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50+ Unique Travel Gifts You’ll Love on the Road and at Home

By Author Laura Longwell

Posted on Last updated: November 3, 2023

Looking for the perfect present for the traveler in your life? Something they might actually use? It’s not always easy. We’ve had the chance to road test a lot of unique travel gifts and gadgets in different situations around the world to find the things that will actually be awesome, helpful gifts.

This list of travel gift ideas is designed to be interesting and fun and to help make travel easier. But, for the times you’re not able to be on the road, we’ve also included things that will help you remember your trips and be inspired even when you’re not globetrotting. There’s a wide price range if you’re looking for stocking stuffers or a splurge gift. Most items on this list are less than $50, so hopefully you can find some cool gifts for your friends and family (and yourself, too!).

Top Gifts for Travelers in 2023

Best travel presents under $30, insanely useful gifts, for foodie travelers, must-have luggage.

Pacsafe Anti-theft Backpack

Pacsafe makes the best safety-related travel products.

This daypack has enough room to carry a camera, laptop, and other essentials without being so bulky that it will weigh you down. It has slashguard embedded in the fabric and an RFID blocking pocket, so all your belongings and your information stay safe. The lockable exterior pockets and zippers are also a huge bonus.

Check prices for anti-theft backpack

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones

When it comes to good gifts for travelers, we always look for something that will make the experience easier or more enjoyable. These headphones are one of those things.

With the touch of a button, these headphones allow you to block out the world and let your music stand out. Plus, they have a long-life battery and noise-rejecting mics that make it easier for people to hear you on phone calls.

Check noise cancelling headphones prices

Personalized Puzzle

Reminisce about past trips and look forward to new ones while working on a puzzle personalized with your own image. This company will convert a favorite vacation photo or family memory into a 500-piece puzzle, making for a truly unique gift.

Check puzzle price s

Polaroid Go Camera & Film

The cool Polaroid Go camera is a new spin on old technology. A mini version of the original, the small camera has a reflective selfie mirror and self-timer plus film that you can get creative with by using a double-exposure feature. This bundle comes with the camera and film to take 16 photos.

Check Polaroid Go prices

White Noise Machine for Travel

We always travel with a white noise machine because we’re light sleepers. It’s indispensible.

This machine has three settings to customize what kind of noise works best for you for inducing sleep. At just 3.5 inches wide and less than 4 ounces, this white noise machine is super portable and easy to throw in your carry-on. It comes with a 101-night trial to make sure it’s the right fit.

Roku Streaming Stick

Make streaming entertainment easy when you travel with the Roku Streaming Stick. This wildly useful device puts all your entertainment in one place from Netflix and Prime Video to cable and AppleTV. Just log on to the internet and all your favorite channels will be at your fingertips.

Check prices for Roku Streaming Stick

Pix-Star Wifi Digital Picture Frame

A huge part of traveling is taking pictures, but so often, we leave them on our smartphones. The Pix-Star frame is a wifi digital picture frame that can display photos from your phone or camera easily–just email them straight to the frame or transfer from the app.

The Pix-Star frame is easy to set up and holds about 30,000 photos and videos. You can showcase your own photos or buy a frame for a loved one and send them photos from your trips or simply everyday activities.

The Pix-Star frame has lots of features, including displaying weather, playing music, and connecting with social media so you can display photos shared on Facebook or Instagram. All the bells and whistles make it great for families and one of the best gifts for people who travel a lot.

Fitbit Fitness Tracker

A Fitbit Versa 2 is awesome whether you’re traveling or not.

When we’re on vacation, we tend to walk. A LOT. I love the feeling of accomplishment when I can see how many steps I’ve taken, and I love that it makes me feel OK about indulging in a few of the local treats. At home, my Fitbit prompts me to get up and move more–an occupational hazard of being tied to a computer most of the day.

The Fitbit Versa 2 tracks your steps and calories burned and how well and how long you sleep. It also tells time and notifies you of texts and calls to your smartphone.

Homesick Candles

If you’re traveling somewhere for awhile, moving to a new state, or embarking on the adventure of being an expat, it’s nice to have things that remind you of home like these Homesick Candles. Made of soy wax with a 60-80 hour burn time, you can enjoy the scent you miss whenever you want.

There are so many options to choose from, including states, regions, specific cities, and many more.

Check prices for Homesick Candles

Multi-purpose Passport Wallet and Organizer

There are a million things to organize when you’re traveling. Some people are very good at that (Lance), but others aren’t so much (me). That’s why I use a multi-purpose travel wallet . Especially when I’m traveling on my own, it helps me know that I have all my important things in one place.

My travel wallet helps me keep all my essentials together. That way, I never have to frantically search from my passport, boarding pass, credit cards, tickets, and other things that seem to go missing along the way. There’s even a spot for a SIM card. This passport wallet is available in 35 colors and includes RFID technology to safeguard your privacy. It’s the perfect gift for the (slightly disorganized) traveler.

GorillaPod Tripod for Cameras or Phones

Full-size tripods are big and can be clunky, but tripods are an important part of taking photos. Low-light settings, selfies, odd angles, and other scenarios make a tripod essential. To solve the problem, we use GorillaPod tripods whenever possible.

GorillaPod tripods are small, lightweight, and flexible so you can carry them easily and twist and bend them however you need. They take up very little room and are super useful.

Check prices on GorillaPods

Tile Mate Item Finder

Are you always asking yourself where your phone is or where you put your keys? That was me until I got Tile Mate.

Tile Mate is a Bluetooth tracker that you attach to things you don’t want to lose. When you can’t find them, you can locate them using an app on your smartphone, Alexa, or Google Assistant. It’s the only way I get out the door on time.

Check Tile Mate prices

Scratch-off World Map

We admit to being those people . You know the ones–the people who count and keep a list of all the places they’ve been to in the world. And that’s exactly why we love this scratch-off map!

Scratch off the spots on these high-quality maps to reveal where you’ve been and get inspiration for where to go next. You’ll find all the countries of the world plus 210 national flags. In the US, Canada, and Australia, individual states are outlined, too.

Travel Phone Mount

With more airlines offering in-flight entertainment via streaming, having an easy way to watch on your phone is critical. This mount means you don’t have to hold your phone for hours or watch shows and movies at a weird angle. It’s a game changer.

Check prices for the phone mount

50 States, 5000 Ideas

You don’t have to travel around the world to have a great adventure. There are plenty of amazing things to see without breaking out your passport, and 50 States, 5000 Ideas: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See, What to Do will help feed your US-based wanderlust.

From main attractions to things to do off the beaten path, this book will help you discover them all. It’s a cheap present for people looking to discover somewhere new.

Check prices for 50 States, 5000 Ideas

Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow

This is not your typical travel pillow. You can bend and contour this unique travel gift into almost any shape you need to support your neck, back, head, or shoulders. It’s great on the road but works at home and at the office, too, if you need additional support while reading in bed, sitting at a desk, etc.

I love the Twist pillow most because I always found traditional travel pillows a little too bulky. But I can shape this one just perfectly for me. It’s also great because the memory foam inside is firm, but it’s covered in breathable cotton. The cover is machine washable, which is ideal because–let’s be honest–traveling can be dirty sometimes.

Quick-drying Microfiber Towel

We love being around water. Beaches, waterfalls, hot springs, oceans — you name it, and it’s probably on our list. We even travel with our own snorkel gear . That means we also spend a lot of time wet on our trips, which isn’t very convenient when you’re renting a car or otherwise traveling around.

This microfiber towel makes it a lot easier to continue with our adventures without having to worry about air-drying or soaking our clothes or car seats. The towel is compact and dries quickly, which is perfect when you’re moving around. It’s also great as a bath towel if you’re renting an apartment or staying in a hostel.

Check prices for microfiber towel

Sleep Mask and Ear Plugs

Traveling means often finding yourself in places where you need or want to sleep but where sleeping may not be that easy. (I’m looking at you, uncomfortable airplane seat and too-bright hotel room).

An eye mask and ear plug set is the best combination we’ve found yet to help with sleep in these challenging situations. The contoured, lightweight eye mask feels natural, doesn’t put pressure on your eyes, and blocks every speck of light. And the earplugs are a must.

Check prices for the sleep mask set

Wine Protector Sleeves

Bringing wine home from vacation is one of our favorite ways to make a trip last in our minds. From Alsace to North Carolina, we’ve found ourselves needing a safe way to transport wine while protecting our clothes. Sometimes, if stores know we’re traveling, they’ll give us a wine bag as an incentive to take something home. But they’re always one-use bags, which feels wasteful. That’s why we love these bags –they’re reusable.

Refillable Leather Journal

Electonic devices are great, but sometimes you just want to go old school with pen and paper. Refillable leather journals are ideal for someone traveling who wants to have a tangible memory of their thoughts and impressions along the way. Write, sketch, doodle, or plan in this convenient journal.

Soft Travel Blanket

Whether you’re napping on a road trip, keeping warm on a flight, or simply looking for a bit of extra comfort, this light-weight, plush travel blanket does the job. It’s easy to fold into its carrying case that can double as a pillow when the blanket is stored. It folds up small and comes with a hand luggage belt to easily attached to a carry-on.

Check prices on the travel blanket

OtterBox Defender iPhone Case

I’m a klutz by nature, and I’m often taking photos at weird angles. Plus, I live on my phone. All of that adds up to the fact that I drop my phone. A lot. And thanks to the Otterbox Defender, I’ve never had a single worry about damaging my phone or cracking my screen.

The Otterbox Defender is one heavy-duty phone case, so it’s a great option for people who aren’t great at hanging on to things. It has several layers that spread out the force of any drops or dings, and it’s practically indestructible. I would never use my phone without it.

Check prices on OtterBox Defender

Diversion Safe Hair Brush

There are many reasons to be cautious when you travel. If you have extra cash, jewelry, or other small items that you don’t want out in the open, a diversion safe like this hair brush with a hollow core can be the perfect solution. It’s a great gift idea for people who stay in hostels, who prefer not to use a hotel safe, or those who just want to be discrete.

Insulated Coffee Mug

Easily take your favorite beverage with you in this insulated mug. It keeps hot beverages hot for at least 3 hours and cold beverages cold for 9 hours or more. It’s stainless steel, has a BPA-free lid, and won’t burn surfaces or leave condensation rings.

Multi Charging Cable

We often find ourselves in hotel rooms or apartment rentals with only a couple of outlets and numerous devices to charge. This multi charging cable comes in very handy in those situations.

The charger allows us to charge several phones, cameras, and tablets using only one USB port. Not only is it efficient, but it means we don’t have different devices strewn all over the room, so we’re less likely to accidentally leave a charger (or a device!) behind.

This charger isn’t the sexiest gift, but it’s one of the most useful things we’ve come across.

Check prices on the multi charging cable

Infinity Travel Scarf

This travel scarf–which comes in five different colors–has two cool features. First, it can convert into a wrap or blanket, which is super useful for air travel. Second, it has two hidden pockets, so you can have your valuables with you at all times without needing to keep your eye on a purse or bag. They’re big enough to hold a passport, ID, phone, and other important items.

Check prices for the travel scarf

Sea to Summit Dry Bag

If you do a lot of water-related activities, having a dry bag can be critical. If you’re snorkeling, rafting, fishing, or just hanging out at the beach for the day, a dry bag lets you keep important things away from splashes.

It’s great to keep items—like your phone, camera, or wallet—dry and safe. But it’s equally convenient to have a completely dry change of clothes or towel when you’re done enjoying your day on the water.

Burt’s Bees Cleansing Towelettes

I once packed for a month in Europe using only a carry-on. Let me tell you: that requires a little bit of creativity. These facial cleansing towelettes are perfect when you have to limit your carry-on liquids and want to still take care of your skin quickly and easily. Plus, who doesn’t love Burt’s Bees?

Portable Power Bank

Whether you’re using a tablet for in-flight entertainment, posting on social media, or using your phone for a GPS, there are lot of opportunities to run down your batteries when you’re traveling and often fewer chances to get a full charge. Having a back-up power bank means you don’t have to worry if you’re not near an electrical outlet.

This power bank can charge your phone or tablet multiple times without having to be re-charged itself. That means you’ll never miss the end a movie or get stuck without a map or a camera while you’re on the road.

Laundry Bag

It’s always a little bit of a challenge for me to separate my dirty clothes from my clean clothes in my suitcase, even when I feel like I’ve planned ahead. This laundry bag has helped immensely. It folds down small and expands when I need it either for doing laundry on a trip or taking it straight to the washing machine when I get home. Highly recommended for trips longer than a quick weekend getaway.

4TB External Hard Drive

When you’re traveling, it’s best to back up your photos in two separate places–online and on an external hard drive–so nothing ever gets lost. And because slow Internet speeds are often a problem, a high-quality external hard drive is even more important.

This hard drive has fast transfer speeds, and with 4TB of storage, you can photograph an around-the-world trip and never run out of room.

Belkin Power Strip and Surge Protector

There are never quite enough outlets. With this power strip, you’ll have all the regular power outlets you need. Plus, it has a USB port for easy phone charging. Pair it with the multi-purpose charger and you’ll have all the room in the world to charge things.

Packing Cube Set

Packing cubes are the easiest way to stay organized whether you’re going on a weekend getaway or a month-long journey. They also help keep your clothes from wrinkling so you don’t have to deal with the hassle of ironing.

Worldwide Adapter

If you visit different countries, it’s easy to end up with a large collection of electrical adapters. This all-in-one worldwide travel adapter makes all the other ones unnecessary. In fact, it’s the only one we travel with now.

In one small package, you have an adapter that works in the US, UK, EU, Australia, and more. In total, it works in over 150 countries. The adapter also has 2 USB ports for added convenience. Doesn’t get much simpler than that.

3-Speed Folding Fan

We got this fan as a gift, which is how I know it’s the PERFECT thing for travelers going to very hot places. Yes, when we went to Egypt in the summer, it came in quite handy. But conditions don’t have to be that extreme to enjoy a handheld fan. A little breeze makes everything better. It’s the number one thing you never knew you needed.

Standing Stone Farms Cheese Making Kit

Traveling in Europe, it’s easy to fall in love with world-class cheese. From trying sirene in Albania and a cheese smorgasbord in Athens to early-morning wake up calls to watch Parmigiano-Reggiano come to life in Parma , we’ve had our fair share of cheese experiences.

That’s why we love this kit. In a few simple steps, you can re-create some of those tasty cheese experiences and try other varieties for the first time—or give it to your favorite traveler to enjoy making mozzarella, burrata, ricotta, mascarpone, and more in their own kitchen.

Map Rocks Glass

We have a thing for distilleries. Thus, we also have a thing for cocktail glasses. This whiskey glass is one of the best gifts for people who travel to help remember their favorite place (or pay homage to home) while imbibing. From Austin to New York, there are about 15 US cities available.

1000 Foods to Eat Before You Die

Trying new foods is one of the best parts of travel. Just like 1000 Places to See Before You Die inspired people to visit new places, 1000 Foods to Eat Before You Die encourages readers to push their culinary boundaries worldwide. This book is a road map to try the best things to eat–both exotic and a bit more tame–no matter where you go.

Check prices for 1000 Foods to Eat Before You Die

Compact cooking kit

With 11 cooking and grilling tools and a compact carrying case, this kit makes it easy to turn any outing or trip into grill time. It works for an afternoon at the beach, camping overnight, a hiking trip, or tailgating close to home. The kit comes in five colors, and each tool has its own pouch so they don’t bang around or get damaged.

Check prices of the compact cooking kit

Mulled wine gift set

Many of our favorite holiday experiences involve visiting Christmas markets in Europe. And along with seeing the lights and stunning decorations, trying the delicious mulled wine is a central part of those visits. This kit makes it super easy to create the same flavors at home.

The set comes with all the mulling spices plus a grater for fresh ginger, an infusion bag, and more. Just add wine or cider and get started.

Check price for gift set

Staresso Portable Espresso Machine

We love (and sometimes survive) on coffee. If there’s a coffee lover in your life who’s always on the go, check out the portable Staresso espresso maker.

This travel coffee maker lets you make real espresso anywhere using your favorite Nespresso pods or coffee grounds. It’s ideal for outdoor use while camping or picnicking. It’s the definition of decadence but a good option for travelers who already seem to have everything.

Wine Folly: The Essential Guide to Wine

Cabernet or Merlot? Chardonnay or Viognier? We bought Wine Folly last year after we watched a documentary about people studying to become sommeliers and decided we wanted to be smarter because…well, we drink a lot of wine. The nice thing about this book is that there’s no snobbery or unnecessarily complicated terms–just a nice primer in good wine.

Wine Folly clearly and simply provides an excellent introduction to wine and wine tasting and is great for any wannabe oenophile. You can learn about different varietals, their characteristics and flavors, where they grow, and other information in a clear and approachable way.

Check the price for Wine Folly

The Cocktail Box Co.

The perfect remedy for a long flight, the Cocktail Box Co. has everything you need to make your favorite cocktail in flight. Twice. Just add booze.

There are kits for a selection of classic cocktails, including Bloody Mary, Hot Toddy, Moscow Mule, Old Fashioned, and others. Depending on your selection, the kit includes items like a muddler, aromatic bitters, cane sugar, and even a linen coaster. It’s a unique gift idea for travelers who want something a little special on their next flight, and it makes a fun stocking stuffer.

Check prices for the Cocktail Box Co.

The Gourmet Sea Salt Sampler

Our favorite souvenirs are related to cooking because they let us relive the tastes from our trips at home. We’ve collected salt from France to Trapani, Sicily, and more. This kit includes salt from both of those unique locations and 14 others that you can experiment with.

The Gourmet Sea Salt Sampler kit has 16 individually labeled salts from around the world with information about their origins and suggested uses. You can try Cyprus Onyx salt from Cyprus, Mayan Sun from El Salvador, and Tibetan Rose from the Himalayas, among others. Have fun experimenting with the global flavors.

Osprey Farpoint

While we do like to pack in only carry-ons when we can, that’s not always possible. When we need more room, the Osprey Farpoint is our go-to bag. We love it so much that both of us have one.

The Osprey Farpoint has large, heavy-duty wheels for rolling over uneven surfaces and is made of fabric that lasts. The most important feature of the Osprey is that it has convertible straps to turn it into a backpack. This is particularly useful for managing your luggage in hotels without elevators, when walking over rough surfaces like cobblestones, and a variety of other scenarios. We’ve traveled with ours for seven years so far and would never give them up.

Check prices on Osprey Farpoint

Hardside Carry-On

We pack carry-on only whenever possible, which means we want to fit in as many items as we can without having our suitcases feel like we’re carrying rocks. Having a lightweight, easy-to-manage bag is an important part of that equation. That’s why we love this hardside suitcase .

This bag is light and compact enough to use as a carry-on on international flights, but it also expands to add 15% more room when you need it. It’s the ideal carry-on.

ZOMAKE Day Pack

Light, durable, and waterproof, this Zomake day pack is great from carrying your most needed items around the city, on a hike, home from a local market , or anywhere else you need a day pack. As a bonus: it’s waterproof, so your things stay dry even is you get splashed or rained on.

The ZOMAKE day pack folds up small and comes in 11 colors.

Check prices on the ZOMAKE day pack

Laura Longwell is an award-winning travel blogger and photographer. Since founding Travel Addicts in 2008, she has written hundreds of articles that help over 3 million people a year get the most out of their travel. In that time, she has visited nearly 60 countries on 5 continents, often returning to favorite destinations over and over again. She has a deep love of history, uncovering unexpected attractions, and trying all the good food a place has to offer.

In addition to Travel Addicts, Laura runs a site about her hometown of Philadelphia—Guide to Philly—which chronicles unique things to do and places to see around southeastern Pennsylvania. Her travel tips and advice appear across the web.

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Tuesday 11th of July 2023

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The 55 Best Gifts for Travel Lovers in 2024

Peruse these practical and thoughtful gift ideas for every traveler on your list.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Kristin Kempa

Shopping for your travel-loving friends and family can be tricky — after all, you’ll want to ensure you’re picking up something practical, but you also don’t want to gift them something they already have. It’s also worth considering that frequent travelers, especially digital nomads, tend to live a more minimalist life. This means practical gear will reign supreme over more frivolous items.

You’ll also want to take into account the kind of travel your favorite globetrotters or influencers are into. City explorers or luxury-leaning travelers, for example, probably won’t want the same gear as someone who spends their PTO hiking and trekking through the wilderness.

The following options were hand-picked by our team to suit every type of traveler and vacationer on your list. We’ve extensively researched (or personally tested) all of the following gifts to ensure your purchase will make a thoughtful and genuinely practical addition to your loved one’s travels. Here are the best gifts travelers will love — for all budgets and needs.

Paravel Passport Case

If your favorite travelers don’t already have a high-quality passport cover, you might want to consider the Paravel Cabana Passport Case. The elegant leather case can even be personalized with a hand-painted monogram or custom graphic to add another layer of elegance. We also like that this option has an abundance of pockets and card slots to make organization easier.

Boka Fresh on the Go

The Boka Fresh on the Go set was made for travelers who avoid checking a bag at all costs. It includes everything they’ll need to maintain good oral hygiene while on the go. The toothpaste is TSA-approved and the mouthwash — this is the best part — comes in the form of chewable tablets, so it won’t even count toward their liquid quota.

Jamaica Vibes

Jamaica Vibes is one of the latest in the Assouline coffee table book family — and possibly one of the most fun options to date. The stunning visual-first book will allow travelers to reminisce about any time spent in Jamaica (or dream about future trips) while the cover and spine of the book will add a dose of elegant and trendy style to coffee tables and bookshelves.

Contiki Tour

You can’t go wrong with the gift of travel itself. If you’re looking for a big-ticket experience gift for a younger traveler in your life, look no further than a Contiki tour. The pre-packaged trips will take them all over the world with like-minded young people and range from exploring the Garden Route in South Africa to road-tripping through the Balkans.

Epicka Universal Travel Adapter

Sure, a travel adapter might not immediately come off as the most exciting gift. But any traveler will tell you just how valuable a reliable one really is. The Epicka Universal Travel Adapter is the best travel adapter in our book; it works in more than 150 countries and it’s super compact and easy to pack thanks to the modular design. Plus, you can always pair it with a flashier item like a travel-themed phone case .

SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

 Amazon

The SereneLife Stand-up Paddle Board is an excellent option for anyone who wants to bring the spirit of resort life home. We tested out a variety of inflatable paddle boards and our team agrees that this is the best board on the market thanks to the lightweight, portable design and impressive stability in the water.

LARQ Bottle PureVis

The Larq Self-cleaning Water Bottle is a true game changer for all kinds of travelers. The smart bottle uses UV technology to not just disinfect itself but also to purify the water you’re drinking. This means the jetsetter you’re shopping for will be able to comfortably drink from most water sources without worrying about getting sick.

Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair

The Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair is simply the best beach chair around — and it makes a great gift for road-trippers and camping enthusiasts alike. It’s super easy to transport thanks to the folding backpack design, and is surprisingly comfortable due to the adjustable head pillow and elongated seat. We also like that the frame is rust-proof, meaning it’s perfect for using at the beach or in the rain.

Intelligent Change Inc. The Five Minute Journal

Sometimes, it can be hard to live in the moment and absorb all the magic that is travel — but a gratitude journal can help ensure your globetrotter stays centered on the go. The Five Minute Journal takes, as advertised, takes just five minutes of a traveler’s time; but jotting down their thoughts for those few minutes will help them remember and appreciate the most exciting parts of their day while traveling or at home.

Andobil Car Phone Holder Mount

The best car phone holder mount in our book is the Andobil Car Phone Holder Mount, and it’ll make a great gift for road trippers and car commuters. It’s super easy to install and, once set up, is incredibly stable and easy to use while on the go. There’s also space to plug in a charger so drivers won’t have to mess around with their phone just to get some juice.

Puffer Hug 418 Scarf

Think of the Puffer Hug 418 Scarf as a stylish and equally practical alternative to the fishing vest. Hear us out: this cozy accessory serves as a regular scarf but also has tons of pockets for things like a smartphone or passport. It’s great for wearing to the airport when you need to have documents at the ready but is equally sensible for wearing to explore a new city.

Slip Silk Skinny Scrunchies

The Slip Pure Silk 4-pack Skinny Scrunchies is a fail-safe gift for travelers who want to care for their hair while they're away. The silk design is gentle on the hair and is designed to not pull or cause breakage, even with regular use. We also really like the elegant patterns and colors of the scrunchies, which can easily double as cute arm candy among a stack of bracelets.

Vinarmour Travel Wine Carrier

Wine-loving travelers will flip for the Vinarmour Travel Wine Carrier. This stunning carrier is designed to transport a bottle of wine without any risk of breakage. It features sufficient padding to keep the bottle safe while in transit, but it’s also made from leak-proof material — so even if the bottle was already damaged and cracks while in cargo, it won’t spill on the rest of your luggage.

The Harmonist Travel Coffret

The Harmonist

The Harmonist Travel Coffret is a game-changer when it comes to feeling fresh and relaxed in transit. The set of three heavily-concentrated perfumes were designed to foster a sense of calmness and relaxation thanks to the various notes, including patchouli, pomelo, Bulgarian rose, and vanilla. It also comes with a striking travel case to keep the vials safe in transit.

Twelve South AirFly Pro

The Twelve South AirFly Pro is a T+L editor favorite and such an easy way to upgrade the economy experience. This handy little device allows travelers to use their own Bluetooth headphones or earbuds with the inflight entertainment system rather than having to use the sub-par freebies provided by the airline. The AirFly is super easy to use as well — all you have to do is plug it into the headphone jack on the plane and pair it with your headphones.

Four Seasons Velvet Slippers

Four Seasons

There’s something inherently luxurious about slipping into a pair of hotel slippers upon check in — and the Four Seasons Velvet Slippers amplify that feeling and bring it home. These stunning slippers are made in Italy from sleek velvet and cotton with the Four Seasons logo embroidered on the top. The elastic back and rubber sole make them appropriate for both indoor and outdoor use.

Birdie Personal Safety Alarm

Here’s one for the solo women travelers on your list. The She's Birdie Personal Safety Alarm is designed to fit incognito in her handbag or pocket — but if she finds herself in any kind of trouble, it’s easy to grab and sound the alarm to draw attention and deter an attack. All she has to do is pull off the top tab to activate the 130-decibel siren and flashing strobe light.

Dagne Dover Tech Organizer

Dagne Dover

Nobody thinks they need a tech organizer while traveling, but when you take into account all the cables and adapters required to make international travel smooth, having a specific spot to keep everything untangled is major. The Dagne Dover Arlo Tech Organizer is small enough to pop into a carry-on but has plenty of interior space to store everything a traveler needs.

Lindsay Albanese Toptote Leather Hat Holder

Traveling with a cute hat seems like a great idea, but in practice it can be a bit of a pain. The Lindsay Albanese Toptote Leather Hat Holder allows travelers to bring along a wide-brim hat without having to wear it the entire commute or risking it getting crushed in a suitcase. The clip attaches to the brim of a hat and the built-in carabiner lets you pop it onto a handbag or carry-on for a hands-free solution.

Diptyque Travel Cleansing & Moisturizing Set

This cleansing and moisturizing set will be a welcome addition to any routine whether at home or on the go. The decadent set includes both rinse-free and regular hand wash as well as a moisturizing hand lotion — all of which smell just like your favorite luxury hotel bath products. We also like that this option comes with a cute carrying case that makes it easy to store the items in a handbag or carry-on.

Vasco V4 Language Translator Device

World travelers always have a few favorite travel products they swear by. For traveling abroad, the Vasco V4 Language Translator Device makes the experience so much easier — not just on the traveler but on the locals as well. This genius device provides instant voice translation in 108 languages and comes with free lifetime internet to ensure it’ll always be functional anywhere in the world. The instant translations mean your traveling pal can have real-time conversations with people across the globe, even if there’s no common spoken language.

Pokoloko Harem Towel

The Pokoloko Harem Towel is handcrafted using 100 percent Turkish cotton by artisans in Turkey — and it’s the perfect beach bag essential. It’s very lightweight and rolls down much smaller than the average towel. However, it’s also incredibly absorbent and quick-drying, so travelers can pop it back into their beach bag at the end of the day without worrying about lugging home a soggy towel.

lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L

It’s called the Everywhere Belt Bag for a reason! This Lululemon staple has quickly become a cult classic for travelers (it has quite literally been everywhere this year). The adjustable belt bag is super convenient for everything from hiking to exploring cities hands-free, and the durable nylon material means you won’t have to worry about potential spillage or getting stuck in the rain (it’ll wipe clean with a bit of water).

Longchamp Le Pliage Filet Mesh Bag

Regular travelers know the importance of throwing a decent-sized tote into their luggage. After all, you never know when you’ll need the extra bit of space while on the road. The Longchamp Le Pliage Filet L Mesh Bag offers a sophisticated take on the humble mesh tote complete with a snap closure and both a top handle and shoulder strap for added versatility.

Conair Travel Garment Dual Voltage Steamer

The Conair Power Steam Handheld Travel Garment Steamer makes looking and feeling put together on the road a snap. The compact steamer is small enough to slip into a carry-on bag and pull out as needed while traveling. It boasts a 35-second heat-up time so the traveler in your life can power away wrinkles and creases in no time at all.

YETI Roadie 24 Cooler

The Yeti Roadie 24 Hard Cooler will be well received by the road trip warriors and beach bums on your list. Not only is it super aesthetically pleasing, but it can also actually fit an incredible amount in such a compact space — we’re talking up to 33 cans, 26 pounds of ice, and even full-sized bottles of wine.

Loop Quiet Ear Plugs

You don’t quite realize how high-quality the Loop Quiet earplugs are until you really need them. The surprisingly stylish earplugs were designed to be comfortable while sleeping and will serve as a major blessing the next time your gift recipient has been put in a hotel room next to a crying baby or bachelorette party.

Paravel Mini Fold-up Backpack

The Paravel Mini Fold-Up Backpack earned the top spot in our books as the best mini backpack of 2024 , and it’s easy to see why. It’s easy to fit all the essentials — think a tablet, a wallet, sunscreen, and shoes — but it also folds down into the size of a wallet when not in use, which makes it great for tucking into a carry-on bag in case of emergencies. We also love that this bag has the option to be monogrammed, making your gift all the more thoughtful.

Béis The Cosmetic Case

We love Béis for its cheeky and innovative take on travel accessories — and the Cosmetic Case in particular is one of our top picks of the year for best makeup cases . We love that this option is highly durable but still elegant in design and also has a generous-sized built-in mirror that makes it easy to do makeup or skincare while on the go. It’s also worth noting that this case is available in eight different colorways, so you can choose one that’ll best suit their specific style.

Paravel Aviator Carry-on Plus

If the traveler on your list is in need of a new carry-on, you’ll want to consider the Paravel Aviator Carry-on Plus. This innovative carry-on bag earned top marks in our books as the best piece of luxury luggage thanks to its super sturdy build and variety of organization options within the luggage. It’s also worth noting that all carriers are ethically produced — which makes this a great gift for conscious travelers as well.

Baggu Nylon Crescent Bag

We love a crossbody bag for travel — and the Baggu Nylon Crest Bag is definitely the top crossbody bag of the year in our books. We love just how versatile this bag is and how easily it can be packed into a suitcase without adding any bulk or weight. The crossbody bag is also highly durable and even machine washable, which is a huge perk for travelers who don’t want to have to baby their accessories while on the go.

Awake Caffeinated Chocolate Energy Bar

Frequent flyers know the perils of trying to get a good cup of coffee on an airplane or in an airport — which is why the Awake Caffeinated Chocolate Energy Bites are such a game changer for caffeine-loving travelers. The tasty chocolate bites have the caffeine equivalent of half a cup of coffee, and also offer a sweet sugar kick that’ll help them get through everything from red-eye flights to long layovers.

Nitecore MT21C Flashlight

You might not immediately think of a flashlight as a standout gift for a traveler — but a rechargeable flashlight is a packing essential for travelers who do any kind of adventure or outdoor traveling. The Nitecore MT21C Flashlight is one T+L editors swear by thanks to its compact size, impressive brightness, and longevity (it has a maximum output of 1000 lumens and a peak beam distance of 201 yards). It’s also adjustable by 90 degrees which can be highly practical for getting into tight spaces.

Moon Dissolving Whitening Strips

There’s something about indulging in a self-care routine while flying that can make an economy seat feel like you’re sitting in first class — and what could be more luxurious than whitening your teeth while on the go? The MOON Teeth Whitening Strips were designed to be used while traveling, the strips work the same as your classic Crest variety, but all you have to do is stick them on and wait for them to dissolve — no sink or rinsing required.

Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet

Sure — most airplanes have built-in in-flight entertainment, but boy does it suck when you board a flight only to realize there’s no screen on the seat back. The Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet will let them download all their favorite shows and movies to watch on the flight. It’s also great for reading e-books or checking into social media while in transit.

Aer Travel Weekender

Aer  

The Aer Travel Weekender is our favorite carry-on duffel bag right now thanks to its versatility and durable design. We like that this bag can easily be used as a top-handle tote, but that it also has a built-in strap that makes it easy to use as a duffel bag while on the go. It’s worth noting that the bag also has a 16-inch padded laptop sleeve, which means they’ll be able to keep their laptop or tablet safe and secure while traveling.

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3

A portable speaker makes a great addition to any traveler’s packing list. Not only does it ensure the vibes will be good no matter where they find themselves, it’s also a great tool for playing white noise and making it easier to fall asleep in unfamiliar places. We highly recommend the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3; this one is super easy to connect to any phone and is both waterproof and dustproof — so they won’t have to be precious with it while traveling.

nCamp Café Portable Coffee Maker

If you’ve got a coffee lover on your list, the nCamp Café Portable Coffee Maker is going to be a game changer in terms of the quality of their morning joe. This compact coffee maker is especially great to bring on camping trips because it crafts espresso-style coffee without any power source. The only thing they’ll need is a hot water source and they’ll have cafe-quality brew wherever they go (which, let’s be honest, will also save them a ton of money on morning coffee).

Nintendo Switch

Travel can be endlessly thrilling and entertaining — but there’s a lot of downtime that comes with it as well. A Nintendo Switch is going to make a great gift for the gamers on your list (or those traveling with little ones). The beauty of the Switch is that they’ll be able to use it as a handheld to pass the time at airports or train stations, but it can also be set up television-style to play party games at the hotel room or Airbnb.

Infinity Pillow Travel Pillow

Infinity Pillow

Unless you’re lucky enough to get a miraculous upgrade to business class, sleeping on a plane can be a struggle. That’s where the Infinity Pillow Travel Pillow comes in. This innovative pillow was designed with neck support and can be adapted to work whether they’re in the window, aisle, or even the middle seat.  It’s also temperature regulating, so it won’t make them sweaty mid-flight, and doubles as an eye mask.

Call You When I Land: A Memoir

Travel writer and author Nikki Vargas spares no detail in her evocative memoir Call You When I Land , which follows Vargas as she relentlessly pursues her dream career, and in turn, dream lifestyle. The juicy travelogue is ideal for fans of Eat Pray Love or What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding . Oh — and there’s a love story and murder mystery baked into it as well. Can you say beach read?

Nimble Champ Portable Charger

It doesn’t matter how streamlined their travel is — every traveler struggles with having juice for all their devices while on the go. Sometimes it’s a lack of adequate adapters, and sometimes it’s long excursions with no charging outlet in sight. Either way, a decent portable charger just makes things easier. We love the Nimble Champ Portable Charger in particular. It’s compact and durable, but it’s also eco-friendly having been crafted in part from recycled water bottles.

Slip Lovely Lashes Contour Sleep Mask

Traveling without a sleep mask sucks — especially if you’re sensitive to light or plan to sleep on the plane. The Slip Lovely Lashes Contour Sleep Mask in particular is an awesome gift and great alternative to the classic eye mask model. It’s crafted from real silk, so it won’t pull or mess up their hair. It also has a contoured eye area so it won’t squish their eyes or lashes, even if they use it all night long.

Away The Insider Packing Cubes

Away The Insider Packing Cubes are a game changer for travelers who want to pack light and travelers who like to pack more than they might need. For starers, these packing cubes allow them to organize their clothing by categories, which allows them to have a better grasp on exactly what they have. The cubes also gently compress clothing which makes it easy to fit everything into a carry-on or smaller-sized suitcase as needed.

Skyborne iTravel Folio 4.0

Staying organized and on the ball on travel days makes the whole experience go much smoother — and that’s why we love the Skyborne iTravel Folio 4.0. This sleek travel wallet is designed to fit all their travel documents (including passport, smartphone, AirPods, and more) in one stylish zippered wallet. It also has built-in charging capabilities to keep their electronics juiced up, no matter where they are.

Rewined Bordeaux Candle

If they’re always waxing poetic about their trip to wine country, why not gift them an olfactory memory of their time? The Bordeaux Candle by Rewined comes as an homage to the French countryside with notes of Maritime Pine, Crushed Herbs, and Cypress that are designed to transport them right back to the vineyards of Bordeaux. Rewined’s candles are also beautifully made and will look just as good as they smell on a coffee table or kitchen counter.

Pocket Tripod Universal Kit

Pocket Tripod

Let’s be honest: no matter how cool we think we are, everyone wants to get some good photos to share on social media (or to look back on) while traveling. The Pocket Tripod Universal Kit is a super compact and discreet alternative to the larger tripods on the market. It’s about the size of a credit card and is easy to pop onto a smartphone for an instant tripod, wherever they find themselves.

Foreo Luna Mini 2 Facial Cleansing Brush

Traveling can wreak some serious havoc on the skin — which is why skincare-loving travelers (and really anyone who likes a clean face!) will flip for the FOREO LUNA Mini. This innovative skincare tool uses T-sonic pulsations to clean the skin, brushing away any traces of makeup, dirt, or acne-causing bacteria that might be lurking on their face after a long flight or day of exploration.

Audible Membership

If you’re shopping for a traveler who is big on podcasts or listening to audio books while on the go, a subscription to Audible is pretty much a no-brainer. This subscription will get them one free audiobook per month and allow them to listen to all kinds of different books at their own pace while traveling. It’s also a great alternative to packing various books or having to remember an e-reader; all their audiobooks will be accessible right on their smartphone or tablet!

The Essential Guide to Turkish Wine

The Essential Guide to Turkish Wine by wine writer and author Andrea Lemieux is the only English-language anthology you’ll find sharing the ins and outs of Turkish wine. Turkey is one of the oldest wine-producing countries in the world, and Lemieux’s comprehensive guide will inspire them to book a trip to the wine trail of Turkey thanks to her captivating (and comprehensive) descriptions and gorgeous illustrations and visuals to match.

Riemot Luggage Cup Holder

It would be nice to have another set of hands when rolling through the airport, wouldn’t it? Well, that’s where the Riemot Luggage Travel Cup Holder comes in. This handy attachment can fit onto any rolling suitcase or carry-on. It not only accommodates a beverage, but also easily fits a wallet or passport and most smartphones. There’s nothing better than being hands-free without having to dig through a handbag or backpack to get out the essentials.

BasicConcepts Airplane Foot Hammock

Sure — it might look a little cheesy at first glance… but they will be incredibly grateful for this whimsical gift when they’re on hour five of their next red-eye flight. The Basic Concepts Airplane Foot Hammock attaches underneath the tray table, providing them with instant relief of aches and pains that might crop up after sitting upright for hours on end. It can adjust to three different positions as well, so they’ll be able to continue to change their position throughout the flight for added comfort.

Steamline Luggage The Palm Cosmetics Set

Steamline Luggage

Frequent flyers are always on the hunt for streamlined packing accessories — and this cosmetics set from Steamline Luggage is a standout option. It ranks number one in our best travel pouch of 2024 thanks to its charming tropical-inspired prints and the fact that the pouches are crafted from recycled water bottles. The pouches can easily fit inside of one another when not in use and lay flat, which makes them easy to pack and store.

1,000 Places to See Before You Die

1,000 Places to See Before You Die is one of our favorite travel-focused reference books. The anthology is a veritable bucket list that is just as good for armchair travel as it is for reference when planning a trip. We also love flipping through this book to reflect on all the places we’ve been — the intriguing descriptions and photography evoke memories while also seeing even the most popular tourist destinations and monuments in a refreshing new light.

Native Union Universal Sling

The Native Union Universal Sling is designed to pop onto smartphones like a phone case — but it comes with a built-in strap that allows travelers to wear their phone like a crossbody bag or around their neck like a lanyard. It’s available in a variety of colorways and is made from recycled material for a more sustainable approach. It’s perfect for travel as it’s more secure than throwing a phone in a pocket or bag as well.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Kaitlyn McInnis is a lifestyle editor-turned-freelance travel writer for T+L. She started her career as a gift guide editor and has a long-standing passion for helping others find the absolute best gifts (at great prices) for everyone in their life.

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M anifesting trave l

• Nov 1, 2022

Twenty gift ideas for foodies who love to travel

Updated: Jul 20, 2023

Have passport, will travel for food. Sound familiar? If you’re a foodie who loves to travel, you already know that where and what you eat is just as important (if not more) than where you stay. And that also means you know the pain of craving your favorite cacio e pepe from Rome, that mole negro you had in Oaxaca or that funky raclette from the Swiss Alps . Food is a sensory experience and those who covet truly delicious fare understand and appreciate the quality behind special ingredients and accessories; especially long after they’ve arrived home. Here’s where this list of gift ideas for foodies who love travel comes in.

If you need something special for the foodie travel buff in your life, we’ve curated this Travel Foodie Gift Guide specifically for those with a discerning palate and a deep appreciation for food they’ve enjoyed abroad. We’ve taken the time to pour through hundreds of international artisans and small businesses to share with you the incredible products behind some of the world’s most famous foodie destinations. And a quick note while we’re at it: if you’re eating just to stay alive, you are seriously missing out on one of life’s greatest pleasures.

Here's our list of gift ideas for foodies who love travel.

Explore more of our adventures in foodie travel.

*Just so you know, there are affiliate links in this post which means if you buy the item through our link, you'll be supporting our small business if we get a small commission for telling you about products we love. It costs you nothing extra but it helps us keep this website running, so thank you! Here's our full disclosure policy .

Imported artisanal Olive Oil from tuscany

Entimio Collection | 2022 Harvest Organic Olive Oil Extra Virgin from Tuscany, Italy | Award-Winning, High in Polyphenols, Early Harvest Italian Olive Oil | 25.5 (3 x 8.5) fl oz

Olive oil history

Nobody knows for sure when olive oil was actually discovered or invented, but it’s been used for thousands of years. Including by the Father of Modern Medicine, Hippocrates in ancient Greece who used it for all kinds of medicinal purposes. This particular pedigree is impressive. Entimio is a three-time 2022 NYIOOC Gold Award Winner, a three-time 2022 EVO IOOC Gold Award Winner, produced by small family estates and also USDA certified as organic, and lab tested to prove it doesn’t contain chemicals or pesticides. Not to mention, it’s extremely delicious.

Authentic Balsamic Vinegar from Modena

Entimio Extra Vecchio | Traditional Modena Balsamic Vinegar DOP Aged +25 Years from Modena, Italy | Authentic from Small Family Producer, Gift Box with Product and Producer Info | 3.4 fl oz

Balsamic Vinegar history

Balsamic vinegar is made in Modena, Italy and just like wine and olive oil from this country, it’s a lot like art. There’s even a special certification process the product goes through before it gets the stamp of approval. The grapes are pressed with the juice, skin, seeds and stems all intact late in the harvest season. They are then left to ferment and then aged for at least 12 years to reach that thick velvety texture. Just like the olive oils, Entimio’s balsamic vinegar is produced straight at the source, by Modena-native sisters Sofia and Taisia Malagoli.

Handmade olive wood cooking utensils

Demy Craft Wooden Salad Servers, Handmade in Europe Olive Wood Utensil Sets 12 Inch 2 Pieces Set with Wooden Spoons and Serving Fork

WHY OLIVE WOOD IS A GREAT TRAVEL GIFT IDEA

Mediterranean olive wood accessories make exclusive gifts for your foodie travel friends because they’re dense and durable, holding up well over time, but also because they’re unique and rare. Utensils are typically hand-whittled from branches and clippings from trees that are hundreds of years old, so no two utensils are ever exactly alike. Demy Craft products are handmade from olive trees who have come to the end of their natural fruiting life, meaning that once they can no longer produce olives, the trees are repurposed into artisanal products and new olive trees are planted in their place.

HAND-CARVED STONE CANDLE HOLDERS

Set of 3 Mixed Stone Spheres Candle Holders Smooth Rough Grooved Handmade in Italy - Includes Gift Box - Home Decor Coffee Side Tables Centerpieces

WHY ARE CANDLE HOLDERS A GREAT TRAVEL GIFT IDEA?

What makes these candle holders so special is that they are each hand-carved from ancient Italian limestone, so no two are exactly alike. Made in Puglia, Italy, the Pietra Leccese limestone is so old it contains fossil fragments. The company, Say it with Stone, was founded by Giovanni and Rachel, a couple of Italian and Irish descent with a serious love for animals. With each purchase made, a portion of the sales are donated to a local shelter which cares for abandoned animals and helps them find their forever homes. So not only are the candle holders a perfect addition to any tablescape or buffet, you are also contributing to charity just by giving them as a gift. Sounds like a win-win situation.

Natural wood serving boards from north carolina

Large Long Ambrosia Maple Wood Cutting Board with Handle, Charcuterie Serving Board

How American cutting boards made our list of travel gift ideas

Maple wood is a little slice of Americana. While its sap is known as the source of pure maple syrup across northern states like Vermont, it also makes a beautiful gift. Michael Sansevieri, the expert woodworker and artist behind Specialty Wood Designs in East Bend, North Carolina, creates truly unique gifts, furniture and custom orders, like these beautiful maple boards. Maple is hard enough to stand up to daily use as a cutting board, but soft enough not to ruin your knives. They also make stunning charcuterie and serving boards.

Discover more in our United States Travel Guide

Mango Wood Serving Bowls

Mango Wood Large Bowl with Serving Tongs | 12" Diameter x 5" Height

Mango wood has so many upsides. For starters, it's highly sustainable. Mango trees can be found in just about every tropical region in the world, including Southeast Asia, the Caribbean , Latin America and South America, even in the U.S. While not listed on any of the endangered tree lists, at the end of their fruiting lives, mango trees would normally be torn out and burned to make way for newer, younger trees. These bowls allow for the wood to be repurposed, instead of destroyed. They come in an array of different designs and are made by hand with 100% natural mango wood.

Foodie Gift Basket for the gourmand

These gourmet food baskets feature hard-to-find delicacies for the most discerning gourmands from a small business with a legacy stretching back three generations. In 1918, Charles Chesman became one of the first cheese importers in the U.S., and today his grandson, Spencer runs the family business. For more than a hundred years, they’ve been traveling the world and hand-selecting the finest small-scale producers of gourmet foods and cheeses. They’re so sure of their products, they’ve even got a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

igourmet Authentic Flavors of Greece Gourmet Gift Basket

A Taste of The Variety of Greece's Cuisine - This Mediterranean Gift Assortment Captures It All

Gourmet Gift Basket - igourmet Irish Classics gift box

A Little Bit of Ireland in a Gift Box (3.1 pound) - The Flavors And Cuisine Of Ireland - Taste Of Ireland's Finest Cheeses, Tea, Jam, Crackers, and Coffee.

Igourmet Gift Basket - The Best of Europe Cheese Assortment

Finest Gourmet European Cheeses - A Variety Of French Cheese, English Cheese, Italian Cheese, and Spanish Cheese (2 pounds)

Explore more from our Europe Travel Guide

igourmet Italian Luxuries in Gourmet Gift Basket

Luxurious collection of international specialities - Grana Padano, Taralli: Perfect baked goods to serve with an antipasto course, 100% Italiano Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Crostini Crackers, Prosciutto di Parma, Callipo Tuna, AND Canestrelli Cookies.

Explore more of our Italy travel ideas

igourmet Vegan Delights Gourmet Gift Box

Curated by our expert chefs - A Rare Statement of wonder and health wrapped into one magnificent gift box. Coop's Vegan Hot Fudge, BjornQorn Popcorn bag, Dried Cranberries & Blueberries by Vincent Family Cranberries, Brownwood Farms Blueberry Premium Pie Filling & Topping , Kaniwa (Baby Quinoa) by Roland, and Organic Hunza Triple Berry Granola.

igourmet Chocolate Bars of the World Gift Box

A Fantastic Assortment Of Five Mouthwatering Chocolate Bars From Around The World Make Up This Delicious Chocolate Gift Box. Dolfin Belgium Chocolate Bar, French Michel Cluizel Chocolate Bar, Caro Artisanal Chocolate Bar from Spain, jcoco Black Fig Pistachio Dark Chocolate Bar by Seattle Chocolate, and Munz Swiss Chocolate Bar.

Authentic Molcajete Bowls made in mexico

Handcrafted Genuine Mexican Mortar (Molcajete) & Pestle | Volcanic Natural Stone - Lava Rock | Durable and Long-lasting. Perfect For Salsas, Guacamole & Mexican Dishes. (6.5 Inch)

Molcajete in English

Mortar and pestle

Molcajete History

Molcajetes have been used to grind ingredients by Mesoamerican cultures for thousands of years, including by ancient indigenous peoples like the Aztecs and Mayans. They are each hand-carved from a block of volcanic rock, with three short legs to stabilize the bowl. Grinding and mashing ingredients releases essential oils, making flavors deeper and richer than if you’d use a blender.

NURI Portuguese Sardines Variety Pack

8 Pack Gift Box Bundle By Seafood Aficionado | Two of Each | Pure Olive Oil, Spiced Pure Olive Oil, Tomato and Olive Oil AND Spiced Tomato and Olive Oil

Why sardines make a good foodie travel gift

Sardines can be an acquired taste, but anyone who’s spent time in Portugal will recognize them as a quintessential Portuguese delicacy. NURI sardines have been produced the same way and in the same canning factory in Matosinhos for more than a hundred years. Since 1920, the company’s focus has been to preserve the hands-on tradition, following sustainable fishing practices and hand selecting the freshest catch before using it in generations-old recipes; even the cans are wrapped by hand. If you’re ever in Porto, you can even tour the factory .

La Rustichella Black and White Truffles

From the procurement of raw materials, collected in the wonderful Umbrian lands, to the processing and packaging of the product, the entire La Rustichella process is proudly 100% Made in Italy. Rigorous choice and selection of the truffles used for Sliced Truffles, Black Truffle Pate and White Truffle Pates. Vegan, Gluten Free , Cholesterol Free.

Why imported truffles made our list of travel gift ideas

A delicacy for the true foodies, black and white truffles can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars EACH. They must be foraged from damp environments in a very short seasonal window (the best is typically October and December), making them scarce. La Rustichella has been specializing in these delicious little morsels for more than 30 years with the Umbrian native Sergio Brugnoli and his family at the helm of the business.

VinGardeValise Wine Travel Suitcase

Holds up to 8 bottles (Black) with Personalized Luggage Nameplate| Weighs less than 40 pounds (20 kilos) fully packed

How a wine travel suitcase makes a great foodie travel gift

This luggage is for the connoisseur who has yet to find an effective and manageable way to bring home wine, spirits, olive oil, or anything else they’re terrified might break in their luggage. Two of the coolest features this travel suitcase offers are temperature resistance (no worrying about extreme heat or cold anymore) and homing devices, so you can track your bag if it gets lost. The foam inserts are also removable, allowing you to pack bottles on one side and clothing on the other. Barry Wax, the creator says he spent years testing the product against breakages, including throwing it down the stairs in Istanbul’s art district and even off the pier and into the Hong Kong harbor. If it can survive all that, a TSA agent should be no match.

Grassl Liberté Wine Glasses

Set of 6 Mouth-Blown Crystal Universal Wine Glasses for all Red and White Wine Types

Why Grassl Glasses made our travel gift ideas list

Talk about Swiss craftsmanship; what makes Grassl Glass so special is that it takes five expert craftsmen to make one single glass. A multi-step process that includes mouth-blowing, hot-shaping, and slow cooling of one continuous piece of pulled crystal. Grassl artisans must have 20 years of glassmaking experience before they can create the lightweight and ultra-thin crystals wines glasses that are free from imperfections.

Gabriel-Glas Alpha Decanter from Salzburg

Austrian Crystal Wine Decanter - 750ml Capacity

Why the Gabriel-Glas Alpha Decanter is a nice foodie travel gift

Mouth blown by highly skilled craftsmen near Salzburg, the elegant Alpha Decanter is made of lead-free, fine Austrian crystal. Decanting your wine can improve the taste by allowing oxygen exposure to soften tannins while opening up the fruit and floral aromas. But let’s be clear, this is also a stunning piece of art that will elevate any tablescape or bar. Gabriel-Glas, was created by renowned Swiss/German wine critic and author, René Gabriel. He is also the creator of the Gabriel-Glas , a universal, lead-free, all-purpose crystal glass shaped to fully express whichever wine is inside.

Love this gift guide for foodies? Check out more from Manifesting Travel

Ashley Oñoz-Wright has been a travel writer and editor based in Las Vegas, NV for the last ten years. Her work has been featured in Manifesting Travel, Modern Luxury, Sophisticated Living, Greenspun Media Group, Vegas.com and LasVegas.com. She holds a degree in Sociology & Anthropology from DePauw University.

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15 Terrific Gift Ideas for Food Travel Lovers

Many people combine their love of food and travel, the “foodie traveler”. As Christmas approaches, here is our list of 15 terrific gift ideas for the food travel lover in your life.

If you are a regular Compass & Fork reader you probably share our love of food and travel . This list is good for any occasion not just Christmas. You can pin it for future reference.

Books for Food Travel Lovers

Books can serve as an inspiration to help plan your next trip or develop a theme for your next dinner party. Here are a few of our suggestions:

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Travel essentials for foodies.

A couple of essential items for the food loving traveler.

These days you can’t bring liquids or foods in your carry-on luggage. Yet many of the great food and drink you find in your travels are from small producers and not available at home. What’s the solution?

Food Travel at Home

How about a game to play at home with your other foodie friends?

Gifts for the Coffee Lover that Travels

Other gift ideas for foodie travelers, 13. a food travel gift certificate.

Gift certificates can be a great idea for a food or travel lover. Some other suggestions include:

• A local restaurant they have been wanting to try
• Specialty food shop
• A cooking class at a local cooking school

14. An Online Cooking Class

Not near a cooking school? How about an online class? Craftsy offers a number of online Food and Cooking Classes teaching both kitchen skills ( Artisan Bread Making ,  Free Pizza Making Class,   Free Complete Knife Skills ) and cuisines including Favorite Asian Dumplings from Scratch , Long and Slow BBQ , Mediterranean Favorites: Tapas, Meze & Antipasti . You have lifetime access to the class and can complete it at your own pace.

15. Destination Specific Food Travel Ideas

How about a gift to provide some inspiration for an upcoming trip or to help them relive some memories? If they have a favorite place they have visited or one they always talk about going to, how about a specialty cookbook from that region or some specialty food items. You can check out our collection of hand picked specialty items in the Compass & Fork shop – it contains books, cookbooks, movies, specialty utensils and ingredients from a number of regions around the world including Thailand, Turkey, Greece, Italy and many more.

Help us improve our list, leave us a comment below: (you don’t need a URL to leave a comment)

• Do you have any other suggestions for gift ideas for travelers that love food?
• If you are a foodie traveler what is your idea of a terrific gift?

We can’t wait to see what you suggest.

18 Responses

i love your book recommendations <3 We'll be off on a world trip next year and we'll try to get our blog up and running. Those books might help us quite a bit with it 😀 I'm going to give my girlfriend for christmas a portable spice rack as she (we) love to cook ourselfs when we're away

Good for you Tom. Nothing beats a little research to improve how much you can enjoy an upcoming holiday. You won’t go wrong with a spice rack. Another good gift.

Anna @ shenANNAgans

Super keen on the Collapsible Coffee Maker, as a bit of a coffee lover (have been known to travel with my machine), I am always on the look out for excellent ways to get my fix and not have to leave my favourite shoes at home too. The inflatable bottle protectors are pretty neat too. Awesome list, will be coming back here closer to Christmas. 🙂

We love our collapsible coffee maker. We travel with it all the time for the reasons you have detailed. I hope you manage to use the list at Christmas. Thanks for your comment.

Krysten (#momnoms)

I really love all of these gifts… my birthday is coming up, I may snake this post over to the hubby’s hands 😛

I would add an Aeropress and electric kettle though, they are my go to travel essentials for tea and coffee! 😀

I like the aeropress and electric kettle idea for a car trip in country but a bit hard to pack for a plane trip with those luggage allowances. Thanks for your comment.

Great list of gift ideas for travelers that love food. Like the cooking classes ideas. A great way to get travelers really involved in the local food. Cheers.

Yes we are like the combination of food and travel and why not? I think, one of the better ways to learn about the culture of a place.

Evelyne CulturEatz

What a great list, I never heard of the Foodie Fights games, got to check that out!

I’m sure you will enjoy foodie fight. Great fun.

Serina aka Ms Frugal Ears

I so want to read 1,000 foods to eat before you die. I wonder how many I have tried? Probably not nearly 1,000. Great ideas for foodie travel gifts.

Yes I like my food and my travel. Maybe we should commit to trying everything in the book. Could be fun trying.

Krista Bjorn

As a traveler who loves food, I would be overjoyed to receive any of those fab books AND the cooking class. So fun. 🙂

I must admit the cooking classes are a great idea for a gift. So enjoyable.

This is an awesome list, will keep in mind for my next birthday buy!

It’s not a bad idea to have a list of gift options for those that like to travel. Thanks for your comment.

I would happily have any of these gifts! ^_^

Nothing like a little bit of travel luxury when on the road. Thanks for your comment.

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The Foodie Traveler’s Gift Guide 

• Now Week Month

Keyla Vasconcellos is a passionate, freelance writer regarding all things…

Running out of ideas for gifts for your adventurous foodie-traveling friends? Spice things up by surprising them with practical new accessories to make their trip seamless, or treat them to an unforgettable culinary experience.

Need help figuring out what to get your adventure-seeking, globe-trotting friend as a gift? Revamp their travel lifestyle by surprising them with some practical new accessories to make their airport trip seamless. Take it a step further, and treat them to a delicious culinary experience they won’t forget. Here’s a list of exciting travel products and food adventures that will take the guesswork out of gift-giving by making their time an exciting time.

Culinary Experiences

One-of-a-Kind Sushi Sho Sunset Experience Do you know someone who loves traveling to Hawaii? We recommend staying at the luxurious Ritz-Carlton in Waikiki. Sushi Sho, situated inside the resort, should be on any sushi lovers bucket list . Since reservations are almost impossible, you can surprise them with a luxurious, secluded beach picnic experience including Sushi Sho bento boxes and sake pairings with no reservation needed. There’s nothing better than enjoying the warm Hawaiian breeze and beautiful sunset while enjoying an array of revered Chef Nakazawa’s sushi delicacies.

Inspirato For a deluxe membership, give the gift of Inspirato, a luxury hospitality company that provides subscribers access to more than one million hand-selected vacation options. Whether it’s a Chilean wine country excursion, a Nashville Culture and Cuisine experience, or the Francis Mallman Cooking Summit mid-September this year, there’s something for every food lover in your life. Local transportation, daily hotel breakfast , wine tastings, and all group culinary activities are included. Solo travelers will feel safe and at ease with all of Inspirato’s adventures.

Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows Sazerac and Sushi Experience For the globe-trotter in your life traveling to Santa Monica, arrange a surprise for them at Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalow. Not exclusive to hotel guests, this incredible Lobby Lounge experience starts with a Sazerac Box, which holds the ingredients to a customized Sazerac cocktail consisting of an absinthe perfume bottle, Peychaud’s bitters, Angostura bitters, rye whiskey, Rémy Martin VSOP Cognac, and a golden spoon. The smokey cocktail looks like something out of a Harry Potter potions class. A few steps away is Soko, a very intimate 8-seater sushi bar, perfect for solo travelers. As a tribute to the origins of sushi, the name ‘Soko’ means ‘storeroom,’ which is a literal interpretation, given that Soko was built out of a simple storeroom tucked away in the hotel’s main-floor lobby. This culinary gift will wow your travel-loving friend or loved one.

Cloth & Flame Cloth & Flame is an absolute showstopper dinner experience for your adventurous foodie friend. This company is known for beautifully putting together farm-to-table meals at unexpected places, like a Sunset in the Sonoran Desert meal, a magical dinner inside an Oregon forest, or a coursed-out culinary experience on floating docks in Puget Sound. If you’re traveling alone, it may be easier to make friends with the wine flowing chefs preparing  a delicious meal. These events sell out quickly, so check the website for the perfect one.

Impastiamo If you know someone traveling to Los Angeles, Mexico City, the San Francisco Bay Area, or New York and they love to cook, the women-owned Impastiamo is a great gift. Traveling alone is exciting but it can get lonely at times, so taking a cooking class in a new city could be a cool way to meet others who share a love for food. Some past classes include: a dumpling making class, fresh pasta class, focaccia making class, and a strawberry pie class. Head to the website to buy them a gift card, so they can book their preferred event.

Travel Products

Rollink Say goodbye to bulky carry-on bags and check out Rollink. The collapsable luggage is lightweight, durable and is 75% thinner than your average suitcase.  It expands into the perfect carry-on and can be easily stored by fitting under beds or in tight spaces. Besides the cool colors it comes in, Rollink often offers free shipping. Rollink is different from any carry-on I’ve ever had and I love the collapsible design.

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Cincha Do you ever have the problem where you’re at the airport and you have your phone in one hand, passport in the other, your small personal bag is loose on top of your carry-on and everything might fall to the ground at any point? If so, the brand Cincha is great because it takes care of that problem. Their travel belt hugs your personal bag to your carry-on, making everything tight and sturdy. The designs are colorful and you can personalize it for that special person. Another option is Cincha’s belt bag which is a popular choice, where you can wear it as a fanny pack or cross-body. It also tightens around your carry-on and is perfect for smaller items like your passport, keys and phone.

MinkeeBlue MinkeeBlue is perfect for a road trip, or even as a day-to-day bag. It’s a multi-use, zip-up tote that comes with an insulated lunch box that fits inside the bag. If it suits you, take the lunch box out and put after work shoes in there instead. Use it as a diaper bag, or a computer bag, the options are endless. There’s so much room with many compartments that it’s easy to organize. So, whether you’re going on a quick day trip, or heading to the gym after work this bag has it all.

CALPAK Calpak is a family-owned brand that’s been around since the late 1980s. Besides its modern and functional design, Calpak has a variety of travel items from toiletries to make up bags, luggages to portable charges and much more. Buying a Calpak gift for your favorite frequent flier will be a breeze. The mini backpack from the new Luka collection is small but mighty. Bring it to a hike since it’s water-resistant or use it as a personal item on a flight because it slides onto your carry-on keeping everything sturdy in one place.

Bose Noise Canceling Headphones Noise-canceling headphones may be a pricier gift but one every traveler could use. Bose headphones are the cream of the crop. When you download the app, turn on aware or quiet mode. The aware function cancels out noise, but the magical quiet mode makes your surroundings peacefully silent. Warning, take them off before talking to someone because you may sound louder than you think.

Keyla Vasconcellos is a passionate, freelance writer regarding all things food, lifestyle, and travel. She is usually searching the streets of Los Angeles for the next great bite, or she is shooting food photography for restaurant clients, or daydreaming about her next travel destination.

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What a great list of experiences and products. Thank you!

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The 40 Best Foodie Gifts for Travelers

Megan duBois

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There’s still plenty of time to get a thoughtful gift for every foodie on your list. We’ve rounded up gifts in seven different categories (from the at-home cook to the DIY bartender) to make your last minute shopping a breeze.

Find the best gifts for every type of foodie below:

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

Best Foodie Gifts for the At-Home Cook

The Rise: Black Cooks and the Soul of American Food: A Cookbook

This critically acclaimed cookbook has been at the top of many bestseller charts. The Rise offers a glimpse into the diversity of black culture and history through food. The book is filled with 150 recipes from everyday meals to celebration dishes. A few of the recipes in the book are steak frites with plantain chips and green vinaigrette and grilled short ribs with a piri-piri marinade and saffron tapioca pudding.

DIY Baking Kit from Crumble Crate

Even the best chefs can use some inspiration from time to time. Set up the home bakers in your life with a subscription to DIY Baking Kit from Crumble Crate . Each box contains recipes, step-by-step visual guides, and any specialty tools needed to make that month’s treat. Each recipe makes 12 to 24 servings, so there will be plenty to share.

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Kitchen Mama Electric Can Opener

Opening cans just got a lot easier with this kitchen gadget . The gift is perfect for the at-home cook, grandparents, or just someone who hates twisting traditional can openers. The best part about this electric can opener is that it cuts along the side of the lid so there are no sharp edges.

Mintrico Silicone Trivet Mat Pad

For home cooks who love taking dishes from the hot oven to the table, these trivet mat pads are perfect. The beautiful designs make them perfect to leave on the table all the time. These trivets are also freezer and microwave safe, making them a handy addition to the kitchen.

Family Cookbook Project

Writing down family recipes to pass from generation to generation is a tradition that many people love. One way to make this even easier is with the Family Cookbook Project . This gift allows you to download the software to make your own family cookbook so all of your prized recipes are in one place. After you give this gift you can even collaborate as a family to work on the cookbook together.

Zen of Slow Cooking Gourmet Spice Blends for Home Cooking

Slow cooker meals are some of the easiest and most delicious home cooked dishes. The Zen of Slow Cooking offers spice blends to throw in with your slow cooker meal bring even more flavor to the final dish. Each packet has a corresponding recipe on the back to show you how to make the best dish with each spice blend.

Bold Palate Foods Plant-Based Sauces

For the home cook who choses to eat plant-based, or enjoys trying new things these sauces are a great option. Each sauce can be used as a marinade, salad dressing, dip, or sauce. The flavors are quite unique with options ranging from a plant-based ranch dressing alternative and a beet and mesquite flavored sauce.

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Best Foodie Gifts to Relive Vacation

Maine Lobster Roll Kit from Get Maine Lobster

If your family travels to Maine or anywhere in New England for summer vacation you know that a lobster roll is a must-get lunch. With Get Maine Lobster you can now have an authentic Maine lobster roll experience at home and for the holidays. The lobster roll kit includes two pounds of fresh frozen claw and knuckle lobster meat from wild caught lobsters off the coast of Maine, 12 classic New England split top buns, lobster seasoning mix, and prep instructions.

Ooni Koda Outdoor Pizza Oven

Making authentic Italian pizza that tastes just like the pizza from your trip to Italy just got easier with the Ooni Koda Outdoor Pizza Oven . The pizza oven connects right to a propane tank, heats up in 15 minutes, and bakes perfect pies in 60 seconds.

UNICOOK Heavy Duty Skewers

These stainless steel and bamboo skewers from UNICOOK will help them recreate incredible kebabs or just help them up their grill game. Each set contains twelve total skewers, six metal and six bamboo, along with a ribbed grill rack to keep food in place and elevated above the heat source.

Mintrico Reusable Chopsticks

Upgrade sushi night with these chopsticks that are beautifully designed with a decorative top end and very narrow bottom that’s usefully for picking up delicate sushi or scooping up heaps of fried rice. The chopsticks are dishwasher safe and come with five pairs.

IRVINS Salted Egg Potato Chips Crisps

This salty crispy snack is one of the most popular snacks in Singapore. Each bag of crisps are made with hand-picked salted egg, curry leaves, and red chili pepper, making for a truly unique final product. For the person who can’t get enough traditional culinary experiences from other countries these crisps are a fun gift.

Bev’s Traditional Biscochitos Cookies

Traveling across the southwest means getting some traditional biscochitos cookies . These anise cookies from New Mexico are the state’s signature cookie. Each cookie is light and buttery with a hint of licorice flavor from the anise, making these a yummy holiday tradition.

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Gifts for the Ultimate Foodie

Maille Mustard Variety Pack

Finding good quality mustard on the grocery store shelves can be a challenge. While some people are completely fine with yellow mustard straight from the squirt bottle, others prefer something a little more refined. This Maille Mustard variety pack features four different mustards: Dijon Original, Old Style, Honey Dijon, and Rich Country. The mustards can be used in a variety of ways, from dressings to dips and spreads.

Hudson Valley Marshmallow Co. Gourmet Marshmallows, French Toast

Making s’mores just got even more delicious with these French toast flavored marshmallows from Judson Valley Marshmallow Co. The marshmallows are hand-made in small batches then sliced and bagged before being sent out. The French toast flavor is reminiscent of maple syrup, butter, and custardy bread.

Black Truffle Infused Laconiko Ultra Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Anything with black truffle is super indulgent and adds something special to somewhat boring dishes. The Black Truffle Infused Laconiko Ultra Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil is made with olives that are hand-picked in Southern Greece and has been named one of the world’s best olive oils.

Mulay’s Best Sellers 8-Pack

Handmade sausage from Colorado is a unique food gift that your friends and family will not soon forget. This Mulay’s best sellers bundle comes with breakfast links, breakfast ground, mild Italian links, mild Italian ground, original Italian links, chorizo, bratwurst, and meatballs. The company is woman-owned and family run, and all of their sausage is made with 100 percent antibiotic-free heritage pork.

Gifts for the 21+ Foodie

Ullo Wine Purifier

For the wine lover in your life a wine purifier is a gift they will use over and over. The Ullo purifier will work with any red or white wine by removing sulfites but keeling all of the wine’s tannin, flavors, and aromas that make a glass of wine special. The removal of the sulfites alleviates headaches and hangovers caused by sulfites.

Fundamental Cocktails for the Home Bartender

If one of your family members or friends is the entertaining guru they will enjoy the Fundamental Cocktails for the Home Bartender cocktail deck. The deck contains 52 cocktails printed on beautiful cards that can be set out for people to make different drinks. In fact, this allows the host or hostess of a party to actually enjoy a party instead of being stuck behind the bar cart all night passing out drinks.

KANARS Old Fashioned Whiskey Glasses

Drink glasses can sometimes be boring, but these old fashioned whiskey glasses from KANARS are etched crystal making them durable and beautiful. Even if you don’t know anyone who drinks whiskey these would be great for other cocktails that require a rocks glass.

Coravin Model Six Advanced Wine Bottle Opener and Preservation System

The ultimate gift for wine lovers has to be a Coravin Model Six Advanced Wine Bottle Opener and Preservation System . The Coravin brand is known to keep wine safe from oxidation and going bad, which allows it to continue to age in the bottle. With the system you can pour wine without ever removing the cork so you can enjoy a bottle for weeks or even years to follow after the initial pour.

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Gifts for the Outdoorsy Foodie

Carpathen Campfire Roasting Sticks

Going camping or just hanging out by the backyard fire pit likely means roasting marshmallows or cooking hotdogs on a stick. Forget the old wooden skewer or wire hangers and get the Carpathen Campfire Roasting Sticks . Each stick is extendable up to 34 inches making staying away from the flames of a fire safer for everyone while still getting perfectly charred bites.

PREVAIL Jerky Variety Pack

Hiking in the woods usually means munching on beef jerky to keep your energy up but still have a light backpack. The PREVAIL jerky variety pack comes with four different flavors of beef jerky: original, spicy, umami, and lemongrass. Each piece of jerky is chewy without being tough and has a ton of flavor.

Weber 51060001 Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill

Taking a small grill to a campsite to make meals is always a necessity. The Weber 51060001 Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill is a great option for the camper in your life since it’s compact but has a lot of power to make perfect burgers, hotdogs, and other tasty meals.

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Gifts for the Grill Master

Carpathen Smoke Tube

This smoking tube is perfect for the grill master who doesn’t have a smoker. The tube uses wood pellets to make smoke that will last for five hours to infuse meats, fish, cheese, and more. Wood pellets do not come with the smoke tube and will need to be ordered separately.

Nuke Delta02 Authentic Argentinian-Style Outdoor Cooking Charcoal Gaucho Santa Maria Grill

For the ultimate grill master who has everything else this authentic Argentinian-style grill is a perfect gift. The grill is hand-made by artisans in Argentina and features a few different compartments for grilling. Each grill includes the grill, one cover, two swivel casters, one fire poker, one shovel, and one griddle.

Old Arthur’s Barbecue Sauce

BBQ sauces are a super personal food item and everyone has an opinion on what BBQ sauce should taste like. This pack of three Old Arthur’s Barbecue Sauce is flavorful, with sweet and spicy notes is great on just about anything that you put on the grill, including chicken, ribs, and pork chops.

MEATER Plus

Getting the perfect temperature on a steak just got easier with the MEATER Plus . The wire-free meat thermometer allows you to monitor your meats through an app on your phone. The app uses an algorithm to estimate how long your dish will take to cook and rest to plan the rest of your meal prep and cooking.

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Gifts for Kids

Unicorn Kids Baking Set

Baking with kids is even more fun when there’s a theme that kids love. Enter the Unicorn Baking Set . This kit includes a unicorn apron, 5 themed cookie cutters, a roller, frosting tips, and a recipe book. If your child isn’t a unicorn fan, the kit also comes in snowman and fox themes.

Yummy Mismatching Kids Burger & Fries Food Crew Socks

Kids love getting fun socks for Christmas and these mismatching socks are so fun. They come in a variety of pairs, but the burger and fries are great for foodie kids to show off their favorite food combo. The socks have no-slip grips on the bottom so kids can’t go sliding down the hallway in these.

Bombombs Hot Chocolate Bombs

Hot chocolate bombs have taken over the internet this holiday season and with good reason. The hot chocolate bombs are filled with marshmallows that are exposed when hot milk is poured over each hollow sphere of chocolate. These hot chocolate bombs come in three flavors to make a cozy cup of hot chocolate.

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The Best Stocking Stuffers for Foodies

VEGKY Vegan Shiitake Mushroom Jerky

Beef jerky isn’t the only jerky in town anymore. The VEGKY mushroom jerky comes in a variety of flavors including original and spicy. This is a great alternative to traditional jerky for the plant-based eater in your life, or someone who just loves trying something different.

Southern Recipe Small Batch Pork Rinds

Pork rinds are a southern staple when it comes to snacking, and there’s nothing better than a quality pork rind to munch on. The Southern Recipe Small Batch Pork Rinds come in unique flavors like spicy dill, Korean kimchi bbq, and Thai curry.

Unique Pretzels

Owned and operated by the same family for six generations, Unique Pretzels are a fun stocking stuffer that kids and adults will love. The pretzels come in a ton of variations but a few favorites include extra salt splits and original pretzel shells.

Venchi Suprema Chocolate Spread

For the chocolate lover, this hazelnut chocolate spread is straight from Italy and puts other hazelnut spreads to shame. The spread is made from Piedmont hazelnut paste to make the jar of spread the finest it can be.

CatSpring Yaupon Black Tea

Yaupon is the only caffeinated plant in North America, making this tea truly an American treasure. CatSpring Yaupon is owned by two sisters in Texas who are working to create a variety of yaupon teas available to people outside of Texas.

Lasto Foods Peanut Butter

There are people out there who can eat peanut butter by the spoonful. If you have someone in your family who is like that the Lasto Foods Peanut Butter is a fun stocking stuffer. The peanut butter is made from high quality ingredients and makes for a tasty drizzle on breakfast, over sweets, or just by the spoonful.

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Click And Carry

For the family member who only takes one trip to the car to unload groceries the Click and Carry is the ultimate stocking stuffer. The small item can carry up to 80 pounds worth of bags in one trip, so there’s definitely no second trip back out to the car for groceries.

Copper Cow Coffee Vietnamese Pour Over

Vietnamese coffee is known for being super strong and fairly sweet making it a great afternoon pick-me-up. This pour over set is made from ethically sourced Vietnamese coffee beans, and all packaging is recyclable or biodegradable.

Java Sok Reusable Iced Coffee Cup Insulator Sleeve

Iced coffee is a must for many people in the morning. The Java Sok reusable sleeves are a fun stocking stuffer that keep iced coffee cold and keep the cups from dripping water condensation everywhere. The sleeves come in a plethora of designs, colors, and sizes.

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Essential Gifts for Foodie Travelers

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Are you on the hunt for the perfect gift for that special foodie traveler in your life? Whether they’re jet-setting to exotic destinations? As a food travel blogger, I understand the importance of having the right tools and accessories to enhance the culinary journey. That’s why I’ve compiled this carefully curated list of essential gifts for foodie travel.

From compact kitchen gadgets that fit snugly in a backpack to thoughtful items that elevate the dining experience on the road, these gifts will not only delight their taste buds but also make their culinary adventures more memorable.

Let’s explore the must-have items that will turn any foodie traveler’s journey into a mouthwatering adventure.

*Some links in this post may be affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission when you make a purchase at no extra cost to you. I only link to products I use or really like and would personally recommend to a friend. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

Essential Gifts While in Transit

Sometimes traveling requires you to bring food and drink along with you. Here are some ideas for gifts that make it simple. 

A small cooler : If you’re planning to take a road trip or have a picnic, a small cooler can be a lifesaver. You can use it to pack your own food and drinks and keep them fresh while traveling.

Insulated food container: Bring a small insulated container to keep your food warm or cold. This can be especially useful for picnics or for transporting perishable items.

Wine Totes : Fly those precious bottles of wine back home with you.  Protection choices range from pretty basic to nicer than the luggage for your clothing. 

Practical Gifts for Foodie Travel

The need for things to run smoothly, or to save a few pennies, are everyday realities that follow us as we travel. Here are some practical options that make essential gifts. 

Reusable Water Bottle : Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and reduce waste. It will also save you money as you can fill up your bottle at water stations. Remember that when flying it must be empty to go through security. Many airports and tourist destinations are equipped with water dispensers. 

Traveling to Italy I have filled my water bottle at the public fountains in major cities like Rome. In Iceland the water is so pure I never hesitated to fill up at any faucet I came across. 

Portable Kitchen Tool Set : For the traveler who likes to cook while on the road, a portable kitchen tool set can be a useful and appreciated gift. Look for a set that includes a knife, a small can opener, and other essential tools, all packed in a compact and convenient case. Obviously, this is not a gift for a traveler who only ever takes carry on only when flying.

Travel-sized Cutting Board : Pack a lightweight and portable cutting board for slicing and dicing food. This one comes with a little bag to keep things clean while traveling. It can also be used for cheese and charcuterie plates. Just picture a romantic, impromptu picnic along the Seine in Paris.

Utensils: Pack a set of reusable utensils , including a fork, knife, spoon, and chopsticks. This way, you’ll be able to enjoy meals on the go and avoid using disposable utensils.

Gifts for Foodie Travel: Shopping Essentials

A Shopping Tote: Bring a reusable shopping tote to carry groceries or items purchased at the farmer’s market. Also useful for take-out food or souvenirs you pick up along the way.

Once on a road trip through Virginia, I found a shopping tote in the local grocery store made to hold four bottles of wine. Yes, a shopping tote for wine. Genius. Of course, I had to buy four bottles with that find.

Watch with Apple Pay : Yes we all have to pay for our food and there is nothing more convenient and hands-free than paying with the tap of your watch. When traveling, less is more.

Literary Gifts

Think paperbacks, ebooks, or pocket size if you think it will be taken on the journey. If selected to use and read while at home then format may not be a consideration. 

Food and travel magazine subscriptions

For the traveler who loves to learn about new and interesting food destinations, a subscription to a food and travel magazine can be a great gift. Digital subscriptions make this an easy gift they could carry in their pocket at all times. This will provide a regular dose of culinary inspiration and help them plan their next food-focused adventures .

A travel-themed cookbook

Consider giving a cookbook that features recipes from the traveler’s destination, or one that focuses on a particular type of cuisine. This can be a fun way to inspire their culinary adventures and help them explore new flavors.

A food and wine pairing guide

For the traveler who loves to enjoy food and drink together, a guide to food and wine pairing can be a great gift.

What a fun way to learn more about the best ways to pair different dishes and drinks.

Food Travel Journal

Consider bringing a small notebook or journal to record your food experiences while traveling, including the names of dishes, where you ate them, and your thoughts on the flavor and experience.

A digital food journal

A great option for those who like to travel light. A great way to look back on memories but also a detailed journal can be so useful if you plan to return.

Experiences as Gifts

Travelers love to travel for experiences, so this is the ultimate gift for foodie travel in my opinion.

Food tours are a fun way to discover local food and culture. It’s also a great way to get oriented to a new city, so I recommend booking at the beginning of your trip.

A bonus is that the guide usually gives recommendations for the best local cuisine and restaurants around.

I took this Flavors of Old San Juan Tour several years back during a quick port of call from a cruise. It was fabulous and it was one of the things that helped me fall in love with Puerto Rico and return on my own at a later date. 

So yes, food tours are my favorite. Here is a tour I took this past February, learning  how to eat tapas  on the streets of Seville. It was so much fun that we returned to a few bars the following evening for more.

Here is the tour: Seville Tapas, Taverns, & History Tour

Cooking Classes

Hands-on participation while culled the knowledge of a seasoned chef is a bucket list experience for many foodies who travel.

Why not take this Make Your Own Pasta from Scratch Cooking Class while in Florence, Italy.

If you do find yourself in Florence when visiting Italy don’t miss out on these gelato locations . Also, check out this list of cool things to do in Florence . 

Dining Experience

Send your traveler out to eat locally if they can’t get away. If Greece is their all-time favorite destination then find the most authentically Greek restaurant near you. Arrange for a night of traditional dishes and atmosphere and take them back, if only spirit. 

If they are heading off somewhere soon, why not gift a bucket-list experience like this Private Wine Tasting with a Sommelier in Paris , France? 

If you, or someone you know, love different food experiences check out this post about Supper Clubs, tapas, and dim sum.

Beverage Gifts

Staying hydrated or caffeinated. Both are equally valuable in my book. Here are some essential gifts your foodie traveler would love to have.

Travel tea kettle

A kettle for heating water is a useful travel gift on multiple levels. Boiled water on hand can be great for soups, pasta, and other types of instant meals you may sometimes need to prepare on the road.

A portable coffee maker

For the traveler who loves can not start the day without their java (me!), a portable coffee maker can be a great gift. 

Look for a compact and lightweight option that can easily be packed in a suitcase or backpack.

When I fear there will be no coffee available in the morning I will look for a takeaway cup the night before for easy reheating in the morning. A portable coffee maker sounds like a dream to me.

Wine Key/ Bottle Opener

An item you do not want to leave home without. Imagine a beautiful bottle of wine with no way to open it. The thought sends chills down my spine. This item is best kept in a checked bag if you are flying.

If you know someone who travels to play golf then this little retro golfing flask would be perfect. Golfers get thirsty out on the green.

Edible Gifts

Taking food on the road is essential for car trips.

Bringing some familiar flavors along for the ride is comforting. When traveling internationally for the first time be sure to double-check the country’s restrictions on plants and agriculture as certain ingredients or items may be restricted.

Spices and seasonings

Bring a small container of your favorite spices and seasonings to add flavor to your meals while on the road. For the foodie traveler who loves to cook, a spice or herb kit can be a great gift. Look for a set that includes a variety of flavors and that comes in a compact and portable container.

Condiment containers

If you are that person who needs ketchup on everything then these condiment containers are great. Perfect for both wet and dry ingredients.

They can just as easily hold red pepper flakes as they can hot sauce. Excellent for road trips and additionally they are TSA approved for air travel.

Luxury Gift Basket

Perhaps you know a traveler who you wish to make feel extra special.

This is a list of non-essential gifts for the foodie traveler who has it all! 

These items may not be accompanying them on their journey but are ones they will cherish. Dreaming and reflecting about traveling is what one does when at home.

Essential Truffle Collection Set

A Little Bit of Spain Gift Basket

V.I.P. Gourmet Gift Basket

With this guide in hand, you’ll find the perfect gift for the foodie traveler in your life. They will appreciate your thoughtfulness and be able to relax and enjoy delicious meals no matter where they decide to wander. 

Related Posts

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The Perfect Travel Gift Ideas for Foodies

Last Updated on March 1, 2023

Do you have a friend or family member who is always planning their next trip based on the cuisine? If so, then we have the perfect gift ideas for them! From traditional cooking classes to food and wine pairing experiences, these gifts will make sure that they have the best time exploring new flavors and dishes from all over the world.

There is no gift more personal or memorable than an experience. And when it comes to gift-giving, there is no better category than experiences for travelers. Whether your loved ones enjoy all-exclusive luxury or off-the-beaten track adventures, there is an experience gift out there that will appeal to them.

Here are just a few examples of the amazing experience gifts we recommend for traveling foodies:

Table of Contents

Traditional Cooking Classes

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Emma Petersen 🥕 (@thefitlondoner)

While getting to learn a new dish or two, they’ll also connect with a local and learn about the history and culture of the destination they’re visiting.

You may also like: 7 Tips to Take Amazing Food Pictures When You’re Traveling

Walking Street Food Tours

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Antwerp Food Tour (@bitesandwalks)

Local Food and Wine Pairings

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Ilene Anderson (@askilene)

Luxurious High Teas

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by 戸川みゆき (@myk_foodsweets)

There is no gift more luxurious or elegant than a high tea experience. If you’re looking for a gift for a special occasion, this is the perfect way to do it! High tea is the perfect way to enjoy some delicious local treats and relax in style. These days, high tea can be found in restaurants and hotels all over the world.

You may also like: The Tea Ceremony Around the Globe

Gift Vouchers for Foodies

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Gifting Owl | Experience Gifts (@giftingowl)

If you’re unsure what culinary experience to give your foodie friend, a gift voucher is a great option. Gifting Owl offers experience gift vouchers all over the world. Simply choose the value and the gift receiver can book a culinary experience when and where it suits them!

No matter what type of traveller your foodie friend is, there is an experience gift out there that will appeal to them. These gifts are perfect for those who love to explore new flavors and dishes from all over the world. So if you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable gift idea, consider giving them an experience gift this year!

Tags foodie gift ideas

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The 43 Best Gifts For Foodies Of 2024

Top gifts for those who love to cook and eat.

In This Article

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Questions and Answers

• Why Trust Southern Living

Southern Living / Kevin Liang

When shopping for those who love to cook and eat, it’s best to look for items they might not be inclined to buy for themselves but can still use on a regular basis. A luxurious piece of cookware, gourmet ingredients, or a ready-made food gift from a legendary Southern restaurant all make great gifts for foodies. 

“I like to go with more experiential gifts rather than adding to the clutter of someone else's kitchen,” says Will Edwards , chef de cuisine at Sweet Basil. “It's also not often that you get to cook with some of the more luxurious ingredients out there.” 

In terms of which gifts to avoid when shopping for foodies, Edwards says he avoids giving knives to more experienced cooks: “There is so much about a knife that is personal to the chef/cook who is using it.” But for beginner cooks, you may want to help them build their collection with high-quality basics. No matter what type of foodie you’re shopping for, we’ve curated a list of food and kitchen gifts with the help of Edwards and Southern Living editors.

Maldon Salt Company Sea Salt Flakes

This comically large bucket of finishing salt is sure to get a smile from the foodie in your life. The pyramid flakes from the British salt maker have become industry standard for finishing off everything from grilled meat to chocolate chip cookies. “It brings a subtle amount of texture to the plate as well,” says Edwards. 

South of Somewhere

Dale Gray chronicles her time living in South Africa, South Korea, and the American South through a collection of unique yet attainable recipes. Standout dishes include Porch Party Shrimp With Mississippi Comeback Sauce, Salmon Ssam Feast, and Garlic Peri-Peri Roast Chicken. Alana Al-Hatlani, assistant food editor, describes it as a “beautiful book, full of approachable recipes, with a really strong point of view.”

Cottage Lane Kitchen Hissy Fit Hot Sauce

Cottage Lane is a woman-owned, family business with ties to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, that’s been making spicy pepper relish for four generations. The Hissy Fit Hot Sauce is a cayenne pepper vinegar-based hot sauce that will add a little heat to everything from eggs to pizza.

S'well Prep Bowl Set

Courtesy of Amazon

For the cook who likes to prep ingredients or meals ahead of time, these prep bowls will make a useful addition to their kitchen. The durable Tritan makes it easy to see the contents of each bowl, all of which nest neatly inside each other for compact storage. And each bowl is fridge and freezer friendly, as well as microwave and dishwasher safe. 

Lodge USA Enamel Cast Iron Dutch Oven

Designed and produced in Tennessee, Lodge’s USA Enamel Collection is a step up from the brand’s standard lineup. “It's American-made enamel-coated cast iron,” says Kimberly Holland, senior digital food editor. “First of its kind to be made in the U.S.!” 

The self-basting lid locks in moisture while the glossy enamel finish makes it an excellent centerpiece that can go straight from the oven to the table. Choose from three different color options—red, white, or blue—as well as four different sizes. 

Gris Gris Cocktail Magic Hot Pepper Simple Syrups

These New Orleans-inspired cocktail syrups can be mixed with liquor, seltzer water, and even salad dressings or marinades. “I can't get enough of Gris Gris's Jalapeño Hex Syrup!” says Betsy Cribb Watson, senior homes and features editor. “It adds just the right amount of heat to margaritas and makes a fun host gift.” Available in both Basil Habanero and Jalapeño flavors, each syrup is slow cooked with fresh herbs and produce and bottled in a beautiful glass vessel.

Microplane Premium Classic Series Zester and Cheese Grater

Williams-Sonoma

A Microplane is one of those kitchen items you don’t think you need until you get one. “There are so many great uses for a Microplane,” says Edwards. “It works great for minced ginger or garlic without needing to dirty a cutting board and a knife. It's also a great tool for finishing with a touch of citrus zest or making it snow with parmesan.” This essential kitchen tool is available in over two dozen colorways, including fun patterns like Buffalo Plaid and Tropical Palm.

OXO Stainless Steel Food Scale

A food scale is a useful tool in any kitchen , especially if they like to bake. Using a measuring cup to scoop ingredients like flour out of the container can pack too much into the cup, resulting in dry, crumbly dough. This one has a pull-out display that slides back in as needed, so large plates or bowls won’t obstruct their view. 

Hedley & Bennett Essential Apron

Bespoke Post

If their apron has seen better days , it may be time for an upgrade. Hedley & Bennett aprons are made of 100% cotton twill fabric and come with a lifetime guarantee. “These aprons are as comfortable as they are functional and you can't have too many,” says Edwards. You can even personalize them with text or a monogram for an additional fee.

Diaspora Co. Build Your Own Spice Shelf

Diaspora Co.

When it’s time for spice rack overhaul, Diaspora Co.’s Build Your Own Spice Shelf allows you to choose three to 12 spice tins based on their needs. If they love to bake, you can stock their shelves with pumpkin spice seasoning or cardamom, while grill masters will appreciate the steak masala seasoning. Al-Hatlani says it’s a great gift for “people who have had the same jar of cumin in the pantry since the early 2000s.”

Meater The Original Meater

“There is no shame in using a thermometer to get it right,” says Edwards. “I think it's important to work with exact temperatures in order to understand the differences and nuances to cooking meat and understanding carryover cooking as well as why medium rare isn't always the best temperature for every cut of beef.” The Original Meater is a wireless smart thermometer that connects to Bluetooth so you can monitor your cooking from a phone or tablet. 

Stone Hollow Farmstead Drinking Vinegar

Handmade in Harpersville, Alabama, Stone Hollow Farmstead’s drinking vinegar can be added to sparkling water, tequila, rum, vodka, gin, sparkling wine, and even salad dressings for a bit of farm-fresh flavor. Choose from either blueberry rose geranium or strawberry rose. 

Porter Road Best of Porter Road Box

Porter Road

Porter Road works with select farms and hand-cuts every piece of meat at its Kentucky facility to ship pasture-raised meat nationwide. The Best of Porter Road Box features a curated selection of steak, pork chops, ground beef, bacon, country sausage, and chorizo sausage, so they can sample it all. 

Stargazer Cast Iron Skillet

After testing 18 different cast iron skillets , we named the Stargazer 10.5-inch skillet our favorite splurge option, so what better way to spoil the foodie in your life? It maintained its nonstick surface throughout our testing, and the angled rim made pouring easy. Plus, the unique bronzed look adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen. All Stargazer cookware is made in the U.S.A. and backed by a lifetime warranty. 

Personalization Lab Personalized Cutting Board

This personalized cutting board will double as decor while they’re slicing and dicing. Everything about it is customizable, including the design, style, and size. Add any names of dates of your choosing—this makes a great gift for couples , too.

Suck UK My Family Cookbook

If they love to cook, chances are they’re holding onto some treasured family recipes. This customizable recipe book is the perfect way to keep all their beloved recipes in one place, whether it’s Grandma’s cornbread or Mom’s lasagna. There’s space for over 80 recipes, as well as blank pages for photo galleries, family recipe reviews, notes, and more. 

The Peach Truck Pecan Trio

The Peach Truck 

While The Peach Truck is known for shipping fresh Georgia peaches nationwide, you can also order fresh-off-the-tree pecans in the off season. Grown in Peach County, Georgia, the pecans are hand-shelled with care. Choose from raw pecans (perfect for baking pecan pie !), roasted and salted pecans, and even gingerbread pecans. 

Boarderie Ciccetti Cheese & Charcuterie Board

Need a last-minute gift for the food lover on your list? Boarderie will ship a freshly made, ready-to-eat charcuterie board to their doorstep with free overnight shipping. These editor-loved charcuterie boards come pre-arranged—all they’ll have to do is open up the individual bags of nuts and place them on the tray. Included in the box are artisan cheeses, meats, dried fruits, nuts, chocolates, and crackers with an acacia wood serving board and bamboo cutlery kit for serving. 

Southern Living Olive Wood Utensil Crock

Rather than adding to their growing utensil collection, this stunning crock from the Southern Living collection at Dillard’s will help keep everything organized. Made of solid olive wood with a stunning grain, it’s sure to last for years and blend seamlessly with any kitchen decor.

Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit Carolina Grits

Callies Biscuits

Hand milled on antique machines in Edisto Island, South Carolina, these stone-ground grits are extra creamy once cooked. They can use them for everything from classic shrimp and grits to breakfast casseroles and much more. 

KitchenAid Color of the Year Artisan Stand Mixer

Whether this will be their first KitchenAid or you’re looking to upgrade their existing stand mixer, this will be a memorable gift that’ll give them years of use. KitchenAid’s color of the year is Hibiscus, a vibrant pink that will pop against neutral color schemes. The Hibiscus model includes both 3-quart and 5-quart bowls, as well as a flex-edge beater, pastry beater, dough hook, wire whip, and pouring shield.

Sweet Grass Dairy Georgia On My Mind Gift Box

Sweet Grass Dairy

Thomasville’s Sweet Grass Dairy partnered with other Georgia makers to highlight some of the best flavors the state has to offer. In this box, they’ll receive a variety of handmade cheeses, including Georgia Gouda and a whole wheel of Green Hill, as well as salami, blackberry preserves, and flatbread bites. All that’s missing a bottle of wine. 

Ambrosia & Nektar Premium Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Ambrosia & Nektar

A high quality bottle of olive oil is a guaranteed hit with any foodie. “This is a new company out of Birmingham importing olive oil, oregano, honey, and more from Greece,” says Al-Hatlani. “The olive oil is lovely.” 

GIR Ultimate Spatula

There’s no such thing as too many silicone spatulas, especially if they’re GIR spatulas. These catch-all tools have a strong yet flexible blade that can be used for mixing and scraping both dry and wet mixes. Plus, the unibody silicone construction is heat resistant up to 550 degrees F and safe to use on nonstick pans.

Mississippi Cheese Straw Factory Peppermint Cookie Straws Gift Tin

Based in Yazoo City, Mississippi Cheese Straw Factory is a family-owned business best known for its cheddar cheese straws. However, the peppermint cookie straws make an excellent gift, especially around the holidays. They feature real peppermint chips embedded in buttery shortbread. Plus, the decorative tin makes them perfect for gifting. 

Click & Grow Small Italian Herb Kit

Using fresh herbs is an easy way to elevate any dish, and this Italian herb growing kit comes with everything they need to grow fresh herbs indoors for an entire year. It comes with the Smart Garden 3 as well as thyme, basil, and marjoram plant pods. All they have to do is insert the plant pods into the Smart Garden, add water, and plug it in. They’ll be able to harvest herbs four to five weeks after planting.

The Flavor Bible

Edwards recommends this guide for those looking to stretch themselves in the kitchen. “It's a great reference tool to get inspired,” he says. “Anytime a cook can build on their base knowledge of classic pairings and combinations, it creates the foundation for being able to develop their own dishes and recipes.” The Flavor Bible serves as a guide to hundreds of different ingredients, along with herbs, spices, and other seasonings to glean the most flavor from them.

MasterClass Annual Membership

Masterclass

With a MasterClass subscription, they have access to over 180 classes led by experts in every field, including food. “Part of developing as a cook or chef is learning how to work clean and organized,” says Edwards. “Watching chefs like Thomas Keller and Dominique Crenn work is inspiring and the standard for how you should carry yourself in any kitchen. There is also a lot to be learned from their perspectives on food and technique and the knowledge is even more powerful when you know the why behind it.” 

Southern Living by GreenPan Ceramic Nonstick Tri-ply Stainless Steel 2-Piece Frypan Set

If they have some well loved fry pans in need of replacing, this set is an excellent value. Made of tri-ply stainless steel with a nonstick ceramic coating, this Southern Living by GreenPan fry pan set offers the durability of stainless steel with the ease of nonstick. It’s dishwasher safe and oven safe up to 600 degrees F, as well as free of PFOS, PFOA, lead, or cadmium. 

The Grey Buttermilk Biscuits With The Fixins’

Located in an old Greyhound bus terminal in downtown Savannah, The Grey is one of the South’s, and the country’s, best restaurants. But they don’t have to make the trek to Savannah to get a taste of the flaky biscuits from the restaurant’s pastry team. This set includes a dozen biscuits with all the fixins’, which include bacon jam, a seasonal jam, and pimento cheese, and can be shipped right to their doorstep. 

Material The Salt Sphere

Material’s Salt Sphere keeps salt within arm’s reach whenever they need a pinch—whether to salt pasta water or season a steak. The magnetic swivel lid keeps the salt protected while not in use, and the fluted stackable base can be used to store finishing salts, pepper, or other spices. Available in both maple and walnut, it makes a stylish edition to any kitchen. 

Sizzlefish Seafood Lovers Gift Pack

If fresh seafood is hard to come by where they live, a box sent straight to their doorstep will surely be appreciated. This combo pack features the company’s most popular sustainably-sourced seafood items, including coho salmon, ahi tuna steaks, Maryland crab cakes, mahi mahi, smoked sablefish, and smoked salmon. 

Ooni Karu 12 Pizza Oven

An Ooni is the perfect gift for the foodie who also loves to entertain. The Karu 12 has a small footprint that can work in a backyard, on a balcony, or even on a camping trip. They’ll have the option to use wood, charcoal, or gas to cook restaurant-quality pizzas in just 60 seconds. 

Franklin Smoke

Proprietor of Austin barbecue hotspot Franklin Barbecue, Aaron Franklin created this cookbook with James Beard Award–winning food writer Jordan Macakay as a resource for using any type of backyard grill, from kettle-style grills to hand-built fire pits. The book is chock full with techniques and recipes for grilling and smoking a variety of ingredients, no matter their experience level.

Material Kitchen Knife Stand

Material Kitchen

Purchasing kitchen knives as gifts can be tricky, since they can be so personal to every cook. But a beautiful way to display and organize their beloved knife collection will certainly be appreciated. The Stand from Material has magnetized walls on both sides, allowing them to store up to eight knives without having to drill magnet strips into the wall. 

Le Creuset Bread Oven

Named to Oprah’s Favorite Things List 2023 , Le Creuset’s Bread Oven has a domed lid that traps and circulates steam for maximum rise and a perfectly crisp crust. Whether they’ve been baking their own bread for years or are looking to start, this will help them achieve bakery-quality results at home.

JB Prince Gray Kunz Sauce Spoon

“In professional kitchens, your most prized possessions are your knives and your spoons,” says Edwards. “The Kunz spoon is perfect for basting, plating, measuring and saucing. You can never have too many, so when in doubt, an extra Kunz spoon will impress the ultimate foodie.” The deep bowl that tapers to a point and the short, easy-to-control handle make this spoon equipped for a wide variety of kitchen tasks.

Zojirushi Rice Cooker & Warmer

For such a simple ingredient, rice is all too easy to overcook or undercook. Plus, it requires constantly babysitting a pot, that is, unless you use a rice cooker. The Zojirushi features settings for white, sushi, porridge, sweet, brown, rinse free, and quick cooking—so there’s very little thinking involved. Plus, the automatic keep warm setting ensures cooked rice stays at the optimal temperature until it’s ready to be served.

Trade Street Jam Co. Artisan Foodie Gift Set + Jam Tales Digital Cookbook Download

Ashley Marie Rouse started making her small batch jams in her apartment on Trade Street in North Carolina in 2008. Now based in Brooklyn, Trade Street Jam Co.’s vegan jams are low in sugar but high in fruity flavor. This set includes four of the brand’s classic flavors—blueberry lemon basil, strawberry raspberry tarragon, blackberry mulled merlot, and plum and rose—as well as a downloadable cookbook with recipe ideas for making the most of these jams. 

Williams Sonoma Melamine Mixing Bowls with Spout

Williams-Sonoma 

While simple, a set of melamine mixing bowls is a gift they’ll use for years to come. Melamine feels like ceramic, but it’s virtually unbreakable and extremely lightweight. This set includes three nesting bowls, each with an easy-grip handle, a contoured pour spot, and a footed nonslip base for stability when mixing. 

Poppy & Peep Bourbon Caramel Sauce

Poppy & Peep

They can use this bourbon-infused caramel sauce to zhuzh up everything from brownies to baked brie . Mark and Evane Stoner, the father-daughter duo behind Poppy & Peep, founded their business in Nashville after attending chocolate school. 

Truffle Hunter Professional Italian Truffle Shaver

In addition to truffle, this shaver can be used to shave cheese, vegetables, and garlic to add the perfect finishing touch on any dish. “Works great for chocolate as well,” adds Edwards. “How often do you get to experience a little shaved truffle at home?”

Sachai Tea Company Original Chai Concentrate

Sachai Tea Company 

Based in Birmingham, Sachai Tea Company’s masala chai concentrate is brewed with black tea sourced from the Assam region of India. To prepare, simply mix one part of the chai concentrate with one part milk (or a milk alternative) and enjoy hot or iced. Southern Living editors love this well balanced blend of spices that’s comforting without being overly sweet. 

What kinds of gifts should you give the cook who has everything? 

Whether it's a birthday or Christmas gift , consider elevated versions of some of their favorite ingredients for the cook who already has a well-stocked kitchen. Edwards suggests heirloom grains, rare spices, and artisan cheeses. He also suggests items that are local and seasonal: “The memory of an amazing peach will be more lasting than the latest kitchen gadget,” he says. Be sure to check out the many Southern makers on our list for an out-of-the-box gift. 

What are the most useful items to give to a beginner cook? 

“Anything that you think will inspire them to cook more,” says Edwards. “Maybe a cookbook for the person with a limited palate, or a cutting board for the person who likes to work with knives or a Dutch oven for the person who just wants to be able to make dinner more often.” Useful cooking tools that go a little beyond the basics can also help them build their kitchen arsenal. A Microplane zester or a food scale both make great options for beginner cooks. 

Why Trust Southern Living 

This article was written by Melanie Fincher , commerce editor at Southern Living with over four years of experience reviewing products and finding top gift ideas across a variety of categories. She was previously a food writer at Allrecipes , where she acquired a wealth of knowledge on all things food and cooking. To come up with this list, she relied on her knowledge of the best in food and kitchen gifts, as well as expert recommendations from her fellow Southern Living editors and Will Edwards , chef de cuisine at Sweet Basil. 

Related Articles

44 Best Gifts for Foodies in 2024: For Everyone Who Loves to Eat and Cook

Unique ideas that will impress all the food lovers!

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Our list includes luxury gifts for those who love to cook , unique ideas for those who love to eat (looking at you, cheese lovers ) and inexpensive gift ideas that will really impress them – hello , out-of-this-world hot sauces! It also includes unique tools to take their cooking to a new level. While you won't find any gift baskets on here, just know: all the picks are items we'd be happy to receive ourselves, and ones we've bought for family and friends. Plus, there are a ton that really stood out from years of testing and tasting. And we definitely couldn't forget some food experience gifts that are sure to wow.

Our Top Gifts for Foodies

• Two Tumbleweeds Foodie Dice , $24 on Amazon
• Shiitake Mushroom Log Kit , $30 on Uncommon Goods
• My Family Cookbook , $30 on Uncommon Goods
• Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug , $116 on Amazon
• MOMOFUKU Chili Crunch Variety Pack , $42 on Amazon

For more gift ideas foodies would love, check out our best wine advent calendars and our best gifts for coffee lovers , too.

Williams-Sonoma 3 Months of European Cheese Subscription

Allow them to indulge in the finest artisanal cheese from Italy, Spain and France. Each month, they'll receive three samples from one of the countries to enjoy on their own or paired with wine!

UncommonGoods Shiitake Mushroom Log Kit

Most foodies are excited to serve home-grown food, and with this super-simple, mess-free mushroom log, it's easy as ever. Year after year, it's consistently a best-seller with our readers!

RELATED: 6 Best Mushroom Growing Kits in 2023, According to Experts

Bokksu Gift Snack Box

Bokksu will deliver authentic Japanese snacks, candies and teas straight to their door every month (you can also select a one-time option). It also comes with explanations and informative texts about what's inside.

Goldbelly "Taste of New York" Weekender Box

For the foodies in your life that love to travel and deserve a splurge-worthy gift, check out this perfect combo of NYC snacks, treats and meals that will make them feel like they're on vacation, even in their own ktichens.

Davids Tea Nighty Night Nordic Mug & Tea Gift Set

Pair one of Davids Tea's themed tea sets for various seasons and holidays with their Nordic mug so gift recipients can have somewhere convenient to brew the loose leaves.

RELATED: 38 Gifts for Tea Lovers to Add a Moment of Calm to Their Day

Two Tumbleweeds Foodie Dice

These dice that tout different proteins, starches, cooking methods and more are a good way for your friends to shake up their dinner plans when they're stuck on what to make.

HAST 8 Inch-Professional Kitchen Knife

This chef's knife is a stunner and comes in black as well. It's super sharp, relatively lightweight and has a comfortable handle that sits in the palm of your hand well. In our tests, we were able to make paper-thin cuts of ripe tomatoes without bruising the outside as well as glide through onion layers for dicing and slicing.

RELATED: 11 Best Chef's Knives, According to Kitchen Experts

CucinaPro Empanada and Churro Maker Machine

Like a waffle maker, but for churros and empanadas. It comes with four removable non-stick plate and a dough cutting circle to ensure perfect amounts of dough every time.

Levain Signature Cookie Assortment

The NYC-based bakery ships their gooey cookies nationwide. Gift a pack to your favorite foodie, and, hey, why not get a box for yourself too? You won't regret these chocolatey treats.

UncommonGoods My Family Cookbook

This customizable recipe book has room for 80 recipes with pictures and a section to make comments on how their meal turns out. While practical, it's also super sentimental as they can include family recipes that can be passed down from generation to generation.

Magnolia Bakery World-Famous Banana Pudding Variety Multipack

We know we'd love our friends forever if they sent us this as a gift. Each multipack includes two Red Velvet Banana Pudding cups, two Chocolate Hazelnut Banana Pudding cups and two Classic Banana Pudding cups. Plus, it can be shipped world-wide!

Savannah Bee Company Pure Raw Acacia Honeycomb

Up your friend’s charcuterie game with this raw honeycomb that’s entirely edible. And, if you’re so inclined, add some whipped honey to the mix, too. It’s creamy and not too sweet.

Teaspressa Minute Cocktail Sugar Cube Trio

These concentrated cocktail cubes just need to be muddled with the recommended spirit to make a delicious Manhattan, Old-Fashioned or Moscow Mule in seconds.

DASH Mini Maker for Individual Waffles

This petite pick still whips up fluffy waffles in minutes, perfect for the foodie in your life with a tiny kitchen.

Mr. Cory's Cookies 2 Dozen Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies

At just 6 years old, Mr. Cory, or Cory Nieves, created his eponymous cookie business. These two dozen cookies are homemade and Mr. Cory donates a portion of his proceeds to his community.

Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug

This mug can be set to a preferred temp so coffee and tea lovers can enjoy their drinks at the ideal temperature without fear of it cooling. If they prefer a shot of coffee, the brand's smart cup was named the best heated mug for espresso.

MijMojDesign Personalized Coffee Scoop

Coffee connoisseurs will appreciate this scoop and bag clip that you can customize with a special note. "Absolutely love it. I wanted something for my coffee loving husband!," one Etsy user wrote.

RELATED: 45 Best Gifts for Coffee and Espresso Lovers

Kosterina Crushed Fruit Vinegar Trio

This fun-flavored fest of vinegars will elevate everything from salad to cocktails. How versatile!

MEATER Wireless Smart Meat Thermometer

No one will ever overcook meat again with this smart thermometer that connects straight to an app on your phone.

RELATED: 9 Best Meat Thermometers, According to Our Testing

Knopf Start Here: Instructions for Becoming a Better Cook by Sohla El-Waylly

Consider Sohla El-Waylly's debut cookbook an intro to all the techniques and cooking tips your budding chef would ever need.

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USA TODAY 10Best

10 creative and tasty gifts that will delight any foodie

Best Gift for Foodies (2023) November 10, 2023

Know someone who loves food and is always looking for the next best thing to sample? Give the gift of flavor this holiday season with one of these 10 food-centric items that have been selected by an expert panel and voted by readers as the best gifts for foodies.

No. 10: Van Van Bundle of Flavors

Enhance your next home-cooked dish with Van Van’s bundle of Vietnamese spices (in convenient, resealable bags). This tasty spice bundle contains essential quality herbs that help create the authentic and distinctive flavors of Vietnam: garlic, ginger, purple shallot, lemongrass, and chili peppers. 

No. 9: Volcanica Coffee Brazilian Coffee Gift Box

Coffee lovers are delighted by the exceptional and iconic flavors of Brazil with this single-origin coffee gift box from Volcanica. This unique set includes three top-quality 16-ounce bags of robust coffee that is roasted to perfection: Brazil Bracosta Estate coffee, Brazil Bracosta Estate decaf, and Brazil Peaberry coffee.  

No. 8: Make & Muddle Cocktail Mixer Bundle

Shake up your next happy hour with a Make and Muddle Cocktail Mixer Bundle. Featuring quality ingredients specifically for creating complex, yet balanced libations, their combo pack includes four ounces each of their bestselling mixers, including honey lavender elixir, 7-syrup, and 2-pepper agave. 

No. 7: 'Beautiful Living' Cookbook

The "Beautiful Living" Cookbook features delectable recipes from the legendary Southern California health spa, Cal-a-Vie. This award-winning book contains over 100 nourishing, inspiring, and delicious fresh meal ideas for home cooks everywhere who enjoy making healthy meals. 

No. 6: CHEVOO Cheese Board Lovers Gift Box

Cheese aficionados adore this CHEVOO Cheese Board Lovers gift box, featuring four marinated goat cheese varieties, such as dill pollen and garlic and Italian black truffle. Presented in lovely glass jars, this set also includes wooden tongs and a ceramic ornament.

No. 5: iLOLA Tea Disc Premium Set

Enjoy tea in a new way with the Tea Disk Premium Set from iLOLA, an alternative to tea bags. Included in the set are an iLola Tea Traveller, a limited-edition Tea Caddy, a Tea Infuser, and 2 boxes of your choice of Tea Discs.

No. 4: ZChocolat The Nectar of Eden Jams

The Nectar of Eden jams are made with all-natural, fresh-harvested ingredients and have a high fruit content of 60%. Presented in artisanal blown-glass jars, flavors include Wilderness (blueberry jam) made with berries picked in the Italian Alps, as well as Heaven (raspberry jam) and Kindness (apricot jam), containing delicious fruit sourced from France.

No. 3: Lancaster No. 8 Cast Iron Skillet

The Lancaster No. 8 Cast Iron skillet is lightweight, yet strong and durable, with several features, including a traditional handle, pre-seasoned surface, and wide spouts. Entirely locally made, this restaurant-quality skillet is created in and around the historic town of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. 

No. 2: Twenty-Four Blackbirds Chocolate 20 Piece Truffle Box

This small-batch, traditionally made chocolate from Twenty-Four Blackbirds is sourced from raw beans and features delicate flavors. Their 20-piece truffle box is an optimal way to taste a variety of these sophisticated and surprising flavors (such as rosemary caramel and lavender blossom ganache) — all made by hand. 

No. 1: Johnson's Popcorn & Shriver's Combo

Enjoy a true taste of the Jersey Shore with the Johnson's Popcorn and Shriver's Salt Water Taffy combo. These two legendary companies have been creating memorable treats that are synonymous with summertime (and the boardwalk) for decades, and this set can be ordered in seven different popcorn flavors alongside a 1-pound box of saltwater taffy. 

About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best .

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Brian cicioni.

Brian enjoys exploring cities along public transit...   Read More

Brian enjoys exploring cities along public transit lines and writing about it at his blog, imayroam.com. He also writes about food tours, layovers, and exploring movie and musical landmarks.  Brian has traveled to 57 countries as well as every state. On weekends, he leads music and film-focused tours of New York City. His five-star rated Goodfellas Tour has been featured in Airbnb Magazine. Always happy to offer tips to aspiring travel writers and tour guides, Brian has been featured at the New York Times Travel Show as part of their Meet the Experts panel.

Chez Chesak

‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor...   Read More

‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, an adventure travel writer, board member of the Society of American Travel Writers and 22-year veteran of the outdoor and travel industries. While he’s lived all over the U.S. and traveled to more than 30 countries, he has the most fun when he’s exploring with his wife Sally and two daughters. An avid outdoors person, he’s happiest on a trail, on skis, or nestled into a sleeping bag. Learn more about him and his work at www.chezconnects.com .  

Jacky Runice

Born in Bucktown when bulletproof was a home...   Read More

Born in Bucktown when bulletproof was a home safety choice and not a coffee order, Jacky Runice has been knocking around Chicago as a professional print, online and broadcast journalist and editor specializing in separating the riff from the raff in culture, entertainment, food, travel and pure unadulterated fun. Jacky is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA). In her best Chicagoese, Jacky asks, "Who has the time or money to blow on hotels, attractions, restaurants, exhibits and activities that blow?"

Katie McElveen

Writer Katie McElveen began her travel career when...   Read More

Writer Katie McElveen began her travel career when a wrong turn on the way to a family vacation took her on an eleven hour odyssey that she thoroughly enjoyed. Today, more than 40 countries later, her work has appeared in Real Simple, Southern Living, Global Traveler, Fodor’s, Virtuoso, Bride’s, Islands, Reader’s Digest, AFAR and other publications.

Marla Cimini

Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion...   Read More

Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion for travel, music, surfing and culinary adventures! An avid globetrotter and guidebook writer, she has covered topics such as the Hawaiian islands (including food trends and luxury beachfront resorts), as well as European getaways and global destinations. Her articles have appeared in many publications worldwide, including USA Today. Marla lives in New Jersey (Philadelphia area) and is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and Southern California, and often covers those destinations. Her travel website is:  www.marlacimini.com  

Molly O'Brien

Molly O'Brien is a Los Angeles-based freelance...   Read More

Molly O'Brien is a Los Angeles-based freelance travel journalist, who writes and edits for a variety of international travel and lifestyle outlets including Fodor’s Travel, Travel + Leisure, and Business Insider among others. She's lived on both coasts from Massachusetts to California and has so far made Greater Boston, the San Francisco Bay Area, San Luis Obispo, Barcelona, and Los Angeles her home.  Molly earned her journalism degree at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo on the Central Coast of California and since then has worked professionally in the fields of hospitality and travel PR and most recently, as a freelance travel writer and editor. Molly especially enjoys covering feature profiles about interesting people doing interesting things such as chocolate making, beekeeping, wing-walking, and interesting destinations like under-the-radar wine spots, the best brewery towns, and lesser-known ski destinations.  She also loves to write about a boutique hotel with a good story. When she's not writing, Molly enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring new coffee shops and breweries, and of course, traveling.  Her favorite city in the world (so far) is Barcelona, Spain, but she loves traveling anywhere that offers sunny weather and ample hiking opportunities. She loves spending time in the mountains, enjoys connecting with nature through camping and glamping adventures, and is always up for learning about the world through fun, immersive experiences (and then sharing those stories!).  You can connect with Molly here:  Instagram: @metropolitanmolly Twitter: @Molly_A_OBrien Facebook: @MetropolitanMolly LinkedIn: @mollyannobrien www.metropolitanmolly.com

NikkyJ is a theme park super fan, Author of The...   Read More

NikkyJ is a theme park super fan, Author of The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide, the founder and owner of ThemeParkHipster.com , a wishful Food Critic, coffee enthusiast, and a lover of life! She currently resides in Orlando, Florida where she enjoys spending time with her husband and two little girls while discovering the beautiful attractions of Florida. You can watch her on  YouTube  or listen to her podcast.

Shea Peters

Shea Peters is a NYC based writer and frequent...   Read More

Shea Peters is a NYC based writer and frequent world traveler that looks to the history of a location in order to tell the story. Growing up in a Southern family that loves to travel, Shea has seen 44 of the 50 US states and believes that every place has a story worth telling, regardless of how populated or rural. She's currently a regular contributor discussing travel, culture, history, food, wellness, and business at Travel + Leisure, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Oprah Daily, Women’s Health, TripAdvisor, Cosmo, and Revolt TV. When she's not traveling, rooting for some unlikable sports team, or taking a pilates class, you can find Shea in her rooftop garden that is currently flourishing above the streets of New York City. You can follow Shea on  Instagram  and  Twitter .

Wendy O'Dea

Born and raised in western New York, Wendy O’Dea ...   Read More

Born and raised in western New York, Wendy O’Dea moved to L.A. to attend the USC graduate School of Journalism and stayed for the innovative and creative lifestyle the city offers. Other than the traffic and never-ending drought, there’s not much about California she doesn’t love. You can track her gallivanting ways on Instagram via @WendyTravels or at www.theinspiredtraveler.com . 

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The 17 Best Gifts for the Gourmand in Your Life, From A5 Wagyu to Lobster Rolls

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Once holiday shopping season rolls around, there’s one type of present that’s nearly foolproof: food. The best food gifts are outstanding for any occasion—from party host gifts to white elephant exchanges—and offer endless options to please even the most discerning palates (plus, can you ever really have enough cheese or chocolate?). Really, food gifts make the best presents for the person who has everything, because if they love what you got them, they will have consumed it and you can give it again next year. However, not all gourmet baskets are created equal. To help you discover the best of the best, we sourced some America’s finest food purveyors that are shipping their culinary delicacies nationwide. From showstopping charcuterie boards to luxurious caviar sets to Spanish tapas from a Michelin-starred chef, here are some of our very favorite—and exceptionally delicious—epicurean offerings that are sure to impress anyone on your list.

Crowd Cow Olive Wagyu Essentials Bundle

Gift your favorite carnivore the rarest steak in the world. Crowd Cow is the first importer of the extraordinary A5 Olive Wagyu from Shodoshima Island, Japan. With its exquisite flavor (thanks to olive-fed cattle) and incomparable marbling, this award-winning beef is nearly impossible to obtain—until now. It’s worth a splurge for these superior cuts: A5 New York striploin, A4 ribeye, and A5 filet mignon.

Buy Now: $569

Bona Furtuna La Dolce Vita Set

Located in the Sicani Mountains of Sicily, La Furtuna Estate is home to more than 12,000 flourishing olive trees. Here, olives get hand-harvested, pressed, and bottled within 24 hours, resulting in some of the highest quality Sicilian olive oil on the market with unparalleled flavor. Bona Furtuna offers a pairing of its Grand Cru Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Tradizionale DOP Balsamic Vinegar that’s been aged for 25 years in one outstanding set.

Buy Now: $240

Jasper Hill Farm The Entertainer

Owned and operated by brothers Andy and Mateo Kehler, Jasper Hill Farm in Greensboro, Vermont, boasts a 22,000-square-foot cellar built especially for aging all different types of fromage—like the award-winning varieties in this specialty collection. Generous hunks of their most celebrated cheeses, including its creamy washed-rind Oma and nutty Cabot cheddar, arrive alongside buttery crackers, artisan preserves and a French-style cured sausage (you can add on a ceramic brie baker, too).

Buy Now: $180

Citarella Ora King Salmon

Known as the “Wagyu of salmon,” Ora King is a rich and fatty fish used by some of the world’s best chefs. New York’s Citarella delivers straight-from-the-source freshness from the pristine waters of New Zealand’s Marlborough Sound to your door. Succulent and buttery with a bright orange flesh, the super-premium salmon arrives in six-to-eight-ounce fillets ready to be poached, grilled, or diced into a tartare.

Buy Now: $76

Tapas the José Andrés Way

More than just a style of eating, tapas are a way of life in Spain. Michelin-starred chef and humanitarian José Andrés invites you to enjoy an authentic experience at home with his curated selection of Spanish favorites: savory chicken croquettes, nutty Manchego cheese, a trio of premium cured meats (ibérico ham, salchichón ibérico de bellota, and chorizo ibérico de bellota) and more snack platter staples.

Buy Now: $199

Blackberry Farm Taste of the Farm

Set against the Great Smoky Mountains, this luxurious Tennessee resort is an epicure’s wonderland. Blackberry Farm delivers a taste of their James Beard Award-winning culinary program in this best-selling gourmet box. The robust assortment includes several seasonal cheeses, specialty jams, buttermilk biscuits and more scratch-made delicacies, along with a Blackberry Farm cookbook and a branded hat.

Buy Now: $250

Astrea Caviar Gift Box Set

Based in Southern California, Astrea produces its caviar in the Yunnan Province of China, waiting until its sturgeons reach at least 10 years of age before extracting the caviar, which adds to the size and flavor of the eggs. And then Astrea uses less salt in its curing process, so there’s less salinity to its caviar and the umami notes come through more. Treat the caviar lovers in your life to the ultimate indulgence: Astrea’s luxurious gift boxes featuring one to four tins of caviar (select your preferred species or a hybrid) nestled alongside a mother of pearl spoon and a gold key opener to complete the experience.

Buy Now: from $210

A Week of Foraging and Cooking With Chef Eric Ripert in the Caribbean

Fancy spending a week in the Caribbean with chef Eric Ripert, the mastermind behind Le Bernardin who has been shaping American fine dining for three decades? This seven-night package will whisk you and up to five guests to one of his favorite spots, Grand Cayman. 

Trade Coffee Subscription

Elevate their daily coffee ritual with a customized subscription. You simply select how much you want to send and Trade finds out the recipient’s flavor and brewing preferences, then curates a selection from the nation’s top roasters. Each bag is roasted to order and shipped fresh (ground or whole bean) to arrive when they want. This thoughtful gift lets coffee enthusiasts discover something new and indulge in a better cup o’ joe. As Cousin Eddie said in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, “Clark, that’s the gift that keeps on giving the whole year.”

Buy Now: from $120

Joe’s Stone Crab Claws For Celebration

Since first opening as a Miami Beach luncheonette in 1913, Joe’s has become world-renowned for its Florida stone crabs. Seafood fans can crack into a spectacular feast of crustacean claws—available in several sizes (medium to jumbo) and quantities (servings of two to 10)—complete with Joe’s signature mustard sauce, a mallet, cocktail forks and even bibs.

Buy Now: $205

Holy Grail Steak Co. Upper Prime Black Angus Essentials Pack

Not all Prime is created equal. Ultra-rich and extremely tender, Holy Grail’s USDA “Upper” Prime Black Angus is some of the highest quality steak available in the country. Showcasing the superior grade of beef, this collection includes two ribeyes, two New York strips and two filets for the ultimate steak experience at home.

Buy Now: $339

Luke’s Lobster Roll Kits

Sustainable seafood company Luke’s Lobster overnight ships their popular lobster roll kits straight from the source in Maine. Choose a four- or eight pack, each with tender knuckle and claw meat, split-top buns, and Luke’s secret seasoning for easy assembly at home. Additional bundles pair the rolls with New England clam chowder, dry-aged hot dogs, whoopie pies, or a wild Maine blueberry pie.

Buy Now: from $144

Levain Bakery Cookie Subscription

There’s nothing quite like the gooey, decadent, freshly-baked cookies from Levain Bakery. New York City’s wildly popular bakeshop revolutionized the classic American treat and, lucky for all, makes their signature confections available nationwide with speedy shipping. For a sweet gift that keeps on giving, Levain offers a subscription cookie club that delivers an eight-pack box of assorted flavors every month—for three, six, or twelve months.

Buy Now: from $132

Russ & Daughters Weekender Box

Dating back to 1914, New York institution Russ & Daughters sells some of the finest seafood in the city including their iconic smoked salmon. An ideal host gift or effortless brunch for holiday guests, this standout bundle includes all the classics: one pound of Gaspe Nova, a dozen bagels in your choice of flavors, and a selection of traditional salads and schmears (with decadent chocolate babka thrown in for good measure).

Buy Now: $234

Vosges Grande Gift Tower

Inspired by founder Katrina Markoff’s travels, Vosges Haut-Chocolat will take your taste buds on an intoxicating journey around the world with its one-of-a-kind flavors (think toasted curry masala with coconut, and absinthe with star anise and fennel). This impressive tower of treats features handcrafted toffee, exotic truffles, and a selection of caramels to delight recipients with a sweet tooth—and an adventurous palate.

Buy Now: $100

Island Creek Oysters The Block Party

Harvested daily and shipped overnight from Duxbury, Mass., Island Creek Oysters have been served at the country’s most prestigious tables—from Thomas Keller’s The French Laundry to state dinners at the White House. For a terrific gastronomic gift, look no further than 100 of these outstanding bivalves paired with 250g of Sterling Farms white sturgeon caviar.

Buy Now: $439

Lewis Barbecue M-V-BBQ

Acclaimed pitmaster John Lewis is renowned for his Texas-style smoked meats, which get cooked for upwards of 18 hours at his namesake eatery in Charleston, South Carolina. Thanks to nationwide shipping, you can reap the benefits of Lewis’s hard work with this sensational sampler. Hearty portions of melt-in-your-mouth meats—beef brisket, pulled pork, spare ribs, and hot sausages—are bundled with three signature barbecue sauces: tangy, original red and hatch green chile.

Buy Now: $350

Giadzy Double Chocolate Panettone

For Italians, it wouldn’t be the holidays without panettone. Leave it to celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis to find a knockout version (if she’s not whipping it up herself) to import directly from Italy—from a celebrated family bakery in the Veneto region dating back to 1882. Handmade with top-quality ingredients and time-honored techniques, this festive confection has an aromatic, spongy dough studded with milk and dark chocolate instead of the classic candied fruits. For panettone purists, Giadzy offers a traditional flavor, too.

Buy Now: $72

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Ultimate Holiday Gifts for Food & Travel Lovers

It’s that time to find just the right holiday gifts for the food and travel lovers on your gift list. We’re sure that you’ll find something special for just about everyone. Be sure to look for discounts and holiday specials when you visit each individual website. We have personally tried or experienced each of these items. In some cases we received samples. As always, we may receive an affiliate sales commission when you click and purchase any items. These commissions do not affect your price but they help support Food Travelist.

Food Holiday Gifts

With many people staying home for the holidays it’s a perfect time to send along something that everyone can enjoy at home. From subscription food boxes to regional sauces and goodies there is bound to be just the gift for the foodie on your list. High on our list are practical holiday gifts for everyone.

Global Grub Food Kits

We’ve all been doing more cooking at home since lately but have you tried to push your creative skills and master recipes from other cultures? We love doing just that. Global Grub has food kits that fit the bill perfectly.

Now you can create fortune cookies, sushi, mochi ice cream, ravioli, and tamales all from a convenient kit that includes everything you need to get started.

These kits make a super experience for the home chef on your list. Kits start at $27.99. Check out GlobalGrub.com for all their products.

Adams Apple Butter

Another female-run company Adams Apple Butter and Theresa Adams produces homestyle delicious apple butter. Their beautiful gift sets are a tasty gift that your friends and family will be so thankful to receive.

Check out the AdamsAppleCo.com website for apple butter, cranberry butter, pumpkin butter, and jams, too. Products start at $9.00. While you’re there be sure to read all the delicious recipes Theresa has created with her products. With suggestions like Apple Bourbon Bacon Burger, Homemade Apple Fritters with Apple Pie Jam, and Adams Apple Butter Streusel Muffins you’ll be buying apple butter and creating wonderful treats in no time.

Gindo’s Spice of Life Hot Sauce

There sure are a lot of hot sauce producers in the world. Do you know a small business that ONLY makes hot sauce? No? Let us introduce you to Mary and Chris “Gindo” Ginder aka Gindo’s! They make some unique and great-tasting hot sauces that as they say “don’t burn your senses useless.”

They also embody everything we love in a good food company their business and their lives are centered around family, work, travel, and most importantly good food. Sound familiar?

Check out their website Gindos.com for all their custom hot sauce blends. They have seasonal sauces, year-round favorites, hot sauce of the month club, and lovely gift boxes for the hot sauce lover on your holiday gift list. Sauces start at $10.00.

Vervana Dipping Essentials Gourmet Olive Oil Set

Dr. Stephen Sinatra started Vervana as a way to introduce consumers to products that would help people be more “vibrant” and healthful. His line of olive oils, spices, vinegar, and Marinara sauce is just that.

Vervana has many gift sets that are perfect for the foodies on your list and a great way to say “I care about you” too. Check out Vervana.com to see the full selection. The beautiful Dipping Essentials Olive Oil Gift Set is one of our personal favorites. Prices start at $39.99 for gift sets.

Savor Patisserie’s Macarons

If you’re looking to bring the taste of France to your favorite foodie Savor Patisserie’s macarons should be on your shopping list. These macarons are special because they are a little bit bigger and full of bold flavors like champagne, salted caramel, s’more, lavender as well as seasonal flavors to choose from too.

There are many gift boxes to choose from and even have macaron baking kits for those who want to try their own hand at baking these little treats. The kit includes everything you need.

See the full selection at SavorPatissierie.com . Products start at $12.99. Don’t miss all the wonderful recipes on their website, too.

Tidbits Fun Merengues

If you’re looking for a fun foodie stocking stuffer try Tidbits Fun Bites. These little sweet treats are a tasty and better-for-you snack.  Sugar-free, lactose-free, cholesterol-free, gluten-free, soy-free, non-GMO, and made with all-natural ingredients. They have several flavors and even have a line of Keto and Diabetic  Tidbits Fun Bites.

At less than two calories a piece for the regular line and just over one calorie for the Keto & Diabetic you’ll want to try all their flavors like mint chocolate chip, vanilla, chocolate, cappuccino, strawberry, and cookies ‘n cream.

Check out all their product details at their Tidbits Fun Bites website or Walmart.com. Products start at $4.99.

U Konserve Container

We do our best to create delicious and memorable meals during the holidays. And no matter who we’re cooking for, there will be lots of leftovers to store or share. That’s all part of the fun. But did you know that 50% of the plastic used in the U.S. is used once then thrown away? Help eliminate that waste with U Konserve’s durable and reusable containers.

Dishwasher safe and plastic-free these products made of stainless steel and platinum-grade silicone are the perfect waste-free containers. Also great for picnics and everyday storage too. Help save the planet and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time.

Check out all the U Konserve  products that are easy to store in your cupboard with many available nesting and stackable items. Prices start at $6.50.

Woodlife Ranch Maple Syrup

When a company’s value statement starts with “respect for nature” they immediately get our attention. It’s one of our core values too. Woodlife Ranch focuses on sustainability and being environmentally responsible makes them a valued partner. They produce apples, honey, and maple products.

Check out their 5 Pack Maple Syrup sampler or Woodlife Ranch Breakfast Gift Box. Maple lovers on your gift list will thank you.

If you’re lucky enough to visit their ranch in the Berkshires you can take advantage of apple picking, hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fishing, and a lot more. They also give back by helping Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Explore all they have to offer on their website Woodliferanch.com. Prices start at $8.50.

Johnson’s Popcorn

Popcorn! It’s the snack that just about everyone loves. Our friends at Johnson’s have been making their famous Ocean City, New Jersey Boardwalk popcorn for over 80 years. You can have a variety of sizes delivered and become an instant hero or favorite aunt or uncle. Choose from many beautifully designed tubs or tins. All products are gluten-free. The flavors include caramel corn, salt-n-sandy, cheddar (this is seriously the most cheddary cheddar popcorn we’ve ever had!), peanut crunch, chocolate drizzle, platinum, butter, and tri-flavor for those who just can’t decide. Delicious food holiday gifts are definitely something we hope to get.

Check out Johnson’s Popcorn website for prices and delivery information. Prices start at $22.95.

Eat Your Words Cookies

If you’re looking to send someone a special message this holiday check out Eat Your Words Cookies. Each beautiful blue box arrives tied with a bow and your cookie message inside a perfect gift box. Every sugar cookie message is 10-20 cookies decorated with icing that spell out your message. You can choose from a regular or gluten-free dough and several colorful icing flavors. They have many already designed messages or you can design your own with a photo or company logo.

Prices start at $26 check out Eat Your Words Cookies for the complete selection.

It’s no secret that we’re going to be spending a lot more time at home for the holidays. Check out this new way to create tasty homemade goodies with your family. This subscription kit model includes an easy-to-follow recipe, pre-measured ingredients, and activity booklets.

Choose from cupcakes, whoopie pies, cinnamon buns, bagels, and emoji cookies. This is a wonderful way to spend quality time together creating yummy treats you can all enjoy. It makes a great gift too. Why not buy one for your family and a friend and see how yours compare? Or just send one along as a gift that makes a fun experience for another family.

Baketivity kits start at $29.99 and can be shipped right to your door on a one-time basis or for 3 months, 6 months, or a full year.

Check out the Baketivity website for all the details.

Brandini Toffee

We love supporting small businesses. It’s one of the reasons we started Food Travelist . We especially love it when young people follow their dreams and become successful small business owners. Such is the case with Brandon Weimer founder of Brandini Toffee. He and a friend created this unique toffee as a fund-raiser for a high school trip. They over-delivered, surpassed their goals, and decided to turn it into a family business.

One of the reasons that Brandon’s toffee is so delicious is that they use only the best ingredients like Guittard dark chocolate. Handcrafted and made with premium preservative-free and GMO-free ingredients this toffee makes the perfect indulgent gift for anyone on your list.

Check out all their products at BrandiniToffee.com . Prices start at $8.00.

Native Vanilla

Vanilla as a gift? That sounds great, especially when it’s the ethically sourced, naturally grown vanilla from Native Vanilla. What about a kit that lets you make your own vanilla extract? That’s right! You get the vanilla beans, a beautiful Italian glass bottle, recipe, instructions, and even a label for you to customize your bottle. If you have a baker on your list this is that “wow” gift they’ve been waiting for.

Check out the Native Vanilla website for all their vanilla products like 100% pure ground vanilla bean powder, vanilla bean pods, organic vanilla bean sugar, and pure vanilla extract. Prices start at $9.99.

Zyliss Food Storage

It’s also the time of year to get organized. We love so many other products from our friends at Zyliss that it’s not surprising that when they came out with these sturdy airtight seal containers it wouldn’t take long to fall in love with them too.

They sell them in sets and as separate pieces too. You’re bound to find the right size for anything you need to keep dry and safe. All components are BPA-free and the locking lids come apart easily for easy cleaning and are dishwasher safe.

Check out their full product line at Zyliss.com . Prices start at $10.99 and are available on Amazon .

Drinks That Make Great Holiday Gifts

Send some liquid refreshments that will help keep them warm all winter long no matter where they are.

Cutwater Spirits Canned Cocktails

If you’re looking for stocking stuffers or want to create a custom holiday basket for your friends Cutwater canned cocktails are just what you need. Cutwater canned cocktails use real spirits that they distill at their San Diego headquarters.

Their wide selection includes Tequila Margarita, Vodka Mule, Tiki Rum Mai Tai, Long Island Ice Tea, Vodka Soda (lime, grapefruit, and cucumber), Tequila soda, Tequila Paloma, Rum Mint Mojito, Bloody Mary (spicy and mild), Gin & Tonic, Rum and Cola, Whisky Mule, Cold Brew Cocktail, Rum and Ginger, and Vodka Spritz. Everyone on your list is covered! They also sell bottled spirits too.

Check out all the Cutwater beverages on their website cutwaterspirits.com .

Everybody who knows Sue knows that she’s a vodka drinker. She was thrilled to find another vodka to add to our liquor collection with Neft Vodka. When you first see their unique “oil can” looking container you have to be intrigued. What a great way to store vodka in an unbreakable can that stays cold up to 6 hours. Making this vodka your new traveling companion.

Neft uses Austrian water filtered for fifty years, four ancient grain of rye, and nothing else. Simple. Don’t just trust me Neft has won many world spirits awards.

You can learn more about NeftVodkaus.com you can see where to buy it and check out their cocktail recipes, too.

Well Told Glassware

If you want to remember a place you’ve been, one you haven’t been to yet, or just love your hometown these printed and etched glasses are the perfect reminder. Send that special someone a reminder of a time you spent together. It’s sure to put a smile on their face.

You can choose from a complete barware and drinkware collection as well as bar tools and accessories, cutting boards, and custom made products. Custom design your own glassware with your town, your school, almost anything you can imagine on a map. Glassware, stainless steel, mugs, even stainless steel straws.

Go to welltolddesign.com to see the complete selection and choose your favorites. Prices start at $16.00.

Caveman Coffee Company

Check out Caveman Coffee for the coffee lovers on your list. They have plenty of choices for even the pickiest of coffee drinkers. Keto and Paleo followers will be happy to see products that are sugar-free, dairy-free, and loaded with caffeine.

Flavors include Mocha Cold Brew Latte, Vanilla Cold Brew Latte, and Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew Latte. Can’t decide? They have a handy sample pack so you can try them all. They also sell coffee, coffee beans, and Cold Brew herbal tea too.

Check out all their products at cavemancoffee.com . Prices start at $14.00.

JAF Fruit flavored tea

If you love tea as much as we do you’re always looking for new teas to try. JAF Tea Ceylon teas are the perfect gift for yourself or any tea lover on your list. They have been blending some of the best teas in the world for over 75 years. Their gift boxes will thrill even the most advanced tea fanatics. The selection of 8 Pure Fruit Flavoured Black Teas is one of our favorites. The only trouble is choosing which flavor! Boil some water and let these teas take you away to another place with tastes of pink grapefruit, lemon, peach, soursop, forest fruit, passionfruit, mango & banana, and blueberry.

They have many other gift sets that include a pure green tea sampler, a black and flavored tea collection, and pure teas and infusions. Prepare to spend a lot of time on the JAF Tea website the videos and choices of teas will dreaming of faraway places as you sip some tea.

Prices start at $19.99 

Adagio Tea Gifts

We love Adagio teas and all the tea accessories they sell too. Their IngenuiTEA infuser is something we use almost every day. When we saw that they had two new holiday gift items we were super-excited.  The 24 Days to Tea Advent Calendar and the 12 Days of Tea Gift Set are really winners for your tea-loving friends.

Anticipating opening each day of the advent calendar to find a festive blend is almost too much to wait for. And the 12 Days of Tea Gift are twelve reusable tins that can be hung on your tree as ornaments are a wonderful treat.

Check out the Adagio website for these and many other great tea gift ideas .

Travel Treats

Here are some gift ideas that will help keep your travel buddy safe, comfortable, and a little more ecology minded as well.

KINIS Travel Shoes

If you like being comfortable during travel you’re always looking for another pair of “travel shoes.” Shoes that take care of your feet while you’re standing, walking, sitting for hours in a plane, and everything else!

KINIS is a brand that offers these qualities and more. They have a super casual look in a minimalist footwear design following the barefoot concept to promote your foot’s natural biomechanics. Their shoes provide for natural foot movement and are a lot more comfortable than traditional athletic shoes.

The Nomad shoe is perfect for air travel. They are lightweight, easily roll up for storage, and can be worn through security providing you sturdy sole yet comfortable and flexible sock-like food covering. They also have walking shoes and pro training shoes as well.

Check out Kinis.com for the complete selection. Prices start at $55.00.

Häns Swipe and Ultra Clean

Keeping all your screens clean has become a full-time job for many of us. Luckily, Häns has created a few products to help us easily keep our devices clean and germ-free.

The Häns-Swipe is a handy pocket-sized gadget that has a cleaning side and a polishing side to quickly and safely clean all screen types.

Hän Ultra-Clean delivers 2.5 times the amount of active ingredients of the leading disinfecting wipes and it comes with a handy washable ‘cape’ that hangs right on the bottle for easy use. We have Ultra-Clean right by our front door. We wipe down anything that needs cleaning as soon as we walk in the house. The cape makes you feel like a superhero germ cleaner has come to your rescue!

Learn more about their products hans-swipe.com Products start at $14.95.

HandiGuru Hand Sanitizer Wrist Band

Another way to keep your hands clean no matter where you’re going is the HandiGuru hand sanitizer silicone wrist band. They provide a handy refill bottle that you can fill with any hand sanitizer you prefer. You can even use it for sunscreen, bug repellent, or any gel-based product you need on the go.

Perfect for hiking, shopping, traveling, or just about anytime you’re out of the house. It’s reusable, refillable, recyclable and FDA approved. The adjustable wrist band fits kids and adults.

Check out HandiGuru.com for more information and to order yours and everybody on your list today. Prices start at $14.95.

Earth to Skin Products

We’re all using lots of hand sanitizer right now. It’s an easy way to keep your hands clean when you’re out and about. Do you get tired of that alcohol smell most of them leave behind? Then check out Earth To Skin hand sanitizer. They are infused with four natural fruit extract scents. The sanitizer is 72% alcohol, vegan, uses no sulfates, no parabens, and no animal testing.

The same great scents are available in the hand and body buttercream lotion with ultra-hydrating hyaluronic acid and the same great product features too. We love the lemon and basil scent.

They are both available at Walmart.com  and prices start at $5.94.

Travel Mugs and Water bottles and Reusable Straws from Ecovessel

One thing we also recommend to fellow travelers is to bring your own water bottle and travel mug. EcoVessel makes beautiful TriMax® triple-insulated mugs, tumblers, growlers, and accessories. They make it easy to stay hydrated with their well-designed, practical products.

Want more? Every product comes with a 100-year warranty. That’s not a typo folks. The EcoVessel family stands behind their products. These handsome products are perfect stocking stuffers and holiday gifts for your road warrior.

Check out EcoVessel.com for the full selection. Prices start and $5.95.

Ambassador Interpreter 

Do you struggle to learn new languages? Or maybe you’re traveling and don’t have enough time to learn the language. Let the Ambassador come to your rescue. This unique technology lets you use the device in two ways. Listen mode interprets someone speaking near you and translates their words into your language. Or you can share your secondary earbud with a guest so you can speak to each other in your native languages.

15 languages and 42 dialects are supported on their app, which also provides a quick access dictionary and phrasebook. It also offers you on-screen transcripts of translations and an option to download a transcript of your conversations. Communicating and learning a new language could never be so easy.

Check out the Ambassador at waverlylabs.com . Prices start at $199.

The CrunchCup

This one is for kids and anyone who doesn’t like their cereal to get too soggy. This is a perfect to-go cup that keeps your cereal and milk separate but lets you enjoy it together. Made of BPA-free plastic, it is shatter-resistant and dishwasher- safe. This cup is great for those early morning road trips, carpools, and any time you want cereal.

The CrunchCup starts at $18.95. Check the CrunchCup site and Amazon for the full selection.

Wellness Gifts

Building up your immunity and staying healthy is on everyone’s mind these days. We always make sure to take care of ourselves whether we’re traveling or staying home.

Goli Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies

Perhaps you’ve heard of the benefits of apple cider vinegar. We had heard that apple cider vinegar helps with skin health and tiredness because it’s loaded with B12 so we gave it a go. If you’ve ever tasted apple cider vinegar you know it’s kinda funky. So when we heard it was in Goli gummies we simply had to give it a try. We have to say that we actually like the taste.

Beetology Drinks

Beets. Do you know how good beets are for you? They help your heart, blood pressure, brain, and let’s face it they also taste great too! Our friends at beetology have created wonderfully delicious beet juices using only the best organic ingredients. They offer yummy flavors like beet + cherry, beet +veggie, beet+lemon+ginger, beet+berry, and beet+tropical fruit.

These tasty juices are wonderful all by themselves but also are delicious in smoothies and dare we say….cocktails. We added some vodka to the beet+lemon+ginger juice and felt a little more healthy during cocktail hour.

Check out beetology.com for the complete selection, recipes, and more. You can find beetology on Amazon , Costco, and other fine retailers.

Touchless Thermometer

It never hurts to have a thermometer with you when traveling. This touchless thermometer from Accumed is just what the doctor ordered. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and touchless making it great to use for everyone in your travel group.

Find it at Amazon for $29.99 .

Paleonola Granola

Are you on the Keto or Paleo kick ? Whether you are or not you’ll just love the crunch and all the flavors of this delicious granola. We have a friend who eats it just for a snack and loves it. It’s made in the U.S.A. with all real food!  No preservatives or chemicals. And as they say right on their packaging they only use the “good stuff.”  They have great flavors like pina colada, chocolate fix, maple pancake, cinnamon blueberry, apple, pumpkin pie, chocolate fix, and original. They believe in keeping their product simple, which we all know is the best way to do any food product.  Retail prices start at $8.99 

If you or someone you know is sitting around wondering what’s next for me, we’ve got the book for you. Diana and I recently published our first book together What Should I Do Now?

It’s a 14-day jumpstart program to get unstuck, make decisions, and take control of your work and life. With a commitment of just an hour or two every day the program provides an easy-to-follow, step-by-step program that you can use to understand where you are now, where you want to go, and how you’re going to get there.

Don’t Forget to Give Back and Help Others

We hope you enjoyed our special list today and we hope that you, your family, and friends have a joyous holiday season. Be sure to look at the organizations below for just a few wonderful non-profits that you may consider helping this year. 2020 has been a bear for everyone especially our friends who help feed, clothe, and house those in need. Please consider adding these to your holiday gifts list if you can.

World Central Kitchen 

Little John’s

Heifer International 

Co-founder of Food Travelist. I love to explore the world and love learning about new places. I'm an eater and I've got a smile for everyone I meet.

Pasteli Honey Sesame Bars

Sweet Potatoes With Streusel

Related posts, canal de bourgogne barge cruise, évora a fun day trip from lisbon.

I love the idea of sending popcorn- who doesn’t love popcorn?! Those cookies are cute, too!

This is an expertly compiled list of holiday gifts for travel lovers. While COVID may have put a damper on our actual travels, purchasing products from around the globe can still help keep us all connected.

Great list! I’d be happy with pretty much any of your suggestions. But I had to go thru the post twice because I just couldn’t accept your oversight. WHERE’S THE CHOCOLATE!!! I guess you’re suggesting that everyone hop over to my site for some chocolate suggestions. That is quite alright with me. ??❤️

Thanks Cathy! The earlier the better. Happy Holidays!

Fantastic gift ideas! When do you need to have my list? 🙂 I love the Well Told glassware. Really helpful post. Thanks!

You’re most welcome! Happy Holidays!

I am a terrible gift giver? Thanks for sharing this list

Hi Regan, we tried to include items that were fun, tasty and practical too. Happy Holidays!

The touchless thermometer is a great suggestion in the current climate. We have one ans use it regularly. Loved the food suggestions especially the macrons, haven’t had those for a long time. Might have to change that since the are so yummy ?

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More From Forbes

Mother’s day gift guide 2024: the best food festival trips.

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Several dishes from the Far East Street Ph'east at the 2023 Hawai'i Food & Wine Festival

Why experience the creations of one chef when you can experience a range of local and noted guest chefs plus wine tastings, seminars and other gastronomic treats? That’s the ethos of an enticing food festival and it’s even better when it’s located in a destination that is desirable anyway as a holiday spot. Here are some of the best festivals in, and just outside of, the U.S.

The setting of First Hawaiian Bank Mastercard Presents House of Blanc & Rouge at Ko Olina, part of ... [+] the 2023 Hawai'i Food & Wine Festival

Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival , October 18-November 10. Hawai‘i is such a good idea for this that there are several contenders both across the islands and situated on one at different times of the year. This one co-founded by star Hawai’i chefs Alan Wong and Roy Yamaguchi brings over 150 master chefs, wine and spirit producers, sommeliers and mixologists to three different islands Maui, Oahu and the Big Island on three different weekends for 20 events. The one stipulation each must satisfy: to use an ingredient grown, farmed or fished in Hawai’i in their dishes. The event lineup and ticket sales go live on May 7.

Desserts in the lineup at the 2023 Kapalua Wine and Food Festival

Kapalua Wine & Food Festival , June 6-9. Located in the resort area on the coast in West Maui, this weekend festival will feature events such as an exclusive Petrossian caviar tasting, chef Charlie Palmer’s trademark “Pigs and Pinot,” the pork and wine pairing held annually in Healdsburg and here given local slant; a wine tasting seminar featuring the best of Paso Robles and a Grand Tasting Gala spotlighting the chefs of Lahaina, all of whom suffered devastating losses in the August fire. In addition, grassroots organizations to aid this community such as Chef Hui and the Hawai’i Restaurant Association Educational Foundation will be among the beneficiaries of festival proceeds.

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The last night Culinary Classic Dinner at last year's Mauna Lani Culinary Classic on the Big Island ... [+] of Hawai'i.

The Mauna Lani Culinary Classic , August 29-September 2. The four-day event at this Auberge Resorts Collection resort on the Big Island was such a hit in its debut last year that it’s coming back in even more expanded form for its sophomore year. Among the featured activities: repeats of the 17 course Omakase prepared by the Blue Ribbon Sushi master chefs and Chefs On the Beach featuring chef stations spread out on the Great Lawn bordering the sand. Among the new ones this year: a female slanted luncheon prepared by local star Lee Anne Wong, chef/partner of Honolulu’s Koko Head Café and, before the Maui fire, Papa’aina in Lahaina and Stephanie Izard chef/owner of Girl & The Goat in Chicago and Los Angeles; an authentic lū'au and a discussion with Lee Anne Wong and Blue Ribbon’s Bruce Bromberg about the realities of being a chef today.

The Grand Tasting Tents at the 2023 Food & Wine Classic in Aspen.

FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen , June 14-16. The mountain scenery would be enough on its own but this three day event features marquee name chefs such as David Chang, Marcus Samuelsson and Nancy Silverton in a selection of cooking demonstrations, seminars and special dinners plus a Grand Tasting Pavilion with over 150 food, wine and spirits stations available five times over the weekend for passholders. Two of the special dinners, including one celebrating the 30 th anniversary of New York’s Gramercy Tavern, are sold out but there are a number of other events around town presented by hotels such as Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection which is offering special dinners highlighting Latin American and African American chefs for guests along with a dinner by several California chefs celebrating the life of the late Napa Valley chef Michael Chiarello. Other events in town include an American Express sponsored dinner for Marriott Bonvoy cardmembers atop Aspen Mountain with COTE Korean Steakhouse and a daytime party celebrating Juneteenth at Aspen Meadows Resort .

Grilling at the Culinary Village at the 2024 edition of Charleston Wine + Food.

Food & Wine Classic in Charleston , September 27-29. The Holy City’s signature food festival, Charleston Wine + Food celebrates its 20 th anniversary, holding the 2025 festival on March 5-9; if the schedule aligns with past festivals, it’s a sprawling five day affair that careens around town for special dinners, lunches and brunches spotlighting local food and beyond plus wine, beer and spirits explorations. Before that, though, a Food & Wine Classic is landing in Charleston this fall as an extension of its Aspen festival. More details are forthcoming but it’s expected to feature local and international chefs in a variety of tastings, demonstrations and seminars plus the Grand Tasting Pavilion showcasing a wide array of wine tasting and culinary offerings.

Grilling oysters at a private wine dinner, part of the New Orleans Wine + Food Experience

New Orleans Wine & Food Experience , June 5-9. The Big Easy is a food, wine and spirits experience on a daily basis but during these five days, the interaction goes up a notch. Among the events this year: Vinola and the Grand Tasting, elite wine tastings paired with special offerings by local chefs; wine dinners at local restaurants; an essential New Orleans culinary tasting paired with wines at one of the most famous restaurants, Galatoire’s, and tasting labs with the wines of different Italian regions. Special rates are also available at local hotels including The Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans and Virgin Hotel New Orleans .

The setting of the Caribbean cuisine dinner at Altamer Luxury Villas in Anguilla.

Anguilla Culinary Experience , May 23-26. This Caribbean island has always had a reputation for superior culinary experiences and that gastronomic flair is on view in this four day event which features local and international guest chefs as well as the island’s elite hotels. The events range from a Rum Punch Mixology Class, Rum and Chocolate Pairing and Barefoot Beach Dinner with chef stations on the sand at Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel, Anguilla to a panorama of Caribbean cuisine at the Altamer Luxury Villas prepared by brothers Xavier Rochat, a local private chef, and his brother Yannick Rochat, Sous Chef at Saison by Mauro Colagreco at Raffles London at The OWO.

Chef Marcus Samuelsson gives a culinary demonstration during last year's Food Network New York City ... [+] Wine & Food Festival.

The Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival , October 17-20. Anything other festivals can do, New York can do bigger. For this year’s event, the 17 th , the festival moves to a new 450,000 square foot campus at the Brooklyn Army Terminal in Sunset Park for the Grand Tasting featuring hundreds of winemakers, distillers, chefs from New York’s best restaurants and national chefs and Walk Around Pier Parties including Rachael Ray’s popular Blue Moon Burger Bash. There will also be 75 events in Manhattan including intimate dinners with some of the world’s most renowned chefs, walk around tastings and master classes. Lineup and tickets available in June.

Miami's South Beach Wine & Food Festival has settings that are quintessential Miami.

Plan ahead for next year: The Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival , February 20-23, 2025. The specific details for this four-day extravaganza involving stars from television and music as well as gastronomic celebrities haven’t been rolled out yet but judging from past festivals, a wide array will be in evidence. Among the 500 chefs and wine and spirit producers in attendance last year: international stars Massimo Bottura of Modena’s Osteria Francescana and Argentine chef Francis Mallmann who has a restaurant Los Fuegos at the Faena Hotel Miami Beach; local favorites such as Michelle Bernstein whose latest restaurant is Michy’s Chicken Shack and national star chefs such as Mario Carbone , chef/co-owner of Carbone and Alon Shaya whose restaurants include Miss River in New Orleans and Safta in Denver. The events ranged from the formal Wine Spectator’s Best of the Best at the Fontainebleau to a BBQ Master Class and everything in between.

Foundation Table at the Fairway Complex during the Pebble Beach Food and Wine event on Friday April ... [+] 5, 2024.

Pebble Beach Food & Wine , April 10-13, 2025. This four-day festival located on the grounds of the Pebble Beach Resorts on California’s Monterey Peninsula is a draw both for its wine and culinary offerings and the famous golf courses bordering craggy cliffs overlooking the Pacific. This year’s event brought together over 150 wine and spirit producers and over 125 acclaimed chefs from around the country including New York’s Jonathan Waxman , chef/owner of Barbuto , Hawaiian chef Roy Yamaguchi and Nancy Silverton , chef and co-owner of Osteria Mozza in Los Angeles. The events ranged from haute to casual in a variety of showcase dinners, a Tasting Pavilion, Italian Feast, pan-Asian lunch and simpler tastings such as one pairing Burgers, Bourbon and Bordeaux. But on day one, there was a golf tournament with food stations along the fairway. And lodgings were the pair of notable resorts: The Lodge at Pebble Beach and The Inn at Spanish Bay .

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Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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The Best Mother's Day Gift Baskets for Every Mom: Shop Tasting Boxes, Spa Sets, Wine Gifts and More

From flowers and chocolates to spa packages and everything in between, shop the best mother's day gift baskets for 2024..

Williams Sonoma Gift Crate European Cheese & Charcuterie

$120 Williams Sonoma

Burt's Bees Classics Gifts Set in Giftable Tin

1-800-Baskets Tea Forte NY Botanical Garden Fleur Gift Box Set

$70 1-800-Baskets

Cheryl's Cookies Mother’s Day Gift Tin Tower

$70   $50 Cheryl's Cookies

Wolferman's Bakery Mix & Match Mother's Day Bakery Gift

$70 Wolferman's Bakery

Mother's Day is less than two weeks away, and if you’re looking for a special gift that is sure to be a hit, you can't go wrong with sending her a perfectly curated gift basket directly to her doorstep. Sweet Mother's Day gift baskets or gift boxes are pre-packaged to perfection for maximum gifting impact with minimal effort. Whether she's a foodie, a wine lover, or could use an at-home spa day , all you have to do is pick a theme you know she is going to love.

Traveling to see Mom might not be an option this year, but a gift basket is a thoughtful way to celebrate Mother's Day when you can't be there yourself. Baskets aren't a one-size-fits-all situation by any means — there are options to suit everyone's taste (even the pickiest of Moms ). Best of all, these gift baskets will arrive just in time for her big celebration on Sunday, May 12.

From cheese and charcuterie to a royal-themed basket, we've scoured the web for the best Mother's Day gift baskets to please any mom this year. Below, check out our selection of gift baskets and gift boxes to help every Mom feel special this Mother's Day .

Best Mother's Day Gift Baskets 

You can't go wrong with a cheese and charcuterie spread like this artisan assortment from Williams Sonoma.

Keep Mom's hands and feet soft and smooth with this moisturizing gift set from Burt's Bees. 

Drawing inspiration from the scents at the New York Botanical Garden, this gift set includes 10 varieties of pyramid tea infusers, a mint-colored tea cup with a lid and a matching mint tray for the used infusers.

Spoil Mom with a wide array of delicious cookies from Cheryl's, all of which come individually wrapped so she can store them for later.

Mother's Day Gift Baskets for Foodie Moms

The coolest part of this tasty gift basket filled with mouthwatering bakery treats is that you can mix and match Belgian waffles, loaf cakes, sweet rolls, and a variety of English muffins to get exactly what Mom likes. 

Michele Foods 40th Anniversary Box

Make an affordable and extra-delicious Mother's Day brunch with the help of Michele Foods. This kit includes butter pecan syrup, maple creme syrup and gourmet waffle and pancake mix. 

Harry & David Deluxe Mother's Day Gift Box

Filled with decadent gold-leaf pears, cookies and candies, this deluxe basket from Harry & David will make any mom feel special on her big day.

Tapas the José Andrés Way

Serve Mom a feast of famous tapas from acclaimed chef José Andrés, or have any of Goldbelly's incredible offerings from destination-worthy restaurants delivered right to her door.

Simply Chocolate Deluxe Celebrate Spring Basket

If your mom is a chocolate connoisseur, look no further than this treat-filled basket from Simply Chocolate.

Mother's Day Gift Baskets for Busy Moms

Lovery japanese cherry blossom home spa tote bag gift set.

This gorgeous tote bag is filled with everything Mom needs to upgrade her bathroom including shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body wash, toothpaste and more.

With Code FRIEND

Baskits Me Time Self Care Gift Basket

The gift of relaxation just got even easier with this basket that includes face masks, a delicate candle, a bath bomb, chai tea and so much more. 

Olive & Cocoa Posh Pink Citron Spa

A fragrant candle, body mist, an eye pillow and old-fashioned lollipops are just a few of the elegant items in this gift crate.

Beets and Apples Lavender Spa Gift Basket

Help Mom create an at-home spa experience with this luxury gift basket filled with soothing lavender bath goods.

With Coupon

Mother's Day Gift Baskets for Health-Conscious Moms

Gourmet gift baskets savory olive gift basket.

If Mom can't get enough of salty, savory olives, this is the gift basket for her.

Harry & David Organic Fruit Gift Basket

Deliver mom juicy, organic fresh fruit from Harry & David. 

Oh! Nuts Dried Fruit Gift Basket

These mouthwatering dried fruit treats will please any mom who appreciates a sweet snack without any added sugar. The fruit comes in a really cool wooden fruit bowl shaped like an apple. 

Gourmet Gift Baskets Healthy Hydration Gift Basket

Lemons, limes, gourmet treats, a strawberry basil mixer and more fill this hydration gift basket that will help keep Mom hydrated even on the hottest days of summer.

Mother's Day Gift Baskets for Wine, Tea and Coffee Lovers

Gourmet gift baskets champagne and mimosa gift basket.

What goes better with Mother's Day brunch than a bubbly mimosa? This gift basket has everything Mom will need to create the breakfast drink at home.

1-800-Baskets Beekman 1802 Honeyed Grapefruit Spa Set with Wine

Give Mom the ultimate night of relaxation with this wine and spa gift set. 

Wolferman's Bakery Teatime For One with Teapot Gift Basket

Along with camomile tea, kettle corn, biscotti and other tasty treats, Mom will get a stunning floral stoneware tea pot within this gift basket.

1-800-Baskets Relax & Nurture Tea Gift Basket

Treat Mom to this relaxing basket featuring tea, stoneware mugs, a reusable decorative basket, truffles, kettle corn and more.

Harry & David DIY Painting Set with Wine

Harry & David has incredible gift baskets for coffee lovers, foodies, hosts and, of course, moms. We love this basket from the gifting retailer, filled with a bottle of wine and a paint-by-number set.

Harry & David Belgian Chocolate Bento Box with Reserve Pinot Noir

Delicious decadence is delivered right to your mom's fingertips with this award-winning Pinot Noir and assortment of artisanal Belgian chocolates, dark chocolate strawberry bark, raspberry caramel truffles, dried fruit, and chocolate-covered almonds. 

Bean Box Coffee + Chocolate Tasting Box

An assortment of coffee beans and delicious chocolates make up this coffee connoisseur's dream gift basket. She'll also get tasting notes for each coffee and chocolate pairing. 

Mother's Day Gift Baskets for Mom's With Unique Interests

Uncommon goods herbal tea garden gift set.

Let them create their own herbal teas with this gift set that includes lavender, coriander, German chamomile, peppermint and wild bergamot seeds, as well as a tea infuser, cute gardening gloves and stakes. 

Luxe England Gifts Royal Gift Basket for Women

Give the Mom who loves all things royal the royal treatment with this queen-themed gift basket filled with unique gifts including a beautifully scented candle, ceramic tray, notebook and mini pillow.

With coupon

1-800-Flowers Planted with Love Gift Basket

Plant some love with this gardening-themed basket from 1-800-Flowers. Along with flower seed mixes, she'll get chocolates, teas, gardening gloves and more. 

Show her how much she means to you. Check out our  2024 Mother’s Day Gift Guide  for more Mother’s Day gift ideas.

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60 Mother’s Day Gifts Under $100

Mother’s Day is coming up in a couple weeks (it falls on May 12 this year), so it’s time to start thinking about gifts. Whether you’re going for a physical item or an experiential present — a meal, a trip to the movies or a museum, a spa day — it’s nice to have something to open on the day itself. I’ve rounded up gifts at all price points so there’s something for every mother in your life. All are available on Amazon, and many can also be purchased at other retailers. For more gifts for every kind of mom — from new mothers to foodies — check out our hub here .

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments , rolling luggage , pillows for side sleepers , natural anxiety remedies , and bath towels . We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

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A Foodie’s Guide to Moscow: 10 Must-Try Restaurants and Local Cuisine

Introduction:

Moscow, the bustling capital city of Russia, is not only famous for its rich history and stunning architecture but also for its vibrant food scene. From traditional Russian dishes to international cuisines, Moscow offers a plethora of culinary delights that are sure to satisfy any foodie’s cravings. In this guide, we will take you on a gastronomic journey through the city, highlighting 10 must-try restaurants and local cuisine.

1. Café Pushkin:

Address: Tverskoy Blvd, 26A, Moscow, 125009 Website: cafe-pushkin.ru Café Pushkin is an iconic Moscow institution that offers a unique dining experience. Housed in a grand 19th-century mansion, the restaurant takes you back in time with its elegant decor and classic Russian cuisine. Indulge in dishes like beef stroganoff, borscht, and blinis while immersing yourself in the old-world charm of the venue. Don’t forget to visit the pastry counter on the ground floor, where you can find an array of delectable Russian sweets and pastries.

2. White Rabbit:

Address: Smolenskaya Square, 3, Moscow, 121099 Website: whiterabbitmoscow.ru Perched on the 16th floor of a skyscraper, White Rabbit offers not only breathtaking panoramic views of Moscow but also a culinary experience like no other. This restaurant combines Russian traditions with innovative techniques to create a menu that is both visually stunning and delicious. The dishes are beautifully presented and often feature seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Make sure to try their famous “Tree Cake” dessert, a multi-layered masterpiece that is as tasty as it is Instagrammable.

3. Mari Vanna:

Address: Spiridon’yevskiy per., 10A, Moscow, 123001 Website: marivanna.ru Mari Vanna is a cozy and charming restaurant that transports you to a traditional Russian home. The interior is adorned with vintage items, floral wallpapers, and old photographs, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. The menu features classic Russian dishes with a homestyle touch. Indulge in hearty comfort foods like pelmeni (dumplings), borscht, and Olivier salad. Don’t miss the chance to try their infused vodkas, which come in a variety of flavors and add an extra dimension to your dining experience.

Address: ul. Malaya Dmitrovka, 7/5, Moscow, 125009 Website: durdin.ru A true hidden gem tucked away in the heart of Moscow, Durdin is a small Georgian restaurant that will transport you straight to the Caucasus region. The cozy interior features traditional Georgian decorations, creating an inviting ambiance. The menu is filled with Georgian delights such as khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), khinkali (dumplings), and shashlik (grilled meat). Pair your meal with a glass of Georgian wine, renowned for its high quality and unique flavors.

Address: Tverskaya St, 27, Moscow, 125009 Website: shinok.ru If you want to experience authentic Ukrainian cuisine without leaving Moscow, Shinok is the place to go. This rustic restaurant recreates the atmosphere of a traditional Ukrainian village, with its wooden interiors and folk decorations. The menu showcases a variety of Ukrainian classics, including varenyky (dumplings), borscht, and salo (cured pork fat). The portions are generous, and the flavors are rich and comforting. Shinok also offers live music performances, adding to the overall festive ambiance.

6. Korchma Taras Bulba:

Address: Mokhovaya St, 28, Moscow, 125009 Website: tarasbulba.ru Korchma Taras Bulba is a Ukrainian restaurant chain with several branches in Moscow, but it is the one on Mokhovaya Street that stands out. The rustic wooden interiors, colorful Ukrainian decorations, and friendly staff create an inviting atmosphere. The menu offers a wide range of Ukrainian dishes, including traditional soups, grilled meats, and a variety of varenyky (also known as pierogies). Save room for dessert and try their heavenly honey cake, which will leave you craving for more.

8. Danilovsky Market:

Address: Mytnaya St, 74, Moscow, 115191 Website: danilovsky.market For a unique culinary experience in Moscow, head to Danilovsky Market, a bustling food market that showcases the best of Russian and international cuisines. Here, you can find an array of stalls and food counters offering everything from fresh produce and meats to street food and gourmet treats. Indulge in traditional Russian snacks like pirozhki (stuffed pastries) or try dishes from different parts of the world. You can also purchase high-quality ingredients to take home and recreate your favorite Russian dishes.

9. Dr. Zhivago:

Address: Kuznetskiy Most St, 5/6, Moscow, 125009 Website: drzhivago.ru Dr. Zhivago is a contemporary restaurant that pays homage to Russian cuisine with a modern twist. Located in the heart of Moscow, this stylish eatery offers a menu featuring classic Russian dishes presented in a creative and innovative way. From their reinvented Olivier salad to their succulent beef stroganoff, every bite is a delight. The restaurant’s chic interiors, inspired by Soviet nostalgia, add to the overall experience. For a truly unique Moscow experience, try their signature cocktail, the “Mule Russe,” a Russian twist on the classic Moscow Mule.

10. XVII Vek:

Address: Kutuzovskiy Ave, 36/1, Moscow, 121170 Website: 17vek.ru Located in the prestigious Moscow City district, XVII Vek offers a fine dining experience combined with a breathtaking view of Moscow’s skyline. This elegant restaurant specializes in modern Russian cuisine with influences from European and Asian traditions. The menu is carefully curated, focusing on seasonal ingredients and innovative flavor combinations. Each dish is a work of art, showcasing the chef’s meticulous attention to detail. With its refined ambiance and impeccable service, XVII Vek is a perfect spot for a special occasion or a memorable culinary experience.

Moscow is undoubtedly a city that caters to the food-loving traveler. From traditional Russian cuisine to international flavors, there is something to please every palate. Whether you choose to indulge in classic dishes at Café Pushkin or explore the vibrant culinary scene at Danilovsky Market, Moscow’s gastronomy will leave you impressed and satisfied. So, pack your appetite and embark on a foodie’s journey through the diverse and delicious cuisine of Moscow.

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19 Unique And Fabulous Experiences In Moscow

• Destinations

Thinking of visiting Russia? When visiting such a famous city, one must, of course, visit the iconic landmarks first. Moscow has plenty of those, most of them in the center of the city, which is very well-planned for tourists. Once you’ve seen the sights that are on most travelers’ lists, it’s time to branch out and visit some of the lesser-known sites, and there are some fascinating places to see and things to do.

I know this list is long, but I just couldn’t help myself. You probably won’t have the time to see them all. But that’s okay. Just scroll through the list and choose what sounds the most interesting to you. Where possible, make sure to book in advance, as things can get crowded, especially during high season.

1. The Red Square, Kremlin, And Surroundings

Red Square (Krasnya Ploshad) is the heart and soul of Russia, and where much of the country’s history has unfolded. This is the most famous landmark in Moscow and indeed the whole country, it’s an absolute must-do! The square is always full of people and has a rather festive atmosphere!

Saint Basil’s Cathedral

This is the famous church with the rainbow-colored, onion-domed roof. The cathedral was commissioned in the 1500s by Ivan the Terrible and according to legend, the Tsar thought it was so beautiful, that he ordered that the architect’s eyes be cut out afterward, so he could never build anything more beautiful! He wasn’t called Ivan the Terrible for no reason!

Lenin’s Mausoleum

The “love-it-or-hate-it” of tourist attractions in Russia. A glass sarcophagus containing the embalmed body of Russian revolutionary, Vladimir Lenin. It may seem a bit bizarre to display the mummy of a person, but it has been there for almost half a century and the 2.5 million visitors who come each year, clearly feel the queuing and thorough body search are worth it, to be in Lenin’s presence.

Pro Tip: no photos and no loud talking are allowed inside the Mausoleum.

Eternal Flame

There is an Eternal Flame in honor of an unknown soldier on the left side of Red Square. The hourly changing of the guards is worth seeing.

The Kremlin is the official residence of the Russian president. You can see it from the outside, or you can take an excursion to one of the museums located inside. This is the biggest active fortress in Europe, and holds a week’s worth of attractions! Once behind the 7,332-feet of walls, there are five squares, four cathedrals, 20 towers, various museums, and the world’s largest bell and cannon to see. Worth a special mention is the Armory Chamber that houses a collection of the famous Faberge Eggs.

Pro Tip: You can only go inside the Kremlin if you are part of a tourist group.

2. Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi Theatre translates to “The Big Theatre” in Russian, and the building is home to both the Bolshoi Ballet and Bolshoi Opera — among the oldest and most famous ballet and opera companies in the world.

Pro Tip: It’s hard to get an inexpensive ticket, so if you’re reading well in advance of going to Moscow then try buying tickets on the official website . Last-minute tickets cost around $250 per person. If this is out of your budget, about an hour before a performance, you can try buying a ticket at the entrance from a reseller. Most can speak enough English to negotiate the price.

Tour the Bolshoi Theatre: You can take a group guided tour of the Bolshoi Theatre which focuses on the history and architecture of the theatre and behind the scenes. There’s an English language tour that lasts 2 hours and costs around $300 for a group of up to six.

3. Luxury Shopping At GUM And TSUM

Russia’s main department store, GUM, has a stunning interior that is home to over 100 high-end boutiques, selling a variety of brands: from luxurious Dior to the more affordable Zara. Even if shopping is not on your Moscow to-do list GUM is still worth a visit; the glass-roofed arcade faces Red Square and offers a variety of classy eateries. TSUM, one of the biggest luxury malls in town, is right behind the Bolshoi and GUM. It’s an imposing building with lots of history, and worth a visit just for its design and its glass roof.

4. Christ The Savior Cathedral

This is one of Russia’s most visited cathedrals and is a newer addition to the gorgeous array of Muscovite cathedrals, but don’t let its young age fool you. After perestroika, in the early 90s, the revived Russian Orthodox Church was given permission to build a cathedral on this site. It did the location honors and built the largest temple of the Christian Orthodox Church. The façade is as grand as you’d expect, but it’s the inside that will mesmerize you, with its domes, gold, gorgeous paintings, and decor!

The cathedral is located just a few hundred feet away from the Kremlin and was the site of the infamous Pussy Riot protest against Putin back in 2012.

Pro Tip: Bring a shawl to cover your hair as is the local custom.

5. Gorky Park

Moscow’s premier green space, Gorky Park (Park Gor’kogo) is the city’s biggest and most famous park. There is entertainment on offer here for every taste, from outdoor dancing sessions to yoga classes, volleyball, ping-pong, rollerblading, and bike and boat rental in summer. In winter, half the park turns into a huge ice skating rink. Gorky Park is also home to an open-air movie theater and the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art. There is also Muzeon Art Park, a dynamic contemporary space with a unique collection of 700 sculptures. It is located right in front of Gorky Park.

6. Sparrow Hills Park

If you take a walk from Gorky Park, along the Moscow River embankment, you’ll end up in the city’s other legendary park, Sparrow Hills. Although the park doesn’t offer as many activities as its hip neighbor, it has a great panoramic view of the city

Pro Tip: You can take a free walking tour to all of the above attractions with an English-speaking guide.

7. River Cruising

One of the best ways to experience Moscow, and see all the famous landmarks, but from a different angle, is from the Moscow River. Take a river cruise. Avoid the tourist crowds. There are little nameless old boats that do the cruise, but if you are looking for a more luxurious experience take the Radisson Blu cruise and enjoy the sights with some good food and a glass of wine.

8. Metro Hopping

Inaugurated in the 1930s, the Moscow Metro system is one of the oldest and most beautiful in the world. Started in Stalinist times, each station is a work of art in its own right. I’d recommend touring the stations between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. This way, you’ll be able to properly see it without the crowds. Ideally, I’d recommend taking a tour with a knowledgeable guide with GuruWalk, who will tell you stories of forgotten stations and how the history of the country is interconnected with the metro development. If going by yourself, then I definitely recommend checking out: Mayakovskaya, Ploschad Revolutsii, Kievskaya, Kropotkinskaya, Kurskaya, and Novoslobodskaya stations.

Visit the free Moscow Metro Museum: For real train enthusiasts, located in the southern vestibule of Sportivnaya station is a small free museum. Here you can take a peek into the driver’s cabin, see a collection of metro tokens from different cities, and see different models of a turnstile, traffic lights, escalator, and more.

9. Moscow State University View

In his effort to create a grander Moscow, Stalin had seven skyscrapers built in different parts of town; they’re called the Seven Sisters. The largest of these buildings and the one with the best view is the main building of the Moscow State University. Although this is a little outside the city center, the view is more than worth it.

10. Izmailovsky Market

Mostly known for the city’s largest flea market, the district of Izmaylovo is home to a maze of shops where you can get just about anything, from artisan crafts to traditional fur hats, handcrafted jewelry, fascinating Soviet memorabilia, and antiquities. It’s also one of Moscow’s largest green spaces. There are often no price tags, so be prepared to haggle a bit. Head to one of the market cafes for a warming mulled wine before continuing your shopping spree.

The History of Vodka Museum is found here, and the museum’s restaurant is the perfect place to sample various brands of the national drink.

Once you’ve covered the more touristy spots, Moscow still has plenty to offer, and the places below will also be full of locals! So for some local vibes, I would strongly recommend the spots below!

11. Moscow City

With a completely different vibe, Moscow City (also referred to as Moscow International Business Center) is like a mini Dubai, with lots of impressive tall glass buildings. Here is where you’ll find the best rooftops in towns, like Ruski Restaurant, the highest restaurant both in Moscow City and in Europe. Moscow City is great for crowd-free shopping and the best panoramic views of the city.

12. Tretyakov Gallery

Tretyakov Gallery started as the private collection of the Tretyakov brothers, who were 19th-century philanthropists. They gave their private collection to the government after their deaths. If there is just one museum you visit in Moscow, I recommend this one!

13. Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve

Tsaritsyno was a residence of Catherine the Great more than two centuries ago. It became derelict during the Soviet era but has now been fully renovated. With its opulently decorated buildings, gardens, meadows, and forests, Tsaritsyno Park is the perfect place for a green respite in Moscow.

14. Kolomenskoye

A 10-minute metro ride from the city center is Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve, where you can get an idea of what Russia looked like 200 years ago. You’ll find ancient churches (one dating back to the 16th century), the oldest garden in Moscow, and the wonderful fairytale wooden palace of Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich, father of Peter the Great.

15. Ostankino TV Tower

Built in 1967, Ostankino TV Tower was the tallest free-standing construction in the world at the time, it’s still the 8th tallest building in the world and the highest in Europe. It’s also the best observation deck, with a glass floor and 360-degree views. The speedy elevators take you 1,105 feet in next to no time.

Pro Tip: You need to book in advance; entrance is based on specific ticket times and the capacity is limited and only a certain number of tourists are allowed per day. Don’t forget your passport, you’ll need it to get through security.

16. Zaryadye Park

Zaryadye is a newly opened, landscaped urban park so new you won’t find it in a lot of tour guides. The park is near Red Square and is divided into four climatic zones: forest, steppe, tundra, and floodplains, depicting the variety of climatic zones in Russia.

These last three suggestions are a little quirky, but all are really worth checking out.

17. Museum Of Soviet Arcade Games

Release your inner child playing on 66 arcade machines from the Soviet era! What a great way to spend a couple of hours when tired of visiting museums and palaces. The staff speaks excellent English and are happy to explain how the games work.

18. Moscow Rooftop Tour

Take a 1-hour private Moscow rooftop tour with an experienced roofer. I can just about guarantee none of your friends will be able to say they’ve done it! For your comfort, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes. Take your camera, there are some amazing photo opportunities out there!

19. Sanduny Banya

This classical Russian bathhouse opened its doors in 1808 and is famous for combining traditional Russian banya services with luxurious interiors and service. If you enjoy spas and saunas, then you should experience a Russian bathhouse at least once in your life! Go with an open mind and hire a specialist to steam you as it’s meant to be done — by being beaten repeatedly with a besom (a leafy branch)! This is said to improve circulation, but is best done by a professional!

So there you have my list of things to do in Moscow. I could have gone on and on and on, but I didn’t want to try your patience! There are so many things to do in this vibrant city that you’ll definitely need to allocate several days for exploring.

Here are some other reasons to visit Moscow and Russia:

• 7 Reasons To Put Moscow On Your Travel Bucket List
• Russia 30 Years (And 30 Pounds) Ago
• Massive Mysterious Craters Appearing Again In Siberia

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, before moving to Africa at the age of 21, Sarah Kingdom is a mountain climber and guide, traveler, yoga teacher, trail runner, and mother of two. When she is not climbing or traveling she lives on a cattle ranch in central Zambia. She guides and runs trips regularly in India, Nepal, Tibet, Russia, and Ethiopia, taking climbers up Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro numerous times a year.