Food Gifts for $10 and Under
Xtra Special 2023 Holiday Edition
I have begun to wrap the stocking stuffers. I know, I know, it’s early..but my kids no longer believe in Santa and I like to get a jump on things. It did get me thinking about great food-related stocking stuffers that are inexpensive but have a high perceived value.
Being a self-described maven in this department, I had to share my favorite finds that cost $10 and under. Here’s to them resonating with a handful of you and to making stockings (it could be your own) shine this season.
Pot Brush ($7)
I buy these all year long, about one per quarter, and use the retired ones to scrape snow and dirt off my shoes before coming inside. They likely can be found anywhere but I like to get them from one of my favorite local shops, Cedar & Hyde. I’ve never been a fan of sponges and these guys do the trick each and every time provided you use a pan scraper first, for things like fond or scrambled eggs sludge. Hey, these are under $10 as well, this is like a Russian doll gift guide.
Cardamom Pods ($8)
I use cardamom pods for so many things. Milla’s morning chai, that incredible Niloufer Ichaporia King cake, and for Ottolenghi’s one-pan chicken and rice dish. While I normally like to get my spices at Savory Spice, The Spice Way produces a consistently fresh product at a price I can afford.
Dal Raccolto Orzo ($6)
If you follow me on Instagram, you know I find Orzo to be indispensable. You can do so much with it so quickly. Plump, creamy and toothsome,Dal Raccolto never disappoints to bring the nurturing side dish or steal the show with this Cherry Tomato Orzetto, a quick play on risotto.
Copper Tea Infuser ($7)
There is something undeniably special about gathering and steeping your own tea leaves. World Market has this beautiful copper tea infuser and an entire aisle of shelf space dedicated to beautiful loose teas. This is a must for any tea lover in your life.
Truffle Salt ($10)
An inexpensive way to elevate eggs, soups, and salads, this Caravel Gourmet finishing salt with a nice dose of black truffle makes meals more memorable. A little pinch goes a long way and, as a gift giver, you come off as being quite posh.
Espresso Maker ($6)
I’ve owned this Imusa one-cup espresso maker for a year and it never disappoints. I use mine to make coffee and it always tastes like I paid a fortune for it. For extra credit, become a home barista and foam your warm milk (or horchata or eggnog) in one of these.
Flour Sack Towel ($6)
Flour sack towels retain their stellar reputation because they are both pliable and absorbent, two necessary things when working in the kitchen. Gone are the days of my being able to hop down to Prince Street to grab a stack at Dean & Deluca (RIP), but fear not, this one from Etsy is doing a great job.
Radish Soap ($4)
My friend Mari swears it’s an illusion. She comes over to my house and believes I have the only line in on Mrs. Meyer’s Radish Liquid Dish Soap. As if. If you are reading this Mari, I got you your very own bottle for Christmas. And for those of you who covet this unmistakable scent, here’s my source.
Medjool Date Vinegar ($9)
I love this stuff. It turns salad dressings and marinades into gold and the Medjool Date is true to taste and not overbearing or cloying. Acid League makes a variety of vinegars and they are all best-in-class products that work very well for the home cook.
Gold Honey Dipper ($9)
Oh honey, you’ve got to try this. This gold honey dipper from CB2 adds shine to the ceremony of any honey consumption and has always been a conversation starter in my household. My youngest consumes a lot of honey and she loves to dip and dip and dip.