CP Picks: From Hot Sauce to Handblown Glasses — Small-Batch Gifts for Big Foodies

Celebrate the art of eating well with gifts from Australia’s best independent makers — from handcrafted glassware and bold condiments to limited-edition kitchen tools.

Eliza Campbell
Published on November 18, 2025

This year's best food-lover gifts are all about small-batch craftsmanship and flavour with personality. Whether you're shopping for a dinner party host, a coffee obsessive or that friend who has opinions about olive oil, we've rounded up thoughtful presents that celebrate local makers and independent producers.

Think edible luxuries, clever kitchen tools and design-led homewares that make every meal feel special — plus a few foodie-friendly experiences for good measure.

Also have an avid arts lover in your life? Check out our guide to the best gifts for culture seekers.

The Fish Weight, Mr Niland

Equally nailing the brief of form and function, this stainless steel fish weight from celebrated chef Josh Niland helps you achieve a restaurant-quality cook on anything your heart desires to sear — while doubling as a sleek bench-side sculpture.

Apéritif Gift Set, Maison Balzac

Handblown in the brand's signature sculptural style, this colourful glassware set will elevate any afternoon spritz session. A dreamy choice for design-minded entertainers.

Butter Blue Seersucker Apron, Mosey Me

A cheerful, design-forward kitchen essential from Melbourne's Mosey Me. The seersucker fabric gives it a retro edge — perfect for the friend who loves to cook and coordinate.

Food For Everyone Art Prints, Food For Everyone

These limited-edition prints turn iconic recipes into gallery-worthy art, with a portion of proceeds going to food security initiatives. It's the gift that looks good and does good.

Messina Make-at-Home Gingerbread Cookie Pie, Two Good Co x Gelato Messina

Two Good Co has teamed up with Messina to create a rich, gooey cookie pie you can bake at home. Sweet, festive and socially conscious — every purchase helps support women in need.

The Madrusan Cocktail Companion, Michael and Zara Madrusan

This beautifully bound cocktail bible from Heartbreaker's Michael and Zara Madrusan dives into the history and craft of modern classics. Ideal for the person who always insists on stirring, not shaking.

Lowe Rehoned Kitchen Knife 40, The Hub General Store

A limited-edition knife handcrafted by Melbourne maker Andrew Lowe using a repurposed Japanese blade and a Curly Blackwood handle. Exclusive to The Hub General Store, it's a precision tool with heirloom-level craftsmanship.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Basil, Yiayia and Friends

Greek heritage meets playful packaging in this small-batch olive oil infused with basil. Perfect for drizzling, gifting or just admiring on the benchtop.

Lemon Squeezer Fish, Mesa Collections

Whimsical yet functional, this fish-shaped lemon squeezer adds charm to cocktail hours and seafood dinners alike. Because even citrus deserves good design.

Bubblegum Chopping Board, CHOPIT Boards

Made from 100 percent recycled plastic, this bubblegum pink board is naturally odourless and non-absorbent, and turns everyday chopping into a moment of joy.

Full Set of Hot Sauces, Thousand Apologies

A complete lineup of this female-owned Australian hot sauce brand's creations — from mild to blow-your-head-off. For the mate who measures love in Scovilles.

Balthazar Oyster Dish, Aretae Gifting

Lovingly handcrafted, these sculptural dishes take cues from oyster shells — ideal for serving, styling, or simply admiring. A luxe, coastal-inspired addition to any table.

Moccamaster Select, Alternative Brewing

Precision-engineered and endlessly reliable, the Moccamaster is a design icon in the coffee world. For serious caffeine lovers who like their brew as beautiful as it is consistent.

Meat Masterclass, Victor Churchill

Give the gift of experience with a hands-on masterclass at Sydney's legendary Victor Churchill. Learn from expert butchers and chefs how to prepare and cook premium cuts to perfection.

Panettone Negroni, Never Never Distilling Co.

This festive twist on a classic negroni blends Never Never's Triple Juniper Gin with bitter citrus aperitif, sweet vermouth and the warming flavours of aged muscat, orange liqueur and vanilla bean. It's rich, bright and unmistakably Christmas.

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Published on November 18, 2025 by Eliza Campbell