Best Gift Ideas for Traveling Foodies

At a friend’s party last week, I was discussing how- when on vacation- all I’m interested in is eating. While I can appreciate a good ruin like the next chick, my main focus is on where and when I’m going to eat. Whole trips have been planned around food. So, I thought I would share my Best Gift list for the Traveling Foodies in your life. The title of “Best Gift” is relative, of course. My list simply contains things that make eating “all the food” easier and more convenient, no matter where in the world you are.

Share in the comments below which gifts you really think are “the best”.

Best Gift for Dining Out while Traveling:
ThermoWorks Fun-Size Thermometer

Okay, besides being the most precious little thermometer you have ever seen, this is actually one of the most functional gifts! It’s not as accurate as a full-size thermometer, but in an “on-the-go” pinch- it’s a great substitute.

Nothing will ruin your vacation like eating undercooked food. I often find myself BBQing at our AirBnB or cooking in my hotel room. This mini-thermometer helps assure me that I’m not taking my family out with food poisoning. It’s small design makes it handy as well as efficient.

Collapsible Reusable Silicone Straws

I have a thing about drinking from glasses in restaurants. In most European countries, straws aren’t a thing. I’m finding the same to be true in some parts of the States these days as well. Because I will probably never get over my neurosis, I like traveling with these reusable, portable silicone straws.

Pack them in your travel bag and you need not fuss with asking for a straw.

Portable Flatware Stainless Set

Along the same lines as my need for straws, sometimes I find myself in need of utensils. A quick, unplanned pit-stop at a kiosk on the side of the road has often left me wanting for a fork or spoon.

When it comes to these portable utensil sets you’ll never worry about soiled hands, just whip out your own eating tools. This set comes with a pair of chopsticks and a reusable straw with a cleaning brush.  Buy one for each member of your recipients family so no one fights over whose is whose.

Swiss Army Knife

Always be prepared to slice off a hunk of jamón in Spain, or fermented shark in Iceland. The Swiss Army knife is a traveler’s faithful companion and provides you with every tool you’ll ever need.

Best Gift to Spice things up:
Sriracha Keychain Gift Pack

When we were stationed in Germany, we had a friend named Carlton. Carlton traveled everywhere with a small bottle of Tabasco hot sauce in his hip holster. I kid you not. Whenever we needed a hit of flavor on our European dish, we’d ask Carlton to pass the hot sauce. He never disappointed us.

I knew I wanted to be like Carlton and be every one’s go-to for hot sauce. Tabasco isn’t my preferred hot sauce,though, Sriracha is. My sriracha keychain is a godsend for dishes that need a little pick-me-up. I avoid offending the cook, while at the same time, avoiding disappointment with  what I’ve ordered.

Best Gift for your Booze-Loving Travelers:
Carry On Cocktail Kit

I hate flying. If you’ve ever wondered what a hyperventilating, panic-stricken woman losing her ever-loving mind on the plane looks like, just check out my bio pic. It’s me.

I am she.

My fear of heights- coupled with my irrational need to be in control- place flying high on my list of “Things I Don’t Want to Do- Ever”. But, sometimes you just can’t avoid it.

My Carry On Cocktail Kit makes flying bearable. Order the booze during the in-flight service and mix up your own signature cocktail. The Moscow Mule is my go-to libation.

Wine Wings Reusable Bottle Protectors 

On our next trip to Europe you can best believe I’m stocking up on my favorite European wines. That said, I need something to protect them from those rogue TSA agents and potentially disgruntled baggage handlers.

These reusable bottle protectors make packing my wine bottle less stressful.

Best Gift for on-the-go Meals
Portable Espresso Maker

I need coffee. Period. It doesn’t matter if I’m camping in Texas or sunning in Puerto Rico. I need my coffee in any way, shape, or form. This portable espresso maker keeps me stable and people-friendly because it allows me to caffeinate and be social on the go.

Mr. Bento Stainless Steel Lunch Jar

We are “leftovers for lunch” adherents. We prefer eating food that came from home over take-out or fast food. This stackable wonder- known as the Bento box- is gaining traction here in the West. Our Far East friends have been using them for years to transport their precious vittles to and fro.

Gift your favorite foodie with their very own Bento jar and help the save money.

Personalized Recipe Binder

Because I love the idea of documenting memories- I try to give gifts that remember them. So, instead of a travel journal, I like to gift my favorite foodies recipe journals. They can jot down recipes collected during their travels and reminisce on flavors and dishes, as well as, experiences. A personalized journal from Enjoy the Wood makes it even more sentimental.

Which of these gifts was your favorite? Any you think I should include? Let me know below, then be sure to pin this for all of your gifting this year.

Check out two of last year’s gift lists:

The Ultimate Gift Guide
for Junior Chefs

Top 10 Gifts for Your Favorite Chef