Gift Guide: 7 Favorite Food-Related Gifts

By: Elizabeth and Anna

This year, we decided we’d do a new Gift Guide with our 7 favorite food-related gifts. They’re a mix of gifts we like to give and gifts we like to receive - from homemade to local to brand name.

In the past 2 years, we’ve shared a variety of Gift Guides of our favorite books and kitchen items that we think make great gifts.

Here are the links to our previous gift guides:

And here are this year's ideas - 7 Favorite Food-Related Gifts:

1. Gifts of Homemade Food ~ Elizabeth

When I was growing up, we went through a phase where we baked Apple Cakes to give to friends and family. The recipe was from the mother of one of my mother’s best friends from college. (I’ll share the recipe sometime!) This year I’m planning to make pumpkin bread and granola as well as a few kinds of cookies to deliver (or mail) to friends and family.

Are you looking for some simple recipes to bake and share this holiday season?

Click on these links:

2. Chapel Hill Toffee ~ Anna

I buy these boxes of locally made toffee to give as gifts this time of year. I usually buy several boxes to have on hand for teachers, neighbors or friends and they are always a big hit. There’s nothing better than a cup of coffee with one of these chocolate covered pieces of toffee. Here’s a link to Chapel Hill Toffee or check out what candy is made locally for you!

3. East Fork Pottery ~ Elizabeth

I love East Fork Pottery in Asheville, NC. In addition to making beautiful pottery, they also have lots of pantry items that make great gifts. Growing up, my sister and I each always got a tin of smoked oysters in our stockings. Funnily enough, my husband’s brother also got smoked oysters in his stocking as a kid! So, I think tinned fish is a completely reasonable stocking or holiday gift! Or, do you have a friend or family member who loves candles? East Fork also has these fun fruit candles that make a unique gift.

4. Cheese straws ~ Anna

At the Lutz house, one of favorite things to serve with wine before dinner is cheese straws. A southern tradition, this reminds me of “cheese coins” my grandmother used to make when I was younger. I love sending these tins of cheese straws to friends this time of year.

5. Beans ~ Elizabeth

BEANS! While I’m a devoted fan of canned beans, I also love the creamy texture of cooked dried beans. My favorites are from Rancho Gordo. Their dried beans are fresh (meaning they haven’t been on a store shelf for an extended period) so they don’t require a presoak! Their website says they’ve been overwhelmed and can’t guarantee orders by Christmas, so they suggest a gift card if you’re hoping to have a gift to someone by Christmas.

6. Harry and David Pears ~ Elizabeth & Anna

We’re all about sweets and we also love fruits and veggies! Both our families love these Harry and David pears. They’re great eaten on their own, in a salad with candied walnuts and mixed greens, or sliced and served with cheese or chocolate fondue.

7. French Style Butter Keeper ~ Anna

There is a constant debate amongst my children and their Chapel Hill first cousins. Which is better: “Tub of butter or stick of butter?” There are those who prefer the spread of a tub of “butter” from the store and those that prefer the taste of a stick of real butter. I would venture to say the latter are correct! Well, last year, Elizabeth suggested this French style butter keeper and now everyone’s happy. You can have the taste of real butter in an easy to spread form. And, it looks so great on your table! They come in several colors.

We'd love to hear about your favorite food related gifts! Drop us a message on our socials or shoot us an email - hello@sunnysideupnutrition.com

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