6 Holiday Gifts for Vancouver Foodies
Photo courtesy Charcuterie Vancouver
By Tammy Kwan
It’s been a tough year for many people, so we think some holiday cheer is just what we need to close off 2020.
In our honest opinion, good food can put people in good moods—why not send your friends and loved ones a gourmet gift for the festive season?
From individual grazing boxes to fancy desserts to cocktail kits, here’s our round-up of the tastiest, holiday-inspired food gifts around the city.
Photo courtesy Granville Island Delivery Co
Forget gingerbread houses—donut towers are the newest holiday trend. One of the most eye-catching food gifts offered by Granville Island Delivery Co is this DIY donut kit ($99.99). It features two dozen gingerbread cake donuts with sprinkles from the iconic Lee’s Donuts, as assembly. $5 from this purchase will go toward Granville Island merchants in need. It will be hard to resist from taking a bite before construction is complete.
Photo courtesy Charcuterie Vancouver
Cheese and charcuterie boards are one of the most sought-after foods at holiday parties. Since there will be no social gatherings this year, a local company has made the pivot to create some holiday grazing boxes for people to enjoy at home. Charcuterie Vancouver is offering limited edition holiday boxes ($60 to $275), which can be easily customized (size, vegetarian/vegan, nut-free, or halal). Individual boxes ($45 each, minimum order of 8) are also available. These gourmet gifts will include cheeses, meats, fruits, crackers, nuts, chocolate, holiday cookies, preserves, and more.
Photo by Leila Kwok
The holiday season and sweet treats pretty much go hand-in-hand, and Chinatown’s Buttermere Patisserie has taken it to another level. The popular shop is offering holiday-themed goodies such as sugar cookies, Christmas macarons, Christmas-themed cakes, and mini treats in the shape of Santa, Rudolph, a Christmas tree, a holiday wreath, and a snow ornament. But its Christmas package ($130) is the most enticing, which comes with a cake of your choice, a Christmas mini dessert set, and macarons or cookies. Orders require a 48-hour notice, with delivery or pick-up options.
Photo courtesy Giovane Café
Giovane café has just rolled out some gourmet Italian-themed holiday gift boxes and they sound delicious. In addition to offering a home espresso box and a cavatelli box, the Italian pantry box ($70) sounds like it will keep many bellies happy. It features a selection of products from the “Alimentari” from Pastificio di Luigi, including ingredients to make “spaghetti con tonno” from the Calabria region in Italy. Recipe and instructions are all included, and you can throw in a bottle of wine for an additional $30.
Photo courtesy Temper Pastry
There are drug-store chocolate advent calendars, and there are luxury chocolate advent calendars, such the one from Temper Pastry ($65). This popular holiday gift is available in limited quantities, and features an colourful box adorned with Christmas ornaments. There are 24 drawers for the countdown to Christmas, and each hold miniature chocolates and confections. Pre-orders are required.
Photo by Leila Kwok
New Westminster’s popular Mexican eatery, El Santo, has created a fun Margarita Kit ($110 to $140) for libation lovers this season. It includes your choice of tequila (Cazadores Tequila Blanco or the Sombra Mezcal Artesanal), El Santo margarita mix, a bottle of Cointreau, a cocktail shaker, and house-made garnishes. Even if you’re not regularly making drinks at home, this DIY kit will surely impress. Orders can be made via orders@elsanto.ca or by phone at 604-727-8176.