The 11 Best Food Gifts to Send (Order Online)
They say a way to a person’s heart is through their stomach. While I’m not sure that I completely agree with that, I have found that a food gift never disappoints. Food is a great idea for the person who claims they don’t want or need anything. They probably love food (who doesn’t) but wouldn’t order the treat themselves.
While I’ve long gifted (and loved to receive) food, this year I find it especially meaningful. With so many trips canceled, this is a creative way to send a piece of somewhere to someone. It’s also a great way to support local and small businesses. With no parties to be had in the near future, send a little celebration to someone you love. All of the below items are available to order online and ship nationwide within the US.
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Ess-a-Bagel
New York Bagels
THERE’S SOMETHING IN THE WATER
The fact that one of the best (in my top 2) bagel places in all of New York City is now available for shipping, is honestly, a gift to all of us. You cannot get a bagel anywhere that rivals a New York bagel. My husband surprised me with an order for my birthday and I could not have been happier. The quality was perfectly fresh, it was like I was transported to NYC and having bagels in the hotel room.
LeVain Bakery
Cookies
THAT’S THE WAY THE COOKIE CRUMBLES
The absolute best cookies. Period. When you break one open it’s like it’s warm and melty, but it’s not warm. They’ve figured a magical way of keeping the chocolate chips melty while completely cooled. Mind-blown. Levain is a must-do when going to NY, I’m so happy these are now available to ship.
Lou Malnati’s
Deep-Dish Pizza
DEEP DISH AT IT’S FINEST
Emily in Paris be damned. As someone veeeeery familiar with Chicago deep-dish, there is not another better that is also easily accessible. Nothing like a butter crust. They also offer a kit that includes a Portillo’s chocolate cake. DO NOT sleep on the cake.
Junior’s
New York Cheesecake
NEW YORK STYLE
While I know Junior’s started in Brooklyn, to me it will always remind me of Times Square and the theater. Sometimes after a show, a slice of cheesecake is just what you need as a nightcap. Yes, it’s rich, but it’s smooth and creamy and freezes beautifully.
Portillo’s
Italian Beef Sandwiches
A GOOD ONE IS HARD TO FIND
Growing up in the midwest I thought Italian Beef was a common sandwich. I had no idea it originated in Chicago. I’ve had my fair share of Italian Beef, trust me, you need the right beef, bread, peppers, and gravy to hit the right combination. This is perfection. Like mentioned above in Lou Malnati’s…DO NOT sleep on the chocolate cake. I know it looks like any other cake, but it is sooooo good.
Baked by Melissa
Bite-Sized Cupcakes
VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE
There’s a reason Baked By Melissa also shows up on Gifts for Her guide. After gifting this, and receiving it, countless times it’s always a hit. There are seasonal and holiday flavors in addition to the best-sellers so no need to give the same thing twice. What’s great is that with these being bite-size you can eat 3 with not a second thought.
Garrett
Gourmet Popcorn
NOT LIKE OTHER POPCORN
Hear me out. This is not like other popcorn. When I was in college in Chicago one of my friends came to class and offered some of her Garrett’s to me…’cheese and caramel, gross, no thank you’. She finally convinced me to try it…by the end of the class, she gave me the whole bag because I enjoyed it so much. If I’m not wrong this also showed up on Oprah’s favorite things one year too. Trust.
Mike’s Pastry
Cannoli
BEST IN THE U.S.
Since I don’t love ricotta I don’t have a ton of experience with cannoli, but Mike’s is definitely the best I’ve ever had. I boarded a plane with a box of cannoli that didn’t hold up. Shipping in a kit is a guarantee that the cannoli will be fresh until the last bite.
Lick
Artisanal Ice Cream
IMPECCABLE FLAVOR COMBINATIONS
Everyone needs a good local ice cream shop, and if there isn’t one, then Lick can be shipped! Yes, there are unique flavor combinations but even their basic is decadent. Vegan options are also available. With ice cream at the party, who needs cake? Kidding, I need cake. Always.
Omaha Steaks
Meats (& More)
SUSTENANCE
Truth be told, I don’t love making steak at home, I’m a steakhouse kind of girl. Omaha Steaks offers so much more than just steak (although in a package I will get a steak and grill it for salads). The kielbasa is always on our order and the pastries are surprisingly delicious.
The Elegant Farmer
Apple Pie
BAKED IN A BAG
I don’t know why you bake this pie in a bag, but when they say it, I do it. What comes out is a pie crust that is more cookie than any pie I’ve had before. I’m partial to the caramel apple but for the purists, you can start with classic apple.
The gift ideas are endless with food. If you were planning to go to Boston with a friend this year, maybe gift them Mike’s until you can reschedule. If your dad loves ice cream, introduce him to Lick. Love bagels, treat yo’self!
I also want to mention Goldbelly. I’ve used them quite often during Covid and I love how they make so many small businesses accessible nationwide. I’ve had nothing but great experiences in shipping time and quality, but keep an eye out for shipping. Sometimes the costs are included but other times they’re additional, they can be a pretty penny.
Looking for more gifts:
- Gifts for brandy drinkers
- Luxe gifts for her
- Gift ideas for wine lovers
- Unique 1st wedding anniversary gift ideas
DISCLOSURE: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. I am very obsessed with FTC compliance so check out my full disclosure for details.
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