After a rollercoaster of a year, we're all feeling it — so we've rounded up a robust list of foodie Christmas gift ideas big and small to save your precious resources, whether you're short on time, light in the wallet or are down to your last two braincells from all the mental work you've been doing.
The highs have been high — Toronto and beyond was rewarded with more Michelin star restaurants than ever, but the lows were low, and we saw some legendary spots close. At our second annual foodism ICON Awards, we honoured the brightest stars in the culinary landscape, from chefs helming the best restaurants in Toronto to mixologists shaking things up at the best bars in the city.
There's a lot to celebrate this season. Local love is louder than ever, and it shows in our list of foodie Christmas gift ideas. We've also reached a fever pitch with Christmas bars and markets popping up in every corner of the city. It's also the time of year when we can dive headfirst into indulgent food and drink, completely guilt-free — and many of our delicious Christmas gift ideas will help you and your loved ones do just that.
Stir up a Christmas cocktail recipe, put your feet up and put these Christmas gift ideas straight into your cart. And don't forget to add in a little something for yourself — you deserve it!
Foodie Christmas gift ideas for everyone on your list
We’re big fans of this Irish whisk(e)y, aged in Wicklow oak and finished in rare barrels from forests around the world. If the spice and vanilla notes of this former World Spirits Competition gold-medal winner aren’t enough to tempt you, there’s a sustainable kicker — Glendalough plants seven new trees for every one used during production. Gift it to someone on Santa's nice list this year, and if you're lucky, they'll share a dram with you.
Impress any host this holiday season with the gift of this iconic Italian dessert from the beloved bakery at The Royal Hotel in Picton. Pre-order for pick up at the hotel or email dining@theroyalhotel.ca for a GTA order that will be waiting for you at Martine's Wine Bar (293 Palmerston Avenue) on December 18 from 1-5 p.m.
Take cozy family gatherings to the next level this season by gifting a 3-in-1 Fondue Set. The set, created by Québec-based Fondussimo, contains everything needed for a family feast, from stainless steel baskets to tongs.
This Canadian single-malt whisky is aged in three barrels — ex-bourbon American oak barrels, French oak red wine casks, then air-dried virgin Hungarian oak — for a bold, smooth and complex sip. Bearface's Triple Oak has racked up plenty of trophies, so it's a great gift for the whisky lover on your list.
For the cocktail maker in your life, level up their home bartending game by gifting them this sustainable, award-winning gin that's known for shining in cocktails. Incredibly smooth and rich, Ramsbury nods to a classic dry gin, but with a fresh floral twist featuring notes of juniper, citrus, woody angelica, bitter almond, spicy cinnamon and their signature quince.
For anyone who loves Is it Cake?, this adorable birthday candle set is the next best thing. The super realistic berries look so good, we can't imagine burning them, but we hear decorative fruit is coming back in style, so it makes for a great gift either way.
Give the gift of a memorable dining experience with an O&B gift card. They're redeemable at all O&B restaurants — including 15 in Toronto — from romantic French bistros like Biff's and La Plume to jaw-dropping, sky-high restaurants like Canoe and Aera. There's something for everyone — even the pickiest person on your list. And the gift cards never expire, so they can enjoy them anytime they like.
This rich, pinot noir-dominant sparkling wine from a 34-hectare vineyard on Crawthorne Farm in rural Dorset will make memories this season. Notes of stone fruit, sourdough and nutty undertones, combined with its fine, creamy bubbles and mineral finish makes this an elegant and pairable gift.
That special someone will be thanking you big time when you give them the gift of a full kitchen upgrade this holiday season. Kilne's The Cookware Set comes with a whole lineup of gorgeous non-stick, ceramic pots and pans that will revolutionize mealtime, plus it comes with a handy storage solution, trivets and acacia wood cooking utensils.
This hybrid appliance is the perfect gift for the home cook on your list, with seven settings that allow them to do everything from cooking a whole chicken to crisping up fries. It's speedy, countertop-appropriate and dispenses with any oil drama — we're sold.
A truly Canadian gift, this special Niagara-on-the-Lake icewine marks 50 years of Inniskillin's winemaking legacy. Each of the 3,000 bottles of this limited-edition release is marked with its own unique number on the outside, while the inside holds notes of citrus, lemon grass and honey dew.
For anyone who loves eccentric decor and sustainability, Sonnihaus 3D-prints their gorgeous statement vases in a plant-based biodegradable material that's durable and eco-friendly. Gift it with flowers inside for any host this holiday season.
For your Secret Santa or the person who already has everything, this cute rattan-inspired coaster set makes a great gift. They're sustainable, stackable and stylish — and cups will love them.
Have you ever tried chopping a tomato at someone else's house and watched it turn into mush under the weight of a dull blade? Gift them this easy-to-use, fool-proof knife sharpener. The two-piece set features a magnetic grip pad that firmly holds knives in place along with a two-sided roller with a diamond sharpening disk and ceramic for honing.
They'll never have to nuke their coffee in the microwave again after unwrapping this heat-controlled mug as their holiday gift. Set your desired temperature, pop your hot beverage on the charging coaster and keep your drink warm for as long as it takes to finish.
Celebrate 12 years of expert wine curation by gifting the oenophile on your list a subscription to Charlies Burgers. Each monthly delivery includes 3-6 bottles of exclusively imported wine, access to CB's legendary dining events and complementary corkage in Michelin recognized restaurants.
Share your home mixology creation (or a cheeky batched cocktail you picked up at the LCBO) with friends by gifting Firelight's 3-in-1 cocktail set. Two magnetically attached tumblers mean sipping can happen anytime, anywhere.
This beloved Canadian coffee producer has created a dark roast for the holidays that will wake you up and give you all the festive feels. It's dark chocolate and nuts on the nose, but all cranberry and nutmeg in your first sip. The caffeine-obsessed person on your list will love this gift.
Cast iron is a sturdy piece of kitchenware that will last you a lifetime if you treat it well. It's also a gorgeous gift, with Staub's rainbow of gorgeous colourways — we love the cocotte in vibrant cherry.
Adorably ridiculous, this drinkwear insulates your beverage to regulate its temperature. Plus, this gift is guaranteed to be the source of endless laughs.
Show them how you really feel with this baller gift for the holidays. This exquisite bottle is blended from 1,200 different cognacs aged up to 100 years and comes in a crystal decanter and presentation case.
This women-led Toronto chocolate maker is back with a decadent way to mark the days until December 25. Inside the Alena Skarina–designed advent calendar are 24 bonbons celebrating the brand’s greatest hits, including flavours like butter tart and roasted banana.
Inclusivity never tasted so good. This advent calendar features a beautiful braille cover with braille numbers that open up to reveal 24 delicious Milk Chocolate Holiday Miniatures, all made with sustainable cocoa.
Crafted in the Scottish Highlands, a region known for single-malt finesse, this Scotch will be their favourite gift under the tree this year. Finished in six different casks, from bourbon to madeira, and layered with toffee, almond and cinnamon notes, this is a dram worth savouring.
Barely have enough counter space as it is? Lavazza's all-in-one coffee and espresso machine is slim and condensed, and also a built-in milk frother. It's basically giving the gift of barista-level lattes, all year.
Upgrade their daily cup of joe by gifting Rainbo’s mushroom-packed blend. Instead of caffeine, this naturally sweet, quick dissolving powder includes Lion’s Mane for cognitive clarity and focus
We're obsessed with this hand-thrown pottery brand that just launched in Canada. Mud Australia's porcelain is dishwasher- and microwave-safe, and available in a wide spectrum of dopamine-enriching colours.
Gifting a new coffee table book is always a good idea. World Class Bartender of the Year 2017 Kaitlyn Stewart has released a cocktail book that's every bit as creative as she is. Three Cheers provides three versions of 55 classic cocktails, so you can shake things up classic, with a new twist or spirit-free, plus tips for at-home bartenders.
This Canadian-made glassware brand is made to last but priced to break, ensuring that fancy wine vessels don't gather dust in cupboards waiting for that elusive special occasion. We love these all-purpose glasses, great for red, white and even sparkling wine.
Send them on a coast-to-coast adventure through the Great White (Christmas) North by gifting Canada’s Winter Market. Behind each of the 12 windows in this advent-style calendar, they'll uncover a handcrafted Canadian delight — from rich Yukon-roasted coffee and indulgent Québec sugar candies to pampering self-care treats and artisan games representing all 13 provinces and territories.
Give the gift of a hot meal on the go with this 100 per cent leakproof, dishwasher safe food container. The double-wall vacuum insulation locks temperatures in, while the two-piece lid vents out hot air as it opens.
If you're buying a gift for the lactose intolerant or vegan in the family, Purdy's dark chocolate collection is sure to be a hit. Each is infused with fruity flavours like fig, raspberry and mango.
With scents like Fresh Bread, Mimosa, Spiced Vanilla, Italian Spritz and Cereal (it smells just like Fruit Loops!), Market Candle Company's soy candles smell good enough to eat. It's too difficult to choose a favourite, so our foodie gift pick is this advent calendar loaded with an assortment of different scented tealights that each burn for about four hours.
This limited-release organic extra virgin olive oil from Mamakas Taverna on Ossington brings a delicate taste of fruit, gentle herbal notes and aromas of almond and apple to your next salad dressing, or drizzled over a slice of sourdough bread. It's great as a stocking-stuffer.
Stuff their stocking with this little gift under $5, then hope that they use these pastry cutters to make you some adorable and delicious holiday-themed treats.
Immortalize a special memory or a shared favourite place by gifting them a Casabianca Art Print of a Toronto landmark. If they don't have the place you're looking for, you can order a hand-painted custom watercolour print.
After years of requests, Dillon's Small Batch Distillers has finally released an advent calendar filled with a mix of spirit bottles, pre-mixed cocktails and garnishes for making bar-worthy libations from home. You'll also find recipe cards and plenty of festive inspiration — this gift gives you a fresh reason to raise a glass this season.
Gift this recycled turquoise lunch bag, inspired by Mandy's colourful world, to keep more than their salad fresh on office commute days. Insulated and cleverly organized with an interior pocket, it's a chic lunch option for anyone who refuses to use plastic bags.
Not sure what their favourite blend is? This variety pack from this Montreal-based company, known for sourcing premium tea, is the perfect gift. From mint and chamomile to chai and earl grey, this box of 25 teas and herbal infusions is great for guests visiting over hosting season.
