The gifts foodies definitely DON'T want this Christmas

Every year, I try – nicely! – to remind my nearest and dearest that I am thoroughly spoilt for food via work and do not need anything of that ilk for Christmas. This includes recipe books. I know that seems a bit bah humbug, but I’m sure that there are beauty editors and gardening editors who feel the same about work-related gifts.

A discussion amongst the Good Food team shows that I am not alone in my ungratefulness, and protracted discussion did come up with some common themes of gifts people do not want:

• Sets of anything are not necessarily good; three hot sauces is not as good as an excellent one to the same value. Unless it’s curated like this Sous Chef Cult Chilli Faves set. Ditto salt, vinegar and flavoured oils.
• Strangely flavoured liqueurs or gins are also a bit of a shot in the dark, though Ming Tang-Evans is the master of finding an interesting gin, and last year gave me a fabulous bottle of Peddler’s salted plum gin.
• Oven gloves that are all looks and no substance, which can actually be dangerous. There’s also split between favouring single gloves or a joined pair. I don’t care either way, but others do.
• Mugs. This is caveated: some people have very strong options on the look, feel and heft of a mug. Anything that doesn’t fit their aesthetic isn’t going to make it onto the shelf.
• Clutter. If you wouldn’t give whatever it is you have alighted on counter/drawer space, would they? Side note: does everyone but me use salad servers?

Anyhow, onwards to the gifting feedback (I hope our families are avid subscribers to this newsletter) and, more importantly, the gift list of dreams. Please do add your own suggestions, both for and against, in the comments.

Things foodies absolutely DO NOT WANT for Christmas:

Me: any food-scented bath products – that includes vanilla. I have no wish to smell like a strawberry.

Barney Desmazery: any form of cocktail-making kit. I don’t cocktail.

Lucy: branded glassware! Those gift sets of minis that come with a free glass engraved with the name of the gin/vodka/brand. Sometimes they’re pretty, but still no.

Sarah: any gadget/appliance I didn’t specifically ask for – space is at a premium, so I only want a gadget if it can do multiple things and/or I know I will DEFINITELY use it and have room to store it, not just whatever is the gadget gift of the year.

Cassie Best: another apron…

Emma: mugs or tea towels (these are the gifts you buy people you don’t really know and are NEVER the ones you’d buy yourself).

Keith Kendrick: an air fryer. My wife bought me a double-decker air fryer for Christmas last year, and it’s still in the box in the living room.

Issie: I do not want any more spices. My tiny kitchen can only take so much – I’m at risk of an avalanche anytime I open the cupboard.

Tamarah: any serveware – stunning, but I don’t have space in my teeny kitchen.

Anna: flavoured salt sets. (I agree pointless and often taste of dust).

Lydia: any alcohol-making kit, rubbish-quality tea towels or miniature hot sauce sets.

Rachel: “fun” flavoured coffee or tea. It isn’t fun.

Janine: champagne – don't like it, so I regift it.

And the gifts foodies DO want for Christmas...

Here’s what we are saying yes to, plus some extra suggestions because we are all coverts of nice things:

Barney: high-grade soy sauce or mono floral honey. We’ve had soy sauce on our minds for some time; it’s one of those things that such a game-changer if you really start tasting them. Then, once that rabbit hole has been opened, you’ll need an entire library for different uses.

Cassie: any fancy chocolate-covered nut – ideally Charbonnel & Walker sea salt chocolate pistachios.

Keith: a set of Victorinox knives and a very good knife sharpener. (The jury is out in the office as to what makes a good knife sharpener – it seems to be a very personal choice. Suggestions for Keith Kendrick most welcome.)

Issie: unusual scented candles – especially if they’re on the savoury side (tomato leaf is my favourite).

Tamarah: another Chef’s Press. It’s just nice to have and a bit pricey if you want a set, so wouldn’t buy them for myself – which is the sweet spot for gifts, I think.

Anna: fancy tinned fish! (This is niche, as are pickles – I’m on board with both, but you’d have to know your giftee well.)

Lydia: An Hasegawa chopping board please.

Rachel: High quality coffee, tea or matcha.

Emily: Nice socks with a fruit & veg theme.

Janine: Wants a red wine to them same value of the champagne she doesn't want. A perfectly acceptable call.

Me: A new preserving pan because marmalade season approaches and I loaned mine to someone and I can’t remember who. It’s also useful for making lots of mulled cider for a party.