Christmas Gift: Food

This Christmas, the finest gifts are often the simplest ones. A single, well-chosen item can bring so much more joy than an array of things picked in haste. One of my favourites is a nice jar of chutney from Fortnum & Mason; it’s around £8, but add a bow, and it instantly feels thoughtful and festive. And when it comes to champagne, a half bottle is such a perfect treat. I often open them than full bottles, as it’s enough to celebrate something small or simply indulge.

Cheese is the language of Christmas, and one of my top picks comes from The Cheese Society, a local business offering subscription boxes. They have options for one-off holiday deliveries or a year-long supply - either way, any cheese lover would be pleased to receive this. And although some might consider vouchers a bit impersonal, I think they’re underrated gems. Right now, I’m sitting on seven different ones, but the most exciting is for my local Italian deli, which was given to us for our anniversary. A local restaurant, afternoon tea, or deli voucher could make the perfect gift, a little treat waiting to be enjoyed later in the year.

For an exceptional meal at home, Dishpatch offers chef-curated menus delivered straight to the door. And for chocolate lovers, Venchi is nothing short of divine—their Italian chocolates, especially the Cremino, would be welcome at my door any day.

If you’re looking for unique, curated food items, Delli is a treasure trove. Their selection includes things like Black Lines' Shirley Temple, a non-alcoholic cocktail that’s both fun and perfect for the festive season. And for charm and quality, Pump Street chocolate wins with its irresistible packaging and rich flavours.

For the meat lovers, Hove based Curing Rebels have it the charcuterie covered, and for the best salmon you’ve EVER experienced, it’s the one and only Grimsby based Alfred Enderby.

Finally, Bettys is a Christmas classic for me. Their postal offerings are excellent quality, and their mince pies, in particular, are a family tradition—by far the best I’ve ever tasted.

These are a few of my favorite food gifts, each one simple yet meaningful, sure to spread a bit of holiday magic.