Looking to delight the food lovers in your life this Christmas? From artisanal treats to culinary chronicles, Edinburgh’s food scene and beyond offers a feast of thoughtful gifts that go beyond the ordinary.
Whether you’re shopping for an adventurous home chef, a chocolate connoisseur, or someone who savours an elegant afternoon tea experience, I’ve curated a selection of distinctive presents that celebrate both tradition and innovation. From smoky tomato sauces crafted in a traditional Glaswegian smokehouse to Stanley Tucci’s culinary confessions, these gifts promise to bring joy long after the Christmas crackers have been pulled.
Edible Gifts
Vine Dining – From £25. A gift box with a difference – a selection of four peat-smoked tomato sauces. Cold-smoked from dawn ‘til dusk in a traditional Glaswegian smokehouse, an intense flavour is unearthed, that quickly transforms a variety of dishes making them taste richer, deeper and more complex, naturally. Four flavours are available – Original, Garlic, Chilli and Truffle. https://peatd.com/shop/
Baked by Steph Christmas Cookie Collection – Get ready to sleigh your Christmas gifting with Baked By Steph’s ultimate festive treats. Whether you’re looking for a standout centrepiece for the table, a fun family activity with DIY icing kits, or something sweet for Secret Santa, these personalised cookie gifts delivered to your door, will have you covered. https://bakedbysteph.co.uk/
Artisan Handmade chocolates from Sebastian Kobelt – Indulge in the decadent world of Sebastian Kobelt Chocolatier and savour the essence of Scottish artisanal chocolate-making at its finest. It really will be love at first bite. With a passion for crafting exquisite handmade chocolates, truffles, and confections, Sebastian Kobelt brings together the finest ingredients and traditional techniques to create a truly indulgent experience. https://www.sebastiankobelt.com/shop
Books for Cooks
The Contini Cookbook by Carina Contini – £25 – For Carina Contini, food is both a passion and a way of life. Her family’s connections to Italy have enriched the recipes which feature on the menu of award-winning Italian restaurant, Contini George Street. In this book, Carina shares a selection of her favourite recipes for eating with family and friends. The dishes come from many different parts of Italy, showcasing the rich variety of Italian cooking. Alongside the recipes, the Continis share food memories from across Italy, linking their favourite regions to dishes they have savoured while touring the country.
The Scottish Oats Bible – £4.99 by award-winning food writer Nichola Fletcher, MBE. Healthy and delicious, oats are right on trend. In her book, Nicola, offers 50 recipes: traditional delights such as oatcakes or mussel brose; modern uses such as dairy- and banana-free smoothies; a wheat-free apple cake, and her delicious smoky oatmeal shortbread. There are even some skin care tips to finish. Importantly, she explains about the different types of oats, and how to cook them successfully.
The Scottish Vegan Cookbook – £18.99, vegan recipe developer Jackie Jones provides a huge selection of recipes for deliciously vegan versions of classic Scottish as well as newly designed dishes using healthy ingredients and cooking techniques, including braising, sprouting and steaming. From easy brunch recipes through appetisers, hearty main courses and indulgent puddings, this bookhas them all – many illustrated with beautiful photographs and accompanied by nutritional tips as well as information about Scotland’s culinary history.
What I Ate In One Year (and related thoughts) – £20.00 by Stanley Tucci – The acclaimed actor and author of Taste reveals the importance of food in his life as he takes readers through a year of family meals, delicious dishes consumed on film sets and much more.
Experiences
Sail into Christmas with the new ‘Festive Afternoon Tea’ aboard Scotland’s only five-star luxury floating hotel, Fingal. Adding some festive magic with an afternoon tea experience, with a nautical twist, Fingal has all the glamour and style of a superyacht, but with an air of old-world Art Deco luxury ocean liner elegance inspired by the ship’s rich maritime heritage. Available until 4th January 2025, Fingal’s Festive Afternoon Tea menu is priced at £70 per person, or from £85 per person for the extra special Champagne Afternoon Tea. Advance reservation is required. www.fingal.co.uk/food-drink/festive-afternoon-tea
The Festive Storytellers Afternoon Tea at the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa is inspired by iconic Christmas tales and characters—from A Christmas Carol to Nightmare Before Christmas. The menu pays tribute to Edinburgh’s 20th anniversary as UNESCO City of Literature. Available until 4 January 2025, Wednesday to Saturday, at the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa’s One Square, this afternoon tea, costing £55 per person, celebrates Edinburgh’s rich literary heritage. https://www.onesquareedinburgh.co.uk
