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Foodie Christmas Gifts!

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Holiday Shopping

If you’re anything like me, you have a really hard time getting gifts for everyone on your list. My family and friends can easily go buy what they want for themselves. Therefore, I try to make my gifts meaningful, attaching the presents to a memory or shared experience. I hope my family and friends look at their gifts—years down the road—and say, “Oh yeah, I remember when Katie gave that to me.”

Below are some gift ideas for the foodie in your life, starting with the obvious: food!

cookies4

Such as homemade Chocolate-Chip Cookies.

Almost everyone appreciates homemade baked goods. And if you have a friend who follows a special diet or has allergies, the gift will be even more meaningful to them. (Just be sure to research, so you don’t accidentally do something like give a Celiac a present made with spelt flour.)

Bonus points for buying a cute plate or bowl to store your homemade gift:

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Speaking of dishes, the ones below could seriously make a case for cutest dishware ever:

penguin bowl

Another good foodie gift:

vegan chocolate bars

Chocolate!!

Any chocolate. All chocolate. Truffles, bars, chips, candies… This wouldn’t be a chocolate-covered blog if I didn’t recommend giving out chocolate.

My sister is really good at thinking up meaningful gifts.

vegancupcakestakeovertheworld_thumb

Last year, she gave me a cookbook, with a certificate that said she’d be my personal chef, making me whatever recipe I chose from the cookbook.

In the end, she made me Banana Pancakes for One.

Question of the Day:

What’s on your holiday wish list this year?

I’d love a camera lens, but haven’t asked for one because I’m not sure which one to get! (Any recommendations?) Dishes are not on my wish list this year. I’m now following the same rule that I follow for clothing: I must give away two dishes (or articles of clothing) for every new one I buy.

Published on December 14, 2011

Meet Katie

Chocolate Covered Katie is one of the top 25 food websites in America, and Katie has been 
featured on The 
Today Show, CNN, 
Fox, The 
Huffington Post, and 
ABC's 5 O’Clock News. Her favorite food is chocolate, and she believes in eating dessert every single day.

Learn more about Katie

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  1. Dakota says

    This is the first year I’m not making an Xmas list for my mother. I’ve always done it, even [at her request] through my college career. This year, however, I’ve finally tempted her away from buying presents and TOWARD spending time together as a family instead. I get to make an Xmas feast for my family on the 25th– full with vegan tiramisu pancakes for breakfast and an array of hors d’oeuvres for dinner. YAY.

    …although I am going to make a secret, selfish list (for myself only) just for the fun of it later this week. New running shoes and OneLuckyDuck products and a vitamix, and oh the possibilities…

  2. Anna @ The Guiltless Life says

    I think it was Angela at Oh She Glows who had a great point about buying people foodie Christmas gifts – buy them things that are a bit pricey and they wouldn’t usually buy for themselves. My picks would be appliances, baking trays and even things like she mentioned – vanilla beans (SO pricey!) and saffron.

  3. Jessie P says

    I’ve definitely been inspired by all of your recipes to make some awesome dessert Christmas presents. I was thinking that it’d be an awesome idea to make different types of nut butters and put them in cute mason jars.

  4. Shannon Roche says

    I just got my holiday present early, and it was the best gift in the world! I got a pistachio KitchenAid standing mixer!!
    I love giving food gifts to people. Especially cute thing like homemade vanilla sugar!

  5. Jennifer JCD says

    I forget what type of camera you have… so I’m not sure which lenses to recommend. Let me know and I’ll forward you some excellent review sites! Everyone needs a solid 50mm f/1.8 (or lower). And I am particularly fond of my Canon 24-105mm USM.

    On MY Christmas list – a second battery for my very first DSLR (which was an early Christmas pressie from my husband <3 ) Otherwise, all I want for Christmas is meaningful and fun time with family and friends. And HP7 on BD would be a really nice bonus… 😉

    For others, I give most people baked goods in pretty tins and bowls I buy from the local pottery guild. A few others get books or meaningful items – things they would like but may not buy for themselves. Christmas gift shopping this year was the easiest ever because we had great ideas for everyone!

    • Chocolate-Covered Katie says

      As I told someone else, I’m right now getting used to a Canon… up until about a month ago, I was using an old Nikon my mom bought.
      I bought the f/1.8 lens, so unless I’m taking people photos (where I use the kit lens), I usually use the 1.8. I feel like it has such a hard time focusing on things that are very small, though… but maybe that’s just my lack of camera skills! I am always confused as to whether there’s a huge difference between the 1.8 and 1.4… and why the 100mm macro is so much more than the 50mm. See? I know so little about cameras 😕

  6. katie @KatieDid says

    I would love a new lens also down the road but its not something I will get for Christmas. I have a 35 mm f/2 and couldn’t be happier with it for food photos- very sharp and good in low lighting. What kind of lens do you currently use I have always been curious?

    This year I’m doing all homemade gifts and I’m excited because I really think they are the most meaningful and they also save me lots of money.

    • Chocolate-Covered Katie says

      Right now I have a Canon… up until about a month ago, I was using an old Nikon my mom bought. I bought the f/1.8 lens, so unless I’m taking people photos (where I use the kit lens), I usually use the 1.8. I feel like it has such a hard time focusing on things that are very small, though… but maybe that’s just my lack of camera skills! I am always confused as to whether there’s a huge difference between the 1.8 and 1.4… and why the 100mm macro is so much more than the 50mm. See? I know so little about cameras 😕
      What made you decide to get the lens you did? There are so many options… how do you know which to choose? lol

      • katie @KatieDid says

        oops just saw your response here! I did a bunch of research and read about lots of food bloggers reviews on their own lenses. Lots of people (pioneer woman, katheats to name a couple) loved the 35mm so I decided to go for it. Plus in comparison to other prime lenses with a fairly wide aperture, it wasn’t too expensive! You said you use a 1.8, but what focal length is that, a 50mm?

        • Chocolate-Covered Katie says

          It’s a 50mm. I’ll have to look into the 35mm… honestly, I’ll probably wait to buy another until I can take a photography lesson or workshop and find someone who knows about cameras and can recommend one specifically for me. I don’t want to spend a lot of money only to find out I would’ve been better off with a different lens :-?.

  7. Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says

    I’m really bad at thinking of meaningful gifts for people so the homemade, food, cookie thing is the route I’m going this year. Too bad I don’t have an ounce of crafty-ness in me though to make them look pretty!
    PS-hope the cache thing worked. You showed up in my reader this morning way sooner than you did yesterday so I hope that’s a good sign!

    • Chocolate-Covered Katie says

      LOL did you see my tweet to you? You are my newest favorite person in the world and the SOLE reason I do not want to tear my hair out right now. I can’t thank you enough for all the time and trouble and stress you saved me.
      Even the guys who host my server couldn’t figure out how to help me, but you helped me instantly!!
      YOU ARE AWESOME!!

  8. Jen says

    Can you link to the actual website instead of another blog post that I have to navigate for the actual link? Cute gift idea anyway, it’s a good way to add something extra to a gift when it’s just cookies or a baked good.

    • Chocolate-Covered Katie says

      I have a few links in this post… if you’re talking about the Fish’s Eddy link, I linked to my post because it described my experience at the store and why I love it so much, as opposed to just linking to a page that shows pictures of dishes. I’d rather know the history of a place and hear a personal story, so I figured others might wish to as well.

  9. Katy says

    Oh no! You have created a monster, Katie. I’m moving into an apartment in January – my first real kitchen – with very few supplies. Until five minutes ago, the big items on my wish list were a new pot and a kitchen scale. But now? I’m pretty sure I *need* more dishes – vibrantly colored ones can’t hurt. And without those adorable storage containers, I might end up wasting food. We can’t have that …

  10. Shauna says

    I’m so glad you shared those ideas! I’ve been dying over what to get my dad, and now I’m pretty excited to do that cookbook idea that your sister did for you. He’s definitely not a cooking type person, but I was thinking one of Jamie Oliver’s books would be a great choice.

  11. Alex@Spoonful of Sugar Free says

    I was just about to make a “gifts for the holidays” post. great minds think alike 😛 And those dishes are so darn adorable! Must check them out!

  12. Sarah the fficial CCK drooler says

    Weirdo question comin’ at ya: Do you give your family/friends only vegan chocolate? Or only vegan goodies for that matter? Just curious, that’s all. If I wasn’t this curious i wouldn’t waste my time watching the Kardashians ( barf) 🙂

  13. julie @ the semi-reformed nerd says

    I LOVE going down the aisle at Whole Foods, searching for super fun chocolate/candy bars to put in gifts for Christmas. I usually take the ‘one for you, one for me’ approach… but you know… everybody wins. 🙂

  14. Kaila @healthyhelperblog! says

    I love dishes! But I like going out and shopping for them myself so i didn’t ask for any for xmas! I did ask for a vita-mix however…lol! Doubt’ I’ll get that though! They’re so expensive!

  15. natalie @ southern fit foodie says

    As a teacher, I receive a tremendous amount of homemade baked goods. I love to sample them, but then I take them to the work room to share. This year, one of my students made these chocolate cookies that taste just like brownie batter. They did not get shared. 🙂

    Nothing on my Christmas list this year since we are taking a trip to Cancun (YAY!). However, I have a “running list” of things I would like to eventually own, and one of those things is a Vitamix. I will have one one of these days!

  16. Rachel says

    I’m finally moving out of a dorm room into a townhouse so I asked for baking supplies!!! I am SOOOO excited to be able to cook for myself, so I am hoping for some pyrex baking dishes, measuring cups and spoons, fun dishware, and muffin tins.

    btw, I made my meat loving skeptic boyfriend snickerdoodle blondies and he loved them despite watching me put the chick peas in the food processor haha I think next will be the healthy chocolate chip cookies! Also, I cannot thank you enough for the melted banana trick, it has changed my life… the banana’s get so sweet and soft that sometimes I just microwave a banana for a snack 🙂

  17. Yvonne says

    What camera do you shoot with/ what lenses do you have already? I’d use a 50 1.4 ..why? Probably because it’s reasonably priced at $140 .. the high aperture gives great DOF& it’s truly just a great lens. You can get the step up to ..one that has a variable focal length but I think it’s significantly more expensive. Worth it, though, especially if you already the lens I’m talking about!

    • Chocolate-Covered Katie says

      Right now I have a Canon… up until about a month ago, I was using an old Nikon my mom bought!
      I bought the f/1.8 lens, so unless I’m taking people photos (where I use the kit lens), I usually use the 1.8. I feel like it has such a hard time focusing on things that are very small, though… but maybe that’s just my lack of camera skills! I am always confused as to whether there’s a huge difference between the 1.8 and 1.4… and why the 100mm macro is so much more than the 50mm. See? I know so little about cameras 😕

  18. Katie @ Nutrition in a peanut shell says

    Those are adorable bows! I asked for a camera this year. I really want to take my photography up a notch so I need to break free of my point and shoot!

  19. Kit-Kat says

    I love the dishes, and I love the rainforest chocolates (delicious!).
    I’ve only had trouble with your ice cream post (the one with the ice cream maker giveaway…. it won’t work).

  20. Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says

    “I’d love a camera lens, but haven’t asked for one because I’m not sure which one to get! (Any recommendations?)” —

    Do you shoot Canon or Nikon, I can’t remember?

    I love my 24-70mm f/2.8 Canon
    It’s the best lens in my toolbox. I shoot 99.9% with it…have recently bought a 35mm and 85mm prime and am toying with upgrading my 50mm to the 1.4 or f/1.2 but not sure if it’s worth it.

    I can guarantee the 24-70 will never leave your camera. I use it for food photography, lifestyle photography, travel photography, shots of my child, etc…LOVE it.

    • Chocolate-Covered Katie says

      Right now I have a Canon… up until about a month ago, I was using an old Nikon my mom bought! I bought the f/1.8 lens, so unless I’m taking people photos (where I use the kit lens), I usually use the 1.8. I feel like it has such a hard time focusing on things that are very small, though… but maybe that’s just my lack of camera skills! I am always confused as to whether there’s a huge difference between the 1.8 and 1.4… and why the 100mm macro is so much more than the 50mm. See? I know so little about cameras 😕
      What made you decide to get that lens? I really wish I could go to a photography class like you’ve done! I never seem to find out about them until they’re over!

  21. Alexandra (Veggin' Out in the Kitchen) says

    Homemade gifts are the best!! I always make my mom earrings, and last year, I did a pastel for each of my parents! Your ideas are great – especially the chocolate one 😉 Surprisingly, I hadn’t thought of it, but I think it would make a great stocking stuffer for my mom! Thanks for the idea 😀

    My Christmas list: donut pan, coconut butter, peanut flour… I think it’s funny how toys became replaced with food. A little more practical I guess 😉

  22. Jodi Theisen says

    Hey Katie, comments from Down Under again 🙂 If you were to choose a couple recipes that are feasible as edible christmas presents for, say, my kid’s teachers, what would you choose? I am looking for something I can put in a funky retro jar with a really cool ribbon! Any ideas please? Thought you might have 1 or 2 super duper favourites… Love Jodi

  23. Kristen-vanillabeanvegan says

    I love those holiday mugs will have to check out the website, but on my holiday list is vegan chocolate, and Vegan pie in the sky by Isa Chandra Moskowitz & Terry Hope Romero, to bake some yummy treats.

  24. Mary @ Bites and Bliss says

    I would lovveeee cute bowls like that! My brother got me a big set of plates for photography last year and I use them every day.

  25. Katie @ ohshineon.wordpress.com/ says

    My holiday wish list only consists of one thing: I’m co-leading a trip to Malawi this summer with a group of students and the trip is extremely, insanely expensive. So for Christmas, I am only asking for donations to make this trip possible. Any amount of money a donator contributes will be matched by my university and will go directly toward helping the construction of a orphanage.

    🙂

    Oh, and I love chocolate. Oh so very much.

  26. vogelstar says

    I asked for and recieved a camera this year (hubby couldn’t wait – I think he was more excited than me). I also want an ipad cover, a bathrobe, a nice big pink gym bag, yoga pants, a new winter hat, snow. I want lots of good food, tons of family interaction, and an abundance of happiness for everyone.

  27. Valechan says

    I love your blog ! U have got such a creative mind in thinking and baking delicious patisserie but lemme ask you a question, do you eat? Cause -no offense at all- but i can tell u’re very skinny from ur pictures.. By Just-a-worried -ex-anorexic -mind 🙂
    You are just lovely anyway ! Love your sweets and funny way of writing, cheers
    Valechan

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