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!
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:
Speaking of dishes, the ones below could seriously make a case for cutest dishware ever:
Another good foodie gift:
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.
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.
Ali @ Peaches and Football says
Nothing on my Christmas list this year, for once. Odd huh? I just want to spend time with friends / family. That’s my favorite thing about the holidays anyway. Plus I love shopping for other people!
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…
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.
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.
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!
saskia says
katie, you NEED to try these. inspired by your choc.chip blondies i created a chickpea choc.chip recipe that turned out AMAZING! you can look @ it right here: http://girlinasong.wordpress.com/2011/12/14/cookies-rather-than-wiww/
i would be honered if you tried them;)
oh, btw, they are perfect gifts!
have a nice evening,
saskia
saskia says
sorry, i forgot the most important word: choc. chip COOKIES!!! haha;)
Meg says
I plan on giving chocolate to those people on my list that I find impossible to buy for 😉
Kelly J. R. says
I would love a Macbook Pro but I’m not holding my breath on that one!
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 😕
Hilliary @Happily Ever Healthy says
Those dishes are so much fun, I love all the bright colors!
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 :-?.
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
I have a ton of running gear on my wish list, but I sure wouldn’t mind some of that dark chocolate!
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!!
Ashley @ Southern Purple Vegan says
I have nothing on my chirstmas list, well I did until a couple days ago. I was wishing for a kindle but I got it for my birthday. So nothing here expect a good holiday.
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.
Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles says
Giving from the heart is the best. Most people don’t even remember what they got for Christmas the year before- so heartfelt gifts are the best kind! 🙂
But, I would love a new camera!
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 …
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
LOL good luck… I just moved, and my previously-organized dishes are now a mess :-?.
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.
Brandie says
LOL! Doesn’t your sis hate bananas? Awesome idea though, thanks 🙂
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!
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) 🙂
Sarah the fficial CCK drooler says
Did i just put fficial? I mean the OFFICIAL- woops!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Yeah. Because I’m vegan for moral reasons, I only buy vegan gifts for others too. 🙂
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. 🙂
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!
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!
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 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Aww haha feeding skeptic boyfriends is the BEST! I love showing guys that healthy food (or even vegan food, for that matter) can taste good :).
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 😕
Sarah @ blueeyedbarbie.blogspot.com says
Theirs really nothing on my list that i want. I’d love for people to just make me mixed CD’s. Im terrible with technology and have no idea how to download music, so i love when people make me CD’s!
Rebecca @ Naturally Healthy and Gorgeous says
I love making foodie gifts! This year I made chocolate covered pretzels to give to coworkers
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!
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).
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Can you still not get to it? Try clearing your browser’s cache… I’m going to try going to it now. It was loading for me yesterday :-?.
Kit-Kat says
Works now 🙂
Ally's Sweet & Savory Eats says
I love homemade gifts and I’m trying to make 50% of all my gifts this year:)
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!
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 😉
Alexandra says
your sister said you could choose any cupcake recipe and you chose your own recipe for pancakes??
Dalai Lina says
I SO want a new juicer. So I can counteract all the chocolate, of course.
Rande @ The Vegetable Centric Kitchen says
Your gorgeous chocolate lace cookies are going out as Christmas gifts this year 🙂
Lauren @ What Lauren Likes says
I am asking for a rather large selection of teas this year! Hmmm chocolate too 😉
StoriesAndSweetPotatoes says
OMG I love dishes so much. I think it’s fun to give foodies non-food items, but still related like awesome kitchen gadgets or exciting bowls! lol
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
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I’m thinking of doing my chocolate-chip cookie dry ingredients in cute mason jars this year!
But fudge babies are ALWAYS a good gift, especially since they ship well :).
Jodi Theisen says
Oooh, love your suggestions! Thank-you so much! 🙂
whitney says
I would like some chocolate for Christmas for sure!!! 😉
Whitney
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.
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.
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.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Wow, you are incredibly awesome.
I would love to help… Can I make a donation? Is there a website to donate?
Heather @ Run Eat Play says
Great gift ideas! I’m hoping for a new camera, foam roller, running shoes, and an infinity scarf from express. However, I have no ideas as what to get my husband – he’s so hard to shop for!
LizAshlee says
I want a spiralizer and some raw food books…workout clothes…of course chocolate !:)
Parita @ myinnershakti says
I made those cookies last night and they were AMAZING! My fiance and I pretty much gobbled up all 7 cookies in no time flat! Keep those recipes coming. 🙂
Kaitlyn@TheTieDyeFIles says
A kindle is on my holiday list. As for a new lens, get a 50mm! I love mine.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Your photos are terrific! That enlightenment bowl is especially beautiful! It’s so bright… Do you use natural light?
(Also, what f stop and brand 50mm lens do you have?)
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.
Heather @ Life, gluten free says
Oh no, what have you done! I love dishes too. I am checking out Fishs Eddy right now. Heaven help me.
I asked for a kindle!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Oh you are in big trouble! Haha don’t ever go to the actual store in NYC… they do free shipping, so you can’t use the excuse of not being able to fit it all in your suitcase ;).
Heather @ Life, gluten free says
I second the 50mm lens suggestion. I have a canon rebel with a canon 50mm/f1.8 lens and love it.
Jackie says
These are definitely wonderful gift ideas! You should definitely consider creating a SkinnyScoop List that you can post on your blog or you could even suggest this blog post to a number (or individual items on it) to the many foodie gift guides like this one > http://www.skinnyscoop.com/list/adrians_mom/if-you-have-a-foodie-you-are-shopping-for
Kathleen says
That penguin mug is SO cute!
YAY for CHOCOLATE! 😀
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
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Hi Valechan,
Yes I do eat. Please read my faq page, and no need to worry :).