10 delicious Christmas gifts from Sous Chef for family, friends and festive food lovers
I always think Christmas presents are easier to buy when they can be eaten, drunk or enjoyed together – especially for those people who seem to have everything already. From a lovely cup of tea for Mum to Italian chocolates for a hard-to-buy-for friend, Sous Chef’s Christmas collection has plenty of tempting treats to put under the tree.
I’ve picked out 10 foodie gifts that would work for different members of the family and different budgets, including a few grown-up treats for the over-18s.
For the Christmas cocktail lover: Ichendorf Milano Jumping Santa Tumbler, 350ml – £16.99
Who wouldn’t love a little Santa hiding inside their Christmas glass? This playful, handcrafted tumbler features a miniature 3D Santa complete with his red suit and sack of presents.
It would make a fun gift for a cocktail-loving friend or family member. Fill it with an Old Fashioned, spiced Negroni or a favourite festive drink and Santa gradually appears as you drink.
Age restriction: No specific age restriction on the glass, but alcoholic drinks are for over-18s only.
Shop the Ichendorf Milano Jumping Santa Tumbler – £16.99
For Mum, Grandma or the tea lover: Mariage Frères Noël Royal Tea, 80g – £31
For anyone who takes their Christmas tea seriously, this feels like a lovely little luxury. Noël Royal is a festive black tea from the famous Parisian tea house Mariage Frères, created especially for the Christmas season.
I can imagine this being a particularly nice present for Mum, Grandma or a friend who enjoys sitting down with a proper pot of tea once the Christmas shopping is finally finished.
Age restriction: Suitable for all ages, although it is a caffeinated black tea.
Shop Mariage Frères Noël Royal Tea – £31
For the couple who love a cosy night in: Sous Chef Tapas Night Wine Gift Set – £26
This is the sort of present I’d buy for a couple who would much rather have a relaxed evening at home than another pair of Christmas socks.
The set includes a bottle of Spanish Tempranillo, Perelló Manzanilla olives and black truffle crisps, all presented in a Sous Chef gift bag. Just add a cheeseboard and you’ve got the makings of a very easy tapas night.
Age restriction: 18+ because the set contains wine. Alcohol cannot legally be purchased for under-18s in the UK.
Shop the Sous Chef Tapas Night Wine Gift Set – £26
For chocolate lovers: Baci Advent Calendar, 245g – £25
For a teenager, adult child, friend or anyone who still gets excited about opening an Advent calendar, this is a delicious alternative to the standard chocolate countdown. We tried these and they are delicious Definitely one on my Christmas list
Behind each door are Baci’s famous Italian hazelnut pralines, making it a particularly good choice for someone who loves Ferrero-style chocolates and Italian treats.
Age restriction: Suitable for all ages, subject to the usual food allergy considerations.
Shop the Baci Advent Calendar – £25
For your fun-loving adult friend: Eat Your Drink Naughty or Nice Alcoholic Jelly Sweets, 140g – £24.99
This is definitely one for the grown-ups. These cocktail-inspired jelly sweets include flavours inspired by drinks such as gin and tonic and piña colada, with spirits including rum, tequila and coffee liqueur.
It’s a fun stocking filler for the friend who has everything – although probably not one to leave within reach of the children!
Age restriction: 18+ – these sweets contain alcohol.
Shop Eat Your Drink Naughty or Nice Alcoholic Jelly Sweets – £24.99
For the gin lover: Mill & Mortar Gin Botanicals Garnish Set – £27.99
Know someone who has turned making a G&T into an art form? This Danish gift set contains a selection of organic botanicals designed to add an aromatic finishing touch to gin and tonic.
It would make a lovely present for a gin-loving friend, particularly when paired with their favourite bottle of gin.
Age restriction: The botanicals themselves have no specific age restriction, but the intended use with gin is for over-18s.
Shop the Mill & Mortar Gin Botanicals Garnish Set – £27.99
For the friend who loves entertaining: Ichendorf Milano Pink Flower Optical Coupe Glass – £25.99
Some presents are as much about how they look as what they do, and this beautiful handcrafted coupe definitely falls into that category.
Designed in Italy, it has a fluted bowl and delicate vine-like stem decorated with pink flowers and green leaves. I think it would make a lovely present for someone who enjoys entertaining – or simply likes having pretty glasses in the cupboard for Christmas fizz.
Age restriction: No specific age restriction on the glass; alcoholic drinks are 18+.
Shop the Ichendorf Milano Pink Flower Coupe Glass – £25.99
For the adventurous foodie: Zaba Italian Zabaione Mini Gift Selection – £16.99
If you’re looking for something a little different, this could be the one. Four miniature jars of traditional Italian zabaione come presented in a fun egg carton.
It’s an unusual gift for someone who enjoys discovering new foods, and the packaging makes it feel like a proper little treat rather than something you’ve simply picked up from the supermarket.
Age restriction: Check the product ingredients and alcohol content before giving to children; zabaione is traditionally made with egg yolks and may contain alcohol.
Shop the Zaba Italian Zabaione Mini Gift Selection – £16.99
For the chocolate fan: Caffarel Gianduia Window Ballotin, 150g – £12.99
At £12.99, this would make a lovely Secret Santa present or a little gift for a chocolate-loving friend.
Caffarel is famous for its combination of cocoa and hazelnuts, and this pretty ballotin contains the Italian chocolatier’s signature gianduia treats. It feels a little more special than an ordinary box of chocolates without breaking the bank.
Age restriction: Suitable for all ages, subject to allergies.
Shop Caffarel Gianduia Window Ballotin – £12.99
For the whole family: Valrhona Celaya Liquid Hot Chocolate, 1 litre – £14.99
And finally, something that could be enjoyed by almost everyone. This rich, creamy hot chocolate is made with dark chocolate from French chocolatier Valrhona and comes ready to heat and serve.
It would be lovely for a family Christmas movie afternoon – and adults can always add a splash of rum, Baileys or another festive liqueur to their own mug.
Age restriction: The hot chocolate itself is suitable for all ages, subject to ingredients and allergies. Any alcoholic additions are 18+.
Shop Valrhona Celaya Liquid Hot Chocolate – £14.99
Something tasty for everyone
Whether you’re buying for Mum, a foodie friend, a couple who love entertaining, a chocolate fiend or the person who is impossible to buy for, I think food and drink gifts are a pretty safe bet at Christmas.
And with prices starting at £12.99, there are plenty of options for Secret Santa presents and stocking fillers as well as more substantial gifts. Just remember to check ingredients and allergies – and keep the alcoholic treats firmly for the grown-ups!
