7 food gift ideas for the gourmand who’s hard to buy for

Best for: the condiment enthusiast

This hamper from Australian chef Maggie Beer would elevate any charcuterie board of the soiree season. Featuring flavours of South Australia, such as cabernet barbeque sauce and Kangaroo Island olives, it’s bound to go down a treat with the savoury snacker.

Key features:

• Comes with blank gift card
• Includes pastes, chutneys, crackers, salt and more
• Includes quinces and sticky figs

Best for: the sweet tooth

Handcrafted with sustainably sourced cocoa, this praline box from the chocolatiers at Koko Black offers morsels of delight such as caramelised coconut, dark raspberry ganache and rose jelly. Plus, you can personalise the cover sleeve with a photo or message to send your sweet seasonal nothings.

Sizes: 190g

Key features:

• Cocoa Horizons certified cocoa
• 100 per cent natural
• Personalisable

Best for: the epicurean

Is there a better pairing than caviar with Champagne? Riddle me that. Complete with a handcrafted mother of pearl spoon, caviar key and cooler bag, this hamper marries renowned Champagne with black pearl caviar farmed by Kaluga Queen – supplier to Michelin Star restaurants. Deep chill both before serving – et salut!

Sizes: 125g Black pearl caviar

Key features:

• Sand-free
• Quick drying
• 400gsm

Best for: the book worm

T2 and Penguin Books teamed up this year to deliver a limited edition gift pack perfect for the person whose idea of a good time is curling up on the couch with a cup of tea and a gripping read. Boasting 30 tea bags, a fine bone china mug and Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and Other Christmas Writings, it’s a gift for the senses.

Sizes: 33cm x 14cm x 21.5cm

Key features:

• Christmas Breakfast, Poppin’ Praline, White Choc Chai teas
• Book with exclusive cover design
• Fine bone china mug

Best for: the Christmas fiend

These pudding biscuits from 1905-founded British heritage brand Cartwright & Butler evoke Yuletide flavours like cinnamon, ginger, cloves and nutmeg. Presented in a Christmas-themed tin, this food gift will remain a keepsake for the Christmas fiend.

Sizes: 200g

Key features:

• Buy two and save 30 per cent
• Comes in Christmas design musical tin

Best for: the traveller

Straight from the heart of Kyoto’s tea heritage, the same family behind Ippodo Tea has been crafting matcha for over 300 years. Their Sayaka blend is a favourite among drinkers, combining umami, sweetness, and earthiness in every sip. An ideal gift for the caffeinated traveller.

Size: 100g

Key features:

• Ceremonial grade
• Grown, processed, blended and packaged in Japan
• Packaged in an airtight tin for freshness
• Great for usucha (regular matcha) and koicha (thick matcha)

Best for: the hot head

This fiery extra virgin olive oil is crafted in Australia with three simple ingredients: extra virgin olive oil, chilli and chilli oil. Its subtle chilli kick adds a punch to any marinade, sauce or salad.

Sizes: 250ml

Key features:

• Made with 99 per cent extra virgin olive oil, and one per cent chilli and chilli oil
• Gluten-free
• Made in Australia