Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Chowhound Gift Guide 2019: Gourmet Stocking Stuffers Under $10

Let’s face it, stocking stuffers often end up being an afterthought, a hastily tossed together hodgepodge of ho-hum food stuffs and equally undesirable trinkets that are destined to end up in your junk drawer. It’s an understandable fate. You spent all that time and money searching for the perfect big ticket gift, so why waste any more resources on the small stuff? We hear you, we feel you, and we’re here to help. Below, everything worth buying (according to us) that will fit snugly into a flashy, oversized sock without emptying out your wallet.

These would also be great Secret Santa gift contenders.

Peppermint Bark, $7.19 at World Market

World Market peppermint bark

World Market

Peppermint reigns supreme this time of year, and peppermint bark may be the most festive expression of its flavor (the addition of chocolate automatically makes it better than candy canes). Slip this box of bark into the stocking of anyone with a sweet tooth that appreciates a little holiday tingle.Buy Now

Home Basics Bamboo Mortar and Pestle Set, $9.95 on Amazon

bamboo mortar and pestle

Amazon

Spice things up with this small yet sturdy bamboo mortar and pestle set which eliminates the need for ground spices. Not only will pulverizing whole peppercorns and fennel seeds ensure fresher flavor and stronger aromatics, it’ll also provide a nice workout and some stress relief from the all-too-hectic holidays. There’s a reason this ancient food processor has stood the test of time.Buy Now

Slofoodgroup Persian Saffron Threads, $7.99 on Amazon

Slofoodgroup Persian Saffron Threads

Amazon

That’s right, the most expensive spice in the world can be had for under a Hamilton. It’s not just saffron’s vibrant color and unmistakable flavor that drive up its price. The spice is notoriously tough to harvest. The flowers that produce saffron are in bloom only six weeks per year, and each flower only produces three saffron stigmas (or threads). In other words, 170,000 flowers are required to produce a single pound of food’s answer to gold. It’s no surprise this particular package of real deal Iranian saffron is about a pinch of threads (1 gram to be exact), but that’s plenty to take that paella, risotto, or seafood stew to the next level.Buy Now

Wantell Stainless Steel Straws Set, $5.69 on Amazon

Amazon

The revolution is here. Plastic straws are going the way of the Styrofoam container, if you haven’t heard. There are plenty of reusable options to choose from but we’re particularly fond of this all-encompassing set which features 4 bent and 4 straight options in a variety of sizes ensuring all your drinking needs are covered be it soft drink or smoothie. It also includes a pair of cleaning brushes and 8 silicone tips so too hot or too cold beverages won’t be an issue.Buy Now

MiTBA Garlic Peeler, $4.99 on Amazon

rubber sleeve garlic peeler

Amazon

Peeling garlic by hand and prying away those last stubborn flecks of skin is always a chore, resulting in fingers that smell like Dracula’s worst nightmare. Enter MiTBA’s oh-so-simple garlic peeler. Load up to three cloves in the nifty silicone tube and roll it back and forth a few times and…boom. Fully-peeled garlic!Buy Now

Gran Gala Liqueur, starting at $1.71  from Drizly

Gran Gala liqueur

Gran Gala

Here’s an opportunity to keep the tradition of gifting oranges during the holidays alive without actually giving anyone a bulky piece of fruit. Gran Gala is a blend of brandy and fresh orange—a lively Italian orange liqueur that can be enjoyed on the rocks or in a margarita. For sweet tooths, this airplane-sized bottle offers just the right amount of sweet boozy goodness for a citrusy soufflé.Buy Now

Vacu Vin Bottle Stopper, 2 for $6 from Sur La Table

Sur La Table

If you know someone who loves wine but hates hangovers (so basically, everyone) this effective and easy to use rubber bottle stopper provides an air-tight seal that will help keep open bottles fresh for future consumption. It’s great for virtually any capped container, be it booze or oil, though it’s a particular asset for fans of bubbly beverages such as beer, Champagne, and soda, helping to prolong carbonation.Buy Now

Pebeyre Summer Truffle Salt, $4.99 at French Food Baskets

truffle salt

French Food Baskets

There’s nothing more decadent than a truffle, the elusive delicacy that delights the senses of both gourmands and pigs alike. While even a light shaving of the ‘shroom will set you back a very pretty penny, this luxury salt made in Italy by famed French truffle house Pebeyre is the perfect vehicle to experience the joy of truffles without breaking the bank. A light sprinkle elevates anything from steaks to French fries and is an absolute game-changer on popcorn.Buy Now

Down East Schooner Mustard, $5 at Raye’s Mustard

Raye's Mustard Down East Schooner mustard

Raye’s Mustard

Maine condiment king Raye’s produces some of the best small batch mustard you’ll ever slather on a wiener. There are plenty of varieties to choose from but it’s hard to top their Down East Schooner, a classic American yellow mustard that has been in production since 1900. Down East Schooner comes in multiple sizes but a four-ounce jar will keep you under budget.Buy Now

Hammond’s Candies Hot Chocolate Dunking Spoon, $2.69 from Macy’s

Macy’s

These single-serving hot chocolate spoons are pure magic, turning a hot mug of milk into creamy cocoa heaven in mere seconds with a simple dip and stir. Expect hot chocolate superior to the run-of-the-mill powdered product because this nifty spoon comes from Denver’s Hammond’s Candies which has producing quality confections since 1920.Buy Now

Coral and Turquoise Mako Flat Bottle Openers, 2 for $5.36 at World Market

flat bottle openers

World Market

No more bulky bottle openers. These sleek tools made of stainless steel dipped in turquoise and coral paint slip right into a wallet or pocket, and look good too. They’re the perfect stocking stuffer for any beer fan.Buy Now

For more great gift ideas, see our Gourmet Food and Drink Gift Guide, and our Best Kitchen Gadgets, Tools, and Appliances Gift Guide.

And see our sister sites’ tech gift guides, gaming gift guides, fashion and beauty gift guides, TV gift guides, and Rachael Ray’s gift guides too.



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