20 Groceries That Make Great Gifts (That You Can Order Online!)

We’ll just come right out and say it: This year is a weird year for giving (and receiving) holiday gifts. Instead of shopping, gathering, and gifting in person, our safest bet is to stick to the internet this year. But what to possibly buy (online) for loved ones who aren’t leaving the house? Groceries, of course!

We’re not just saying this because we work at Kitchn (where we talk about groceries all the time). And we’re not talking about a whole Instacart order, either — although that would make a great gift. Rather, we’re talking about a wide selection of thoughtfully produced, widely beloved, incredibly thoughtful grocery items that make great holiday gifts.

Here are just 20 of our favorite suggestions, all of which you can easily order online and have shipped directly to your loved ones.

This stuff is the best-selling hot sauce on Amazon — for good reason! It’s infused with black truffle oil and packs a pleasantly tingly heat. It’s even packaged to perfection with a cute geometric screw top and sturdy glass bottle. Pro tip: Order a set of these 1.5-ounce minis to split up and use as little stocking stuffers for the people in your house.

Buy: Mini Truff Hot Sauce, $25.99 for four at Truff

This lusciously creamy tahini from Chelsea Market-based Seed+Mill is the foundation for the very best salad dressings and sauces. It also pairs excellently with sweets (think: fudgy brownies). The lucky recipient of a jar of the good stuff is going to want to drizzle this on everything. In addition to their website, you can also get Seed + Mill Tahini online at Bubble Goods or in person at Whole Foods while you’re grocery shopping. For more of a splurge, try their halva, which is available on Goldbelly!

Buy: Seed + Mill Organic Tahini, $10 for 16 ounces at Seed + Mill

This beautifully packaged raw honey is the product of Zach & Zoë Sweet Bee Farm, in rural NJ (and named after the Johnson family’s two kids). Other flavors include ginger, lavender, matcha, and more. Check it all out in their online shop.

Buy: Zach & Zoë Sweet Bee Farm Honey, from $20 for 16 ounces at Zach & Zoë

Kitchn’s Food Director, Nina Elder, boldly declared that this bespoke apple cider vinegar is so good that she can drink it straight — which is why you should gift it to someone on your list. The beautiful jar is reason enough to buy. Another reason? It’s crafted by farmer Joanne Krueger, who uses organic apples that are hand-harvested from orchard Little Apple Treats.

Buy: The Pineapple Collaborative ACV, $20 at Nordstrom

Olive oil is the kind of gift that people don’t know that they wanted until they get it. This California variety has made an appearance on our Kitchn Essentials, Grocery Edition (it’s essential!) and even Ina Garten uses it!

Buy: California Olive Ranch Extra Virgin Olive Oil, $13.41 for 16.9 ounces at Target

The Omsom Bundle contains 12 meal starters bursting with flavor. This kit in particular includes Vietnamese, Thai, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese starters. The Kitchn staffers who’ve tried Omsom can’t stop raving about it.

Buy: The Omsom Bundle, $55 at Omsom

Get these for anyone in your life who loves a kitchen shortcut and you’ll be a holiday hero. These refrigerated pre-made sauces have a super space-saving pouch design, and smart screw-top lid — not to mention they’re delicious. The Herby Chimichurri paired with grilled flank steak is divine. But why not give the gift of all six?

Buy: Haven’s Kitchen 6-Pack Sampler, $69 for six 5-ounce pouches at Haven’s Kitchen

Rao’s is, hands-down, the favorite jarred marinara sauce of Kitchn staffers. (It even won our official taste test.) It’s a bit pricey compared to the competition, but its uncanny resemblance to homemade sauce makes it worth it — and an excellent gift. Throw in a box of pasta if you really want to go all out.

Buy: Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce, $13.09 for two 28 ounce jars at Instacart

Refresh a loved one’s spice cabinet for the holidays. We love Burlap & Barrel‘s spices, which are all single origin and sourced directly from small farms.

Shop: Burlap and Barrel

Here’s a second olive oil option, because again, you can never go wrong with olive oil. The Duo is definitely more of a gifty treat (look at that packaging!) and features one olive oil that’s meant for slow, cozy nights and another that’s best for busy days.

Buy: The Duo, $75 for two at Brightland Olive Oil

Lifestyle Director, Lisa Freedman, would sleep on a pillow made of this grocery-store cheese if she could. Pair this with a box of Raincoast Crisps (fancy crackers!) and a fruit spread of your choice and you have yourself the perfect little gift basket. P.S.: This is also one of our Kitchn Essentials, so you know it’s good.

Buy: Fromager d’Affinois Double-Cream Brie, $17.99 per pound at Instacart

Give the gift of a produce subscription this year. Misfits Market (which grew tremendously this year and now serves 34 states) is a great option. It sources imperfect fruits and veggies from farms that would otherwise go to waste.

Buy: Misfits Market Box, from $22 per box at Misfits

These aesthetically pleasing soda cans contain far less sugar than traditional soda and are just 30 calories a can. But let’s face it — they’re a great gift because they’re so beautiful! Get a classic 12-pack or shop their multiple theme pack options.

Buy: United Sodas of America, $34.99 for twelve 12-ounce cans at United Sodas of America

Be a hero and get your loved one who loves to bake the guarantee of a 1-pound supply of yeast. You never know when there’s going to be a shortage again!

Buy: Fleischmann’s Instant Dry Yeast Vacuum Pack, $5.99 for 1 pound

Speaking of baking … perhaps you know someone who attempted to grow their own sourdough starter at some point during the pandemic. Perhaps that attempt wasn’t a success? If that’s the case, King Arthur Baking Co. takes all of the guesswork out with this pre-made starter.

Buy: King Arthur Baking Co. Sourdough Starter, $8.95 at King Arthur Baking

Like olive oil, flaky sea salt is another gift that is begging to get used on the daily. This isn’t just any flaky sea salt, though — Maldon is the TOPS.

Buy: Maldon Sea Salt Flakes, $8.44 for 8.5 ounces

Another Ina-endorsed ingredient! If this premium vanilla extract is fit for Ina, your loved ones will love it too.

Buy: Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract, $19.95 for 4 ounces

For those who didn’t get into baking during the pandemic, perhaps beans are more their speed? Rancho Gordo beans are highly sought-after heirloom varieties (which is why they’re an excellent gift!) and are revered for their creamy texture once cooked.

Buy: Rancho Gordo Cranberry Beans, $5.96 for 16 ounces at Rancho Gordo

Atlas Coffee Club is a coffee subscription service that mails ethically sourced coffee from a different country each month right to your door. Each box includes a postcard, and the bags’ packaging is a representation of its country of origin.

Shop: Atlas Coffee Club

Our staff had a mini (friendly) fight over which brand we should include in our Bar version of Kitchn Essentials, but our experts helped break the tie in favor of this mix from McClure’s, a pickle purveyor in Detroit city. Get this for your favorite brunch buddy from the old days.

Buy: McClure’s Bloody Mary Mixer, $17.99 for 32 ounces