15 Inspired Christmas Gifts for Foodies

Buying for the friend who plans every outing around food? These 15 thoughtful Christmas gifts for foodies celebrate what they love, from making fresh pasta and discovering chocolate to booking a special table or escaping somewhere delicious...

Key Takeaways

• Find 15 Christmas gifts for food lovers, grouped around their interests and favourite ways to spend time.

• Choose from cookery classes, restaurant meals, afternoon tea, food tours and gourmet getaways.

• Every featured experience is for two, giving your friend someone to share their present with.

• Check dietary suitability, booking restrictions and voucher expiry, especially for seasonal outings.

Christmas Gifts for Foodies at a Glance

• For the friend who always cooks from scratch: Pasta Evangelists, The Jamie Oliver Cookery School or pork pie making at Brockleby’s Bakery.

• For the friend with a restaurant wishlist: Savoy Grill, Galvin La Chapelle or Andrew Sheridan’s kitchen table experience at 8.

• For the friend who puts the kettle on: Afternoon tea at The Lowry, chocolate truffle making or a Bird & Blend tea workshop.

• For the friend who follows their appetite: Foraging with Totally Wild UK, a London cheese crawl or a guided food tour of York.

• For the friend who deserves more than dinner: Lunch and wine tasting at Denbies, a Northern Belle dining journey or an overnight escape at Nunsmere Hall.

What Makes These Gifts Worth Giving?

We’ve chosen experiences that connect with something your friend already enjoys, whether that’s cooking for everyone or tracking down their next favourite restaurant. Our shortlist considers what’s included, where it takes place and what makes it feel like a treat.

Some offer skills to bring home; others give them the welcome pleasure of having everything prepared for them. We’ve used Red Letter Days’ published experience details to help you compare, just remember to check the experience for the latest inclusions and available dates before purchasing.

For the Friend Who Always Cooks From Scratch

For a pasta-focused afternoon with prosecco, start with Pasta Evangelists. The Jamie Oliver Cookery School offers a broader choice of cuisines, while Brockleby’s is the pick for someone keen to master a traditional British bake.

1. Pasta Evangelists Cookery Class with Bottomless Prosecco at the Pasta Academy for Two

If their idea of a good Sunday involves flour on the worktop and something bubbling on the hob, this should go down well. At a Pasta Evangelists cookery class for two, they’ll start with antipasti before getting stuck into two hours of pasta making with an expert chef. 

Bottomless prosecco or soft drinks keep things sociable, and they’ll sit down to eat their creations afterwards. It’s a thoughtful Christmas present for someone who enjoys feeding people, with fresh ideas for the next time they invite everyone round.

Location: Selected Pasta Academy locations; check the current venue list.

Perfect for: The pasta enthusiast who wants to move beyond shop-bought ravioli.

Good to know: Suitable for all abilities, with a minimum age of 18. Book at least two weeks ahead and discuss allergies with the venue before attending.

2. Two Hour Cookery Class for Two at The Jamie Oliver Cookery School

Their saved recipes might stretch into the hundreds, but a class gives them the chance to put a new favourite into practice.

This two-hour experience at The Jamie Oliver Cookery School offers a choice of themes, including North Indian thali, Vietnamese street food and Japanese cooking. 

Experienced chefs guide them through the preparation, with time to eat what they’ve made included in the session. Among gifts for friends who love cooking, we’d choose this for someone who’s curious about different cuisines and always keen to learn another trick.

Location: London; check the available school locations when booking.

Perfect for: The adventurous home cook whose next recipe could come from anywhere.

Good to know: Available week round, subject to class dates. Vegetarian and vegan participants can be catered for; discuss requirements when booking.

3. Pork Pie Making Experience for Two at Brockleby’s Bakery

Some friends can’t walk past a good bakery without coming out with a paper bag of something tempting.

At Brockleby’s in Melton Mowbray, they can go behind the scenes and learn to make a traditional pork pie themselves. 

The two-hour session includes a bakery tour, an expert demonstration and a chance to try the hand-raising technique using hot water crust pastry.

They’ll take their pie home afterwards, making this a satisfying Christmas gift for someone who appreciates British food and the craft behind it.

Location: Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire.

Perfect for: The savoury snack enthusiast who takes pastry seriously.

Good to know: Workshops are listed for Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from 6.30pm–8.30pm. Check preparation and cooking instructions for the pie they take home.

For the Friend With a Restaurant Wishlist

Choose Savoy Grill for classic London glamour, Galvin La Chapelle for Mediterranean-inspired cooking in a striking dining room, or 8 for an interactive kitchen table experience. Think about whether they’d most enjoy the setting, the style of food or watching the creativity unfold.

4. Gordon Ramsay’s Savoy Grill Three Course Lunch for Two

You know that restaurant they mention whenever someone asks where they’d love to eat? If it’s Savoy Grill, Christmas is a good excuse to make it happen.

This three-course lunch for two at Gordon Ramsay’s Savoy Grill brings together a British and French-inspired set menu and the restaurant’s glamorous art deco surroundings. 

We’d give it to the friend who would enjoy dressing up, taking their time and making a weekday lunch the main event. For more ideas built around a favourite chef, explore our guide to celebrity chef experiences.

Location: The Strand, London.

Perfect for: The restaurant lover with a soft spot for classic London glamour.

Good to know: Available Monday–Friday, with exclusions and possible festive supplements. Smart dress is requested, and a discretionary 15% service charge is added to the bill.

5. Three Course Michelin Starred Set Menu with Bubbles for Two at Galvin La Chapelle

For the friend who reads restaurant menus for fun, a table at Galvin La Chapelle gives them something worth getting excited about. They’ll enjoy three courses from a Mediterranean-inspired set menu, with a glass of Brut each to toast the occasion. 

The restaurant’s striking Grade II listed setting brings its own sense of celebration, even before the first course arrives. Choose this when you want to recognise their love of good food with a Christmas present that feels properly considered.

Location: Spitalfields, London.

Perfect for: Someone who enjoys accomplished cooking and an impressive dining room.

Good to know: Available January–November at specified lunch and dinner times, with exclusions. Book at least four weeks ahead; service charge is not included.

6. Kitchen Table Tasting Menu Experience for Two by Andrew Sheridan at 8

If they’re as interested in how a dish comes together as how it tastes, 8 in Liverpool deserves their attention. Andrew Sheridan’s kitchen table experience puts them close to the action, with a tasting menu that makes creativity part of the occasion. 

The format gives a keen restaurant-goer plenty to take in, from the presentation to the story running through the meal. We’d pick this for a friend who enjoys being surprised and would happily spend the journey home talking through every course.

Location: Liverpool, Merseyside.

Perfect for: The curious diner who wants an experience they’ll still be discussing afterwards.

Good to know: Listed for Wednesday–Saturday lunch and dinner, with £15 per person supplements for Friday and Saturday dinners and key seasonal dates. The booking details currently state six-month voucher validity, so confirm the expiry before purchasing.

For the Friend Who Puts the Kettle On

7. Traditional Afternoon Tea at The Lowry Hotel for Two

There’s always time for another cup when you’re catching up with this friend. At The Lowry Hotel, they can settle into the River Restaurant for finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and a tempting assortment of cakes and pastries. A choice of over 80 tea blends gives even the most committed tea drinker something to deliberate over.

It’s a generous way to thank the person who always welcomes everyone in, while giving them an afternoon where someone else takes care of the serving. If a glass of fizz belongs in the plan, our champagne afternoon tea guide has more celebratory options.

Location: Salford, Greater Manchester.

Perfect for: The friend who makes every catch-up feel worth slowing down for.

Good to know: Available Thursday–Sunday, with exclusions including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. This traditional tea package does not include champagne.

8. Truffle Making Experience for Two

Buying chocolate for them is usually a safe bet, but making it gives their favourite treat a fresh twist. During this chocolatier-led workshop in Brixton, they’ll enjoy a tasting before learning techniques for tempering chocolate and shaping truffle fillings.

There’s dipping, decorating and wrapping to get stuck into, with handmade chocolates to take home at the end. Among gifts for chocolate lovers, this feels particularly personal for someone who enjoys creating things and has strong opinions about the best flavour in the box.

Location: Brixton, London.

Perfect for: A creative chocolate fan who enjoys getting hands-on.

Good to know: Available on Saturdays only; allow up to three and a half hours. Discuss allergies and dietary requirements with the provider before booking.

9. Tea Blending Workshop with Bird & Blend Tea Co for Two

For the friend whose tea cupboard has long outgrown a single shelf, this workshop takes their daily ritual somewhere new.

They’ll explore different teas, taste a selection and learn about the origins and processing behind the flavours. With help from a tea mixologist, they’ll create three blends to take home, alongside drinks and a goodie bag during the experience. 

It’s a thoughtful choice for someone who loves sharing their latest discovery over a brew. Their new blends could even inspire the next get-together, with ideas from our guide to hosting an afternoon tea party at home.

Location: Selected Bird & Blend stores across the UK.

Perfect for: The tea devotee who always has something interesting brewing.

Good to know: Allow around two and a half hours. Minimum age is 14, with under-18s accompanied by an adult; check workshop dates at the preferred store.

For the Friend Who Follows Their Appetite

Let their curiosity lead the way: Totally Wild UK explores ingredients outdoors, while the London cheese crawl keeps the spotlight on one favourite food. For someone who wants to try a bit of everything, York’s longer tour brings several independent venues into one outing.

10. Forage and Cook Experience for Two with Totally Wild UK

Their favourite walks usually finish somewhere good for lunch, so why not make the food part of the adventure?

With Totally Wild UK, a professional forager introduces them to edible plants and explains how to recognise and harvest them. They’ll sample wild flavours before helping prepare a multi-course lunch using wild and foraged ingredients. 

This is one of our more unexpected Christmas gifts for food lovers, especially for someone who enjoys the countryside and wants to understand more about what grows around them.

Location: Selected locations across the UK.

Perfect for: An outdoorsy friend with a curious palate.

Good to know: Available on selected dates March–November, making it a gift to enjoy after Christmas. Prepared food is vegetarian; share dietary requirements when booking and wear sturdy shoes and suitable outdoor clothing.

11. Ultimate Cheese Crawl Guided Food Tour with See Your City for Two Adults

If they’re the first to suggest a cheeseboard, you’ve probably found their present. This two-hour London walking tour takes them through selected cheese shops and food markets, tasting British and international varieties along the way. 

A local guide shares stories about how the cheeses are made and the traditions behind them, giving each stop more to offer than another sample. We’d choose it for the friend who loves discovering specialist shops and would happily build an entire afternoon around cheese.

Location: London.

Perfect for: The person who believes there’s always room for one more cheese.

Good to know: Listed for Friday–Sunday, with selected exclusions. The tour involves walking and is unsuitable for guests with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance.

12. Guided Food Tour for Two in York

For some people, the best way to get to know a city is to start eating their way around it. This guided York tour visits six independent venues, bringing together street food, restaurant stops and stories from a local food guide. 

Tastings may include bao buns, noodles, gelato and handmade fudge, with city landmarks providing plenty to look at between bites. Give it to the friend who always finds the most interesting place for lunch, and let them enjoy following someone else’s recommendations for a change.

Location: York, North Yorkshire.

Perfect for: The enthusiastic explorer who plans trips around places to eat.

Good to know: Saturday tours last approximately four hours and cover around 1.4 miles. Vegan and gluten-free options are listed; confirm requirements when booking.

For the Friend Who Deserves More Than Dinner

Denbies makes a countryside afternoon of lunch and wine tasting, while Northern Belle turns the journey itself into a full-day celebration.

Choose Nunsmere Hall when what they’d appreciate most is dinner followed by a comfortable bed and breakfast the next morning.

13. Vineyard Tour, Wine Tasting and Buffet Lunch for Two at Denbies Vineyard

If a countryside lunch and a glass of wine sound like their ideal afternoon, Denbies brings both together with something new to discover. They’ll explore the Surrey estate on a guided vineyard tour, learn about winemaking and enjoy a tutored tasting. 

Lunch is included too, giving them time to sit down and enjoy the setting without rushing straight home. It’s a Christmas gift with a future day out built in, perfect for the friend who’ll enjoy choosing a spring or summer date to look forward to.

Location: Dorking, Surrey.

Perfect for: A food and wine enthusiast who enjoys a countryside outing.

Good to know: Available April–October, excluding bank holidays, with a minimum age of 18. Allow at least three hours and dress for time outdoors.

14. Five Course Dinner, Brunch, Champagne and Cocktails for Two with Northern Belle Day Trip

For a close friend who deserves a generous thank-you, this is the sort of present you might club together to give. Their Northern Belle journey begins with a Bellini and brunch as the countryside passes the window, followed by time to explore the chosen destination.

Back on board, champagne and canapés lead into a five-course dinner with a bottle of wine to share. The pleasure is in having a whole day set aside for good food, conversation and the nostalgic surroundings of a luxury train.

Location: Selected departure stations and routes across the UK.

Perfect for: Someone who enjoys dressing for the occasion and making a day of it.

Good to know: Dates and routes are limited, and some require supplements. Standard seating is at a table for four; a table for two costs extra, and journeys can last 11–18 hours.

15. One Night Deluxe Gourmet Escape for Two at Nunsmere Hall, Cheshire

The friend who hosts every dinner deserves a night where they don’t have to think about the washing-up. At Nunsmere Hall, a deluxe double room, dinner allowance and full English breakfast give them a comfortable excuse to get away. 

They can make plans around the Cheshire countryside or simply enjoy an evening meal knowing their room is waiting upstairs.

We’d give this to someone who puts plenty of effort into looking after others and would appreciate being treated themselves. If their ideal escape also includes treatments and pool time, explore our winter spa breaks for two.

Location: Oakmere, Cheshire.

Perfect for: The generous host who deserves a break from organising everything.

Good to know: Available Monday–Friday, subject to availability and wedding bookings. Dinner is covered by a £25 allowance per person, so additional spending may be needed.

We Say: Give Them Something That Feels Like Them

Think of the meal they still talk about, the hobby they keep meaning to try or the catch-up you’ve both put off. That’s where a thoughtful present starts.

We’d pick pasta making for the keen cook or Nunsmere for the friend who always hosts. Find their kind of treat with Red Letter Days food experience gifts.

Richard Marsh

Content Writer