. “Don’t sleep on seasonal flavors, either! I’ve yet to be disappointed, and the recently released coffee toffee flavor is my new favorite!”
Fruit deliveries are traditional food gifts for a reason. Melissa’s Produce may not be local, but anyone would guess the fruit is from a fancy local farm rather than fruit that’s been through the post. That’s why it’s one of our favorites. Melissa’s Produce even provides fruit to world-class restaurants and TV shows like “Top Chef,” so you know it has to be good! I received a whopping 10 pounds of fruit—including apples, pears, grapefruit and oranges—which was all juicy and extremely fresh.
Luxardo cherries are elegant, pricey and make for a great gift for cocktail lovers or bakers. But don’t let the higher cost fool you. “Luxardo cherries are well worth the price tag,” Katie explains in her Luxardo review. “They’re high quality, flavorful, natural and undeniably delicious. I love using them in cocktails (of course) as well as cherry desserts.”
Chocolate boxes make a great gift for almost any occasion. When I think of a classic box of luxury chocolates, Ethel M. is one of the first brands that springs to mind. Ethel M’s selections are incredibly customizable to appeal to a range of styles and tastes. They’re available in sizes as tiny as two-piece samplers or as complex as custom tins. The 16-piece classic collection contains a generous variety of flavors and fillings, which makes it a great pick for those who prefer a solid assortment.
In testing, I appreciated the “wow” factor packaging and flavorful fillings. I particularly enjoyed the fruit creams, which were velvety and rich without being runny.
City Brew Tours is a beer club, complete with its own monthly podcast for you die-hard ale fans. It introduces beer lovers to eight different beers every month (i.e., two tall cans from four different breweries in a single city). Each selection is curated by City Brew Tours, and each box includes information about the beers and brewery. Your friend will love getting philosophical about their new favorite IPA when they tune in for the monthly subscriber Zoom call tasting featuring guest speakers, brewing experts and fellow beer enthusiasts.
When the box arrived at my door, I was treated to a sample of beers from Pittsburgh. The included literature and Zoom call were both incredibly enlightening and a great introduction to what the city’s beer scene has to offer.
If they’re a dessert-before-dinner person, pick up a pack of these delightfully sweet cake bites by Caroline’s Cakes. They come in a variety of options, from chocolate to champagne. “While I would have preferred a slightly tarter lemon flavor, the lemon cake bites were moist and incredibly satisfying,” shares tester Katie. “Pro tip: They taste amazing straight from the freezer!”
When a trip to Japan isn’t possible, this Bokksu snack box will satisfy any travel cravings. Choose the snack subscription that works for them (1-, 3- 6- or 12-month plans available) and get ready to indulge in Japanese culture. Boxes are curated based on festivals, prefectures and holidays to offer an authentic tasting experience, including snacks like mochi, cakes and chips.
I loved the culture guide and the wide range of snacks that were included. (My box had picks from Hiroshima, Kyoto, Okinawa and Osaka.) The offerings tickle a wide range of taste buds, and if you fall in love with a snack, you can reorder it at the Bokksu Boutique.
Spoonful of Comfort is a women-owned online retailer specializing in food gift baskets, most famously its soup delivery. Their build-your-own-soup package lets you choose from creamy mac and cheese, savory chicken noodle or heartier options like beef chili and poblano chicken. Each package comes with a complimentary batch of rolls and your choice of cookies, too.
“You can’t beat a care package for a loved one who’s going through it,” says Katie in her Spoonful of Comfort review. “This is my go-to gift basket thanks to its filling and quality food items, thoughtful packaging and endless add-ons.”
Folks who like their cafe-style coffees but don’t have time for a coffee run each morning will absolutely adore receiving a crate of Cometeer coffee pods. Each expertly brewed concentrate comes flash frozen, making it the closest you can get to employing an at-home barista.
“I’m not much of an instant coffee fan,” says tester Katie. “But these Cometeer capsules really changed my mind. I can’t get over how fresh-tasting the flash-frozen concentrate is!”
No, it’s not just for Thanksgiving. This behemoth treat with layers of pumpkin pie, pecan pie, spice cake and apple pie filling hits the spot year-round. “If you’re looking for a standout dessert that’ll have family and friends flocking for a slice, look no further than the PieCaken,” says tester Caitlyn Fitzpatrick in her PieCaken review. “It may seem a bit gimmicky, but it’s truly (and surprisingly) delicious.”
Someone who can’t get enough chocolate will be ecstatic to receive this exotic truffle collection. The 16 truffles in the collection span flavors from all around the globe, like sweet Indian curry, coconut and cacao, while another combines ginger, wasabi and black sesame seeds. And those flavors are only the beginning! The chocolatier behind Vosges Haut-Chocolat, Katrina Markoff, was named one of the 10 Best Chocolatiers in the World by National Geographic, so you can count on the fact that these chocolates will be some of the best your friend has ever had.
“Don’t default to the traditional mall chocolate stores when you’re searching for a gift,” warns tester Caroline Lubinsky. “The Vosges truffles offer unique flavors in a beautiful box that is sure to stun even the pickiest loved one. (Bonus points for them remaining fully intact, even in the 90-degree Southern heat).”
One of the best gift of the month clubs on our radar is the Goldbelly subscription box, which sends the recipient a box brimming with treats each month. Inclusions range from world-famous delis to bespoke pizza places to the bakery that made JFK’s wedding cake.
“With the 3-month subscription box, I could’ve received anything from barbecue to chocolate chip cookies, though Goldbelly also offers more niche boxes with themes such as pizza, bacon and pie,” says tester Annamarie Higley in her review of the service
There’s nothing sweeter than a gift that gives back. And this box of cookies and brownies from Feed Your Soul Bakery does just that. Each order helps to provide meals (and cookies!) to those in need. Enjoy flavors like key lime, berry best, nutty peanut butter and “show me the honey.” In testing, I was impressed by the traditional, homey flavors of the sweets. They reminded me of something grandma used to make!
There are few easier ways to elevate a dish than with truffle oil. This gift set from Truff—one of the big names in truffle oil—features black truffle oil, white truffle sauce and black truffle hot sauce. I gifted this set to my husband, and he puts the sauces on everything. A little dab of the white truffle sauce on scrambled eggs is heavenly, and the black truffle sauce goes well in recipes and on avocado toast. It’s our favorite way to bring a little flavor boost to any meal.
If their tastes skew sweet rather than savory, send them this box of Sunday Night Foods’ chocolate sauces. These velvety, rich sauces take ice cream, cakes, baked breakfasts and desserts up a notch. I love adding a dollop to my ice cream, but I’ve also used these delicious sauces for baking—and they truly are heavenly! Each box also comes with exclusive recipe cards ripe with ideas, but your recipient may just want to enjoy a spoonful on its own!
Looking for a classic cocktail kit but without the alcohol? Whether it’s for Dry January or just because, the non-alcoholic cocktail kits from Raising the Bar are a worthy addition to any sober soiree. The way it works is simple—just subscribe to the service for a monthly cocktail kit delivery featuring the a sampling of non-alcoholic ingredients. It’s the gift that keeps on giving!
In testing, I liked that the ingredients are incredibly high quality and arrive in sleek packaging. It doesn’t just feel like drinking another mocktail made of fruit juice!
One of our favorite picks is the massive Chest of Chocolates with wine. This behemoth of sweets showcases a little bit of everything Harry & David has to offer, including Moose Munch popcorn, chocolate decadence cake, candies galore and a bottle of red blend wine.
“The chest of chocolates and wine were packaged very carefully,” shares Shopping Editor Mary Henn, who tested the gift. “It had some of the best packaging I’ve seen when it comes to keeping items safe and intact!”
Boarderie is a company that proudly produces and ships restaurant-quality charcuterie and cheese boards across the country. Each order includes free overnight shipping and arrives chilled. The reusable wooden boards are loaded with paper trays that fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. Each tray is meticulously filled with an assortment of cheeses, nuts, candies, meats, spreads, olives and dried fruits that have already been sliced and arranged—no prep required.
Annamarie tested the Classic board for her Boarderie review and was blown away by the quality. “Although the price tag is high, an individual certainly couldn’t craft a board with as much quality and variety—and with as little food waste—for cheaper,” she explains.
This editor-loved snack gift box is a great budget option for those who want to send someone a box of treats. Inside are enough goodies to keep them full for a few grazing sessions. It covers all areas—from savory to sweet—and comes with hickory-smoked summer sausage, white cheddar cheese, honey hot mustard, three-seed crackers, mixed nuts and Moose Munch popcorn. This is my go-to gift for almost anyone—my in laws especially love the flavorful mustard spread!
Meat in the mail? ButcherBox delivers high-quality, humanely raised meat and seafood to any carnivore who craves them. Opt for a subscription, or send one of their one-time gift boxes chock full of delicious, high-quality cuts. “If where your meat comes from matters, then ButcherBox makes ethical eating easier,” says Allison Robicelli in her review of the service. “Most importantly, the meat and seafood are spectacular!”
We’ve been big fans of Sugarwish for some time now. Choose from boxes of candies, cookies, coffee, cocktail mixers and even candles or flowers, among several other gifts. From there, your giftee gets to pick their own inclusions!
“I will definitely be sending more Sugarwish gifts,” says Katie in our review. “The site is so easy to use, and I can rest easy knowing my recipients will love their gift. There is truly something for everyone. Plus, thanks to the wide variety of delivery options, you can send a gift with just your recipient’s email or phone number.”
Coffee gifts and baking gifts go together like bread and butter—it’s hard to enjoy one without the other! This Driftaway coffee and chocolate pairing is super easy to gift. Each box arrives with a a tasting form, a bag with a sample grind size and a pamphlet with instructions and QR codes so they can join a virtual tasting.
Katie tested this box, and she felt it was the perfect activity for a date night (or morning!). “What a tasty and delicious way to learn more coffee,” she quips. “This is ideal for anyone just starting to understand what flavor profiles they prefer.”
Those with a sweet tooth can’t go wrong with this bakery assortment from Harry & David. Each collection comes with a bevy of beautiful desserts, including baklava, lemon poppyseed coffee cake, pineapple macadamia nut cake and a whole host of yummy cookies. I’ve sampled each dessert in this overstuffed box. While I love all of them, the coffee cake especially left an impression with its hint of zip and moist crumb. No need to fire up the oven for these freshly baked treats, either!
Trying international delicacies is fun. Universal Yums is a subscription service for foodies that brings tried-and-true international treats straight to you. “Unpacking this box made me want to pack my bags and head back to Belgium. The snacks were so authentic—every one of them was made within the country’s borders, excluding the chips, and this fact was very prominently noted,” says Annamarie in her review of the service. “And the novelty is unparalleled.”
A cocktail kit is the perfect present for a budding bartender who wants to try new flavors or level up their skills. Shaker & Spoon offers dozens of cocktail kits for both master mixers and budding bartenders alike. Their library of boxes covers a range of spirits, from rum to champagne and everything in between. Choose from one of their ready-made boxes, or opt for their monthly subscription if you’re interested in a gift that keeps on giving.
“As a budding mixologist, I was truly blown away by the attention to detail included inside this Ginspirations cocktail kit from Shaker & Spoon,” says former Shopping Editor Madi Koetting. “Gin typically isn’t my spirit of choice, so I chose this kit to better understand what ingredients pair well with the liquor and sharpen my gin-based cocktail chops,” adds Madi.
A baking subscription is one of our favorite gifts for both newbies in the kitchen and seasoned experts. Crumble Crate, in particular, is the perfect pick for those familiar with simple techniques who want to try new treats. “I really appreciate that more specialty ingredients, like almond flour, are included,” says Katie. Each box also includes essential tools, like the tart pan and pastry cutter that came with Katie’s apple tart kit.
Miami Fruit makes such an impression on tropical fruit fans. This fresh fruit delivery service focuses not on apples and oranges, but rather on rare, tropical fruits. I tested their fresh fruit delivery box, and my smoothies and snacks have never been more global (or tasty!). Treat your giftee to a box brimming with everything from watermelon guava to mini bananas!
Upgrade their movie night with a membership to this gourmet popcorn club. They’ll receive two indulgent boxes every month, each containing three popcorn pods that melt into delicious popcorn right on the stovetop. These pods are by far my favorite way to whip up a bowl for movie nights. The popcorn pods are meant to be made fresh in a pot on the stove with zero extra equipment—super fun for kids! All that’s left to do is pick out the right movie to pair with that month’s freshly popped selections.
Those looking for a more nuanced cup turn to Verdant Teas. Partnering with small tea farmers, Verdant is on a mission to connect tea lovers with brands and blends that expand their horizons and support small growers. It’s the best tea subscription box for truly disciplined caffeine fiends.
Tester David-Christopher Galhea, a devout tea enthusiast with a tea-focused YouTube channel, describes Verdant’s selection of white, green, black and oolong teas as “diverse in their varieties but with more unique twists on the conventional types seen in the West.”
Who can say no to a cheese of the month club? Murray’s Cheese Explorer’s Club offers bold, outside-the-box cheeses from domestic and global cheesemakers. Each box brings a little something new to charcuterie boards or snack time. Whether you’re gifting as a thoughtful multi-month surprise for your favorite cheese lover or setting up the subscription for yourself, expect Murray’s to wow you with its quality and customer service.
“I got three herby Vermont Creamery Goat Cheeses in the first box of the month. The second month’s box had more variety: Murray’s Gemma Di Langa, Meredith Dairy Sheep and Goat Cheese and Alisios,” says Caroline of her three-month subscription.
It depends on the event and recipient, but shelf-stable food items that present well are typical choices for food gifts. Think chocolates, candy, cookies, pretzels, nuts, or popcorn. You can get creative, too—especially if you want to impress. Almost any food item you can think of is available for shipping.
If you know someone who loves discovering new flavors and cuisines, gifting food is a great option. Pay close attention to their preferences and avoid anything they might dislike or be allergic to.
Food gifts nourish the recipient, showing you care about their well-being. Additionally, food is often shared, so giving a food gift allows the recipient to enjoy it with others, making it a gift that keeps on giving.
