We’ll let you in on a little secret, if you get a fantastic gift for the foodie in your life, you’ll be reaping the benefits for months or years to come! One thing that many foodies have in common is that they enjoy cooking for the people they love. So our list of the best gifts for foodies is also really a gift for you. You’re welcome!
Or maybe some of the gifts on this list appeal to you, in which case we’d recommend casually sharing this list with your friends, family, neighbours, colleagues as your birthday or Christmas approaches – just in case!
How much to spend on gifts for foodies?
This will obviously depend on your relationship with them and your budget in general. Economical changes haven’t been kind to anyone lately so with this in mind, we’ve carefully selected two gifts for each foodie ‘type’ – one budget, the other a little bit ‘bougie’. The sky’s the limit on what you can spend on gifts for foodies so we’ve selected as sensibly as possible (mostly!).
What are the best gifts for foodies in 2024?
The good news is, foodies are pretty easy to buy for and there are a lot of options out there. Many of them don’t even require you having to get up from the comfort of your couch! So put your feet up, grab a cuppa and get your gifts sorted.
For the cook:
01
Budget: Australian Women’s Weekly Italian cookbook
$50
This gorgeous hardcover cookbook will be loved and well-used for years to come. Italian food is generous, sociable and always enjoyed surrounded by those you love. This beautiful book features light, fresh Italian recipes, including pasta dishes, salads, sides, mains and sweets, all from a brand that’s been trusted by Australians for more than 90 years. Alternatively, peruse the many other titles available from this iconic brand.
02
Bougie: Miyabi Gyutoh 20cm Chef Knife, Myer
$599.95
This Japanese-made chef’s knife is definitely a bit bougie, but with the correct care, it will be a lifetime investment and an heirloom piece, not to mention a work of art. The floral damask pattern on the carbide steel blade is unique to each knife, meaning each piece is one-of-a-kind. This is the ultimate gift for foodies who love being in the kitchen.
For the baker:
03
Budget: Escali Primo Digital Kitchen Scale, Amazon
$57.19
Baking measurements often have to be precise, so every home baker should have a decent set of scales. With more than 7,500 five-star reviews on Amazon, this simple but accurate digital scale is a clear winner. Lightweight and easy to clean, the Primo digital scale comes in nine different colourways to complement any kitchen.
04
Bougie: KitchenAid 4.8L Artisan Stand Mixer
$1,049
There’s a reason why KitchenAid remains the firm favourite with cooking and baking enthusiasts year after year. For over 100 years it has been a trusted brand, known for its powerful motor and versatility across a range of kitchen projects. This iconic stand mixer (pictured here in the 2024 Colour of the Year, Blue Salt – it’s on our wish list!) comes with five attachments in the box, and there are a wide range of extra attachments available to purchase. The aesthetics can’t be ignored either, most models are available in a myriad of eye-catching colours.
For the entertainer:
05
Bougie: Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven, Ooni
$549
This portable pizza oven is small (weighing only 12 kilograms) but packs the punch of a much larger oven. With a maximum temperature of 500°C, it can cook pizzas up to 12 inches in size (amongst other things) in just 60 seconds, making it an entertainer’s best friend! It can be used with wood or charcoal for a traditional wood-fired experience, or attach a gas burner. Lay out a spread and let guests build their own pizzas, ready in a flash!
For the connoisseur:
06
Bougie: Gourmet French Market Basket Gift Hamper, Myer
$198.95
This gourmet hamper contains a selection of the finest edibles such as dried muscatels, premium extra virgin olive oil and melting moments, as well as an aromatherapy candle. The hamper itself is a French-style market basket with leather straps, ensuring the connoisseur will cut a stylish figure at the farmer’s markets each week.
For the tippler:
07
Budget: Tempa Quinn Waterfall Decanter, Minimax
$89.95
For those who enjoy a fine drop, this simple yet elegant wine decanter makes the perfect gift. It is made from high-quality, lead free crystal and can hold up to 1.8L of wine. The stainless steel opening makes for easy pouring and creates a waterfall effect when filling that aerates the wine. Red wine in particular benefits from aerating but many other wines can also be decanted.
For the explorer:
08
Budget: Flinders Wine & Serving Picnic Board, Gifts Australia
$65
This ultimate picnic accessory is an ideal gift for those foodies who are always out and about. Made from bamboo, this sweet little table has collapsible legs for perfect portability, and there are recesses for a bottle of wine and four glasses. Just add food and friends!
09
Bougie: Premium 5 Course Degustation with Matched Wines for 2, Red Balloon
$350
For the foodie who is on the endless hunt for gastronomical adventures, why not gift them with a special foodie experience that they’ll never forget? This 5 course degustation at the award-winning and chef hatted Margan Winery & Restaurant in the Hunter Valley (NSW), includes matched wines and a signature cocktail on arrival, all enjoyed before the perfect backdrop of the Brokenback mountain range. Need a different location or experience? Red Balloon has more than 350 unique dining experiences from all over Australia to explore.
