A pizza stone, gin-making class and 7 other gift ideas for the foodies in your life.

Shopping for specific loved ones with specific interests or tastes can be tough. 

You've likely already wheeled out your trusted go-to gift ideas for them a few years running, and at the point where you wouldn't mind expanding your gift repertoire – particularly with a fun season of summer, weddings, eating and drinking, socialising, end of year celebrations, and entertaining at home ahead.

And with this season coming in hot and fast, it’s important to start getting some inspo on what to buy for anyone on the list: for your best friends, brother's new partner, your work Secret Santa, and *that* big group gift you've volunteered to coordinate (again). 

For those who enjoy a gift with their tastebuds first, or would adore receiving fun and frivolous things to prep for the season ahead: this is the gift guide to bookmark.

Archie Rose Tailored Spirits, from $99. 

Image: Archie Rose/Mamamia.

A fab place to start. For the drink connoisseurs – and also those who just love a good concoction at dinner parties – treat them to a customised Archie Rose Tailored Spirit. 

They're handmade by the Archie Rose Distilling Co. team in Sydney, and the first gift that comes to mind for creating a memorable personalised gift, easily ordered online. You get to actually personalise it from liquid to label: first of all crafting your own gin, vodka, whisky or bottled cocktail, by picking your favourite botanicals and set their strength (or picking from the set blends). 

Then imagine giving your bestie their own tailored bottle with their own name on it? Or for even more laughs, customise the label to reference a shared joke or nickname. You can even choose the colours and fonts too, so it's guaranteed to feel very special and very on-brand to the person who'll be receiving it! 

It’s a great way to give your giftee a drink that reflects their individual personality or palate. Either way, this surprise is sure to come across as both a thoughtful (and very practical) present. 

If you're looking for a special gift for a gin-lover with that little ~extra mile~ there's also a Blend Your Own Gin class. These hands-on sessions are run at the Archie Rose Bar and Cellar Door in Rosebery, Sydney, and involves a handy overview of the world of gin, before learning how to create the drink itself. 

It'd be great to do together with your giftee, where you're guided on blending a carefully curated selection of Archie Rose pure native and local botanical distillates. And the best part? Each person gets to take home a pair of 200ml bottles filled with your own creations. Educational: Tick. In-person experience: Tick. Memorable: Double tick. 

Providoor Meal Delivery, from $50.

Image: Providoor/Mamamia.

For those who love a boujee moment when hosting loved ones in the comfort of their own home, gift them the luxury of a Providoor home delivery. Booming in lockdown, Providoor is a gourmet marketplace that offers chef-prepared, fancy restaurant quality-meals, designed for premium dining from home. Think of it like a regular food delivery service, but instead with Providoor, your delivery comes chilled and ready for you to 'finish off' at home – just heat, plate up and basically take all the credit.

It would be such a treat to receive a Providoor gift card, ideal for dinner parties without the hassle of fussing over what to cook and catering for different dietaries. And because you still prepare easy elements of it at home, it’s guaranteed to impress and spoil your dinner party guests (– make sure to invite yourself over that night too!). 

Maison Balzac glassware, from $89.

Image: Maison Balzac/Mamamia.

Now, onto what to get for the one that actually has everything when it comes to homewares supplies? Look no further than the home of creative glassware from Maison Balzac. Their Pinterest-like display of cocktail glasses, carafes and gobelets are handmade from borosilicate glass, and are truly one of a kind. And if your giftee is obsessed with their Archie Rose gin, then Maison Balzac Gin & Tonic Glasses are a no-brainer. Sincerely dedicated to the art of creating the perfect G&T, they have an everlasting (glass) lime in their hearts to make sure you never run out! 

Emile Henry Pizza Stone Burgundy, $126.

Image: Myer/Mamamia.

For those constantly manifesting an Italian holiday when the sun comes out to play here, gift them a pizza stone from Emile Henry. Pizza stones are a clever and unique way to gift a loved one to achieve restaurant-style pizzas at home, especially for those who love bringing people together. 

Made from refractory ceramic, this stone makes delicious pizzas with a golden, crispy crust, just like in a traditional pizza oven. Plus, the large handles make it easy to take out from the oven and serve your marvellous carb creations on the table for all to enjoy. Huge professional points!

Croc Food Jibbitz Charms, from $2.49.

Image: Crocs/Mamamia.

I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again: Crocs weren't on any of our 2022 bingo cards. But... here we are! They have a real hold on us right now, especially ahead of the season where ourselves (and our feeties) are coming out again to play! Lately I’ve been equally obsessed with Jibbitz. You know, the cute little charms that you decorate your Crocs with? There may be a chance that the social butterfly or entertainer in your life may own a pair of Crocs already. To add a bit of a quirky idea to your list, pick them up some playful summer, food or drink-inspired Jibbitz.

They have plenty one-of-a-kind picks in their collection, ranging from chicken (yes, actually!), palm trees, smileys, flowers, pizza, beach waves, peaches, candy bears... How fun is that?

Nonna’s Grocer Candles, from $32.

Image: Nonna's Grocer/Mamamia.

Looking for a unique gift that is destined to spark joy? Aussie concept store Nonna’s Grocer will do just that. The studio creates handmade candles that are so lifelike they mind end up in your giftee's fruit bowl – and be a gorgeous addition to any tablescape over the holidays. From Heirloom tomato, lemons, apples to a carton of eggs (!!), Nonna’s Grocer candles are whimsical presents that will warm the heart of whoever you're gifting this season. As their tagline goes too: “You got yourself an object with the essence of ya'Nonna."

The Therapy Box Australian Cheese Selection, $75.95. 

Image: Cheese Therapy/Mamamia.

Now I can’t take full credit for this one because I saw The Theraphy Cheese Box on my TikTok. But as a fellow cheese lover, it looked that good, I couldn’t not share: cheese delivered straight to your door, all the while supporting the best small, local dairy farms. Excuse the dramatics but what more could you want in a gift idea? 

It really is the gift that keeps on giving because rather than doing just one box for the entire month, Cheese Therapy are releasing several over the month to give the person you're gifting the chance to try something they'd never get to otherwise from a grocery store. A fab idea that helps to give these cheesemakers and small businesses the spotlight that they deserve. 

Lotus Dining Dumpling Masterclass, from $110.

Image: Lotus Dining Group/Mamamia.

Cooking class dates are my love language. If you can relate, or know who'd think so too, then I couldn’t recommend enough a dumpling masterclass experience, like this one at Lotus Dining. In their option, you receive a 2 hour do-it-yourself session to make delicious little dumplings learning all the right techniques. You will have the opportunity to learn the secrets and skills of making dumplings fit for a restaurant, guided by the pros themselves. Your giftee will not only love how interactive it was, but the fact you get to eat all the beautiful creations at the end of the session is an imperative!

Side note: if dumplings aren’t exactly your jam, there are many amazing restaurants and small businesses across Australia who host masterclasses for some of their popular creations. Keep your eyes peeled for ones in your area!

Gift a personalised Archie Rose Tailored Spirits creation, or an Archie Rose experience this season. 

Always drink responsibly. 

Feature Image: Mamamia/Archie Rose/Lotus Dining/Instagram/@maisonbalzac