We don't know about you, but here at Foodism, we find Christmas shopping almost as fun as the day itself. And when it comes to what’s in the stocking or what’s under the tree, we always find that if it’s edible, drinkable or if it can be used to make things that are edible or drinkable, that’s a pretty good place to start.
With that in mind, we’ve selected some of our favourite Christmas gift ideas for food and drink lovers – great stocking fillers, sexy kitchenware, cool food lifestyle gifts, the year’s best cookbooks and gifts that do some good, too. We hope you’ll find some inspiration for your Christmas shopping.
Already got your presents under wraps? We don't believe you. Check our guides to which stores in London sell the best food and drinks (cough: we're looking at you, Ottolenghi) or have a gander at our favourite Christmas hampers for 2019. You're welcome.
22 must-have Christmas gifts for 2019
Stocking fillers
These smaller-sized Christmas gift ideas are essential products for any Secret Santa - superb crowdpleasers that will delight any lucky recipient.
Sipsmith Christmas Tree Gin
For a fun-sized bottle of booze that’ll slip right in a stocking, this Sipsmith Christmas Tree Gin is a brilliant little sipper that sings of festive cheer.
£17.50
Tonkotsu Eat The Bits Chilli Oil
Winter warmer? Try this now-iconic chilli oil from the ramen masters at Tonkotsu – spicy, a little sweet and totally delicious.
£5.95
Fortnum & Mason Chocolate Caviar
If the words 'Chocolate Caviar' aren’t enough to convince you of the virtues of this great little stocking filler, it’s from Fortnum & Mason, a must-visit for Christmas shopping.
£10.95
Tony's Chocolonely Chocolate Bars
Tony’s Chocolonely’s chocolate bars have enjoyed a stratospheric rise, proving that ethically sound chocolate can be sweet, milky and easy to eat.
£3.98 per bar
Food Lifestyle and Merch
You won't want to miss out on these snazzy branded merch items this winter. A truly fab gift for anyone who is obsessed with extending their love of food to all things lifestyle.
Noble Rot Tote Bag
A tote bag from wine bar and magazine Noble Rot that’s become an essential for any Londoner into their food and
wine.
£12
The Botanist Herb Planter
This Herb Planter set from The Botanist Gin lets you grow a living garnish for your G&T. How’s that for a gift that keeps on giving?
£58
Desmond & Dempsey Apron
This Sunday Rise Apron from pyjama brand Desmond & Dempsey is a collab with GAIL’s.
£35
Petersham Nurseries Salt and Honey Hand Scrub
The Salt & Honey for Hands treatment from Petersham Nurseries is made with honey from Bermondsey Street Bees.
£22.50
Yard Sale Pizza T-shirt
Wear your allegiance with pride with this Yard Sale Pizza 5th Birthday T-shirt, designed by Patrick Schmidt.
£17.50
Ethical Gifts
With consumers steadily moving towards more eco-friendly purchasing habits, it's no wonder we've compiled a list of the most ethical Christmas gift ideas that are available right now.
Joy Resolve Coasters
These coasters from coffee lifestyle brand Joy Resolve are made from recycled coffee grounds, turning waste into something way cooler.
£43
Ocean Bottle Water Bottles
The Ocean Bottle benefits an initiative that supports the cleaning of the oceans – for every one bought, 1,000 plastic bottles are collected.
£40
Bee Free Mug
This hand-painted Bee Free mug from the Arthouse Unlimited collective supports artists living with epilepsy and learning di fficulties.
£12.50
Teatulia Loose-Leaf Tea
For a great Secret Santa or stocking filler, look no further than these loose-leaf teas from Teatulia, a café, venue and social enterprise that supports more than 3,500 farmers in Bangladesh.
£14.95
Kitchenware
Fill your kitchen to the brim with these handy knick knacks - they're perfect for anyone looking to improve their home cooking skills.
Florentine Kitchen Knives
Tel Aviv-turned Barcelona knifemaker Florentine makes beautiful handmade steel kitchen knives, perfect for serious home cooks. They’re customisable, too, so you can create yours from scratch to order.
£295
Buy here or create yours from scratch to order here
Paxton & Whitfield Cheese Knives
If it’s cheese knives you’re after, this set of two from London’s oldest cheesemonger Paxton & Whitfield is pretty hard to beat.
£36
Falcon Enamelware Tableware1From £5
Crisp, modern and approachable, Falcon Enamelware’s tableware is always a good shout for keen dinner-party hosts.
From £5
Honey & Co Pestle and Mortar
This granite pestle and mortar from Honey & Co is pure quality for people who love spice.
£20
Cookbooks
Eating out in London can be pricey, which is why we've put together this list of the hottest new cookbooks on offer. So you can entertain guests at home this Christmas and enjoy all the tastiest meals that contemporary food authors have to offer.
Judy Joo's Korean Soul Food by Judy Joo
Expect banchan, dumplings, street food classics, and more.
£22
Black Axe Mangal by Lee Tiernan
Cook badass Turkish-inspired recipes from a Canonbury Road icon.
£24.95
East by Meera Sodha
This vegetarian and vegan cookbook is full of dishes that span a huge range of cultures.
£20
Taverna by Georgina Hayden
Greek-Cypriot food is the centre of attention in this perfect present for ambitious home cooks.
£25
American Sfoglino by Evan Funke and Katie Parla
This cookbook from the chef behind LA’s Felix Trattoria is a brilliantly user-friendly guide to all things pasta.
£25
