Foodie gifts by post

If you can’t exchange presents in person this year, the next best thing is posting delicious gifts to friends and family. We’ve handpicked five foodie gifts guaranteed to earn you bonus brownie points

Stein’s at Home (pictured top)

If the uncertainty of travel restrictions stop you from treating someone special to a fabulous meal out, why not set them up with everything needed to create a fabulous restaurant experience at home – care of the Rick Stein crew?

The Stein’s team have put together nine different menu boxes, each containing a starter, main and dessert, which simply need to be finished off in the oven or on the hob. The only thing missing is the Padstow sea air.

From £40 – buy it here.

Food Magazine subscription

Know someone who loves to keep up to date with the latest restaurant openings, is always roadtesting new recipes and enjoys nothing more than sinking into the sofa with a good read? You could become a serious contender for Best Gift Giver 2020 by buying them a one-year Food Magazine subscription so they get every issue delivered direct to their door.

Championing the South West food and drink scene since 2003, Food Magazine is the original local magazine for the epicurious. It’s written and designed by independent publisher Salt so you’ll not only be treating a friend, you’ll also be supporting a small independent business.

£25 for six issues, including FREE delivery – buy it here.

Bristol Food Box

There are scores of hampers out there, but you’d be hard pressed to beat a Bristol Food Box.

Created by Bristol Food Union, the gift boxes (available in sweet and savoury varieties) are filled with delicious goods from some of the city’s finest indies. However, the best bit about the Bristol Food Box is the Buy One, Give One ethos which encourages festive shoppers to dig deep and donate £18.50 (in addition to their purchase) to provide Christmas provisions for a family in need.

From £35 – buy it here.

BBQ Hot Smoking Kit

Whoever said barbecuing is just for summer has obviously never tried slow-smoking a brisket for eight hours on the barbie until it’s unctuously tender and encrusted in a too-delicious-to-stop-picking-at ‘bark’.

Hot Smoked’s BBQ Hot Smoking Kit includes everything needed to smoke meat, fish, veggies and more – the only thing required is a barbecue and a little patience. The kit also features a detailed recipe book and how-to guide, so even first-timers can cook like a seasoned pitmaster.

Read our Tried & Tested review of the BBQ Hot Smoking Kit here.

£30 – buy it here.

Pro cookery class

Even the most accomplished home cooks have techniques, sauces or styles they haven’t nailed, and the best way to learn is to get stuck in with the expert guidance of a pro.  

We really rate Ashburton Cookery School in Devon which hosts a huge range of courses – from pasta masterclasses to sushi for beginners. Its gift vouchers make a great present for foodies and can be posted or emailed direct to the lucky recipient.

From £50 – buy it here.