Gourmet Gift Ideas to Give Your Lover

During the year, I travel the globe as an international food and wine writer. And as the calendar year ends, I like to reflect on my most memorable discoveries to find the gifts for the most important people in my life. Since for most of us, the number one people are our romantic partners and ourselves–do not put yourself last this year–I’ve come up with a list of tasty morsels and gourmet products I would like to enjoy and share with that special someone. 

This is not your average collection of gift baskets or mail-order holiday foods. These are tried and tested gourmet gifts I would be thrilled to receive. I put a little bit of sweet and a little bit of savory, a bit of practical and a bit of pampering on the list of these gourmet gift ideas to help you find the thing your person would enjoy, whatever their tastes and preferences.

Brown Butter Cookie Company – My daughter got married in the small coastal hamlet of Cayucos along California’s immensely fascinating and crucible Highway One. And that is how I discovered one of the best cookie companies ever. Brown Butter Cookie Company checks all the boxes for homemade, delectable cookies with rich flavor. Although brown butter is not a known aphrodisiac, I think anyone who tries these cookies will agree that there’s a sexy sort of magic in every bite.

Point Reyes Cheese Company – As a northern Californian, I’m proud to call the women who run this fantastic, woman-owned cheese company my people. Maybe it’s because the cows just seem to be happier, but Point Reyes Cheese is known for making some of the best cheese in America. And since cheese is considered a potentially powerful aphrodisiac, it was a no-brainer to add them to my list. Consider the cheese subscriptions, which allow the receiver to get a sampling of cheese over several months. 

Jeni’s Ice Cream – from a little shop in Dublin, Ohio, Jeni Britton built an empire of cold and yummy. Being from Ohio, I had heard about Jeni’s long before I was able to source it on the West Coast and now Jeni’s incredibly creative flavors are available in stores, shops and online everywhere! Order yourself a pint of your favorite aphrodisiac flavor like Blackout Chocolate Cake or Strawberry Buttermilk, get out two spoons and snuggle up for a quiet evening together. 

GRILLBADGER™ – Born from a concern about the dangers of metal bristle grill brushes, the original natural grill brush is long-lasting and provides an effective clean without any plastic parts. It started with just two guys, an idea, and the determination to bring a safer, sustainable grill brush to backyards across America. Of course, a grill brush is not an aphrodisiac but watching your special someone cooking over an outdoor flame might be. That’s why I added this earth-friendly and food-friendly grill brush to my list of aphrodisiac gifts. 

Lemur International Spices – If your lover is a baker or budding chef, they’re going to love a homemade gift basket of goodness filled with premium-quality flavorings from this California gourmet importer. The company imports aphrodisiacs from Madagascar, including organic vanilla beans. They also offer Madagascar cinnamon, which is true Ceylon cinnamon, known for its delicate, sweet, one-of-a-kind flavor. Best of all, every purchase gives back to the local community from which it came.

M. Cacao Chocolate Creations – Ok, this chocolatier had me at artisan chocolates and stunning presentations. But then they one-upped themselves in a new and unexpected way with the Fromage Chocolate Collection. From Goat Cheese & Sage to Gouda & Pear, these artisanal, luxury chocolate creations that couple tangy cheeses with chef-crafted ganaches are available in 8-piece and 16-piece luxury gift boxes. Or choose a personalized Expressio chocolate video box–seriously, this is cool! Imagine your gesture of love coupled with images that remind you of what makes your union strong.

Need more gift ideas? Check out my list of Romantic Getaways You Can Give as a Gift.

Special thanks to Brown Butter Cookie Company, Point Reyes Cheese Company, Jeni’s, Grillbadger and M. Cacao Chocolate Creations for mouthwatering product images. Vanilla bean photo provided by Depositphotos.

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Barbara Barrielle

Barbara Barrielle is a freelance food, wine and travel writer and guidebook author living in the heart of the California Wine Country. She is the Editor-in-Chief of Palate Press and a member of the Society of American Travel Writers. She has contributed to publications including Fodor's Travel, Napa Valley Register, Wine Industry Advisor and AARP. Barbara is also the producer of the California wine country documentary CRUSHED. Follow her on Instagram, @barbarabarrielletravels.

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