Did you know that Italian cuisine is one of the most popular foods around the globe ? That’s why Italian food gifts for Christmas are always so well received year after year.
As an Italian-American, I’ve created this extensive and thoughtful list of gift ideas neatly organized by category to help inspire creative gift-giving during this holiday season. I’ve also included some insightful tips to make this guide as helpful as possible!
Some of these items are pricey, some are budget-friendly, so for each item I included a price range to help you know which ones work for you. I’m sure you’ll find the perfect choice that even the pickiest of Italian food lovers will appreciate.
Who to Buy Italian Food Gifts For?
Just because we love Italian food, doesn’t mean everyone else does. Hard to believe isn’t it? So before you add any of these items to your shopping cart, let’s make sure we’re on the right path.
Here are some questions to consider when deciding if an Italian-themed food gift is appropriate for a friend, family member, or whoever.
- Are they Italian? Sharing Italian food through gift giving is a perfect way to show how much you care – every Italian knows this.
- Not Italian? Do they love all things Italian? If so – you’re safe.
- Do they like Italian restaurants? Olive Garden, spaghetti, pizza, etc. Even though many Italians don’t consider Olive Garden and the likes as good Italian food – your friends might.
- Do they like to cook Italian food? I’ve got ideas that are perfect for the aspiring Italian chef!
If you answered yes to the above, you should be fine with giving them a food gift that has Italy written all over it!
Important Tips When Buying Italian Food Gifts for Christmas
When purchasing any type of food gifts for the Christmas season, there are few tips I want to suggest in this Holiday gift guide.
- Delivery times. The closer it is to Christmas Day, the harder it will be to have items arrive on time. Make sure to make your purchase with enough time to account for delays.
- Check the reviews. Gift baskets especially can be misleading based on how the images are displayed. Sometimes they appear bigger than they really are. So look at the measurements in the descriptions and reviews.
- Is it Made in Italy? Not that this is always a deal breaker, but if you really want something to be from Italy, look for the Made in Italy symbol or specific wording in the description of the product.
Make sure to also check out other Italian gift guides in addition to this one below.
Italian Food Gift Baskets
Although you can learn how to make an Italian gift basket yourself, that’s not always practical. Nearly every Italian food gift basket will include some form of food item obviously – but they often include additional related items too.
If your friend happens to be vegetarian, or you aren’t sure, then a perfect gift basket idea is one with a pasta-theme. Just make sure the pasta sauce is meatless.
Here are some different gift baskets you can choose from that I’ve listed below.
PRO TIP: If you like any of the food kits below but they don’t come in a basket – then place it in your own basket from a store. I’ve gotten great ones at the Dollar General and other low-cost places. Get creative!
This basket is popular with 4.4 stars from 610 reviews. It is a great gift that includes Italian cookies, pasta, seasoning, chocolate, and olives.
This doesn’t seem to be delivered in a “basket” but all the products including the tomato sauce comes from Sicily. It makes a lovely gift.
Includes assorted pastas, pasta sauce, cheese straws, rolled wafers, coffee mix, crackers, snack mix, dip mix, and a whisk.
An exclusive selection of specialty items made In Italy by small artisanal producers for the perfect taste of Italy at home. A great choice among Gourmet Gift Baskets. All products are imported from Italy.
Authentic Spaghetti pasta made with Non-GMO semolina flour produced in mills in Italy. Thin spaghetti noodles to enjoy in your favorite recipes. Paired with Cherry Tomato sauce and Seasoning. Perfect for the pasta lover.
Food Gift Cards
Thrive Market offers a great selection of online organic and non-gmo brands at affordable prices. Buying someone an annual membership so they can conveniently order online is a great gift idea!
Italian Cookbooks
Anyone who loves Italian food probably enjoys cooking it too. These are perfect for children coming out of college, living on their own, or for the home cook.
This is a classic Italian cookbook that’s been around for 30 years. Lots of recipes and great cooking tips. Over 4,460 reviews with 4.7 star rating.
Lidia speaks my language when it comes to keeping things simple. Here’s her cookbook, an Editor’s pick too.
If you love Italian food that looks like art, try this one for a gift. I used to get the magazine when they had a print version. I’m so glad Williams Sonoma put together this collection of their recipes! This is for sure on my Christmas list this year!
ITALIAN GIFTS FOR WOMEN
Whether your wife, friend, sister or mother. Check out these Italian gifts perfect for women!
Pasta Machine or Pasta Maker
Looking for a pasta machine is just as varied as gift baskets. Here are some helpful considerations when shopping for a pasta machine or maker. Some of them may be hard to answer depending on who you are buying it for.
- Countertop space. Check the height and width of the machine to make sure that it will actually fit on your counter.
- Storage space. These machines aren’t usually stored on the counter, so make sure there is shelving where you can keep it.
- Manual or Electric. There are two basic types of pasta makers, the manual kind with the crank, and electric machines such as the Philips Pasta Maker that I own and wrote extensively about in this review here.
Manual Machines
Pasta Kitchen Aid attachment is a great gift for people who already use the Kitchen Aid stand mixer at home! Roll the dough, use a Spaghetti cutter and a Fettuccine cutter to cut into spaghetti and fettuccine.
Marcato’s Original World-Famous Atlas 150 pasta machine rolls and cuts pasta dough for traditional lasagna, fettuccine, and tagliatini at home. Offered in multiple colors. Lots of additional accessories you can buy.
The motor attachment will replace the need for manual cranking. This frees up an extra hand so you can focus on the pasta itself.
A lower cost pasta maker but also made of stainless steel.
This cookbook is a great accompaniment to anyone learning how to make homemade Italian pasta.
Electric Machines
This is not the version I have, but the principle is the same. This appears to be a newer model with some small feature adjustments.
This pasta machine is made in Italy and has over 1,115 reviews on Amazon. Plus it has a built in motor so no manual cranking involved.
GIFTS FOR THE ITALIAN FAMILY
Check out these gift ideas that are family-centric and are perfect for Italian families.
Italian Coffee Gifts
Anyone who loves Italian food will certainly appreciate coffee gifts too. Remember, in Italy most people drink espresso, not big oversized mugs of watered down coffee. You can use espresso in your Italian drinks or in Italian recipes!
I personally own this Alessi 9090 and wrote a comprehensive review of it. It will last forever! Stovetop espresso maker with magnetic bottom, suitable for induction stoves. Designer: Richard Sapper
Material: 18/10 stainless steel; Dimensions: diameter 4.33″, height 6.89″. Capacity: 5.1 fl oz. Available sizes: 1, 3, 6, and 10 cups
This Bialetti isn’t as great as the Alessi but is extremely popular and well liked. Makes a great gift!
This is a nice compact espresso maker with a frother. I like how it gives the temperature which is nice.
Espresso Cups and Sets
Here are some ideas for espresso cup sets. I only selected two types, but there are tons more on Amazon – including Italian-made.
Insulated espresso cups keep your drinks hot or cold.
Colorful set of mugs.
ITALIAN GIFTS FOR MEN
These Italian gifts ideas are perfect for men who appreciate all things Italian. These gifts will make his day! Italian-style of course!
Italian Balsamic Vinegar and Olive Oil Gift Sets
Inspire the Italian-inspired cook with these flavored variety packs. The quality and style will range with price, from simple variety offerings to aged balsamic vinegar. If unsure what their tastes might be like, I recommend a small sample pack of flavors. Any of these will make a good impression.
For the best choice of olive oils, look for extra virgin olive oil.
Amazing gourmet food gift for any food lover and home chef. Try pairing into the following irresistible combinations: Tuscan Herb Infused Olive Oil + Traditional 18 Year Balsamic – Wild Mushroom & Sage + Grapefruit White Balsamic – Basil Infused Olive Oil + Black Mission Fig Balsamic
Offered in white balsamic as well. The balsamic vinegar is aged for a minimum of 12 years. The olive oil is cold-extracted extra virgin. Perfect for authentic Italian dishes.
Five different types of olive oil flavors depending on the region they are from. This is just olive oil, there is no balsamic vinegar included in the package.
Here’s another package of olive oil – all organic. These have some bold flavors like chili, lemon or garlic.
Italian Wine Gifts
Another idea for Italian food gifts, can be related to wine. Why not pair your food with a bottle or two of Italian wines for the avid Italian food lover? You can order wine through Amazon, but you need to be a Prime member. If you’re not, you can join here.
Choose from a selection of white wines or red from the vineyards of Italy.
This is an interesting read for anyone who appreciates wine, especially Italian wine. A great companion to a food basket.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this holiday gift guide for some Italian food gift ideas for Christmas. This list is always expanding so make sure to check back.
Enjoy and have a wonderful Merry Christmas!
Liz
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