Secret Santa: Gifts to buy the foodie in your life

Whether you’re looking for a treat to fill a Christmas stocking or want to get the gourmand in your life something delicious, we have you covered. Here is our list of goodies any foodie would be delighted to receive as a gift.

Chocolate and other sweet treats

Yes, yes, we know – how predictable! But ask any chocoholic and they’ll tell you that you can never have too much of a good thing. Small chocolates, such as Lindt’s Teddies with Personalised Tags or Santa’s Village Treat Boxes (available at Pick n Pay), make the perfect stocking filler.

Or, for the perfect-sized snack for one, grab a few of Pick n Pay’s Crafted Collection slabs. These 60g slabs come in Coffee & Hazelnut, Milk Tart & Biscuit, Cocoa Nib & Sea Salt, and Raspberry & Almond. Or, for something more elaborate, opt for the Lindor Advent Calendar or Checkers’ limited edition Belgian milk chocolate advent calendar. Even though an advent calendar is traditionally used to count down to Christmas Day, we guarantee that the true joy lies in discovering a new sweet treat every day, regardless of when it is.

Whether you prefer your treats covered in chocolate or not, retailers are stocking various treats to satisfy every sweet tooth in your family. Try Forage and Feast’s Dark Chocolate Coated Cherries for some tart decadence, or if your loved one prefers a truly sweet treat, opt for Checkers’ limited edition caramel fudge cubes. Other good options to bulk up a festive gift include Santa’s Village Chocolate Coated Shortcakes and Chocolate Coated Turkish Delight, Crafted Collection’s Salted Peanut Brittle, and Crafted Collection’s Mixed Chocolate Coated Assorted Nuts or Almonds.

For the foodie who loves a festive classic, gift them the delicious Italian treat panettone. Checkers stocks a mini chocolate version from Sweet Italy, while Pick n Pay has a larger one from Borsari as well as a divine crema limoncello variety.

ALSO READ: How to make the best homemade edible gifts this festive season

Gift sets and hampers

When in doubt, keep an eye out for a ready-wrapped box filled with all sorts of delights! Yuppiechef stocks a range of great options, including specially packaged NOMU spices. The Quintessential Essentials include a delightful 12 herbs and spices, or you can select the Six for Starters Collection or the Famous Five Spice Rub Collection. For the braai boss in your life, go for BBQ Boss’ Get Fired Up! kit, and for those who like it hot, Black Mamba offers a tantalising package of three spicy chilli sauces. Those who want to add extra zest to their cooking this summer will love Willow Creek’s sample-sized collection of flavoured oils. 

Yuppiechef, Boschendal and Babylonstoren also package special gift boxes. Yuppiechef’s gift boxes range from R699 for a Sweet Treats Box or the Pantry Starter Box to R2 799 for the Ultimate Box (which includes a Fieldbar cooler box). Boschendal offers nationwide delivery of their delicious estate produce, ranging in price from R350 to R2 200 for their Live Our Farm Basket. You can find out more about Babylonstoren’s lovely festive gifts here – their packages range from treats for your foodie friends, wine lovers and those with green fingers.

Drinks and cordials

From gins to brandies, there is a range of beautifully packaged alcoholic drinks to choose from. But did you know there is just as much choice for those who prefer to abstain from booze? For example, Forage and Feast’s Instant Chai Latte with Rooibos tastes as special as it looks.

In addition, they have a range of delicious, fruity cordials, which would be perfect with or without alcohol. Try the Pomegranate Cordial with Elderflower or the Grapefruit Cordial with Cranberry with a shot of gin and topped with tonic or exclude the booze and serve a splash in sparkling lemonade.

For those who prefer something with a kick, Sugarbird® Gin’s new Sugarplum Cape Holly and Wild Plum Candy Cane Spirit Cooler is sweet and tangy and highlights two trees that are native to South Africa, making it a truly local way to celebrate the festive season!

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