DELICIOUS FESTIVE GIFT IDEAS FOR YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY
Stuck for a last-minute Christmas present for your loved ones? We have you covered – from fancy seasonal tea blends to indulgent coffee gift boxes to an exceptional aged malt whisky
Famed television cook Julia Child once said “People who love to eat are always the best people” – so what foodie gifts do you get for the best people in your life when Christmas rolls around?
We have you covered, with a compilation of some of the most covetable food and drink gifts available in Hong Kong and beyond.
1. The Airtender Wine Aerator
The Airtender Wine Aerator (Wine Lovers Blister Pack HK$498), unveiled at this year’s Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, is perfect for wine lovers.
This device accelerates a wine’s aeration process, exposing it to more air and letting it “breathe” within minutes of uncorking to bring out the best flavours, so you do not have to decant it hours before serving.
The gadget can also create vacuum seals and mix cocktails.
2. Fortnum & Mason teas
The Fortnum & Mason name is synonymous with the best of British teas and, for the festive season, there are two Christmas blends to choose from.
The Christmas Black Tea (HK$268) evokes the holiday spirit with its blend of cocoa nibs, clementine and Christmas spices – ideal for sipping with a side of shortbread.
For lighter flavours, there is the Christmas Green Tea (HK$248) – an intriguing and aromatic blend of tea, star aniseed, licorice, coconut and sweet vanilla.
Shop 022, G/F, K11 Atelier, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Rd, TST
Japanese fruits from City’super. 3. Four Seasons Hong Kong panettone
If you are planning to gift someone a panettone – a fruited Italian sweet bread – then you should impress them with the freshest and fluffiest version from Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong (HK$750).
The Four Seasons panettone takes 30 hours to make and every ingredient is sourced from Italy, including raisins and pistachios treated with 10-year aged balsamic vinegar from Sicily.
Four Seasons Hong Kong, 8 Finance Street, Central
4. Bacha Coffee
We all have at least one friend who is obsessed with a good cup of joe, and Bacha Coffee’s bespoke gifting service allows you to craft them a personalised bundle.
Visit the IFC Mall boutique in Central or head online at bachacoffee.com to pick and choose from the 100 per cent Arabica coffees, treats, and accessories such as a Parisian press gold coffee pot (HK$536) or a Bacha heritage coffee cup and saucer (HK$252).
There are five gift sizes to choose from, starting at HK$259, and there is a free tote bag and free international delivery for purchases above HK$700. Shop 1063, 1/F, IFC Mall, 8 Finance Street, Central
5. Create a Treat Gingerbread Family baking set
We love this gingerbread man decorating set (HK$110) by Create a Treat, in which children can design and decorate their own edible holiday companions.
This hands-on activity not only enhances fine motor skills but also provides a memorable and delicious experience – and it is a great activity for family bonding in the holiday season. Marketplace by Jasons, various locations including shop No. 8, B2, Langham Place, 8 Argyle Street, Mong Kok
6. Japanese fruit
Renowned for its exceptional quality and flavour, Japanese fruit is a delightful treat to give anyone, and an ethical one for those following a plant-based lifestyle.
We love the selection at City’super, which includes gems such as Japanese red flesh melons, Shine Muscat grapes, Yamagata Asahi Town Fuji apples and the luscious pale pink Awayuki strawberries.
City’super, various locations including B1, Airside, Concorde Road, Kai Tak
We all know the sky is the limit when it comes to exclusive whisky, which is why Glenlivet 18 (HK$990, 700ml) stands out as an exceptional gift choice within its price range.
Renowned for its smoothness and complexity, this single malt is aged for 18 years, and has a perfect balance of oak, fruit and spices and a flavour profile with notes of dried fruit and toffee and a hint of tropical sweetness.
Various locations including Liquor Shop, Unit F, 14/Floor, Hong Kong Industrial Building, 444 – 452 Des Voeux Road West, Shek Tong Tsui
8. Marks & Spencer gift tins
The Marks & Spencer Christmas Sparkling Light Tin Collection combines delicious treats with holiday looks. The delightful tins are shaped like European cottages, and Christmas trees – they light up – and contain an assortment of seasonal biscuits and snacks.
The Snowy Christmas Biscuit Tin (HK$249) features a music carousel projection and contains chocolate butter biscuits and gingerbread.
Various locations including Central Tower, 22-28 Queen’s Road Central, Central
9. Peninsula Boutique’s Sweet Surprise Festive Gift Box
The Peninsula Boutique’s Sweet Surprise Festive Gift Box (HK$1,280) offers a curated selection of chocolates, decadent pastries and other indulgent confections from The Peninsula’s kitchen.
From velvety pralines and truffles to delicate cookies and premium teas, the gift box promises a basket of surprises behind each door. Who needs an advent calendar?
10. Eva Aguilera extra-virgin olive oil
Impress your foodie friends with a bottle of Eva Aguilera extra-virgin olive oil (HK$1,200) – it is a mainstay at oneMichelin-star Mono restaurant in Central.
It is considered to be in the topmost tier of olive oils produced in Catalunya, in Spain, and annual production is limited to 650 litres.
This blend is made from hand-picked organic Arbequina olives harvested under the full moon in early November – when the Arbequina olives have the best aroma.
Mono, 5/F, 18 On Lan Street, Central