Sustainable Gift Ideas for Food Lovers They'll Thank You For

Sustainable Seasonal Cookbooks - Food Lover Gift Ideas

It feels a little early to be sharing sustainable gift ideas for food lovers, but I have a few good reasons for it.

One. I might forget. No, seriously, let’s be real – keeping all your ducks going in the right direction the last few months of the year is a fete. And while I might remember to pick up everything at the market for my favorite mulled wine recipe, many other things stand little chance.

More seriously, the next two months require gifts beyond just holiday gifts. Gifts this season are a necessity for saying thanks to someone hosting you for a lovely meal (looking at you, Friendsgiving and Thanksgiving), hosting your stay for you and family, or just a lovely way to do some gifting for those special people on and off your typical holiday shopping list.

Sustainable Gifts for Food Lovers

When it comes to sustainable gifts for food lovers, I think it’s important to differentiate between food lovers who love to cook and food lovers who don’t really cook.

That seems funny, but I’m a food lover who loves to cook. I know many food lovers, however, who don’t enjoy being in the kitchen with any regularity.

This distinction is important because of the type of gifts you want to get them. People who love cooking food will love things for their kitchen, whereas the others won’t have as much use for that.

I’m biased on this one, but for good reason, seasonal cookbooks are a great gift for all food lovers. The seasonal cookbooks are organized by season and by ingredient. There are recipes for all levels of cooking and for every type of gathering.

The seasonal cookbooks are available in Spring & Summer and Fall & Winter. They also come as a set. Depending on your budget, one or the set are a lovely, welcome gift. And you can guarantee, they won’t have it on their shelves already!

There’s now also a gift wrap option. One or two cookbooks are wrapped in 100% recycled content cardboard box with upcycled paper for padding. Package sealed with biodegradable, plastic-free tape. You can also request a message on a card or written on the outside if you’re mailing to someone!

Gifts Ideas for People Who Like to Cook

In addition to the cookbooks, the below gifts are great ideas for those who love being in the kitchen (more options for those who don’t are below).

Again depending on your budget, these sustainable gift ideas will be unique, fun, and a major hit with your food loving friends and family.

Sustainable Gift Ideas for Food Lovers - reusable bags

Reusable Stasher Bags

Stasher Bags are in constant use in our kitchen. Read all my favorite ways to use silicone bags (especially as snack bags for big and little hands). You can give one bag or a colorful set!

Collapsible Storage Containers

These silicone storage containers are collapsible, dishwasher safe, and super chic. Available in a variety of colors. They also have collapsible coffee cups and water bottles!

A GREAT Handcrafted Knife

People who cook NEED good knives. These Nakano knives are fabulous and at a great price point! Paring knives for smaller gifts to classic knives and sets for larger gifts.

Use code LUCI for 20% off

Beeswax Wrap

Beeswax wrap is the best replacement for plastic wrap! We have it in all sizes as well as a roll we cut to size. Use the warmth of your hands to “seal.” Wash gently by hand and reuse again and again. Vegan-friendly options too.

Bamboo Pot Scrapers

Stuck on Dishes? Skip the water waste and arm workout of scrubbing with just one little pot scraper. Sides and various shaped corners safely scrape away stuck on food from all kinds of pots, pans, and plates. Bamboo is also naturally antimicrobial, so it’s a winner in the kitchen!!

Sustainable Gift Ideas for Food Lovers - castile soap recipes

Castile Soap Recipe Card

Castile soap is a nontoxic lifesaver around the house. Castile soap is a clean, biodegradable concentrated soap that won’t dry out your hands. You can use it in the shower, to wash dishes, and even to keep pests out of your garden. This cheat sheet is a must around the house.

More Gift Ideas for Food Lovers

So while the sustainable gifts above might be good for all food lovers, the ones below are definitely good for them – cooks or not!

Each of these is a lovely gift idea for anyone, really – food lover or not. I’ve linked to and mentioned a few favorite brands, but remember that anything local is the best option!

Artisanal Jam

Whether you’re into homemade jam or buy locally, everybody loves jam! Something seasonal or a sampler pack always goes down well and doesn’t need to be enjoyed right away!

Sustainable Gift Ideas for Food Lovers - Wine

Local/Sustainable Wine

Wine is often a go to gift for our friends. We love gifting from Belden Barns where we’re wine club members or from another sustainable winery we can buy more easily in a local market.

Sustainable Gift Ideas for Food Lovers - Local Flower Bouquet (sitting on bathroom counter)

Local Flowers

Give the classic gift of a beautiful bouquet of flowers, but try to get them locally. Local flower growers are your local farmers. These flowers also require little transportation emissions and tend to use far fewer (if any) pesticides. Locally we love Bloom!

Local Coffee Beans or Gift Cards

Whether $5 or a bit more, we love gifting beans or gift cards to local favorite coffee shops. Check out my favorite Sacramento Coffee Shops and these sustainable coffee tips. Tea shops and local breweries are also a lovely option!