Giving gifts is great fun; thinking up what to give sometimes isn't. So to make your Christmas shopping easier, we've collated our favourite foodie presents.
Here, you'll find something to please everyone: things to eat, things to drink and things to cook with. Read on for our guide to the best foodie gifts ...
Sea salt from Ōpito Bay
Seawater and sunshine is all it takes to make Ōpito Bay Salts. Lying on the northern coast of Coromandel, Ōpito Bay is one of the peninsula's most beautiful spots. These naturally evaporated small-batch salts come in plain and flavoured (think "pinot noir" and "Coromandel kelp") packs. From $10.95, opitobaysalt.co.nz
Ironclad pans
Cast-iron pans are a game-changer in the kitchen, so this is one for the passionate home cooks. Ironclad is the only cast-iron pan made entirely in New Zealand. The quality is so assured, each pan comes with a three-generation (or 100-year) guarantee. These pans can be used over flame for your pancakes, in the oven for a skillet cake, or even chucked on to the barbecue on Christmas Day. A dream gift for serious foodies. From $190, ironcladpan.com
Fish of the Day, by Clarke Gayford and Mike Bhana
From Vanuatu to Malaysia, and the Hauraki Gulf to Otago, our "first man of fishing" Clarke Gayford and his mate film-maker Mike Bhana have travelled the world together, meeting local communities, fishing and eating their way around the oceans. This new book is a culmination of the five series Fish of the Day, and is packed full of beautiful images as well as recipes from Peter Gordon and other chefs, and seafood cooking tips. $55 from anywhere books are sold.
Kumeu River wine gift box
For the oenophile in your life, Kumeu River are offering gift boxes of some of New Zealand's finest wines. Kumeu River makes exceptional chardonnays – they're recognised internationally as being on par with France's best white burgundys – as well as pinot noir, pinot gris and others. The sets come boxed up and ready for gifting, with a handwritten note. From $90, kumeuriver.co.nz
Harry Potter Le Creuset
One of the world's most iconic kitchen brands plus one of the world's most iconic film series equals an ideal gift for all those original Millennial Harry Potter fans about to hit their domestic 30s. In this cute collection, you'll find cast iron, stoneware and utensils, subtly marked with nods to magic, quidditch and Hogwarts. From $45, lecreuset.com.au
Black Pineapple cocktail kits
A Christmas gift inspired by NZ's own Christmas tree, the pohutukawa, Black Pineapple's limited-edition pōhutukawa cooler kits combine hibiscus, cherry and allspice with Wanaka's Broken Shed vodka, plus a mistletoe garnish. You can order just the drinks, or basic and advanced cocktail sets (including shakers and strainers) to arrive with them. From $69, blackpineapple.co.nz
Kai Shun Japanese knife set
You know those gifts that are kind of for them, but at least a little for you? Gift your foodie this quality knife set, and sit back and wait for the cheffy meals to arrive on your plate. Kai Shun's three-piece set comes in a gift box and includes a chef's, paring and utility knife. They're made from Japanese steel and promise to be sharp and durable. $624, kaishun.co.nz
The Swag
Reducing food waste and cutting down your grocery bill is sexy, take it from us. Which makes the Swag Bag a perfect gift for anyone who's ever felt guilty throwing away browning carrots or a bunch of bendy celery. The Swag Bag keeps produce fresh and crunchy, extending its life for weeks (not just days). They ship from Australia, so get your order in now. Just dampen them under the tap then fill with all your fresh produce – fruit, veggies, herbs, the lot. From $24, theswag.com.au
MN Uniform apron
Get serious in the kitchen with an NZ-made apron from MN Uniform. This boutique business creates practical workwear for cafes and restaurants around NZ. These handmade aprons are as durable as they are stylish. The company has a keen interest in sustainability, with well-made items that come with a lifetime repair guarantee. Aprons from $95, mnuniform.com
Flat whites at home
For the caffeine lover in your life, Nespresso's Vertuo Next and the Aeroccino 3 milk frother will bring NZ-style coffees into your home, at the touch of two buttons. Double shot flat whites at breakfast, the afternoon macchiato, and even fluffies will soon be yours (although since it's Christmas, perhaps an Irish coffee?), and mornings will be looking all the cheerier. $369, nespresso.com/nz
