As 2025 comes to an end, the annual holiday gift mania begins to set in. No matter the mental notes and physical lists maintained throughout the year, we’re all stuck asking the same question as December quickly passes: “What should I get them?” Whether you’re shopping for your bestie, that one crazy uncle you got in the family Secret Santa exchange, your dogwalker, or your dad who already has eight pairs of slippers, food-themed gifts are the perfect catch-all when you’re just not sure what to get for that special person. Since no one does food like Eater, it seemed only right that our staff should come together and curate a holiday market of kitchen necessities for all the shoppers in need of gift inspiration.
This past weekend, Eater transformed a Soho storefront into a shoppable winter house as part of our holiday event Eater Under Wraps. More than 2,000 people flocked through the market to sample delicious bites, sip festive drinks, and shop the editor-approved gifts that decorated every room. From whimsical kitchen timers to Jell-O stress balls, the place was packed with stocking stuffers, under-the-tree treats, and party-makers. For those unable to attend Eater Under Wraps, have no FOMO — we’ve compiled a list of our very favorite staff picks from the market, with why we love them. So whoever that difficult-to-shop-for person is in your life, there’s something on this list for them.
Heydoh’s small-batch soy sauce
“I’m a certified condiment lover (there are at least 10 different hot sauces in my apartment) but I’ve never paid too much attention to the soy sauce we buy. No more: Heydoh’s single-origin soy sauce, made from whole black soy beans from Taiwan, is complex in flavor and thoughtfully sourced — giving the pantry staple the love and attention it deserves.” — Stephanie Wu, editor-in-chief
Your ornament game is strong
“Sure, food ornaments are great, but souvenirs paying homage to a specific place are even better. And if you grew up in or traveling through New York City, this over-100-year-old institution and its grilled hot dogs will surely ring a bell.” — Nat, associate creative director
This chile crisp hits the spicy-tingly sweet spot
“I’ve tried so many chile crisps and this one warrants a restock every time. It really delivers on the spicy-tingly sensation and I love the way it amplifies savory dishes.’ — Bettina Makalintal, senior reporter
Let Eater wine and dine you in Mexico City
“If you’ve been to Mexico City, you want to go back. If you haven’t been, it should be at the top of your list. I had the pleasure of collaborating with locals across Mexico City to put together what I can confidently call the essential guide to CDMX for food-minded travelers. Put it on your packing list immediately.” — Lesley Suter, brand director
This fancy hand soap was created by chefs to eliminate odor
“Love cooking; hate when my hands smell like garlic for hours after. This is the best hand soap I’ve found for instantly and effectively eliminating pungent cooking aromas — and it comes in a nice bottle and smells incredible.” — Hilary Pollack, deputy editor
The year’s buzziest cake-scented candle
“Culturally, it was a really big year for princess cake, the Swedish dessert that is a symphony of marzipan, sponge cake, custard, and, depending on your prinsesstårta source. The swish LA lifestyle brand Flamingo Estate is well-known for its high quality candles, and it collaborated with Sant Ambroeus to create what is, to my knowledge, the best and only candle that pays homage to the dessert; it’s sweet but not saccharine, with milky and warm notes that waft through the air and make me feel like I’m in a Scandinavian bakery.” — Francky Knapp, staff writer
“I love fun socks and the ones from Hansel from Basel are super cute — particularly these strawberry socks, a fun add to a fall loafer.” — Melissa McCart, Eater NY editor
Design snobs will love this sleek Martini mixer
“Having a dedicated martini mixer feels both retro chic and decidedly of the moment. This is the perfect gift for friends who like to host (or your friends who are sick of paying for martinis at their ungodly price these days).” — Mary Anne Porto, senior editor, Punch
Celebrate the soul of Black American cooking
“During a year when truth and American history are under attack, American Soul provides a fun, animated look into the nation’s foodways, heart, and yes, soul. The regional landscape is unique in the traditional storytelling of Black food, showcasing African American influences beyond the South, in regions like the Northeast and Midwest.” — Kayla Stewart, senior editor
Main character glassware, always
“I love to replace and uplevel my glassware, and giving a gift of four or six tumblers, especially to food lovers, is the right way to go. How cute are the tiny fruits in the middle of the glasses?” — Stephen Pelletteri, VP of video
Check out the rest of Eater’s holiday shopping guides here.
