Amidst the usual December shopping frenzy, many of us aspire to more mindful gift giving. Selecting items that you can really feel good about—which also reflect the interests and passions of your loved ones—is the epitome of giving consciously. This approach certainly applies to those devoted “foodies” on your list. Since these discerning folks tend to seek out new food experiences, they’re sure to appreciate unique gifts customized for them. Here are some ideas to inspire you.
1. Organic herb & spice collection
Bona fide foodies place a high value on herbs and spices. Along with adding tremendous flavor, they’re chock-full of antioxidants, topping most superfoods on the ORAC chart (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity), a measurement of antioxidant content developed at the National Institutes of Health.
High-quality seasonings are culinary essentials—and foodies go through them quickly! For a varied gift array, you might include organic basil, chives, dill, Herbes de Provence, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage and thyme. As for spices, consider cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, cumin, nutmeg, allspice, garam masala, ginger, both sweet and smoked paprika, and of course, turmeric. Crown the mélange with this beautiful smoked Celtic salt.
2. Raw foodie treats
Since many of the items raw foodies love can be hard to find in mainstream markets, you’ll really make a splash with a bountiful gift array. Start with raw organic nuts and seeds, which can be used to create everything from nut milks and butters to sauces and dressings.
Think cashews, almonds, Brazil nuts, pistachios and seeds such as pumpkin, sunflower, chia and hempseed.
Hearty salad side-kicks like flaxseed crackers, kale and beet chips are great to include too. You could also add a sprouting kit with various seeds, an array of tasty raw protein bars, and/or protein powder for power shakes. Enrich the collection with some raw cacao confections—bars, truffles, cookies and more.
3. Coffee aficionados
Did you know that, according to a recent National Coffee Association survey, nearly one-third of U.S. adults drink gourmet coffee each day? That’s a lot of java lovers, and you probably know some. A gift array for them might include a unique mug, a variety of fair-trade, organic beans, eco-friendly coffee filters and naturally flavored creamers.
Specialized additions are sure to please as well, such as this innovative plant-based, mocha-flavored organic protein blend. If you really want to blow them away, you could even treat them to their own cold-brew coffee maker!
4. Superfoods blast
Health-minded foodies typically appreciate superfoods. And, given their extraordinary health properties—plus the fact that they’re often viewed as luxuries—they make superb presents. Fill a pretty basket with gems such as goji berries, Maca powder, raw cacao nibs, red quinoa (which is a high-protein seed rather than a grain), spirulina, chia, hemp and flax seeds, etc.
You might splurge on some vastly nutritious, flavor-drenched maqui berry powder too, for scrumptious, brilliantly-hued smoothies. Or perhaps this cool superfood smoothie & shake mix? Simply blend with nut/seed milk or ice. Yum!
5. Winter wonderland
This fun idea is also deliciously cozy. Imagine a mix of winter-worthy treats such as hot cocoa fixings, including a colorful, jumbo mug, raw cacao powder and nibs, organic sugar and/or liquid stevia (for those scaling back on sugar), organic vanilla and peppermint extracts, and of course, vegan marshmallows! Don't forget to include a recipe for gingerbread hot cocoa!
You might also tuck in vegan baking mixes for gingerbread, scones, and/or pancake mix (gluten-free if desired), plus a bottle of pure, organic maple syrup. Raw, organic pecans, pistachios, and hazelnuts are a nice touch too. Maybe even a few organic candy canes. Talk about festive!
6. Global ensemble
For foodies who like to explore cuisines from around the world, a basket of global-inspired goodies is a sure-fire winner. This could include exotic herb and spice mixes, Asian or Indian meals kits, ethnic sauces, dried mushrooms, various salsas with organic/non-GMO corn chips, etc.
For sushi lovers, you could bundle in organic nori wraps, sushi rice, pickled ginger, wasabi, organic tamari, a sushi mat and maybe a book on creative sushi making. Some good sake with a set of nifty traditional cups would round out your array beautifully. Bon appétit!
