Holiday Bites 2017 - Gift Ideas for Your Favorite Food and Travel Lover

The holidays are upon us once again, and this year there are so many creative food themed gifts for the foodie / travel lover in your life! 

1.  For the Lover of Seafood to Wear Heart on Sleeve Chain / Finger 

Amazing artists who are also ocean lovers have poured their passion into incredible handcrafted jewelry pieces so that your favorite seafood lover can literally wear their love of marine creatures around their necks, fingers etc.

Here are some of my personal favorites - and yes I snagged these for my collection already:

Sea urchin ring with exquisite level of detail:

Buy from: Cirer on Etsy  $121.08 (currently on sale for $102.92)

Oysters (and Scallops and Mussels) sterling silver / 14K Gold pendants inspired by real life beauty of foodie favorites.

The oyster pendant shown is made from a real seed oyster from Cuttyhunk Shellfish Farm in Cuttyhunk, MA. Flip the shell over to reveal a hidden freshwater pearl! Also available in a larger size, and with the second half of the shell.

Buy from: Laura Blanc Jewelry from $100







2.  For the Fashionista and Haute Cuisine Enthusiast

Love this metallic, fun glittery Finer Things Caviar Coin Purse from Kate Spade, with a spoon zipper pull!

Buy from:  Kate Spade $98

[Deal alert: get 3% cash back by going through eBates first (free to sign up)]





3.  For Pun Lovin' Sushi Lovers

Edible: For LA locals:  California Roll cake inspired by Dominique Ansel's newest bakery location that just opened at The Grove LA!  Made with avocado mousse, vanilla lime mousse, honey gelee and almond biscuit.

Buy from: Dominique Ansel Bakery (LA location only @ The Grove)

For some, anytime is sushi time.

Buy from: eBay $154

[Deal alert: go through eBates first to get up to 2% cash back]

Non-edibles:
Socks.  Printed and shaped like sushi - not just sushi print, but they roll up to look like an actual sushi roll.

Buy from: The Grommet $12.95 per pair

Sushi gummy candy bento box

Buy from: Amazon $11.25 or Tokyo Central


4.  For Jetsetters / Wanderlusters

Travel lovers know what it's like to be caught without Wifi  / cell service in a place where you don't speak the language and need to find your way around.  The brilliant minds at Iconspeak have created awesome wearable solutions: tees and tote bags pre-printed with easily recognizable icons customized to popular travel destinations.  Need to find the Colosseum, or the nearest glass of wine, or the closest WiFi hotspot, while in Rome?  No problem, just find a friendly face, point to the appropriate icon and commence local engagement/ travel memories, a semi-lost art in the age of tech addiction.

Buy from: Iconspeak $22 for tote bag



5.  For the Home Chef and Lover of Puns

Have a little fun especially for Italian food lovers, gift them kitchen accessories shaped like their favorite pasta shapes so that they can have literally every aspect of their kitchen infused with their favorite food while creating their  masterpiece meals!  Set includes silicon Farfalloni pot grips (2 units), 1 Ravioli spoon rest, 1 Penneli garlic peeler, &3 Mafaldine elastic bands.


Buy from: Monkey Business  $39.99 (or from Eataly where you can also pick up fresh or gourmet dried pasta to go with the pun pasta accessories :))

Then go full-pun and pair the gift with a greeting card from Etsy.

Buy from: Etsy $4.50+

6.  For the Wine / Cocktail / Sweets Enthusiast 

Serious drinkers and DIYers: let them age their own spirits in mini oak barrels that add instant klout to any desktop. Size matters too: not just about the fun look, the smaller sized barrel accelerates the aging process, so that your recipient's choice of spirit will age up to 10 times faster. Oak is beloved of distillers because it imparts flavor to spirits through three main compounds resulting in vanilla and marzipan-like flavors, buttery, coconut notes, and astringency and spice.  Handmade by coopers in Manassas, Virginia. Ages 21+.


Buy from: Uncommon Goods $130 for 2L barrel with rum & whiskey making kit and personalization

Up the game even more with glasses beautifully etched with maps of their favorite (drinking?) cities from Chicago to NYC to LA (~24 city options at last check!). 

Buy from: Uncommon Goods $14

Novelty options: Get them in an island state of mind whether they are spending the holidays in the depths of northern winter or somewhere with lots of sun, sand and sea.  The Pineapple Lover set includes a cocktail shaker, 12 oz. tumbler, set of shot glasses, bottle opener all in pineapple shapes (gold, silver or copper options) and metal straws.

Buy from: WP Design $160

[Deal alert: save 25% sitewide with code: HOTPOTATO]

Fun themed chocolates handcrafted in Texas:

• (2) Martini Glasses in dark chocolate filled with salted caramel
• (2) Caviar Canapés in solid milk chocolate
• (2) Olives in milk chocolate filled with chocolate nougat
• (1) Vodka Bottle in white chocolate filled with chocolate caramel + sea salt
• (1) Lemon Slice in solid white chocolate
• (1) Word Tile in solid white chocolate

 Buy from: Maggie Louise $38

Or for a sleeker boxed set gift, check out Sugarfina's "But First, Cocktails" candy bento box including eight fun flavors in beautiful packaging:

• Brut & Rosé Champagne Bears® 
• Peach Bellini
• Champagne Bubbles
• Jamaican Rum Snowballs
• Paloma Sours 
• But First Rosé Roses
• Bubbly Bears®
• Martini Olive Almonds

Buy from: Sugarfina $65

If they are more solely devoted to bubbly: gummy bears made with Dom Pérignon Vintage Champagne in two beautiful flavors: classic Brut and fashionable Rose would be a fun twist gift. Named "the perfect party favor" by Cosmopolitan magazine. Non-alcoholic.

Buy from:  Sugarfina starting at $8.50 for small cube to $45 for 2.5lb bulk bag that you can pick into your own gift packaging

Or step it up with a Sugarfina x WP collab Champagne Bears Cocktail Kit so that your favorite jetsetter can get their dose of bubbly up in the air first class style no matter if they're actually in coach.

Kit includes:
• Small-batch elderflower syrup
• Sugarfina Champagne gummy bears
• 0.5-oz. jigger
• Bar spoon
• Linen napkin
• Recipe card
• Stainless steel storage tin

Just add alcohol (not included - maybe hit up duty free at the airport before boarding)?

Buy from: Sugarfina $24 or Sur La Table $25
 

[Deal alert: sign up for eBates (free) and click through their Sugarfina links first to get 2.5%-5% cash back on your purchase] 

Stocking stuffer option: Cocktail lip balm Stewart & Claire, a trio of tasty cocktails to kickoff the holiday season:

Negroni: originally created as a limited edition for Campari: spiced orange and juniper-scented lip balm that does the Negroni justice.

Old Fashioned: cedar, bitter orange and a touch of vanilla, cinnamon and black pepper

Tiki: virgin coconut oil with a little mandarin essential oil: vacation in a tube.

Buy from: Stewart & Claire  $23 (or find at Paper Source stores)


7.  For Fruit Lovers

Serious gift: taste the sunshine in each handcrafted bite of pate de fruit made from all natural fruits from amazing chocolate and confections master Christopher Elbow. Flavors are seasonal but may include:  raspberry, apricot, blood orange, strawberry, black currant, blueberry, passion fruit, mango, morello cherry, green apple, white peach, pear, coconut, kiwi, and pineapple.

Buy from: Christopher Elbow $24

Novelty gift: Get through the winter with fruit scented lotions / skincare and lip products that are housed in fun fruit shaped containers like this mango butter (they also have banana, apple, peach etc.)

Buy from: Tonymoly $12 for hands & feet mango butter







8.  For People Who Literally Live for Tea Time

For tea lovers who are so serious they need to jetset with their own accesssories: travel tea set with bamboo tray, gaiwan, server, and four tasting cups and stainless steel tongs plus padded zipper pouch for easy carry during travel.

Buy from: Red Blossom Tea $120

For tea drinkers of the more punny variety: Pair tea with literature in the punniest way with book shaped tea tins emblazoned with titles from Anise in Wonderland to Matcha Do About Nothing to The Picture of Earl Grey!

Buy from: NovelTeas $29 













Lovepop Cards

https://www.lovepopcards.com/products/gingerbread-house-christmas-card


Felt Toys dim sum




World Power Adaptor Tumi
Buy from: Tumi $

Holiday Bites: Top Gift Ideas for Your Fav Foodie / Jetsetter 2016

The holidays are officially upon us again. If you procrastinated like I did and are now scrambling wondering what to get the food / drink lover in your life, here are some ideas that may have you going PayPal credit to enable double-downs (my gifting philosophy when it comes to cool foodie items seems to default to: one for you, one for me ;)).

All gifts are under $150, and where scaled options or deals / discounts are available, I have noted them below each product description.

1. For the Multi-tasking Overachiever / Cocktail Enthusiast / Closet Alcoholic

Photo credit: Pickeringsgin.com

For the overachiever never content with focusing on 'one thing at a time': give the gifts that do double duty: decorative and functional at the same time, like these ornaments filled with craft / high end spirits that are sure to lift theirs.


Bonus tip:  if your recipients are local, bring them a mini Rosemary tree from your local tree lot or grocer, to hang their ornaments on, and they will be able to use the tree to enhance their mixology experiments this holiday.

Buy from: 

• Gin filled: pickeringsgin.myshopify.com 30 pounds

  

  Photo credit: BoozyChristmas' Etsy page

• Bourbon: Woodford Reserve, Bulleit and many others by BoozyChristmas from Etsy.com $14

2. For the Cubicle Warrior Foodie

Add a little bit of fun to any office setting, with items sure to get foodies over their morning - afternoon slumps and into the bright beacon of lunch hour / dinner time.

Mix and match the below according to your recipient's fav cuisines and to fit your budget.

Bonus tip: Papyrus has this amazing birthday card topped by pieces of 3D plastic nigiri that you could repurpose with a little bit of craftiness as a holiday card to complete the set!

Buy from:

• Ikura sushi thumb tacks by Maki Tacks: Amazon.com $19.65
• Sushi memo pads: whiterabbitjapan.com $19.20
• Sushi shaped erasers: Amazon.com 
• Sushi / hamburger / watermelon USB memory sticks: Newegg.com $17.25 
• Sushi greeting card: Papyrus $9.95

3. For the Coco for Coconuts / Fresh Fruit Fanatic



Love fresh coconut water straight from the shell, but afraid of hacking off a finger or two with that meat cleaver? With this brilliant tool kit, you can gift that coconut fan the gift of DIY, safely - just place the round shaped metal tool over the top of the coconut and mallet it down to break through the shell, in a shape perfect for putting a straw (and maybe an umbrella) through and also to scoop out that luscious coconut meat after. And save them from having to feed their addiction at Whole Foods with their whole paycheck (and waiting for someone from the produce department to open the coconut for you).


Buy from: Coco-jack.com 

• Deluxe pack: $88.95 includes complete kit of everything you need to serve up a freshly cracked young coconut: one each of Coco Jack, mallet, scoop tool, noodler tool, mat, baby brush, sack and two coco sippers.
• Coco Jack pack: $49.95 includes base kit of one Coco Jack, mallet, scoop and sack
 

 

4. For the Jetsetting Foodie Always in Search of Next Taste Adventure

Pull together a travel / food themed care package to fuel that wanderlust throughout the year with inspiration.

• Lonely Planet magazine - one year subscription to stories from the most adventure filled locations in the world to give them ideas for their next trip
• World Map necklace - let them wear their heart (and mind) on their sleeve close to heart with a lovely world map silhouette cast in gold
• Scratch off map - for the globetrotter to mark where they have been, and easily see what remaining ground they need to cover
• Try the World - subscription box off food finds from a new country every month.  Can include ingredients with recipes, gourmet snacks, drinks - whatever treasures their curators find and pull together for your lucky recipient that month.  Occasionally they will even have special edition releases where highlights from different countries on the same theme will be offered, like this month's holiday edition with buttery toffees from South Africa and date spread from Israel.

Buy from:

• Lonely Planet magazine: lonelyplanet.com 4 issues for $8 
• World Map necklace: modcloth.com $19.99
• Scratch off map: uncommongoods.com $
• Food subscription box: trytheworld.com $39 for single box, $105 for three months subscription [Deal alert: 15% off all gifts this month - use promo code DEC15]

5. For the Black Truffle Enthusiast

What's more beautiful in this world to a foodie than a fragrant black truffle? 

Pair it with dark chocolate and you have this pun-and-foodie worthy treat from Urbani, the most esteemed and prolific distributor of European truffles and truffle products in the world.

And if you have the gumption to chase it down, there is an all natural Périgord-truffle infused vodka that is distilled five times and triple filtered, very elusive in the US that could be amazing for a truffle lover to add to their collection (see buy from details below).

Buy from:

• Black truffle chocolate truffle: Eataly $14.80
• Black Moth truffle vodka: extremely limited distribution in the US, currently only noted as sold at Pemberton Fine Wines & Spirits in Vegas (contact them directly for details, or ask your local fine wines & spirits store how to get a hold of this)

6. For the Holiday Enthusiast Foodie (Who Just.Can't.Wait.For.Every.Day.In.December.)

Let them countdown to Christmas...with a daily dose of their favorite food or beverage from wine to beer to chocolate.

These lovely gift boxes have a compartment to be opened for each day in December til Christmas, with a surprise behind each. (Because I was so late to finish this post, at this point these gifts are probably on sale price which means your recipient gets to drink / eat a LOT all at once :P, or savor it past holiday as the gifts that keep on giving)

The Vinebox is an especially fun one for single wine enthusiasts who want variety but don't want to open and waste good wine in giant bottles that can never be finished on their own: their brilliant 12 Day *by the glass* advent calendar includes:

• 12 individual glasses of wine hand-curated for the holiday season
• Includes Burgundy, Barolo, Bordeaux and more
• Holiday-themed tasting notes and pairings

Hotel Chocolat Advent calendar in dark, milk and white chocolate:  yes, there are hotels built entirely built around the celebration of chocolate, and yes, they sell chocolate advent calendars.  Sweet dreams... :)


Buy from:

• Wine: VineBox $129
• Chocolate: Hotel Chocolat £12.50
• Beer: 
• USA: Costco select locations
• Canada: select locations as noted on site: Craft Beer Imports  

Happy holiday shopping!

How To Be a Less Frazzled Traveler

Hours-long TSA lines, missed flights and delayed baggage have been the stuff of legend as of late.

Having recently encountered some missed connections / flights, some of my own doing, some not - I thought this would be a good time to share some of my learnings about minimizing risk and preparing for the unexpected when traveling.

1.  Take redeye flights whenever possible

Taking less popular times means you get to avoid traffic getting to the airport, and lines once you arrive.

You also save on one night's hotel while being able to arrive early in the day at your destination, which allows you to maximize your vacation.

A side benefit is also that you don't waste any precious PTO stuck in a plane cabin: if able, sleep on the plane and then you're ready to go sightseeing or anything else on your To Do list, as soon as you arrive at your destination.


2.  Invest in a known traveler program that lets you go through shorter security lines: TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or Clear

Skip the longer lines for security by signing up for a program that essentially 'pre-clears' you to be a known traveler so you can go through 'express' lanes when going through airports.  There are various programs out there: take your pick from those that best suits your needs:

• TSA PreCheck: if you plan to mainly travel within the U.S.
• CLEAR: if you plan to travel a lot between participating cities in the U.S.and ID verification is your biggest pain point
• Global Entry: if you plan to travel internationally as well as within the U.S.

Below is a quick table showing the differences and benefits of each:

3. Always keep a miniature personal care kit in your carry on 

Some people are fantastic at traveling light, and never need to check a bag in the first place. I'm more  prone to overpack in efforts to be prepared for every possible need - but this approach backfires if the airline loses, delays delivery or otherwise separates you from your luggage. And, you don't want to be forced to purchase overpriced staples at the airport / hotel gift shop, nor to have to cab out to a local store especially if the airline puts you in an airport hotel which typically doesn't have anything walking distance.

So, in your carry on, aside from the essentials like your phone, charger and earbuds :) always have a complete personal care kit including TSA friendly travel sized products so that you won't be left hanging should you be separated from your suitcase. Great items to include:

• At least one spare pair of underwear!! 
• Spare contacts / glasses (these are the hardest to replace while traveling!)
• Facial cleanser & moisturizer (if hotel bar soap doesn't do it for you or you have skin sensitivities)
• Shampoo & Conditioner (yes hotels provide this, but if you are particular about your products - E.g. no sulfates, then it's a good idea to bring along your own)]
• Shave kit
• Toothbrush & toothpaste (though hotels will usually provide spares on request) 

4. Invest in a "travel bungee" to keep bags in order

In the event of a rebooked flight, you may have to haul your carryon gear long distance through the terminal whether to reach another gate or to exit altogether for a forced overnight stay.

As a chronic overpacker, I've found this very affordable Travelon travel bungee ($15) to be an absolute lifesaver in keeping my roller bag and giant purse in tidy order (and so that I don't have to lug the purse on my shoulders at all).  This bungee is great for any Duty Free or other purchases you make while at the airport too, to just add on to your roller and keep hands free for passports, boarding passes, IDs etc.


5. Store airline and hotel loyalty phone and member andnumbers in your phone before you travel

In case of delayed or cancelled flights, you are likely to be waiting in a long line at customer care (ironically named because most of the time it feels like they don't) - you'll want to feel like you're doing something to find alternatives and more in control of next steps.  Contacting airline call centers directly is a good idea (both the one you were traveling with, in hopes of waived / reduced fees, and other airlines if getting on with your travel is more important to you than costs) - but internet connections at airports are often the most questionable at the time when you most need it, so instead of wasting time trying to look up phone numbers when you're battling possibly hundreds of other passengers to secure alternative solutions, have the numbers pre-stored in your phone so you can get right on with hopefully productive conversations.

6.  If you are someone who needs to work out everyday

And you are a swimmer...pack a swimsuit in your carry on.  It doesn't take up much room - and most hotels do have a pool - and it's a great full body workout without any extra gear to lug along (have you seen Olympic Swimmers' bodies?! Ok, so your few laps at the hotel pool won't get you in that kind of shape, but you get the idea: it's a good full body workout).  Or, stay at a participating Starwood Hotel and they will provide workout clothes, shoes and socks for rent at $5 per day. 

Having your frequent flyer number handy as well would help to identify you as a loyal customer in hopes that they will provide a bit better service (yes, ever the optimist).

I also like to have my hotel loyalty phone and membership numbers handy for those times when you're forced to stay overnight - the central call center can both help you locate the closest and best options to fit your needs, as well as check your points status to see if you are eligible to redeem for the stay vs. paying out of pocket.



Best of luck in your travels and have a great Memorial Day weekend everyone!

Holiday Bites: Top 12 Gift Ideas for Your Fav Foodie 2015

The holidays are officially upon us again. If you're wondering what to get the food / drink lover in your life, here are some ideas: this year, I'm combining edibles and non-edibles into one master list.

All gifts are under $150, and where scaled options or deals / discounts are available, I have noted them below each product description.

1. For the Holiday Enthusiast (Who Just.Can't.Wait.For.Every.Day.In.December.)

Photo source: Vosgeschocolate.com

Let them countdown to Christmas...with a daily dose of gourmet chocolate.  Housed in a beautiful keepsake advent calendar table box, with an individual drawer for each day in December til Christmas.  There's also a fun 'secret message' element - flip each drawer after indulging in that day's chocolate, and eventually a holiday greeting will be revealed.  Drawers filled with Caramels, Organic Peanut Butter Bonbons, Toffee and Mini Exotic Chocolate Bars.
The drawers are refillable too of course!  Just contact the Vosges "Chocolate Concierge".  Awesome, right?

Buy from: Vosgeschocolate.com $135

[Deal Alert: 20% off $100 spend at Vosgeschocolate.com on Cyber Monday only! No code required.]

Photo source: Honolulucookieco.com

2.  For Island Dreamers

Take them to the islands in the thick of winter, with Honolulu Cookie Company's insanely delicious shortbread cookies in the shape of pineapples, often dipped in chocolate.  

Get a sampler assortment like in the keepsake holiday box, which contains 8 cookies featuring 6 flavors: Pineapple Macadamia, Butter Macadamia, Chocolate Dipped Macadamia, Dark Chocolate Coconut, Dark Chocolate Peppermint, and White Chocolate Peppermint.

You can even get the pineapple shaped cookies in a fun clear pineapple shaped ornament, in case they can't get enough of...pineapple.

Buy from: honolulucookie.com

• Mele Keepsake box medium $14.
• Mele Pineapple ornament $5.95

Photo source: Anthropologie

3.  Fit to a Tea

Fancy a cup and saucer set with some holiday sparkle?

Tea connoisseurs would also raise their pinkies to this floral loose leaf tea from Palais des Thes, in a highly civilized and sophisticated cup and saucer set tinged with holiday sparkle.

For an excellent locally handcrafted tea, check out Art of Tea.  They have the most incredible Egyptian Chamomile herbal tea with actual floral buds in a beautiful tin, or you can go all out and gift the leatherette box with a mix of their most popular teas in tea bags.

Buy from: 

• Cup & saucer: anthropologie.com $24 each set (2 sets = $48)
• Tea: Palais des Thes $19 tin
• Tea: Art of Tea Egyptian Chamomile tin $10.99
• Tea: Art of Tea leatherette gift box of assorted fine tea bags $55

4. For the Constant Caffeinator Concerned with Consistent Temperature

Because every.single.thing.you.own. needs to be 'smart' nowadays.  This smart mug keeps coffee or tea at the perfect temperature up to 2 hours on the go, or use charging coaster to maintain desired temperature all day

The Ember app then lets them customize their mug with a "name", temperature presets, and notification preferences.



Buy from: embertech.com / Indiegogo $129


5. For the Star Wars Fanatic
Because this won't just be ANY old holiday this year, it is as you're sure to have heard by now, the #SeasonoftheForce. Don't let your favorite Star Wars enthusiast hyperspace jump into their every day battles without fueling up with Rebel-worthy bites / sips.

Photo source: ThinkGeek

Let R2D2 take over duties for time watch, and precision with a cool measuring cup set that stacks up to the image of the charismatic droid.  Then, break out the Death Star for some Wookie...I mean...cookie containment.  And, give the gift of the best theme party ice breaker with Han Solo in Carbonite ice cubes made with the special shaping tray. And unleash dark forces with the Darth Vader corkscrew and bottle opener.

Buy from:

• Han Solo in Carbonite Ice Cube Tray from ThinkGeek $9.99
• R2D2 Measuring Cup Set from ThinkGeek $19.99 or Bed Bath & Beyond  $19.99
• R2D2 Kitchen Timer from ThinkGeek $19.99
• Death Star Cookie Jar from ThinkGeek $29.99
• Darth Vader Corkscrew & Bottle Opener from Bed Bath & Beyond $19.99

[Deal alert: sign up to Bed Bath & Beyond emails / texts for offers: often 20% off.  Then go through eBates first for 2%-4% cash back (varies by day), before clicking over to BB&B site and applying coupon.  Also go through eBates for ThinkGeek first to get 2.5% cash back]


6. For the Nostalgic / Luxe Sweettooth

Happy as a kid in a candy store...well now that expression can apply to adults as well, with a new crop of stores that offer upscale experiences and gourmet confections in beautiful packaging.

Photo source: Sugarfina

The first set that I love is Sugarfina and their store in Beverly Hills.  You can get a 'candy bento box' of treats of your selection, without the mess and unsanitary condition of bulk bins.  Gourmet candies like champagne flavored gummy bears and candied apricots in delicately painted chocolate egg shells, come in small plastic squares that can stack into beautiful bentos like a tasty puzzle.  Or, you can grab curated sets with fun themes like "Cocktail Hour" with brut & rose champagne bears, peach bellini gummies (my fav), chocolate "olive" almonds, kir royale cordials, Jamaican Rum snowballs and more, or "Happy Holidays" with pumpkin pie caramels, gingerbread cookies, candy cane caramels, peppermint malt balls and more.

 If you've ventured into either of the major malls in Sherman Oaks or Glendale lately, you might have noticed what looks like an old-timey sweets shop with an elegant old-world / classic European aesthetic.

You'll literally feel like an adult in a candy shop, and may be at risk of whip lash trying to take in all the wonders of sugary confections in every direction at once. 

There are bulk bins of delectable chocolates and candies that you can fill gummy bear shaped glass jars, mason jars or beautifully etched nostalgic tins with.  And designer artisanal often single-origin chocolate bars wrapped in the most gorgeous handmade paper you may have ever seen.  

These aren't run of the mill confections either - you'll see anything from Mr. Stanley Turkish Delights with rose & lemon, champagne mimosa / croissant and almond flavored chocolate bars, Remy Martin Cognac filled bonbons to Harry Potter pez dispensers.

Create your own tin, basket for your favorite sweets loving foodie - then double the order for yourself, as it'll definitely not be easy to part with your selections.  

Buy from:

• Lolli & Pops stores in select cities: see list here.
• Sugarfina online or in stores in select cities, see list  here.
• But first, Cocktails bento box $65
• Happy Holidays bento box $65

[Deal alert: sign up for eBates (free) to get 3% cash back, then click through from the eBates Gilt City page to buy Gilt City voucher $50 for $75 store credit to Sugarfina here (deal ends 12/14)]


7. For the Novice Chef / Home Cooks Strapped for Time

Photo source: Blue Apron

This ready-to-cook-meals-in-a-box-to-your-door subscription service is fantastic: saves the headache of fighting traffic and crowds at the grocery store or planning your meals for the week out to ensure you use up all the ingredients.  Each week that you sign up for a box they send you all the fresh ingredients you need + simple recipe cards to make 3 curated dishes, and they are often very creative ones as well, using ingredients you may not normally encounter or think to use yourself, like finger limes, hominy (for pozole) and tomatillos. The great thing is that you can skip a week or as many weeks as you want in advance, with no penalties or fees.

Again, especially for single eaters - this service prevents food waste as well: they give you exactly the amount of ingredients you need to make the dishes of the week - for example, if your recipe calls for 1 stalk of celery, they will send you just the 1 stalk, so you don't have to buy an entire head that may go to waste if you don't have any use for it outside of that recipe.  And you can save the second portion of each dish for lunch or dinner the next day.

Buy from: Blue Apron $59.95 per week of your selection (for 3 meals x 2 servings per meal = 6 total meals)

[Deal Alert: save 3% + 35% + 25%!!! Do it in this order:

• eBates - Gilt City (free to sign up) for 3% rebate this weekend (must go through desktop, not mobile) to save $0.94 (3% on paid amount if you follow the steps below, which will be paid by check to you after you accumulate $50 worth of rebates from various shopping within their vast network of partner sites)
• Buy Gilt City voucher: pay $39 for $60 value to save $21
• Use code: BLACKOUT25 for extra 25% off the order (ends Nov 28 11:59pm EST) to save $7.80]

Total cost with all 3 steps = $30.26; savings with all 3 steps = $29.74]





8. For the Love of Art

Gift a unique experience to remember: an after hours tour of LACMA galleries with an  art expert, learn about master works based on a theme, then dine after the tour with dishes around that theme (often at Ray's and Stark bar on the terrace of the musuem). Or learn to cook dishes around the theme.  

Previous themes have included Dali and Surrealism, German Art, and in January there is a Spanish Art & Tapas tour.

Photo source: Artbites.com

Buy from: artbites $80 or $110 gift certificates good towards artbites classes









9. For Wine / Spirits Lovers

Wine is always a welcome gift, and the Oremus Tokaji is sure to please even connoisseurs' tastes (afterall, if it's good enough to be served at Chef Curtis Stone's restaurant Maude in Beverly Hills...)

Pinnacle Iced Cider is another dessert wine I loved from our visit to Montreal - still trying to find out how to get a hold of a bottle in the US though - stay tuned!

And, not that anyone would reasonably have any leftovers after opening these wines - but for ahem, future other wines, should there be any remaining, get them a Savino Wine Carafe, an elegant glass cruet that they can not only serve from, but also preserve the wine for up to a week after opening.

Photo source: The Grommet

For Whiskey fans:

From the inventors of Corkcicle, the icicle shaped device that lets you chill your wine quickly, comes The Whiskey Wedge: a silicon form that allows you to create a slanted wedge of ice inside a specially designed tumbler to cool your drink while slowing dilution of flavor —as the ice block melts at a slower pace than regular ice cubes.  Works for whiskey, bourbon.

Buy from: 

• Oremus Tokaji 5 puttonyos from Wally's Wine & Spirits  $89.99
• Pinnacle Iced Cider
• Wine Saver Carafe from The Grommet $49.99
• Woodford Reserve Bourbon from Bevmo $29.99 on sale
• Whiskey Wedge from The Grommet $17.95

10. For DIY Fans

Know someone who loves to add spice to everything?  The DIY Hot Sauce kit with let them create their own unique blend with cayenne, ancho, curry, and chili spice packs, peppers, vinegars, and brown sugar. 

Photo source: Uncommon Goods

      For spirits / cocktail enthusiasts: the absinthe kit has everything they need - besides their favorite high proof neutral spirit - to brew their own "Green Fairy" beloved of 19th century artists and writers (obviously without wormwood or the notorious hallucinogenic neurotoxin). Add complexity with a blend of 11 certified organic botanicals including fennel, anise, licorice, hyssop, angelica, and artemisia. The kit also includes a custom labeled 500ml Tortuga antique green bottle, 4" funnel, natural coffee filter, and  instructions. 

Buy from: Uncommongoods.com

• Make Your Own Hot Sauce Kit $34.95
• Make Your Own Absinthe Kit $20-$45

11. For the Breath Obsessed / Those Who Tend to Overindulge in Holiday Spirits

Photo source: Breathometer

Let them check the quality of their breath, and be safe whether for the road (or on a date), with a personal portable smart breathalyzer, as seen on Shark Tank.



Buy from: Indiegogo  $49.99



12. For the Food Styling / Modernist Cuisine / Foodporn Enthusiast

Photo source: Darby Smart

Whether they are creators of food art or just want to style their food like one, this kit gives them all key tools to play with their food in a sophisticated way: includes precision tweezers, fine scissors, scalpel + 2 blades, culinary syringe + 2 syringe tips, oil mister, spatulas

Buy from: darbysmart $45

BONUS: Stocking Stuffer ideas:

Photo source: The Grommet

Wine2Go

For Hollywood Bowl Frequenters / Picnic Lovers: the foldable Wine2Go travel plastic bottle is easy to fill with your favorite wine (it holds a full bottle and are BPA free!), much more lightweight to carry than glass, with less risk of breakage.  Just roll up when you're done and it fits easily into your bag.

Buy from: The Grommet $12.99

Pressed Juicery

Photo source: Chalkboard magazine

Regular readers know that Pressed Juicery is one of the only ways I really get my veggies in, and actually enjoy it. Toast to your fav foodie's health with gift cards from Pressed Juicery - take advantage of their annual Black Friday deal to get more for your money too (see deal alert below).

Buy from: Pressed Juicery any denomination

[Deal alert: get 20% off gift cards any denomination, ends 11/29, in-stores only excluding Montecito, Paseo Nuevo, Manhattan Beach]



Tip:
For any of your other holiday shopping, first check eBates to score any retail rebates available, simply by clicking through the site first (free to sign up).