Festive Foodie Finds: My Top Christmas Picks for 2025 – By now my Christmas countdown has officially begun — fuelled by indulgent tastings, sipping sessions and a good rummage through some truly fabulous festive launches. I’ve been lucky enough to try (and love!) every one of the delicious treats featured below, so consider this your guide to gifts that will delight the food lovers in your life… or simply make your own Christmas extra special this year.
No Christmas is complete without a hamper. For a Toast to Togetherness try the super selection at hampers.com – I have always been thrilled with their service and unique options for all occasions.
The Christmas Cracker Hamper is packed with warming flavours:
Las Carlinas Garnacha — a gorgeous Spanish red
Brandy mince pies, white chocolate millionaire’s slice, award-winning truffles…
Presented in a signature gift box — ideal for couples and those who deserve a proper festive treat.
A brand with 45 years of gifting expertise, hampers.com champions artisanal foods and sustainable packaging — love that!
Chocolate Heaven: Maison Pierre Marcolini
Next, we travel to Brussels by way of indulgence. Celebrating 30 years of craft, Pierre Marcolini continues to set the chocolate bar sky high.
I tried the Plumier Classics, which were… dangerously moreish, and the stunning Art Deco Christmas collections truly are gifts you want to hide from others and enjoy alone.
Learn to Bake Like a French Pastry Chef
One of the best early-Christmas experiences is a festive workshop at Comptoir Bakery in Bermondsey — open to every level of baker.
Choose from:
Bûche de Noël (the ultimate Christmas showstopper)
Galette des Rois (complete with hidden fève!)
Christmas brioche buns (mine filled the kitchen with cinnamon heaven)
Christmas biscuits packaged in a keepsake tin
The classes include expert guidance, a welcome drink, and a chef’s apron to take home — plus plenty of tasting along the way.
Workshops are £100pp (or £215 for two incl. wine) — a brilliant gift experience and a fun afternoon out.
Break Glass in Case of Celebration: Piper-Heidsieck Code Rouge Edition
Now this is a party-starter.
Exclusive to Selfridges, this limited-edition Champagne arrives in a show-stopping fire-extinguisher–inspired case — complete with the bold instruction:
“In case of Champagne emergency, break open case.”
Inside, a bottle of their signature Cuvée Brut: fresh, pear and citrus notes layered with toasted almond — instantly uplifting.
Priced at £65.99, available November 2025. One for the statement-gifting list!
For the Marmite Lover (You Know Who You Are!)
The Marmite® Cheddar Cheese & Engraved Cheeseboard Gift Set is bold, fun and festive — and a total crowd-pleaser for anyone who believes life tastes better with Marmite.
Exclusive to Sainsbury’s — RRSP £10
Limited edition: when it’s gone… it’s GONE.
Make-Your-Own Cheese — The Ultimate Kit
I loved this so much I insisted it made the list.
The Ultimate Cheese Making Kit
✔ 10 different cheeses
✔ 40 batches in total
✔ Herbs, spices, moulds & recipe book included
✔ Add gift wrap for instant gifting joy
Perfect for the foodie who loves a kitchen project with edible rewards!
Supermarket Wines Worth Raising a Glass To
I sampled quite the delicious line-up this year…
Aldi Highlights
Costellore Zerozecco Sparkling White Wine — delicate, floral and a brilliant alcohol-free celebrator
Specially Selected Ribera del Duero — rich, berry-bright and made for roast lamb
Fletcher’s 10-Year-Old Tawny Port — walnut, marzipan and pure indulgence
Asda Picks
Reunite Sparkling Red — vibrant, fruity, lightly tannic — surprisingly food-friendly.
De Bortoli Botrytis Semillon — apricot, honey and citrus beauty, divine with dessert.
NYX Mavrodaphne of Patras with a black cherry flavour overlaid with spices and aromatic wood. This is perfect to accompany a variety of desserts, particularly ones consisting of chocolate, nuts and fruit. Serve chilled as an aperitif.
All great value options guaranteed to elevate any Christmas table without the luxury price tag.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s pastries you’ve crafted yourself, designer chocolates to savour slowly, or a beautifully curated hamper that sparks joy from the moment it arrives — this year’s festive food scene is overflowing with memorable gifts.
So go ahead… treat someone (or yourself). ’Tis the season, after all.
Poppy Watt