Monday, December 10, 2018

Chowhound Gift Guide 2018: Gourmet Stocking Stuffers Under $5

best stocking stuffers under $5

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.

Maxwell & Williams White Basics Mortar and Pestle Gift Set, $4.99 on Bed Bath and Beyond

basic mortar and pestle

Bed Bath & Beyond

There’s a reason this ancient food processor has stood the test of time. For starters, you can spice things up with this small yet sturdy porcelain 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.See It

World Market Saffron Strands, $4.99 on World Market

World Market saffron

World Market

That’s right, the most expensive spice in the world can be had for under a Lincoln. 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, but that’s more than enough to take that paella, risotto, or seafood stew to the next level.See It

Metal Bendy Straw, $2 on West Elm

eco-friendly reusable bendy straws

West Elm

The revolution has begun. Plastic straws are going the way of the Styrofoam container, if you haven’t heard. This sleek and durable straw truly sucks (in a good way!), and is capable of delivering thicker liquids such as shakes and smoothies to the dome. If only it could prevent brain freeze.See It

MiTBA Garlic Peeler, $4.99 on Amazon

rubber sleeve garlic peeler

MiTBA/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!See It

Gran Gala Liqueur, $3.49 on BevMo

Gran Gala liqueur

BevMo

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.See It

Rabbit Rubber Wine Stopper, $1.95 on Crate and Barrel

Rabbit rubber wine stopper

Crate & Barrel

If you know someone who loves wine but hates hangovers (so basically, everyone) this effective and easy to use rubber wine 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.See It

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.See It

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 weiner. 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.See It

Chocolate-Dipped Spoons with Marshmallow and Peppermint, 4 for $4.99 at Target

chocolate-dipped spoons with peppermint and marshmallow

Target

These single-serving hot chocolate spoons are pure magic, turning a hot glass of milk into creamy cocoa heaven in mere seconds with a simple dip and stir. The best-of-both-worlds combo of dark chocolate and marshmallow is joined by seasonally appropriate peppermint, making it an even hotter proposition. Buy four packs and you get the fifth for free.See It

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

Related Video: Here’s Why We Put Oranges in Christmas Stockings

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