Thankfully, I’ve got a big list this year to share with you! Hopefully you’ll find something here that is quick, convenient and easy to help you out this holiday season. Obviously – these presents are mostly food related and I’ve broken them down into price categories, as it’s always the case when it comes to secret santa gifts.
If I’ve missed something that you think should be included, please feel free to drop me a comment or an email!
Splurge Items ($100+):
Dirty Apron Classes – $158/class
I’ve always had such a great time learning from Dirty Apron, it’s easy enough for people who are not very handy in the kitchen or for those who want to learn how to cook a new cuisine or pick up some new skills.
Bartending School Class – $125/class
Even if you’re not planning on making a living off bartending, it’s great to take a one day course and get the essentials down pat. I had a great time taking this course and one important takeaway is my list of the best alcohol for mixing, sipping and what to avoid.
Afternoon High Tea at Fairmont Vancouver Airport – $59/person
High tea is always super fun and a great treat for your bestie, mom or whomever you need to catch up with. The Fairmont Vancouver Airport is easy enough to get to by train and you can watch the planes land and take off.
RJS Academy Store – Wine Making – $200+
Oh what fun it is to make your own wine! While the aging process takes a couple months, it’s a great gift for those getting married (you yield about 30 bottles) or for those who entertain often.
Under $50
Gourmet Warehouse Gift Certificate
An emporium of delicious delights for professionals and home cooks – a gift certificate means your food loving friend can be a kid in a candy store.
Bittered Sling Gift Pack 2.0 – $49.99
High quality, small batch bitters made right here are the ideal gifts for mixologists and cooks alike. I wouldn’t use any other bitters in my cooking and in my drinks.
Earthen bowls from Utsuwa-No-Yakata – $18-40
Usually sold in pairs, these beautiful bowls make a great statement piece when entertaining at home!
Also they have super cute bento boxes that will make your lunch substantially more awesome. You can find Utsuwa-No-Yakata in Aberdeen Centre on the bottom floor.
Matcha #1 from O5 tea – $40/20g tin
I’m pretty sure that O5 Tea has the best matcha in town. Not only that, the founder Pedro Villalon flies out to Asia way up in the mountains to handpick his own teas. Now that is dedication.
Under $25
President’s Choice Scottish Shortbread – 11.99
Imported right from Scotland, shortbread is a staple during the holiday season!
President’s Choice Spiced Chocolate Collection – 10.99
If you’re a big fan of exotic chocolates, I’d definitely recommend these to you – cardamom and ancho chili are my favourites in this collection.
Luckies of London Scratch Map – $17
As an owner of a scratch map, it’s highly inspiring to want to scratch off all the continents!
Chez Christophe’s 12 Piece Box of Chocolates – $19.95
Chez Christophe makes some pretty delicious chocolates, and if you haven’t had a chance to try them yet or know someone who has not – spoil them with a dozen of his best chocolates!
Odd Society Spirits Crème de Cassis – $21.90, 375mL
We’re big fans of locally made spirits here at Gastrofork, and one of our favourites is definitely the Creme de Cassis from Odd Society Spirits. Made by a secret family recipe from master Chef Herve Martin who was once the personal chef to the Late King Leopold III of Belgium and a chef in two Michelin 3 star restaurants in France and Switzerland, what a treat to give away!
French Made Baking Macaron Making Kits – $14.75
If you’re a more hands on type of gift giver, this might be the perfect solution for you – French Made Baking (who, by the way make one of the best macarons in the city) offer macaron making kits so you don’t have to run around town looking for specific items and the perfect recipe to make macarons. Complete with almond flour, icing sugar, chocolate piping bag and tip, template and recipe!
Under $10
Mink Chocolates – $6.50
Another favourite of mine is definitely Mink Chocolates – they make so many different types of chocolate bars, it’s hard to choose from – my favourite ones? The Maidens and Traditional Christmas (eggnog and dark rum in chocolate ganache!).
Craft Beer – Red Racer Beer
Have a beer aficionado in your life? Nothing says you have great taste in beer by going local. There are so many great craft breweries here in Vancouver, but we’ve recently become a fan of Red Racer’s beer.
Delivered Meals – Enroot
The holidays can take a toll on you – between running around for presents, decorating and trying to manage life in between. Treat your lucky friend (or yourself) to a healthy delivered meal – like Enroot Meals.
President’s Choice Chocolate Covered Caramel Popcorn – $8.99
If you haven’t tried this yet, you must! Not only is it the perfect present to give away, it’s affordable enough for you to stock for your own private collection 😉
Under $5
Beaucoup Bakery’s Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookie
Want to make someone’s day? Treat them to beautiful and delicious Parisian baked goods by Beaucoup Bakery. My favourite item is definitely their Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookie – there is nothing like it out there!
Slate Coasters – $4.99
I recently picked these up from Canadian Tire – they are so much cheaper (and the exact same material and quality) than higher end stores. You’re welcome. 😉
Home made Cookies
Have some time on your hands? Bake some cookies! Here are some easy recipes:
Chocolate Sugar Cookie Recipe
Han Solo Chewy Caramel Chocolate Biscuits
Gluten Free Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
4 Ingredient Nutella Cookies
Cute Baking Items from Daiso – $2
Daiso always has the cutest items for decorating, gifting, packaging and eating…I never leave there empty handed!
