As 2025 involves an finish, the annual vacation reward mania begins to set in. Regardless of the psychological notes and bodily lists maintained all year long, we’re all caught asking the identical query as December shortly passes: “What ought to I get them?” Whether or not you’re procuring on your bestie, that one loopy uncle you bought within the household Secret Santa trade, your dogwalker, or your dad who already has eight pairs of slippers, food-themed presents are the proper catch-all if you’re simply unsure what to get for that particular particular person. Since nobody does meals like Eater, it appeared solely proper that our workers ought to come collectively and curate a vacation market of kitchen requirements for all the patrons in want of reward inspiration.
This previous weekend, Eater remodeled a Soho storefront right into a shoppable winter home as a part of our vacation occasion Eater Below Wraps. Greater than 2,600 individuals flocked by means of the market to pattern scrumptious bites from Bub’s Bakery, Los Burritos Juarez, Mommy Pai’s, and Kijitora; sip festive drinks from Bar Kabawa and Bar Snack, and store the editor-approved presents that adorned each room. From whimsical kitchen timers to Jell-O stress balls, the place was full of stocking stuffers, under-the-tree treats, and party-makers. For these unable to attend Eater Below Wraps, haven’t any FOMO — we’ve compiled an inventory of our very favourite workers picks from the market, with why we love them. So whoever that difficult-to-shop-for particular person is in your life, there’s one thing on this listing for them.
Heydoh’s small-batch soy sauce
“I’m a licensed condiment lover (there are at the least 10 completely different scorching sauces in my condominium) however I’ve by no means paid an excessive amount of consideration to the soy sauce we purchase. No extra: Heydoh’s single-origin soy sauce, constituted of entire black soy beans from Taiwan, is advanced in taste and thoughtfully sourced — giving the pantry staple the love and a focus it deserves.” — Stephanie Wu, editor-in-chief
Your decoration recreation is robust
“Certain, meals ornaments are nice, however souvenirs paying homage to a selected place are even higher. And should you grew up in or touring by means of New York Metropolis, this over-100-year-old establishment and its grilled scorching canine will certainly ring a bell.” — Nat, affiliate inventive director
This chile crisp hits the spicy-tingly candy spot
“I’ve tried so many chile crisps and this one warrants a restock each time. It actually delivers on the spicy-tingly sensation and I really like the way in which it amplifies savory dishes.’ — Bettina Makalintal, senior reporter
Let Eater wine and dine you in Mexico Metropolis
“If you happen to’ve been to Mexico Metropolis, you need to return. If you happen to haven’t been, it ought to be on the high of your listing. I had the pleasure of collaborating with locals throughout Mexico Metropolis to place collectively what I can confidently name the important information to CDMX for food-minded vacationers. Put it in your packing listing instantly.” — Lesley Suter, model director
This fancy hand cleaning soap was created by cooks to remove odor
“Love cooking; hate when my fingers scent like garlic for hours after. That is the greatest hand cleaning soap I’ve discovered for immediately and successfully eliminating pungent cooking aromas — and it is available in a pleasant bottle and smells unbelievable.” — Hilary Pollack, deputy editor
The 12 months’s buzziest cake-scented candle
“Culturally, it was a actually large 12 months for princess cake, the Swedish dessert that may be a symphony of marzipan, sponge cake, custard, and, relying in your prinsesstårta supply. The swish LA life-style model Flamingo Property is well-known for its top quality candles, and it took inspiration from Sant Ambroeus to create what’s, to my data, the very best and solely candle that pays homage to the dessert; it’s candy however not saccharine, with milky and heat notes that waft by means of the air and make me really feel like I’m in a Scandinavian bakery.” — Francky Knapp, workers author
“I really like enjoyable socks and those from Hansel from Basel are tremendous cute — significantly these strawberry socks, a enjoyable add to a fall idler.” — Melissa McCart, Eater NY editor
Design snobs will love this modern Martini mixer
“Having a devoted martini mixer feels each retro stylish and decidedly of the second. That is the proper reward for mates who wish to host (or your mates who’re sick of paying for martinis at their ungodly worth nowadays).” — Mary Anne Porto, senior editor, Punch
Rejoice the soul of Black American cooking
“Throughout a 12 months when reality and American historical past are underneath assault, American Soul offers a enjoyable, animated look into the nation’s foodways, coronary heart, and sure, soul. The regional panorama is exclusive within the conventional storytelling of Black meals, showcasing African American influences past the South, in areas just like the Northeast and Midwest.” — Kayla Stewart, senior editor
Predominant character glassware, all the time
“I really like to exchange and uplevel my glassware, and giving a present of 4 or six tumblers, particularly to meals lovers, is the appropriate approach to go. How cute are the tiny fruits in the midst of the glasses?” — Stephen Pelletteri, VP of video
Try the remainder of Eater’s vacation procuring guides right here. And see a recap of all of the Eater Below Wraps motion under.
