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 rapidly passes: “What ought to I get them?” Whether or not you’re procuring in 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 items are the right catch-all if you’re simply undecided what to get for that particular individual. Since nobody does meals like Eater, it appeared solely proper that our employees 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 reworked 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 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 items 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 a listing of our very favourite employees picks from the market, with why we love them. So whoever that difficult-to-shop-for individual 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 no less than 10 totally different scorching sauces in my house) 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 spotlight it deserves.” — Stephanie Wu, editor-in-chief
Your decoration sport is robust
“Certain, meals ornaments are nice, however souvenirs paying homage to a particular place are even higher. And when you grew up in or touring by New York Metropolis, this over-100-year-old establishment and its grilled scorching canine will certainly ring a bell.” — Nat, affiliate artistic 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 best way it amplifies savory dishes.’ — Bettina Makalintal, senior reporter
Let Eater wine and dine you in Mexico Metropolis
“For those who’ve been to Mexico Metropolis, you wish to return. For those who haven’t been, it needs to be on the prime 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 get rid of odor
“Love cooking; hate when my arms odor 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 massive 12 months for princess cake, the Swedish dessert that could 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 prime quality candles, and it took inspiration from Sant Ambroeus to create what’s, to my data, one of the best and solely candle that pays homage to the dessert; it’s candy however not saccharine, with milky and heat notes that waft by the air and make me really feel like I’m in a Scandinavian bakery.” — Francky Knapp, employees 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 right reward for buddies who wish to host (or your folks who’re sick of paying for martinis at their ungodly worth today).” — 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 supplies 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
Primary character glassware, all the time
“I really like to switch and uplevel my glassware, and giving a present of 4 or six tumblers, particularly to meals lovers, is the proper approach to go. How cute are the tiny fruits in the course 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.
