Is it really the holidays if you’re not arriving with something delicious in hand? For the host who loves a full house and the friend whose life revolves around good food, this is your ultimate Christmas gift guide.
From tasty treats and beautifully made kitchenware to stylish touches for the home, we've rounded up the best presents for hosts and foodies for every budget. Think clever little luxuries, crowd-pleasing bites, and festive surprises that are just as fun to give as they are to receive.
RELATED:
Read on to discover our edit of the best food and host gifts to give this Christmas, guaranteed to impress everyone on your list. Not sure where to start? Tell us more about what you're shopping for, and we'll help you find the perfect present...
The express shortlist
BEST UNDER £20
Pintail Matches
BEST LAST-MINUTE
Chocolate Wreath
BEST USEFUL
Sage Coffee Machine
BEST PERSONALISED
Villa Bologna Platter
BEST LUXURY
Le Creuset Casserole
BEST OVERALL
Ruinart Champagne
Stocking Fillers under £25
Useful hosting upgrades
1
Sage Bambino Espresso Coffee Machine, £329.95 at Argos
Why? Save the coffee lover in your life hundreds of pounds with this machine, which makes professional barista style coffee with ease - and even has a steam wand to make latte art, to seriously impress any breakfast guests. - Emmy Griffiths, Entertainment Editor
•Delivery: Free over £100
•Returns: 30-day returns
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
2
Krude Collection The Fully Monty, £110 at Krude
Why? For the health conscious foodie who loves to cook, Gordon Ramsay's latest venture Krude is a luxury extra virgin olive oil that will make every meal feel a bit more elevated. This gift set includes all seven oils, including chilli and garlic infusions. - Hollie Brotherton, Digital Luxe & Commerce Editor
•Delivery: Free
•Returns: If faulty
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
3
Bobbin LED Lamp
£129 at Addison Ross
Why? Lighting is the key to a cosy home, which every host wants during the winter months, and Addison Ross do the most stylish lamps. This one is wireless, has three adjustable light levels and comes in this gorgeous glossy Cherry Red. - Hollie Brotherton, Digital Luxe & Commerce Editor
•Delivery: Free over £100
•Returns: 90-day returns
•Gift wrap: Available
•Personalisation: Available
4
Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker, £299 at Bang & Olufsen
Why? I'm drawn to the simple Danish design – it's a speaker I'd happily leave on my desk or bedside table. Built-in Alexa and an 18-hour battery life make it a practical choice, too. - Sharnaz Shahid, Deputy Website Editor
•Delivery: Free
•Returns: 30-day free trial
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
5
Ooni Karu 12 Pizza Oven,
£299 at Ooni
Why? Tis not the season for outdoor dining, but when it is, I want this in my garden, ready to be fired up for pizzas galore. - Melanie Macleod, Deputy Beauty and Lifestyle Editor
•Delivery: Free
•Returns: 60-day returns
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
6
illy Electric Milk Frother
£75 at illy
Why? Whether they love a cappuccino, an iced coffee or a hot chocolate, every good host needs a decent milk frother. Italian coffee brand illy knows a thing or two about a good brew, and I love how this one combines the look of a barista-style milk jug with the simplicity of a one-button machine. - Hollie Brotherton, Digital Luxe & Commerce Editor
•Delivery: Free over £45
•Returns: 14-day returns
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
7
Wiltshire Stars Double Oven Mitt
£45 at Liberty
Why? "A double oven mitt is always useful, and the Liberty print makes it feel like a lovely gift. It's machine washable, too, which is a bonus." - Sharnaz Shahid, Deputy Website Editor
•Delivery: Free over £100 or £5.95
•Returns: 30-day returns
•Gift wrap: Available
•Personalisation: Not available
8
Ninja CRISPi PRO
£249.99 at SharkNinja
Why? If they're one of the few people yet to invest in an air fryer, this top-rated model from Ninja is a must. With five different cooking functions, several colour options and glass containers, not only will it make hosting dinner parties so much easier, it's one of the most stylish options I've found. Plus they'll use it long after the festivities. - Hollie Brotherton, Digital Luxe & Commerce Editor
•Delivery: Free over £30
•Returns: 30-day returns
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
9
Bring In The Green Mince Pies Plate
£27 at Emma Bridgewater
Why? You can't go wrong with Emma Bridgewater. I'd buy this for someone who loves hosting - the 8.5-inch plate is just right for serving festive treats, and it's lovely enough to leave on display between gatherings. - Sharnaz Shahid, Deputy Website Editor
•Delivery: From £3.99 or free over £50
•Returns: 30-day returns
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
10
Verdant Pitcher
£49 at Castlery
Why? When I’m hosting, I love having a gorgeous jug on the table for batch cocktails or iced water, and this green hammered-glass pitcher from Castlery is perfection. It has a vintage-inspired texture that catches the light beautifully and adds a touch of style to any dinner table. They could even fill it with fresh flowers. - Hollie Brotherton, Digital Luxe & Commerce Editor
•Delivery: Dependent on postcode and total
•Returns: 30-day returns
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
Indulgent food & home
1
PAPYRUS 20 Classic Candle
£70 at Le Labo
Why? Le Labo is one of my go-tos for luxury fragrance and its new Papyrus 20 candle has arrived just in time for cosy season. With earthy cypriol, warm labdanum, soft musk and a hint of ylang-ylang, it has a beautifully rich, woody scent that feels made for winter evenings. I love how their candles fill a room with fragrance, making this the perfect gift for anyone who takes their home scent as seriously as their perfume. - Hollie Brotherton, Digital Luxe & Commerce Editor
•Delivery: Free over £100 or £5
•Returns: 30-day returns
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
2
Isla Victoria Beckham Salt & Pepper Shells
£84 at West Wing
Why? VB has just ventured into homeware, and it's every bit as luxe and considered as her fashion and beauty brands. This set of four chic salt & pepper shells are the perfect gift for that person who loves to host but has everything. - Hollie Brotherton, Digital Luxe & Commerce Editor
•Delivery: £7.99
•Returns: 30-day returns
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
3
Cast Iron Christmas Casserole L'Etoile
£365 at Le Creuset
Why? Winter is the time for comfort food, which is why a casserole dish will be on my wishlist for warming stews. And this star design adds a touch of festive spirit without restricting use to Christmas - Nichola Murphy, Lifestyle Editor
•Delivery: Free over £50
•Returns: 28-day returns
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
4
Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Champagne
£87 at John Lewis
Why? Champagne is the ultimate easy gift that everyone will appreciate. While I'm no connoisseur, it's my favourite drink and I've tried many. Ruinart's Blanc de Blancs is one of the best and it also comes in a gorgeous bottle. - Hollie Brotherton, Digital Luxe & Commerce Editor
•Delivery: Free over £50
•Returns: If faulty
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
5
The Dorchester Luxury Christmas Hamper
£750 at Cake & Flowers
Why? If you really want to treat someone to everything they need to host over the festive season, who better to turn to than one of London's top hotels, The Dorchester? This hamper is packed full of luxurious food and drink. It even comes with Christmas crackers. - Hollie Brotherton, Digital Luxe & Commerce Editor
•Delivery: Free
•Returns: 14-day returns
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
6
Honeypot & Drizzler
£145 at Claridge's
Why? I love the beehive shape of this honeypot. It's something I'd happily leave on the breakfast table, and paired with a favourite jar of honey, it would make a lovely gift for someone who enjoys a leisurely morning. - Sharnaz Shahid, Deputy Website Editor
•Delivery: £7
•Returns: 14-day returns
•Gift wrap: Available
•Personalisation: Not available
7
St Ives Knit Throw
£40 at Dusk
Why? A beautiful throw is one of those gifts that will never go unappreciated. This taupe design is timeless, wonderfully soft and the perfect finishing touch for a bed or sofa. - Hollie Brotherton, Digital Luxe & Commerce Editor
•Delivery: Free over £50 or £3.99
•Returns: 14-day returns
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
8
1er Cru Set of 2 Wine Glasses
£95 at Lalique
Why? As far as I'm concerned everyone needs a set of fancy thin-stemmed wine glasses, and you can never have too many. I love the shape of these from the hertiage French brand Lalique, which originated in the Champagne region. - Hollie Brotherton, Digital Luxe & Commerce Editor
•Delivery: Free
•Returns: 30-day returns
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
9
The Grand Wreath Box
£90 at Hotel Chocolat
Why? I'd take this along to a big family gathering. The wreath-shaped box looks lovely on the table, and there's plenty to share, from salted caramel to treacle tart chocolates. I'd be picking out my favourites before passing it around. - Sharnaz Shahid, Deputy Website Editor
•Delivery: Free over £100
•Returns: If faulty
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
10
Royal Beluga Caviar
From £127 at Cut Caviar
Why? For the host who likes to do things properly, nothing says indulgence quite like a tin of Royal Beluga caviar. It's their most luxurious offering and perfect to bring out when the champagne is on ice. - Hollie Brotherton, Digital Luxe & Commerce Editor
•Delivery: Free
•Returns: If faulty
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
Thoughtful host gifts
1
Wellness Aromatherapy Electric Diffuser
£100 at ESPA
Why? We all need to learn to slow down, and this diffuser is ideal for creating the ultimate relaxing ambience. It's easy to use, aesthetically pleasing, and can turn your home into a spa with the touch of a button. - Laura Sutcliffe, Fashion & Beauty News Editor
•Delivery: Free over £70
•Returns: 30-day returns
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
2
Personalised House Platter
£280 at Villa Bologna Pottery
Why? Ideal if you know any newlyweds or new homeowners this festive season. I know I'd certainly love a special platter that's personalised to use time and time again for family parties - Rachel Avery, Homes Editor
•Delivery: Free
•Returns: If faulty
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Available
3
The Nutcracker Bauble
£40 at Tom Martin
Why? - I love the detail in this Nutcracker bauble, especially knowing Tom Martin paints it from the inside through the tiny opening at the top. It's the kind of decoration I'd look forward to bringing out every year, and a lovely keepsake to give someone special. - Sharnaz Shahid, Deputy Website Editor
•Delivery: £5.75
•Returns: 28-day returns
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
4
The Minimalist Chess Set
£165 at Printworks
Why? I think every good host needs a chess set on display. Made from walnut wood with a cotton box, this one is so chic (yes, chess sets can be chic!) and will go with any home decor - Hollie Brotherton, Digital Luxe & Commerce Editor
•Delivery: £9
•Returns: 30-day returns
•Gift wrap: Available
•Personalisation: Not available
5
The Little Botanical Plant Pot
£26 at John Lewis
Why? My friend has just bought her own place so an adorable plant pot with a new plant in would make the ideal Christmas present. It'll brighten up any room. - Rachel Avery, Homes Editor
•Delivery: £4.95
•Returns: 28-day returns
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
6
Linen Hemstitch Set of 4 Cocktail Napkins
£52 at Embroidered Napkin Company
Why? My mum loves a unique, personal touch, so I can't wait to see her reaction to these linen napkins embroidered with our family initials. - Nichola Murphy, Lifestyle Editor
•Delivery: £5
•Returns: If faulty
•Gift wrap: Available
•Personalisation: Available
7
Fancy Teapot Large Tea Cosy
£80 at Poppy Treffry
Why? This is perfect for someone who always puts the kettle on when you visit. I love the embroidered teapot design, and the fact that it's handmade and signed on the back makes it feel special. A lovely gift for someone who enjoys tea by the pot. - Sharnaz Shahid, Deputy Website Editor
•Delivery: Dependent on product
•Returns: 30-day returns
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Available
8
Perfect Peace Scented Candle
£42 at NEOM
Why? One of the biggest benefits of having a real Christmas tree is the festive pine smell, but what if you could achieve that without the mess? Think a fresh, warm scent housed in a statement green ripple glass vessel. - Nichola Murphy, Lifestyle Editor
•Delivery: Free over £60
•Returns: 28-day returns
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Available
9
3-month Coffee Subscription
£26.95 at Grind
Why? I like a gift that lasts beyond Christmas morning. Three months of Grind coffee pods would be a useful treat for a Nespresso owner, and they can switch coffees between deliveries to try something new. The reusable tin is a nice extra, too. - Sharnaz Shahid, Deputy Website Editor
•Delivery: Free
•Returns: N/A
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
10
Luxury Tasting Hamper
£54 at Fudge Kitchen
Why? My mother-in-law loves fudge and I'd be in the good books long into the New Year if I wrapped this beautiful hamper for her under the tree. - Rachel Avery, Homes Editor
•Delivery: £4.85
•Returns: 14-day returns
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Available
Unusual foodie & hosting finds
1
Ria's Really Hot Honey Set of 4
£28 at Ria's
Why? If they like a little kick, this is a fun addition to their kitchen cupboard. They can drizzle it over pizza, fried chicken or even roasted vegetables for a quick hit that will take their cooking up a notch. - Hollie Brotherton, Digital Luxe & Commerce Editor
•Delivery: £4.95
•Returns: If faulty
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
2
Jenki Matcha Set
£75 at Jenki
Why? I like the idea of giving someone everything they need to make matcha at home. This set pairs ceremonial-grade Japanese matcha with a bamboo whisk – a lovely gift for a friend whose usual order is a matcha latte. - Sharnaz Shahid, Deputy Website Editor
•Delivery: Free
•Returns: 14-day returns
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
3
Yvonne Ellen Lobster Stoneware Spoon Rest
£28 at John Lewis
Why? I love the playful lobster design. I'd give this to a friend who enjoys cooking – it keeps messy spoons off the worktop and looks lovely left out between meals. - Sharnaz Shahid, Deputy Website Editor
•Delivery: Free over £75 or £3.95
•Returns: 28-day returns
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
4
Spice Dept. Essentials 9-Tin Set
£39.99 at Spice Dept.
Why? For the keen cook, this nine-piece spice set is a welcome upgrade on the usual supermarket jars. With colourful tins filled with single-origin spices sourced from India and Sri Lanka, they're guaranteed to put a little more flavour into their everyday cooking. - Hollie Brotherton, Digital Luxe & Commerce Editor
•Delivery: Free over £24
•Returns: 7-day returns
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Available
5
Garza Salad Servers
£63 at Casalatina
Why? I'm in love with these playful salad servers! Hand-carved from tropical hardwood, the muted colourway keeps the dinnertable looking elevated but still fun. - Nichola Murphy, Lifestyle Editor
•Delivery: £8 or free over £40
•Returns: 14-day returns
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
6
The Slow Whisky Club 3-Month Subscription
£48 at The Heart Cut
Why? For the whisky lover who thinks they’ve tried it all, The Slow Whisky Club is a brilliant gift. Expect carefully curated whiskies to discover and savour, making it a great way to explore new distilleries and find a new favourite, one dram at a time. - Hollie Brotherton, Digital Luxe & Commerce Editor
•Delivery: Free
•Returns: If faulty
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
7
Prado Gift Box
£35 at Tinned Fish Market
Why? Tinned fish has officially had a glow-up. Filled with premium sardines, salmon, and mussels wrapped in vintage-style artwork, it makes such a fun, unexpected gift for the seafood lover in your life. Good luck convincing them to actually break the seal. - Hollie Brotherton, Digital Luxe & Commerce Editor
•Delivery: £4.95
•Returns: 14-day returns
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
8
Jessica McCormack Shell Scoop Bowl
£315 at L'Objet
Why? Part of the luxe L'OBJET and Jessica McCormack collaboration, this scoop bowl makes an ideal gift for anyone who loves kitchen decor that's a little more unique. It's been handcrafted from fine bisque porcelain and finished with a hand painted 24K gold interior. - Hollie Brotherton, Digital Luxe & Commerce Editor
•Delivery: Free over £350
•Returns: 30-day returns
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
9
Höfats Cube Fire Pit
£275 at Big Green Egg
Why? I'd buy this for someone who loves entertaining in the garden. I like the simple cube design, and the removable ash tray makes cleaning up easier once it's cooled. - Sharnaz Shahid, Deputy Website Editor
•Delivery: Free over £50
•Returns: 30-day returns
•Gift wrap: Not available
•Personalisation: Not available
10
Neroli Yuzu Diffuser
£70 at L'Occitane
Why? To me, from me this Christmas. I love a reed diffuser in every room, and this one is the same unique scent as my favourite L'Occitane perfume. - Rachel Avery, Homes Editor
•Delivery: Free
•Returns: 30-day returns
•Gift wrap: Available
•Personalisation: Not available