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I’m a Food Writer Who Travels to Eat, and These Are the 56 Gifts I'm Eyeing for Other Traveling Foodies

And as a bonus, many of these items are on sale ahead of the holidays.

Best Food Delivery Gifts

Best drink gifts.

• Best Gifts for Entertaining

Best Cookbook Gifts

Best pantry superstar gifts, best wearable and decorative food gifts.

Food & Wine / Reese Herrington

As a food writer with a passion for travel, before I even have my hotel booked for a trip, I already have a handful of restaurant reservations booked. To say that I’m the type of person who travels to eat would be an understatement, and each year as the holidays roll around, I yearn for culinary-centric gifts that remind me of my travels, or encourage me to keep exploring the vast (and exciting) world of food. 

Just like travel, food is a means of connection and if you’re looking for a gift for that foodie in your life, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve spent the past few weeks curating the best gifts for the fellow food lovers in my life, and let this be your one-stop shop for buying that special present for that special someone with an affinity for cuisine. This list is expansive, and includes both trendy food gifts as well as items that will really show that you care — trust me, I’ve tried (or will be buying) nearly everything on this list and once you see what's on it, you might even want to keep them for yourself. And as a cherry on top, many of these items are on sale ahead of the holiday season with prices starting at just $11. 

I personally think the best gifts are the most delicious ones, and fortunately with the rise of delivery-based food services, they’re more accessible too. Bring the soup dumpling experience at home with the all-inclusive Mìlà Experience that has everything you need (including a steamer basket) for next-level dumplings at-home. Or, if you’re looking to gift something that’ll feed the curiosity of any foodie on your list, try the Umami Cart Seasonal Fruit Subscription Box — a monthly Asian produce box that has introduced me to tons of incredible, in-season fruits that, as someone living in the Northeast, I wouldn’t typically get to experience. If you have a loved one on your list who is forever reminiscing about their vacation in France, why not gift them this Madeleine baking kit by the iconic James Beard Award-winning French chef Daniel Boulud? 

Living in New York City, whenever I come home to North Carolina, my mom would beg me to sneak some Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding on the plane, which would result in me rushing to the store before my flight, and traveling five-plus hours with lukewarm pudding. Fortunately, the iconic bakery now has the Pudding Lovers Pack to save me a trip (and hassle of traveling with pudding on a plane). But the best food delivery gifts don’t stop there. Dreaming of that fresh seafood but you’re landlocked? No problem. Fulton Fish Market is one of the country’s most cherished fish markets — I mean it’s so beloved that at this point, it’s a landmark. So why not spoil the seafood lover on your list with a stunning box of their Finest Hits Bundle ? 

• Umami Cart Seasonal Fruit Subscription Box , $34 with code BF25 (originally $45) 
• Magnolia Bakery Pudding Lovers Pack , $80
• Compartes Gourmet Fruit Treasures Chocolate Box , $64 
• Fulton Fish Market Finest Hits Bundle , $173 (originally $182)
• Goldbelly Chef Daniel Boulud’s French Madeleine Kit , $110 
• The Mìlà Experience , $160
• Meat N’ Bone Wagyu Truffle Tomahawk Gift Set , $188 
• Williams Sonoma Peppermint Bark Gift Box , $30 
• Goldbelly Lady M Crepe Cake , $125 
• North Country Smokehouse Bacon Lovers Gift Box , $153 
• Milk Bar the Holiday Sampler , $65 

Whether it's experiencing a new city’s signature drink or sipping on regional coffee, I love a good drink. And coming from a family who always try to grab a bag of coffee beans from all of the new destinations that we visit, great beans deserve a great espresso maker — and in terms of stellar machines, the Breville Aboriginal Barista Pro is unmatched. While it’s a splurge-worthy gift, this stunning espresso machine doubles as an art piece with its eye-catching designs by Aboriginal artists. Even better, 100 percent of the profits go back to Indigenous Australians. 

If you’re looking for a gift that screams très chic , the Rocco Smart Fridge is the two-in-one fridge-bar combination that the aspiring bartender in your life will gush over, especially while it’s discounted. However, a great fridge comes with the great responsibility of filling it up with equally fabulous beverages. Consider purchasing the Oodaalolly x Narra Holiday Gift Set (which is on sale for $33), a Filipino-owned roasted oolong milk tea or the ever-festive Avaline The Holiday Collection . And because the surface of the fridge doubles as a bar, the Via Carota White Negroni , (a New York City-must), would look stunning on top.

• Rocco Smart Fridge , $1,295 (originally $1,500) 
• Oodaalolly x Narra Holiday Gift Set , $39 (originally $50) 
• Breville Aboriginal Barista Pro , $1,700
• Lavazza Espresso Italiano Whole Bean Coffee , $15
• Explorer Cold Brew Concentrate , $25 
• Blue Bottle Craft Instant Espresso , $75 (originally $87) 
• Death & Co x Material The Stirred Set , $135 (originally $145)
• Via Carota White Negroni , $39
• Snowfox Ice Bucket and Glasses Set , $95 (originally $100) 
• Tribini Peppermint Mocha Espresso Martini Set , $40
• Drink Cann Cranberry Sage , $50 
• Avaline The Holiday Collection , $175

Best Gifts for Entertaining 

Fly by Jing

I love taking cooking classes in new destinations and inviting friends over to share the recipes and techniques I’ve learned throughout my journeys. And what better way to ignite the culinary aspirations of the traveling foodies in your life than giving them gifts to match? Consider the Hedley & Bennett Dinner Party Bundle , a set that comes with a high-quality apron, oven mitts, chef’s towel, and pot holders and makes the most adorable gift. And as a bonus, by giving this bundle, you might even get invited to a dinner party as a thank you.

Or if you’re reminiscing about hot pot in China, fortunately you can bring the experience at home with the Fly by Jing Hot Pot Starter Set . And if you’re looking to embrace Tapas culture after visiting Spain, you need the Fishwife Serving Set that comes with three high-quality tinned fish of your choice and a stunning serving board and utensils. But don’t stop there, get into the entire experience and fill an entire board with delicacies like charcuteries from Mercado Famous Jamon Serrania or Rancho Meladuco Organic Medjool Dates , California-based dates that, quite literally, have changed my life for the better.

And as a native Florida girl with a green thumb, I miss the humidity and a lot of the gardening potential that’s lost living in the Northeast. And whenever I travel (especially in humid regions), I was always jealous of all of the planting power, that is until I tried the Lettuce Grow The Farmstand Nook that allows me to plant and grow produce no matter the season, climate, and location all in my own kitchen (and pick up seeds in the new spots to grow at home) — and show off my produce to friends and family. 

• Fishwife Serving Set , $140 
• Fly by Jing Hot Pot Starter Set , $108 (originally $135)
• Hedley & Bennett Dinner Party Bundle , $145 (originally $160) 
• Mercado Famous Jamon Serrania , $14
• Siesta Co. Tinned Fish Variety 5-Pack , $41
• Rancho Meladuco Organic Medjool Dates , $20
• Our Place Ultimate Hosting Set , $225 (originally $245) 
• Noël Collection Holiday Tree Round Dutch Oven , $320 (originally $400) 
• TerraFlame S’mores Roaster , $70
• Lettuce Grow The Farmstand Nook , $699
• Tumbler Rolling Knife Sharpener , $129  

One of my favorite ways to play around with global flavors at home is through cookbooks. They are a magical way to connect with other cultures and learn more about global cuisine — and my 50-plus cookbook collection (and counting) is a testament to just that. You can never go wrong with a classic like the "Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking: 30th Anniversary Edition" by Marcella Hazan, or exploring the sweetness that is Abi Balingit’s "Mayumu Filipino American Desserts Remixed" (a classic in the making). 

• "Mayumu Filipino American Desserts Remixed," $24
• "Maman and Me: Recipes from Our Iranian American Family," $23
• "Made in Taiwan: Recipes and Stories from the Island Nation," $35 (originally $40)
• "Ottolenghi Simple: A Cookbook," $20 (originally $35)
• "Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking: 30th Anniversary Edition," $20 (originally $40)
• "My Everyday Lagos Nigerian Cooking at Home," $30 (originally $35 
• "Mi Cocina: Recipes and Rapture from My Kitchen in Mexico," $19 (originally $35)
• "Korean American: Food That Tastes Like Home," $22 (originally $33) 

Over the years, my pantry has evolved into my own version of a postcard, collecting interesting (and regional) sauces, snacks, and seasonings along the way. From global-inspired seasonings like the Burlap & Barrel 3-Pack Spice Gift Set to spreads like the Pika Pika Pantry Darlings Set that taste just as great on toast as they do in cocktails, pantry products make for excellent gifts (and stocking stuffers). Or, give the Brightland Mini Art Series , an Oprah-approved, California-based olive oil brand for a thoughtful and tasteful present. And of course, no pantry roundup would be complete without a mention of pasta, and for that, we recommend the Italian-produced Giadzy Pasta Duo Box . 

• Pika Pika Pantry Darlings Set , $42 
• Momofuku Raaka Chocolate Trio , $27 
• Brightland Mini Art Series , $85
• Burlap & Barrel 3-Pack Spice Gift Set , $30
• Giadzy Pasta Duo Box , $39
• Portugalia Marketplace O Melhor do Ribatejo Tomato Jam , $12 
• Partanna Extra Virgin Olive Oil , $25 
• Heraclea The Pairing , $57 (originally $60)
• Tia Lupita Hot Sauce Variety Pack , $19

Lisa Say Gah 

Not all great food gifts have to be necessarily edible or a vessel in which to eat. As someone who has made food their personality, I also want it to blend into my decor andnd the Ban.do Strawberry Fields Vase is the perfect gift for those on your list with an affinity for the farmer’s market and all things fruit. Fill it with kitchen utensils, flowers, or anything else that your heart desires. The Lisa Says Gah x Deco Miami Nail Art Stickers are also incredibly cute, and would make a stellar stocking stuffer for anyone with an affinity for food and fashion. Speaking of fashion, food-printed garments are incredibly trendy, and also make excellent gifts. The For Love & Lemons Xena Midi Dress cherry-printed dress will make any fruit-lover on your list gush, just as the Kate Spade Happy Hour Sandals are incredibly adorable statement heels and are 30 percent off today. 

• Lisa Says Gah x Deco Miami Nail Art Stickers , $12 
• Ban.do Strawberry Fields Vase , $18 with code GOBIG (originally $27) 
• For Love & Lemons Xena Midi Dress , $239
• Farfalle Pasta Stud Earrings , $45
• Ban.do Corny for You Candle , $13 with code GOBIG (originally $20) 
• Kate Spade Happy Hour Sandals , $209 (originally $298) 
• Rao's Homemade Red Velour Loungewear , $150
• Cravings by Chrissy Teigen Snacking Blanket in Pistachio , $98

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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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The 40 Best Foodie Gifts for Travelers

Megan duBois

Travel Smarter! Sign up for our free newsletter.

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.

The 15 Best Subscription Boxes to Gift Travelers

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.

Can You Bring Food on the Plane?

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.

The Best International Chips Available on Amazon

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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We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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The 14 Best Food Gifts for People Who Travel to Eat

These gift ideas will take your favorite food lover on a culinary journey..

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Fly By Jing makes its cult-favorite spices in travel (and gift) friendly two-ounce jars.

Courtesy of Fly By Jing

Some people travel to see famous landmarks or see the latest Broadway show. But if you’re buying a gift for the type of traveler who plans entire trips around one restaurant reservation or eagerly booked a flight to Japan once borders reopened for a life-changing bowl of ramen —this is the gift guide you’ll want to consult.

From cookbooks that will take you on a culinary journey to subscription boxes filled with snacks from a new country each month, these 14 food gifts are just the thing to get for people who travel to eat.

A trip to New Orleans is easy to relive at home with a few good recipes.

Courtesy of Ten Speed Press/William Hereford

1. “Turkey and the Wolf” by Mason Hereford (Ten Speed Press, 2022)

• Buy now: $28 (was $30), bookshop.org
• Best for: People who know what it means to miss New Orleans

This cookbook features more than 95 recipes from chef Mason Hereford’s New Orleans restaurant Turkey and the Wolf —plus a few from his breakfast restaurant up the street, Molly’s Rise and Shine . Now you can recreate his creative twists on Southern dishes like the Grand Slam McMuffin, collard green melt, and fried bologna sandwich whenever you like.

Explorer Cold Brew is available in No Caf, Low Caf, Reg Caf, and Extra Caf so you can customize your buzz.

Courtesy of Explorer Cold Brew

2. Explorer Cold Brew gift box

• Buy now: from $20, explorercoldbrew.com ; amazon.com
• Best for: People who know not to drink the coffee on airplanes

Between bitter beans and suspect water , the coffee served on airplanes is never satisfying. Thankfully, LGBTQ-owned Explorer Cold Brew scaled down its bottles of single-origin cold brew coffee concentrate to a travel-friendly two ounces and sells them in gift packs of 4 or 12 bottles. To enjoy good coffee at 30,000 feet, simply mix a two-ounce bottle of the cold brew concentrate with water (or milk) over ice and enjoy. For every box of cold brew purchased, Explorer Cold Brew funds clean water access for someone in need through Charity: Water for an entire month.

The Wanderlust kit is inspired by a trip to New England complete with cheese and snacks from Vermont and Massachusetts.

Courtesy of boards&co.

3. Boards & Co. Cheese Board Kits

• Buy now: from $85, shopboardsandco.com
• Best for: The cheese lovers out there

Boards & Co.’s personality-based cheese board kits (including the Wanderlust , the Artist , the Dare-Devil , to name a few) come with everything you’d need to build a perfect board. Of course there’s the carefully curated selection of cheeses and various accouterments, as well as the tools you’d need to spread your cheese or drizzle your honey. But the real surprise is the packaging. The cardboard packaging has pop-outs that turn into different accessories: coasters, tags to note which wineglass is yours (each representing a different kind of cheese), and signs to denote each of the cheeses on your board.

The kits also come with information about how cheese is made, how to build the perfect cheese board, and what kind of wines, beers, or ciders to drink with each of your specific cheeses. For a small added charge, you can even order a wine pairing with the kit online.

Spice up your bland airplane food with these travel-friendly sauces.

4. Fly By Jing Shorty Spice set

• Buy now: $25, flybyjing.com
• Best for: People who consider flavorless the real F word

Inspired by her hometown of Chengdu, China, Jing Gao created a line of pantry staples in 2018. The Fly By Jing Shorty Spice Set includes TSA-friendly two-ounce bottles of her fan-favorite Sichuan Chili Crisp, Zhong Sauce, and Mala Spice Mix. This makes a great stocking stuffer for travelers who BYO hot sauce in their personal item.

5. Universal Yums monthly subscription snack box

• Buy now: from $15 per month, universalyums.com
• Best for: Travelers who always stop at a local grocery store to raid the snack aisle for edible souvenirs

Universal Yums monthly subscription boxes come packed with sweet and savory snacks and candies from grocery stores around the globe, each box typically tied to a particular country.

“The boxes are always well balanced between sweet and salty, familiar and novel,” Ashlea Halpern, an AFAR contributing writer, wrote in a review . As a member, she’s tried everything from classic treats like nutty baklava from Jordan and marbled sesame halvah from Israel to more creative flavors like floral cheese potato chips from France, Italian truffles studded with strawberry pop rocks, and crunchy Turkish kebab chips.

Chef and food activist Bryant Terry’s cookbook, “Black Food,” contains recipes as well as essays, poems, illustrations, and collages.

Courtesy of 4 Color Books

6. “Black Food” by Bryant Terry (4 Color Books, 2021)

• Buy now: $37, bookshop.org
• Best for: Travelers who also love to cook at home

There are travel books and there are cookbooks, but our favorites are the ones where the genres coexist. One of the most recent examples is chef and food activist Bryant Terry’s cookbook, Black Food , which is a tribute to the Black diaspora.

Inside, you’ll find recipes for baker Erika Council’s vegan sweet potato biscuits and chef Nina Compton’s lentil, okra, and coconut stew—all prefaced with nuggets of history and memory. There are also essays, poems, illustrations, and collages that touch on food beyond the dinner table, including an okra-based ancestral bathing practice, the South African village pushing back against industrial farming, and more.

7. Trade Coffee Co. subscription

• Buy now: from $40, drinktrade.com
• Best for: Caffeine lovers

If you’re buying a gift for someone who maps out a city’s best coffee shops before traveling there, a Trade Coffee subscription will help them discover more than 50 of the top roasters in the United States, including Oakland’s Red Bay Coffee, Miami’s Panther Coffee, and Seattle’s Kuma Coffee.

Here’s how it works: First decide how many bags of coffee their gift subscription will contain, then Trade will email them a gift code to activate their subscription. After answering a few easy questions about their preferred coffee taste ( light or deep and smoky? ), experience level ( “pretty new” to “total coffee nerd” ) and ideal brewing method ( coffee maker or French press? ), the subscription service will create a personalized flavor profile to automatically “match” them with the roasts they’ll love.

>> Read more: Coffee Subscriptions and Boxes for Beans From Around the World

Caviar is the definition of treating yourself.

Courtesy of Fulton Fish Market

8. Fulton Fish Market Best of Domestic Caviar assortment package

• Buy now: $320, fultonfishmarket.com
• Best for: The ones worth the splurge

New York City’s Fulton Fish Market has been open since 1822—first at the South Street Seaport in lower Manhattan and now in Hunts Point, Bronx. You can get anything from oysters to a full sushi kit shipped door to door, but if you really feel like treating someone (ahem, yourself) this holiday season, splash out on some caviar. This gift box includes two ounces each of hackleback caviar, paddlefish caviar, California sturgeon caviar, and salmon roe caviar, plus crème fraîche, frozen blinis, and a mother of pearl spoon.

Count down the days until you can go back to Japan with a dram of whisky.

Courtesy of the House of Suntory

9. Yamazaki 12-Year-Old Whisky

• Buy now: from $175, drizly.com ; flaviar.com
• Best for: Someone who booked a flight to Japan as soon as the border reopened

This bottle of Yamazaki 12-year-old whisky is Suntory’s flagship single malt out of Japan’s first distillery, Yamazaki Distillery, which opened in 1923. It is so smooth , with hints of fruit (to name a few: peach, grapefruit, pineapple, candied orange, tart cranberry).

>> Read more: The Best Global Gifts for Whiskey Lovers

You may not be able to visit the Carnegie Deli anymore, but you can still get its cheesecake delivered.

Courtesy of Carnegie Deli

10. Carnegie Deli Cheesecake

• Buy now: $79, carnegiedeli.com ; $99, amazon.com
• Best for: Sweet tooths (or Golden Girls fans )

Even though the original Carnegie Deli in New York City closed years ago, you can still order its famous cheesecake via its website that ships nationwide. Order the eight-inch cheesecake for a party, or send the four-pack of mini cheesecakes so you can eat one now and freeze the rest for later.

For just $10, a bottle of local Hawaiian hot sauce makes a great stocking stuffer for food lovers.

Courtesy of Adoboloco.com

11. Adoboloco Pineapple Habanero Hot Sauce

• Buy now: from $11, mouth.com ; adoboloco.com
• Best for: Someone with a fridge full of hot sauces from around the world

Add something spicy to add to your hot-sauce loving friend’s collection this year. Adoboloco , founded in 2011 by a family in Maui, makes a pineapple habanero hot sauce with sun-ripened Hawaiian pineapples picked only two days before production. Today, they operate a community farm and supply dozens of local restaurants. Though this hot sauce is best enjoyed at Kihei Caffe in Maui, your friend can dash it on pizza, splash it in coleslaw, or slather it on pulled pork sandwiches at home while they plan their next trip to Hawai‘i.

>> Read more: 9 Out-of-This-World Hot Sauces Worth Traveling For

12. Estelle Colored Champagne Coupes

• Buy now: from $95 for two coupes, estellecoloredglass.com
• Best for: The person whose drink of choice is bubbly

For a gift for a wine lover, you can never go wrong with a bottle of champagne as a gift. But why not add a set of colorful coupes to go with it? Stephanie Summerson Hall named her hand-blown colored glass stemware company after her grandmother, Estelle, who loved antiquing and looking for new treasures in small South Carolina towns.

Made by glass artisans in Poland at a glass making company with a 100-plus-year-old history, these vintage-inspired champagne coupes come in nearly a dozen different colors from “Amber Smoke” to “Cobalt Blue” and can be purchased in sets of two or six.

Some things—like New York’s Pastrami Queen sandwiches—just can’t be recreated at home. But you can have them delivered.

Courtesy of Goldbelly

13. Pastrami Queen Sandwich Kit for Four

• Buy now: $100, goldbelly.com
• Best for: New Yorkers at heart

Leftover turkey sandwiches are fine and all, but pastrami sandwiches shipped straight from NYC are even better. The Upper East Side’s Pastrami Queen packs its sandwich kits with well-brined pastrami, soft seeded rye, mustard, and crisp pickles. The late Anthony Bourdain called the sandwich “if not the best, among the very best.”

Goldbelly also ships all sorts of iconic American regional foods from bagels to barbecue using UPS or FedEx overnight services within the United States. You could sate lots of cravings with this gift.

14. Salt & Straw Pints Club subscription

• Buy now: $229 for three months (15 pints total), saltandstraw.com
• Best for: Those who always make room for dessert

Founded in Portland, Oregon, this woman-owned business delivers ice cream made with cream from grass-fed cows to all 50 states. Better still: It tastes terrific. Its three-month Pints Club gift includes 15 pints of five different flavors per shipment. You can choose from a rotating menu of monthly flavors, classic best sellers, or choose to keep it a surprise.

Rosalie Tinelli, Laura Dannen Redman, Katherine LaGrave, and Aislyn Greene contributed reporting to this article.

This article was originally published in 2020; it was updated on November 4, 2022, with current information.

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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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Home » Gifts » Gift Guide For the Travel Loving Foodie

Gift Guide For the Travel Loving Foodie

By: Author Sarah - Curious Cuisiniere

Posted on Last updated: November 10, 2021

Picking the perfect gift can be tricky, so we’ve collected some of our favorite unique food gifts from around the world to give you some great gift ideas for the food lovers on your list.

Food Gift Ideas For The Travel Loving Foodie

When we don’t know what gift to give, food gifts are always our go to.

Who doesn’t like a fun treat?

If you have a foodie on your gift list who loves to travel, these unique food gifts from around the world are the perfect answer!

(And you might just want to pick up a treat or two for yourself while you’re at it!)

Italy – Mionetto Prosecco

A perfect host/hostess gift for any holiday party, Mionetto Prosecco is a classic. It can be served chilled on its own or used to create holiday cocktails. They even have mini bottles that make the perfect stocking stuffers!

To Buy: Find stores near you (or online retailers) that carry Mionetto by using their store locator .

Spices Of The World

We’ve recently discovered Raw Spice Bar , a company that has 75+ global spices and spice blends from around the world. You can order individual spices to make up your own gift set, or purchase one of their spice sets or gifts. They also have spice subscriptions and a spice of the month club.

To Buy:   RawSpiceBar.com

Ecuador – Raw Organic Dark Chocolate  

As serious dark chocolate lovers, when we tasted the organic dark chocolate from Pacari, we were instantly hooked. Pacari is a family owned company that has been dedicated to making high quality Ecuadorian chocolate since 2002. They’re not exaggerating when they say that their small batch chocolates are “an unforgettable chocolate experience”. Buy yourself a bar when your order your gifts. I mean, you have to know what you’re giving. Right?

To Buy: PacariChocolateUS.com

Louisiana, United States – A Cajun Life Seasonings and Mixes

If you know someone on your list who loves Cajun fare, seasonings or easy dinner mixes from A Cajun Life would make a fun Cajun-themed gift basket. A Cajun Life was started by a couple from Eunice, Louisiana who found themselves in Oregon and wanted to bring true Cajun food to anyone and everyone!

To Buy: ACajunLife.com

Spain – A Little Bit Of Spain Gift Box

When we think about Spain, we think about relaxing with friends with a glass of sangria and a wonderful spread of tapas . No one knows small bites like the Spanish. This gift box from igourmet includes everything you need for a tasty Spanish tapas party!

To Buy:   Amazon.com

Ethopia – Single Origin Coffee Beans

When we were in Cape Town, South Africa, we had the opportunity to try a number of single origin coffees from around the African continent. We particularly loved the smooth flavor with notes of citrus from the Ethiopian beans and the robust and creamy flavor of beans from Tanzania. Level Ground Trading Company has Fair Trade, Single Origin beans from both countries. As a bonus, when you purchase a bag of coffee from Level Ground Trading Company, you are supporting small, rural, family farmers and their communities.

To Buy: Level Ground Trading via Amazon.com

Canada – Maple Syrup Sampler

When we think of Canada, we think of poutine and high quality maple syrup. If you have breakfast lover on your list, they are sure to be thrilled at the prospect of a maple syrup taste test with this Canadian maple syrup sampler set from Escuminac . The combo includes “extra rare”, “intensely dark”, and “late harvest”. Maybe your friend will have you over for brunch to taste the differences!

To Buy: Escuminac via Amazon.com

India – Chai Tea 

The warm spiced flavor of chai tea is one of our favorite things to cozy up with on a chilly winter day. You could always make your own chai tea blend using our recipe, or you could get the tea lovers on your list this cute gift pack trio of chia teas form VAHDAM. 

To Buy:   VAHDAM via Amazon.com

Germany, France, Ireland – World Mustard Collection

We do love mustard, and it’s incredibly how mustard can take on such a different life in different countries. That’s why we’re loving this World Mustard Collection gift set from igourmet. It’s perfect for any mustard-lover in your life!

To Buy:  Amazon.com

South Africa – Biltong (Beef Jerky)

When we traveled to South Africa, we fell in love with Biltong, South Africa’s version of beef jerky. Instead of being dehydrated, it is air-dried, making biltong more juicy and more tender than any jerky you’ve ever had. If you have a meat-lover on your list, this is the gift for them!

To Buy: Braiitime via Amazon.com

If you liked this recipe, here are some similar dishes you may enjoy!

Sarah is one of Curious Cuisiniere’s founding duo. Her love for cultural cuisines was instilled early by her French Canadian Grandmother. Her experience in the kitchen and in recipe development comes from years working in professional kitchens. She has traveled extensively and enjoys bringing the flavors of her travels back to create easy-to-make recipes.

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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.

AeroGarden Harvest Elite with Gourmet Herb Seed Pod Kit

This compact indoor garden offers the versatility of growing herbs or salad greens quickly. In our tests, we found that it was very easy to set up and appreciated the lighted reminders to add plant food and water.

RELATED: 10 Best Indoor Herb Garden Kits of 2022

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

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!

Kosterina Crushed Fruit Vinegar Trio

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

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.

Lodge Cast Iron Skillet

There isn't really anything that you can't cook in this versatile pan. Whether you're looking for the crispiest seared chicken or golden-brown pancakes, this pre-seasoned cast iron skillet does it all, which makes it the perfect all-in-one gift.

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.

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!

La Maison du Chocolat Plain Dark Chocolate Truffles

These dark chocolate truffles melt in your mouth and are not overly coated in cocoa like others we’ve tried. They are a great present for neighbors, bosses or co-workers.

RELATED: 40 Best Thank You Gifts to Show Your Appreciation

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Emile Henry Flame Top 14.5" Pizza Stone

Pizza stones are an excellent and inexpensive way to make restaurant-style pizza at home. This one's enameled for easy clean-up and has handles for easy transferring in and out of the oven. In our oven testing, it cooked a pizza that had a crispy bottom, air bubbles in the dough and a nicely browned top.

RELATED: 5 Best Pizza Stones and Steels, According to Testing

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29 Gifts for the Friend Who’s Always Talking About Italy

By Alex Erdekian

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

You know who we’re talking about. Maybe they tote an impractical, tiny leather backpack with a fleur de lis stamped on it, name drop the restaurant on Borgo Pinti they frequented while studying abroad in Florence , or have a lot to say about the correct espresso-to-milk ratio of a cortado. There's no questioning it: The traveler who checks these boxes is dreaming of visiting Italy . Luckily, this friend is damn easy to shop for, considering the way Italian craftsmanship touches nearly every single cultural realm—food, wine, literature, film, and fashion included.

This researched list has something for every kind of Italy lover, from Milanese Christmas cake to wooden risotto spoons. Not only on this list do we have beautiful Italian ingredients, but we also have an online interior design class by way of Florence , a boat ride around the Amalfi Coast , one-of-a-kind glass Christmas ornaments made in Milan , and an Italy-made pasta maker for rainy days.

Here are 29 beautiful Italian gifts for anyone who's ever fallen in love with the country—yourself included.

Find the best Italian gifts by category:

Gourmet gifts, gifts for experience seekers, gifts to help learn the language, gifts for an at-home spa day, gifts for your home, gifts for bookworms.

There are few dishes that epitomize the spirit of Italy like a steaming bowl of pasta. And a high-quality machine for making such pasta—the fresh kind—is a thoughtful gift for the friend who lives for weekend cooking projects—especially those who get cold winters and are in need of post-holidays indoor activities. The Imperia Pasta Maker Machine comes tested and recommended by our friends at Epicurious , and is made in Italy. It’s made of shiny, good-looking stainless steel and is a manual model, operating via a hand crank with a wood grip. Whether you prefer tagliatelle or tortellini, the joy of working with fresh pasta dough is a wonder.

More pasta makers we love:

Chopping and mincing vegetables is one of the most tedious cooking prep tasks—but, naturally, the Italians have an answer to that in the mezzaluna (which translates to half-moon in their language). Rocking a sharp, heavy, curved blade back and forth over carrots, celery, garlic, or onions does the job quickly and easily. It's particularly helpful when making a soffrito, an Italian cooking base for soups, braises, and sauces. This one is made in Italy of stainless steel and has grippable wooden handles.

Every fridge has a crumbly tub of pre-grated Parmesan cheese—but nonnas looking down from heaven are gasping, “Dio mio!” at the sight of those bland spaghetti strands. The fix? Whipping out a microplane and a hunk of parmigiano-reggiano, stat. The Microplane Classic Series zester does the job as well as any. With its tiny but fierce jagged teeth, it smoothly and effortlessly transforms any hard cheese into what looks like a fluffy pile of fresh-fallen snow and what tastes like salty, sharp, melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness.

This one is a fun bonus ravioli stamp. We love it as an add-on to any kind of pasta or food gift, or as a stocking stuffer. It's made in Italy out of aluminum and comes in a 2-inch or 3-inch size.

Enough about pasta; let's let risotto have its time in the sun. Simple, hearty, delicious, and variable (mushroom, shrimp, or lemon can star), the creamy rice-based risotto deserves a spot on any Italy-lover's regular recipe rotation. Make that happen for them with the essential risotto tool: a wooden spoon hollowed by a hole in the center. This instrument allows the grains to pass through the center, keeping them distinct and preventing them from being broken and smushed—it also aerates the dish. This highly rated olive wood model is easy to procure at $13 on Amazon.

If you’ve spent time in Italy , you know that drip coffee is hardly a thing there. You’d be hard-pressed to find it, even in coffee shops that cater to Americans. (If you manage to find iced coffee, chances are it’s actually an Americano on ice or something similar). Espresso is the Italian way. This applies to the coffee made and sipped in Italian homes, too, where the Moka pot is a key appliance. The little aluminum coffeemaker sits on a stovetop's flame and uses pressurized steam to churn out three cups of espresso—one for you, one for your friend, and one for the house.

As far as Italian gifts go, food is a no-brainer. Skip the tricolor cookies this Christmas—any and all party hosts will be much better off with a panettone brought to them instead. This Milanese Christmas cake can be enjoyed around the clock: A wedge of the tall, fluffy, zesty orange treat studded with raisins and candied fruit satisfies for breakfast with espresso, as an afternoon snack, or for dessert with a digestivo like Amaretto. Ferrara Bakery in New York City’s Little Italy makes an excellent one and ships it nationwide.

For the activities loving, hands-on traveler in your life who doesn't have the chance to take an international trip next year, why not bring travel to them with an Italy-centric online Airbnb Experience session? This 60-minute Florence-based interior design webinar tours a historic private apartment in the Santa Croce neighborhood. Host Luciano Nicola will show guests how to utilize color and furniture to create desired moods and aesthetics in their own spaces. This class has 237 reviews and an average rating of 4.99 out of 5 stars.

Get ready because this one is dreamy—and an in-person Airbnb Experience this time. For an extra special gift, like an anniversary or a honeymoon activity, this Amalfi Coast snorkeling boat ride sounds like a total delight. The watercraft departs Positano in the morning and makes stops at beaches, inside sea caves, and along colorful coastal villages before returning around 4 p.m.. Prosecco, snacks, water, soda, and towels will also be aboard. This tour has an average of 5 stars and 426 reviews. Another option, for those traveling further south down the boot, is this Sicily boat tour that Condé Nast Traveler senior editor Megan Spurrell enjoyed .

If there’s a person in your life who is deep in trip-planning mode, the best gift you can give them is an unforgettable travel experience. In this case, a tour through Pompeii and the vineyards Vesuvius National Park, featuring horseback riding, a five-glass wine tastings, and volcano views. A decadent meal is included, too: Bruschetta, grilled and pickled vegetables, a spread of local cured meat, salty cake, pasta allo Scarpariello, and a dessert with sweet liquor are all on the menu. This Airbnb Experience makes a special gift for wine lovers in particular.

More Airbnb experiences we love:

For the traveler who is serious about immersing themselves in the culture of Italy during their visit, or who already has a working understanding of Italian, help them get to the next level with a subscription to an Italian language learning program. Among the many options on the market, Rosetta Stone is one of the most popular, offering you the chance to learn through real-world scenarios and audio from native speakers.

When it comes to learning a new language, Babbel is favored for its strong and intuitive foundation in grammar, its wide-ranging resources including live online classes, and the flexibility to go at your own pace.

This Amazon bestseller is a great option for anyone trying to master the language, whether you're a beginner or just trying to brush up on your skills. Learn at your own pace with exercises and self-tests you can take from anywhere.

One lifestyle advantage that Italians have over Americans is their ability to see the big picture, to not sweat the small stuff, to just relax. We might as well make like them with spa products that promise to help us do just that. This thick body cream, rosa gardenia-scented, is best applied after bathing and sun exposure. It comes from Florence’s Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, a pharmacy that was founded in 1612 and uses its very own secret formulas to this day, but is conveniently available via Amazon.

More Santa Maria Novella products we love:

A subtle touch of Italy for the friend who loves decor can be found in this kaleidoscopic Murano glass candle available from Nordstrom. It comes in three different colors and scents. An oceanic blue with a salty sea scent, a fiery red and gold with a ginger scent, and a sunny yellow and pink with a spring flowers scent.

This hand-blown, borosilicate glass Italian Christmas ornament is our pick for the person who is impossible to shop for, like your friend who has everything or your sister-in-law with intimidatingly great taste. The smooth glass orbs sold by Goop come by way of a Milan-based design studio that collaborates with traditional artisans. They come in a rich sapphire blue and a crisp apple green color, and flow into a beautiful swirl at the top.

For your Italy-adoring writer friend with vintage style, you can do no wrong with this hard-cover notebook covered by a map of Italy, available on Redbubble. Can't you picture this sliding right into their distressed dark brown leather satchel after a class or meeting? It also comes in a spiral version .

Aerial shots, pleasingly neat geometric patterns in the form of pinwheel-like umbrellas, and brilliant blue hues: You know Gray Malin when you see him. In Italy , the king of aesthetics showcases the photographs he took during summer visits to the coast . The pictured regions are scattered along the border of the boot—the Amalfi Coast, Capri, Cinque Terre, Lake Como, Puglia, Sicily, Tuscany, and Portofino grace the glossy pages of this cheerful coffee table book . Sunbathers on the hot white rocks of Grotta della Poesia, boats bobbing in the azure waters of Portofino harbor, and sun-bleached clouds above the seaside cliffs of Capri will give your imagination all it needs to make it through winter. In the introduction, Malin even likens Italy to an ice cream cone in July. Whether or not you find that analogy silly, the bright and beachy images that follow are certainly as enticing as it gets.

Ever wonder about the origin of pesto? How about focaccia? You can thank Liguria, a crescent-shaped region in northwest Italy on the Mediterranean coastline, home to Cinque Terre and other bright and colorful fishing villages. This cookbook, Liguria: The Cookbook: Recipes from the Italian Riviera, tells the story of the region’s gastronomy. In its pages, find dishes like corzetti (a medallion-shaped stamped pasta), stuffed anchovies, and fritto misto.

Even for the most avid Italian wine lovers, the category is a difficult one to master. After all, Italy cultivates nearly 2,000 native grape varieties and is home to a multiplicity of wine-making regions, from Piedmonte to Sicily and everything in between. For the oenophile with a passion for Italian wine, Wine Atlas of Italy is a little-known text that is required reading. The book contains 57 maps of Italian winemaking regions, many made by the author himself because few existed at the time of publication. He also includes helpful (though sometimes outdated) travel intel on restaurants, hotels, wine shops, and local sights.

Need some more inspo? Check out  Traveler' s  Amazon Storefront  for even more of our favorite travel gifts.

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Travel for Food Hub The Food Blog for Travel Lovers

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!

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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.

The City of Rice, Arborio

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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The 43 Best Gifts For Foodies Of 2024

Top gifts for those who love to cook and eat.

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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. 

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10 Top US Cities for Food and Drinks, According to the Experts

Hawaii's capital and Maine's waterfront food hub make the list.

SARAH KARLAN/The New York Times/Redux

For the 2024 Global Tastemakers list of the Best Cities for Food and Drinks in the United States, New York retained the No. 1 spot. We’re also excited for some newcomers gaining recognition: Honolulu; Portland, Maine; and Washington, D.C., nabbed our panel's attention and have asserted their place among the finest food cities in the country. Here's the full list of where to travel and taste this year.

New York City

Melina Mara/The Washington Post via Getty Images

It’s hard to find another American city that can satisfy any food craving as easily as New York. From a burrata slice at L'Industrie Pizzeria , to Pearl Pie at Superiority Burger , to dreamy drinks at Sappe , New York City possesses the uncanny ability to deftly balance classic cuisine with the latest trends. Korean fine dining restaurants have enjoyed a surge of new openings, with Meju , Coqodaq , Naro , and Nōksu leading the way.

New Orleans

Andriy Blokhin / Alamy

New Orleans dining is all about seamlessly bridging the old and the new. You’ll find classic Creole fare at stalwarts like Dooky Chase Restaurant and Brigtsen’s , while Dakar Nola , Wild South , and 2022 F&W Best New Chef Ana Castro’s highly anticipated Acamaya are contributing to the city’s modern culinary culture.

MICHELLE LITVIN/The New York Times/Redux

No matter your budget or appetite, Chicago’s wonderfully diverse food scene has you covered. Try a Filipino tasting menu at Kasama , a Cambodian fried chicken sandwich at Hermosa’s , tacos at Birrieria Zaragoza’s , or a classic Italian beef sandwich at Al’s or Johnnie’s , for a sample of the endless options.

Austin rose to the No. 4 spot from 10 on this year’s list. Home to 2023 F&W Restaurant of the Year Birdie’s as well as 2023 F&W Best New Chef Edgar Rico of Nixta Taqueria, each year the city manages to find new ways to impress. If you’re planning a trip, be sure to check out Rico’s guide to the best of Texas’ capital, from baguettes to ramen.

Los Angeles

LAUREN JUSTICE/The New York Times/Redux

Few cities champion boundary-pushing concepts better than Los Angeles. Crowds snake down the block at Anajak Thai for 2022 F&W Best New Chef Justin Pichetrungsi’s Thai Taco Tuesdays, while 2023 F&W Best New Chef Hannah Ziskin crafts thick pan pizzas and layer cakes at Quarter Sheets. If you’re looking for one of the city’s best wine bars for pours without pretension, The Ruby Fruit offers a smart selection of natural wines from an easy-to-miss strip mall location.

Peter Frank Edwards/Redux

Given its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, Charleston is renowned for its fresh seafood and abundance of notable raw bars such as Leon’s Oyster Shop and The Ordinary . There are loads of other iconic dishes you shouldn’t pass up as well, including Bertha’s Kitchen’s okra soup, whole-hog barbecue at Rodney Scott’s , and Peninsula Grill’s coconut cake.

ALFONSO DURAN/The New York Times/Redux

Miami has always been a deeply international city, and the range of its food scene has only grown in recent years. At Maty’s in Midtown, 2023 F&W Best New Chef Valerie Chang turns out bold Peruvian plates (huancaina-smothered choclo, oxtail saltado), while MiMo’s Phuc Yea mashes up Vietnamese and Colombian flavors (think Wagyu Churrasco with lemongrass ponzu). As for who makes the best Cuban sandwich? That’s a never-ending debate, and many locals endorse Sanguich De Miami .

Washington, D.C.

Deb Lindsey for The Washington Post via Getty Images

Though Bad Saint shuttered in 2022, the trailblazing Filipino restaurant that thrust D.C.’s culinary scene into the national spotlight almost a decade ago inspired a new wave of dining in the nation’s capital that continues today. Kevin Tien’s Moon Rabbit now carries the torch for inventive and uniquely modern Vietnamese food, while charming pizza bar The Little Grand offers eclectic pizza and wine pairings. Other highlights include 2022 F&W Best New Chef Rob Rubba’s vegetable-centric Oyster Oyster as well as 2023 F&W Best New Chef Isabel Coss and Matt Conroy's new Pascual , where wood-fired Mexican fare has piqued the interest of diners from D.C. and beyond.

Portland, Maine

Quickly becoming one of the premiere culinary centers of the Northeast, Portland, Maine, offers can’t-miss dining opportunities like the wallet-friendly omakase at Izakaya Minato , sourdough Neapolitan pizza at Quanto Basta , and housemade rigatoni tossed in meat ragu and dandelion greens at Leeward . At Cocktail Mary , most evenings evolve into an impromptu dance party — one that’s inclusive, affordable, and most importantly, fun.

MICHELLE MISHINA KUNZ/The New York Times/Redux

An ideal day in Hawaii’s capital might begin with a hearty breakfast at chef Lee Anne Wong’s Koko Head Cafe before slowly making your way to Helena’s Hawaiian Food for a late lunch, where the no-frills institution sends out earthen-oven cooked Kalua Pig and Poi. Last, Michelle Karr-Ueoka and Wade Ueoka’s MW Restaurant is a dinner destination renowned for stylish takes on Hawaiian comfort food and whimsical desserts like Michelle’s MW Candy Bar.

Plus One: Seattle

RUTH FREMSON/The New York Times/Redux

In recent years, food entrepreneurs have made their mark across the Emerald City with clever concepts including the Asian-inspired cake cafe Paper Cake Shop , “Seattle Soul” destination Communion , and trendy sister bars La Dive Queen Anne and Rich Rich . For further recommendations, 2023 F&W Best New Chef Aisha Ibrahim, fine dining institution Canlis' first female executive chef in 74 years, shares her Seattle city guide .

Global Tastemakers is a celebration of the best culinary destinations in the U.S. and abroad. We asked more than 180 food and travel journalists to vote on their favorites, including restaurants and bars, cities, hotels, airports, airlines, and cruises. We then entrusted those results to an expert panel of judges to determine each category's winners. In many categories, we've included a Plus One, hand-selected by our expert panel, to shout out more culinary destinations we don't want our readers to miss. See all the winners at foodandwine.com/globaltastemakers .

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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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A travel planner shares the 10 biggest mistakes people make while booking all-inclusive vacations

• As a travel planner, I regularly stay at all-inclusive resorts and book luxury trips for my clients.
• The vacations can be daunting and complicated to book, and many people make mistakes along the way.
• Booking the cheapest room , requesting an ocean view, and always bringing kids isn't the way to go.

As a travel planner at Marvelous Mouse Travels , one of my areas of expertise is booking all-inclusive vacations.

The luxury trips can be complex to book, so it's easy to get tripped up if you're new to them. And if you're spending upwards of $3,000 for a weeklong getaway for two, you want to ensure you're getting your money's worth.

Here are the biggest mistakes people make while booking all-inclusive vacations .

Jumping into internet searches before thinking about what you want

When choosing an all-inclusive resort , it's important to consider your dream vacation before you even start looking online. Determining a trip bucket list will greatly help to narrow down your search.

I encourage clients to think about things like their budget, nonnegotiable amenities, ideal locations, flight accessibility, desired room features, and resort size.

Booking the cheapest room at the cheapest resort

In all-inclusive travel, you truly get what you pay for.

I recommend focusing searches on properties with at least a 4.5 rating. Value properties often struggle to provide quality food options, comfortable accommodations, and adequate service.

Although entry-level rooms are the least expensive, booking them can also come at a price.

The cheapest rooms can have views of the parking lot or construction sites. Or they're located on the ground floor, which can get musty if you're in a humid, tropical location.

You can often upgrade to a better room for a minimal extra cost, and I think it's more than worth it. If you're really on a strict budget, shorten your trip by a day or two to allow for a higher-quality experience.

Taking your kids along every time

There are many great kid-friendly, all-inclusive resorts, but taking an adults-only trip is so much fun.

Grab your friends, family, or significant others to rewind for a few days without the kids.

On a recent trip to Le Blanc Spa Resort in Cancún, my husband and I appreciated the time we spent reconnecting, unwinding, and unplugging from work and family responsibilities.

Forgetting to research the food

One of the best parts of an all-inclusive vacation is enjoying the all-you-can-eat cuisine and top-shelf drink selections.

Spending up to a week at a luxury resort with mediocre food can be an unenjoyable experience. When reading reviews, p ay close attention to comments about the food quality.

I love the food and drinks at Palace, Sandals, and Beaches resorts and often recommend them to my clients.

Completely ruling out hurricane season

Booking a trip to the Caribbean or Mexico in summer and fall ( hurricane season ) carries some risk, but prices are usually significantly lower than at other times of the year.

The weather can be gorgeous, and there's no guarantee your trip will be impacted by bad weather. If you're concerned, definitely keep an eye on the weather and add on travel insurance while you're booking.

My husband and I honeymooned in the Caribbean in the fall , and the weather was some of the best I have ever had on a vacation.

Booking an ocean-view room

One of the biggest disappointments I hear from clients is that their view didn't meet their expectations.

Some resorts are more liberal with their categorization of partial-ocean-view and ocean-view rooms — maybe you can see a sliver of blue through the trees if you crane your neck.

If you want to see the beautiful blue of the sea from your balcony, you need to book an oceanfront room.

Limiting your search to tropical destinations

Many popular all-inclusive resorts are in tropical locations , but there are also some great options in places like Canada, Europe, and Japan.

Club Med offers all-inclusive resorts worldwide. One of its newest offerings is Club Med Charlevoix, which offers an all-inclusive ski experience in the winter and an adventure experience in the summer.

Trusting your friend's recommendations implicitly

Your friend might have impeccable taste, but that doesn't mean their favorite resort meets your style or needs.

One of my clients might love a resort, but another may not enjoy the experience at all. Finding the resort that's right for you is a very personal process.

Not booking with a travel planner

Sure, I'm a little biased, but hear me out: Choosing the right destinations and resorts for your all-inclusive vacation can be daunting. In Mexico alone, there are hundreds of lodgings to choose from.

Most travel planners offer complimentary services (we get commissions from hotels and other bookings), which can greatly reduce the headache of planning your trip.

I always look for the best pricing and make sure to support my clients before, during, and after their vacations so they can relax.

As part of being an agent, I also visit resorts to vet them for my clients. Reading reviews online can be helpful, but they can also be confusing, so I like to be able to make personal recommendations.

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Mother’s day gift guide 2024: the best tennis vacations.

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Training at Mouratoglou Academy, star tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou's tennis training complex in ... [+] France's Cote d'Azur.

Whether one’s mother is just starting to take lessons or is the Singles Champ of her club, anyone can benefit from some serious tennis coaching. Since many tennis programs are also located in destinations that are tempting vacation spots as well, holiday time goes along with the training.

The layout of Mouratoglou Academy in France.

Mouratoglou Academy , France They can’t promise a Grand Slam winning streak like Serena Williams’s, the most famous of the many tennis stars that Patrick Mouratoglou has coached, but the staff here will certainly up anyone’s game—and as an added bonus, the Academy is located in Biot on the Cote d’Azur, 15 minutes from Nice International Airport. The 30 acre resort contains 34 clay and hardcourts; adult tennis camps are available from June 17 th to August 31 st in either five day weekday or two day weekend, full day, half day or night session tennis instruction including physical and mental training. On site accommodations include a full scale resort and apartments. And since Patrick Mouratoglou lives nearby, he drops by and interacts with participants when he isn’t on tour with Holger Rune whom he’s currently coaching. Other top ranked pros such as Stefanos Tsitsipas also come here to train so you never know who’ll be hitting in the next court.

Courts lit for night play at the Mouratoglou Tennis Center Costa Navarino on the Greek mainland.

Mouratoglou Tennis Center at Costa Navarino , Greece The Mouratoglou coaching philosophy is also available at this center in the resort community of Costa Navarino overlooking the Ionian Sea in the southwest Peloponnese. There are 12 courts-seven clay, four hardcourt, one grass court-half and full day sessions available for instruction as well as tennis clinics, physical and tactical training and the ability to play full games against the pro. Then after sessions end, there’s a sandy beach and two resorts, The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort , and The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and their full spas for recovery.

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Imessage s lock on america is this really the beginning of the end, a psychologist explains the difference between psychopaths and sociopaths.

Rafa Nadal Academy in Manacor, Mallorca. (Photo by JAIME REINA / AFP) (Photo by JAIME REINA/AFP via ... [+] Getty Images)

Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar , Spain The 22 Grand Slam winner set up this academy in his hometown of Manacor, Mallorca in 2016 to pass along his methodology (or as much of the extreme physicality and slashing forehands that can be communicated.) This year, the Academy, with 43 clay and hardcourts, is opening its first adult camp from June 16 th to August 25 th offering 12 hours of technical tennis training, five hours of physical preparation and other activities plus seven nights at the resort Rafa Nadal Residence . Nadal’s first coach, his uncle Toni, and former World No. 1 Carlos Moyá, are in charge of the programs and Rafa drops in from time to time. There’s also a new facility in Mexico: the Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre in Costa Mujeres which offers three-six day programs with training two hours a day and accommodations at the resorts TRS Coral Hotel and Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa .

Relaxing in the pool at Sensei Porcupine Creek after a tennis lesson at Indian Wells Tennis Garden ... [+] or Sensei

Indian Wells Tennis Garden , Indian Wells, California The site of the BNP Paribas Open, aka Tennis Paradise, is open to members and the public when the pros aren’t staging their tournament. Lessons are available in hour and half hour sessions along with regular group clinics and faster live ball clinics. Located 14 miles from Palm Springs, the tennis center is surrounded by resorts but an appropriate add on for these tennis activities is a stay at nearby Sensei Porcupine Creek in Rancho Mirage owned, like Indian Wells, by Larry Ellison. Apart from additional instruction by Director of Tennis Caroline Vis, a former WTA top ten doubles player, guests can take advantage of all of the scientific and holistic wellness treatments at this 230 acre retreat. The views of the Santa Rosa Mountains that surround the property would be worth a visit on their own and so is the cuisine created by Nobu.

The tennis complex in Mandarina on Mexico's Riviera Nayarit.

One & Only Palmilla in Los Cabos; Mandarina , Riviera Nayarit, Kanai , Riviera Maya, Mexico The tennis management company LUX Tennis operates top tier tennis coaching facilities in resorts around the world as well as contracts with major tennis players who make personal appearances at the resorts. Like the other international programs, these three Mexican resorts offer the LUX combination of individually tailored private lessons, clinics, games and tournaments for players of all skill levels throughout the year. And for participants who time it well, they might encounter current stars in resort Meet and Greets such as Carlos Alcaraz who dropped into One & Only Palmilla to offer personal instruction in December and Iga Swiatek who did the same in Cap Juluca in Anguilla; the players also sometimes oversee tournaments among the participants and will hit against them. (LUX Tennis is also offering Forbes readers a complimentary tennis lesson if they book their stay through LUX.)

The setting of Rosewood Bermuda.

Rosewood Bermuda Through its association with Cliff Drysdale Tennis , another major tennis management company, this resort offers a comprehensive tennis program of lessons, clinics, competitions and mixers on its four Har-Tru courts. Led on site by Director of Tennis Ashley Brooks, one of the island’s top ranked players, instruction can be individualized to all levels. And given Bermuda’s perfect sports environment-hot during the summer but moderate during the winter-tennis is played throughout the year.

The private island of Mustique in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The Mustique Tennis Club, Mustique, St. Vincent and the Grenadines The celebrities and royals who own elaborate villas on this private Caribbean island also play a lot of tennis. The six courts at the Tennis Club are available to all island guests for lessons and clinics with Club pros along with seasonal camps and tournaments in high season plus the Mustique Tennis Academy taking place this May and June. In it, the staff analyzes technique, ups the level of coaching and guests test out the new skills in a high level of match play. Afterward, guests staying in either villas or the island’s one hotel The Cotton House can participate in other island activities such as sailing, lying on the beach or the nightly parties at Basil’s Bar.

The Ritual Bath at the Boca Raton's Spa Palmera.

The Boca Raton , Florida This South Florida grande dame, extensively renovated two years ago, has for generations been a meeting place for tennis players in the area social scene. The Racquet Club is comprised of 16 Hydro-Grid courts and a full service concierge to coordinate the activities whether it’s organizing private lessons or finding a partner of comparable skills for a game. Clinics for adults range from fundamentals for beginners to power tennis. And after participants come off the court, they have the beach, three pools, 12 restaurants and Spa Palmera for relaxing weary muscles.

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

19 Unique And Fabulous Experiences In Moscow

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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.

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Mother’s Day Gift Guide: Nostalgic Beach Supplies, Egg Cups and More

The whimsical housewares and artisanal tools that T Magazine’s editors and contributors are eyeing for our maternal figures.

Retro Beach Accessories Inspired by a Photographer’s New Book

By Jamie Sims

I grew up vacationing in a beach town called Nags Head on the Outer Banks, the string of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina. My parents did, too — they were high school sweethearts — and their stories about hitchhiking to Nags Head as teenagers in the 1960s and seeing bands like the Drifters perform at the local dance hall were the stuff of legend in my mind. As a kid in the ’80s, I loved climbing the massive sand dunes at nearby Jockey’s Ridge State Park and fishing at Cape Hatteras. So I was excited to learn that this month, Steidl will publish a book of images the photographer Joel Sternfeld took in Nags Head in the summer of 1975. Sternfeld’s weatherworn cottages and roadside snack bars bring back memories real and imagined, and I’ll enjoy reliving them with my mom. The book is currently available for preorder , so, in the meantime, I’m eyeing some other ’70s-inspired gifts for Mother’s Day. Vacation’s Orange Gelée sunscreen is reminiscent of the vintage tanning staple Bain de Soleil, and this portable wine chiller designed in 1978 by Richard Carlson is easy to find on eBay. It fits two bottles of wine. Alternatively, Cann Social Tonic’s zero-proof Roadie pouches, infused with 2 milligrams of THC, travel easily to the beach. And for a nostalgic summer pants set, turn to the Rockaway Beach-based Zingara Vintage . The designer Erin Silvers custom makes her ZingaraTerry loungewear from vintage YSL towels produced in the 1960s and ’70s.

Garden Party

Ikebana Essentials From the Fashion Designer Ulla Johnson

By Angela Koh

The New York-based fashion designer Ulla Johnson has collaborated with the British Japanese home and gardening brand Niwaki on a five-piece ikebana kit, launching next week. Ikebana, which Johnson studied during the coronavirus lockdown in 2020, is a minimalist style of floral arrangement that dates back to sixth-century Japan. Four years after she began the practice, Johnson still arranges flowers from her own Brooklyn backyard as often as possible. “I start each day in the garden when I can, gathering stems and branches to bring light and life into the house,” she says. Her collection with Niwaki features ikebana essentials, including secateurs (hand pruners) wrapped in wisteria rattan, a shallow vase handmade by the Japanese potter Yo Thom and a gardening apron made of Ulla Johnson’s shibori fabric, which shows up frequently in her ready-to-wear clothes. The Ulla Johnson x Niwaki ikebana collection will launch May 6 in Johnson’s New York and Los Angeles boutiques, as well as at Niwaki’s London flagship, which Johnson will take over with a window installation designed by the florist Frida Kim.

Fruity Green Soaps to Brighten the Bath

By Caitie Kelly

Deliciously scented and with a dose of nourishing ingredients, these bars of soap turn hand washing (or showering) into a pleasurable part of any routine. The New York-based brand Soft Services recently launched a Green Banana Buffing Bar loaded with microcrystals that rubs away flakes for softer skin and a deep clean. The scent is bright, green and slightly sweet — just like a freshly peeled, unripe version of its namesake fruit. The Long Island-based company Terra-Tory’s seasonal Wild Heirloom Tomato and Sweet Basil soap uses puréed, vitamin C-rich tomatoes sourced from a local farmer’s market alongside sweet basil oil, cracked black pepper and anti-inflammatory nettle leaves. The herbaceous, hearty cube shape looks elegant in a soap dish or hung by the bath. For another visual treat, there’s D.S. and Durga’s striped Pistachio Glycerin Soap, crafted in Maine by the soap and candle maker Wary Meyers. The nostalgic pink-and-green bar is unabashedly sweet smelling — and would look quite at home in the display case at an Italian bakery.

Double Duty

Candles in Sculptural Containers

By Gage Daughdrill

A candle that comes in a striking, reusable vessel is two gifts in one: After the wax has melted away, the container becomes a sculptural catchall, vase or mug. Ferm Living ’s Ura soy wax candle comes in three calming scents — lemongrass, fig and chamomile — and is potted in a terra-cotta vessel with an accompanying lid. For a more ornate option, Arquiste ’s Friend of the Night candle is encased in a Michoacán enameled clay vase designed with two Mexico City-based studios, Marva and Surco. The candle’s notes of tuberose and sugar cane were developed by the Mexican perfumer Rodrigo Flores-Roux, who has also worked on fragrances for Clinique and Tom Ford. The Indonesian design studio Marloe Marloe offers the Mini Bobby Candle — a smaller (about four and a half inches high) option glazed in the company’s signature gritty Lava texture. The vessel houses a beeswax blend with the brand’s Leather and Amber scent, which has notes of green leaf, thyme and lemon completed with sandalwood. For their most recent collaboration released in April, the fragrance brand Liis and the ARC Objects designer Daniela Jacobs created hand-carved porcelain vessels filled with Liis’s two newest scents, In This World (notes of blood orange, lavender and tonka wood) and Ethereal Wave (bergamot, white tea and velvet musk). For a mother who appreciates an oceanic hue, there’s the London-based brand Austin Austin ’s collaboration with the ceramic artist Matthew Raw. Their candle, with top notes of cedar atlas and ylang-ylang, is housed in a hand-dipped glossy cobalt vessel.

etch a sketch

Gold Pendants With a Personal Engraving

By Shannon Adducci

When Caitlin Mociun introduced her line of hollowed-out charms made to hold hair, ashes or tiny notes, she joined a new wave of designers reimagining keepsakes and mourning jewelry . Now the Brooklyn-based jeweler is looking at another way to hold relics close with a new custom line called Memento , which features line drawings, signatures, phrases and symbols etched onto pendants.

Mociun landed on the idea six years ago, when she designed a pendant for her husband as a wedding gift. The process of working with an artisan to translate a portrait of herself into a photo etching proved to be a literal labor of love, too difficult to bring to clients (for now). She searched for a way to simplify the process: An employee knew of someone who had an antique locket engraved with “I Love You” in her mother’s handwriting, duplicated from a piece of paper. It was that notion — replicating not an elaborate work of art but a more quotidian, intimate moment from life — that helped the designer shape her concept. The Memento process takes about six weeks and begins with a client sending in an image that’s then formatted and mocked up for placement on a gold pendant, which is offered in both oval and circular shapes. The design is etched using a laser engraving machine. “It’s nice to have a physical reminder of a feeling,” says Mociun. “It’s why I wear jewelry and why I like making jewelry; it fits into my idea of a walking altar.”

Morning Companion

Egg Cups That Ensure Delight at Breakfast

By Ella Riley-Adams

My mother’s more prone to making what she calls “one pan wonders” — a kind of frittata with eggs, leftover vegetables and dots of goat cheese — than a set of soft-boiled eggs, but I’m still tempted to buy her one of the stylish egg cups I’ve seen around lately. The French American designer Sophie Lou Jacobsen created her lacy glass version with the idea of giving the “classic egg cup and the egg itself the attention and grandeur they each deserve,” she says. Jacobsen also imagined the vessel being used as a shot glass or holder of cocktail picks. For a more minimalist but still whimsical take, there’s the West Sussex, England-based Thai ceramist Aey Aspdin’s Kelly egg cup . With its smooth ovoid shape and pastel colors, it looks like the car that an egg would choose to drive on Easter. A spring table would also be well set with Astier de Villatte ’s Marguerite egg cup, defined by its scalloped edges and the Parisian studio’s telltale white glaze. When not in use at breakfast, it could be an olive pit repository or a vase for a dahlia that deserves its own stage.

Artisanal blend

Handmade Makeup Brushes With Colorful Wood Handles

Using vibrant woods from around the world, including green buckeye burl from the United States, golden sapele from Nigeria and dark ebony from Asia, the British brush maker and wood turner Lucinda Goulden began crafting makeup brushes two years ago from her home in Wiltshire. Her range of blending, powder and bronzer brushes is influenced by her previous training as a makeup artist and feels decadently soft against skin thanks to bristles made from locally sourced goat hair. With gentle monthly cleansing, the brushes should last for years. “I wanted to create heirloom-quality makeup brushes that were also functional pieces of art,” Goulden says. For an extra-special touch, some of her designs come embedded with semiprecious tourmaline and amethyst stones.

Reclaimed Time

Vintage Watches Reworked by Jewelry Designers

The Bangkok- and London-based jewelry designer Patcharavipa Bodiratnangkura owes her love of jewelry to her mother, Sanhapit Sampatisiri, who would design her own pieces as a hobby. In 2016, Bodiratnangkura launched her fine jewelry line, Patcharavipa, selling pieces like a disc ring showcasing a carved coconut shell and chain-link drop earrings made with her trademark molten-style 18-karat Siam gold. In addition to her fine jewelry and high jewelry couture lines, Bodiratnangkura, along with her partner, Kenzi Harleman, reworks 10 to 15 vintage watches a year, adding embellished bezels and changing the original bracelet, sometimes even turning them into rings. Their next set will include 10 styles, including a 1980s Piaget redesigned with a black crocodile strap and a yellow-gold Roman-style molded bezel. Another contemporary designer offering transformed vintage timepieces is New York-based Jade Trau. Her first foray into watches will include six restored Rolex Cellinis from the ’70s. Each remake is a different color and has distinctive details: An all-black version with an 18-karat-gold vintage-style bezel has minuscule diamonds as hour markers. If your mother prefers a bolder hue, there’s a version with a crimson dial and matching strap framed with cobblestone-set diamonds, one of Trau’s signature settings.

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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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