Colourful Food & Drink Christmas Gift Ideas For 2024

Sitting in the window, watching the rain gush on neon-splattered pavements. The chorus of cars droning through the busy high street. She smiled, the faintest bit of snow, a Christmas miracle. Watching the snowflakes twirl through the air like pretty ballerinas. The skies slashed into darkness, gray clouds drifting on by. She felt blissfully happy. A glass of non alcoholic homemade mulled wine. Orange slices, sticky sweet. Star anise, cinnamon sticks bobbing. Hot purple liquid drifting down  her throat. Delicate tapered fingers reaching into a bowl of smoked nuts. She wanted to bottle this moment up. How she felt elated and carefree. Floating on air, the snow falling harder now. Dreaming of all things Christmas. Colourful food and drink that would tantalize her sense. A festive cracker, pull it open, see what it inside. Chocolate balls coated in heavenly bliss. Vegan sweets poured into a wooden jar. Vegan watermelon gummies, a packet of nostalgia. For this feel good Christmas was all about happy food. From restaurants to bars, to snacks, sweey and savoury. Tacos dripping with aioli, frozen margheritas slurped. Pizza bigger than her face, take a slice.

Sure, some of the gift ideas would be non-traditional. Fermented kimchi, one of her favourite snacks. Given a festive twist, what would she make next? Humming in the kitchen, sauce smeared on her chin. Brussel Sprouts, given an exciting makeover. Slithers of daikon mingling with garlic, chilli and kimchi. Vegan tuna, in a Nicoise Salad, drenched in olive oil. Yellow liquid dribbling down her chin. Cloves of garlic sitting pretty. Tomatoes waiting to burst, a hard boiled egg on a bed of French beans. She sat back in the window, her stomach pooched. A can of non alcoholic lager in one hand, the faint taste of floral. Smooth, gushing down her throat. Stroking her black cat, his warm body perched on her lap. A Santa hat on his soft head, his expression anything but bemused. She flipped the remote, turned the telly on. Spreading Christmas cheer, with a festive movie. Hot Frosty, her eyes almost rolled at the trailer. Yet somehow, cats in tow, she ended up watching it. Transfixed by the snowman who came to life. Who changed the meaning of Christmas for everyone around him.

The clock was ticking, Christmas was coming. Running around Central in a haze, the last of the Christmas presents. A haunted look in her eyes, like a Boxing Day sale all over again. The people shoving and pushing, trying to get their presents too. Wondering what it would be like on Christmas Eve. People buying their Christmas dinner. Last minute gifts shoved into trollies. Stopping off at cafes, hot chocolates cascading down rasping throats. Somehow, she survived, panting as she headed home. Reaching into her bag of tricks to find the best colourful food and drink Christmas gifts that would make her readers smile. Chocolates crafted by the God’s themselves, velvety smooth. Smoky almonds paired with juicy Queen olives, bursting with flavour. Vegan and vegetarian food that turned any frown upside down. A chorus of meows reached her as she opened her front door. Eyes widened in a plaintative gesture, wondering if they could eat the gifts too. A month until Christmas, she couldn’t believe it was just around the corner. Hanging her red velvet stockings, tinsel on every corner. A white glitter reindeer that the cats loved to knock over. A white Christmas tree, that had seen better days.

 

Colourful Sweet Treats

The Sweet Hamper Company Vegan Sweet Box

It came to her, in two memories gleaned from childhood. The first, at school in her dark green blazer, and black ill-fitting trousers. Swinging a briefcase, reaching into its pockets, handing over change. The Tuck Shop, she wasn’t sure if it even existed now. Rainbow sherbet laces, fizzy on her tongue. Saucers filled with lemons and limes, that same sherbet tingling in her throat. The second, down the seaside in Whittering. Remembering long walks down the beach, split into two parts. The first, a sandy beach, not quite the image of Christmas that you’d expect. Sand dunes rustling, seagulls squawking. Giving way to rockier shores, fossil hunting. Shells pocketed, to be restored later. Walking past a retro and quaint sweet shop, begging her foster mum to go inside. Fizzy rainbow bottles, and Double Dips. Liquorice Allsorts, she poked her tongue out at that one. Black and white mints that reminded her of Beetlejuice. Toffee Bonbons dating back to the 1950’s. She reached into her stocking, found a box from The Sweet Hamper Company. A vegan sweet box, where she didn’t have to miss out on some of her old favourites. A white box emblazoned with lollipops, yellow and red. She opened the box carefully, wondering what was inside. Bedazzled as sweet after sweet escaped its cardboard prison. Begging to be eaten.

Fizzy strawberries, in those candy white and red striped paper bags that she had coveted. Pop one in the mouth, sweet and tangy. Her partner joining in, wanting to try a fizzy as well. Stealing sweets behind her pack. Reach into the packet, wait it was all gone! But it didn’t matter, a Double Dip Original catching her eye. Ripping open the packet, attacked without finesse. Orange and cherry sherbet sweet sachets of fun. Dipping the lolly in that infamous powder, fun to eat. All those memories of eating these down the seaside at Christmas surging back. Her personal favourite? The Love Hearts Lipstick, sweet and fruity, tinged with that sherbet taste that she clearly loved so much. Twist the cap, pull it off. Lolling her tongue around the lipstick, a retro twist on a cult classic. Fruity pops just as heavenly. The purple one, a colourful child from the 1960’s. Blackcurrant, just like the Ribena she used to gulp in its gallons. A slither of ice, burgundy liquid in a pink cup. For what was Christmas without its sweets? A vegan treat box that made her heart melt.

Price: £26.50

Lazy Day Cake Squares 

While A had more of a savoury tooth, at times, she craved something sweet. Lindt balls cradled in hazelnut oozing chocolate into her mouth. Kinder Bueno, crunchy and soft, beige filling swirling on her tongue. Blueberry muffins, plump and soft, washed down with a decaf oat latte, laced with gingerbread syrup. Although she wasn’t vegan, past Christmases had shown her vegan sweet treats that blew her mind. LoveRaw’s White Choc Cre&m Wafer Bars, that gave her beloved Kinder’s a run for their money.Rhythm 108 Vegan Hazelnut Praline biscuits dunked into frothy hot chocolate, not too rich. Shortbread cookies made vegan from Yumbles, dipped in decaf tea. But her favourite sweet treat of all? A strawberry cheesecake that her Aunty used to make. Crumbly biscuit base, smooth cream cheese filling. Raspberry swirls and fresh strawberries, a mint leaf on top. At Christmas, her sweet tastes were a little more festive. Mince pies dusted in icing sugar, buttery mouth-feel. Chocolate yule log, just a slice, drenched in double cream. And who could forget the tiffins and shortbreads, a new addition to the list?

Lazy Day was one of those rare brands that exuded Christmas spirit, but could be eaten all year round. Lazy Day Free From Millionaire Shortbread her personal favourite. Delectable little slabs of joy: golden caramel spread thickly on a rich shortbread base and topped with a crisp layer of hand-decorated, real Belgian dark chocolate. Gluten, milk and egg free, but not lacking in taste. Moerish, she couldn’t help but take another bite. Colourful food that made her mouth water, in a vibrant yellow box. A red box next to play with, Lazy Day Free From Belgian Dark Chocolate Tiffin. Decadent, but not too rich, just the way she liked it. Shortbread pieces tumbled with sultanas, a succulent chocolate ganache. Hand decorated Belgian dark chocolate, slipped into sticky fingers. She couldn’t help but come back to the shortbread. A golden crust so soft, butter melting. Caramel smooth, three tiers of festive joy. Forgoing the mince pies for something new, her eyes closed in sheer ecstacy. Cake Squares that didn’t last long in her house, a household prone to snacking. Looking at the empty snack cupboard forlornly, wondering what would come next.

 

Prices: £2.90 on Ocado

 

Creative Nature Magibles Christmas Cracker 

She sat beneath the glow of candlelight. Sepia flames licking the gingerbread candle in impish glee. The scent of cinnamon and allspice wafting underneath her nose. Feet tucked under her legs, a blanket on her lap. In her most festive Christmas Pyjama’s, satin red. Nearby, her ginger, white, and black cat stretched out and sighed. Brushing past her chair, waiting for cuddles. She blew out the candle, allowed the cat to come onto the table. Showing her this season’s first Christmas cracker, asking her if she wanted to open it together. The cat stared blankly into her eyes, batting at the cracker. Enlisting the help of her partner, who would win the cracker? She lucked out this time, half the cracker in his hand. A Magibles Christmas Cracker from Creative Nature, free from 14 allergens. 4 of their multi-award winning Magible treats. Frosty blue, decorated with Christmas trees and snowmen. Palm oil free and vegan, a stocking filler that was a little different.

But which chocolate treat would tickle their fancy the most? M*LK Chocolate in a blue and brown snack pack. A crunchy rice center, the closest thing to vegan maltesers. A vegan Tiramisu, with silken tofu, soy yoghurt and sponge fingers. A smooth marscapone style cream, laced with her secret ingredient. The vegan maltesers, a crunchy surprise, what would she try next? Chocolate HazelNot, of course it was her favourite, the hazelnut fiend that she was. 39% less sugar than its competitors but just as delectable. Adding to her new lemon and blueberry cake, a hidden ingredient. Moist and soft, a secret crunch as she bit into it. A mug of her herbal tea blend, chamomile, laced with lavender and valerian. A relaxing concoction, falling into a chocolate stupor. The third just as prolific, Salted Caramel Magibiles. That surprised her, light and crunchy, she couldn’t believe its taste. A rich buttery sweetness balanced out with salt. Creamy but not overpowering, eating the bag like a mini popcorn bucket. When it came to colourful food for Christmas, Magibles was the cherry on top.

Price: £9 on Ocado

Colourful Savoury Xmas Delights

 

Truly Nuts Collection 

She watched the chesnuts roasting on an open flame. The crackle of the fire like ASMR to her ears. Cradled in her most voluminous coat, baby blue, fluffy. Gloves wrapped around the chesnuts, griddled in garlic butter. She sighed, took a deep breath. Life had been hard lately, tears drenching her cheeks. Permenant gray shadows whispering poison underneath her eyes. Her mouth pursed in lamentation. But that one chesnut changed everything. Transported back to happier times. Remembering all the feasts she’d have at Christmas. The chocolate Brazil Nuts dipped in homemade gingerbread sauce. A hot toddy, infused with cinnamon, ginger, and lemon, a splash of honey. Sipping the orange nectar, staying present in the moment. A vegan chacuterie board, that was salty, sweet, savoury and spicy. Olives stuffed with pimento, smoked almonds drizzled with chilli oil. A slice of homemade sourdough laced with thyme and rosemary. Plunged into a chilli-pecan camembert, oozing cheese on her fingers. But there was one constant, nuts in every shape and size. Brazil nuts and almonds. Peanuts and cashews. Pistachios and hazelnuts. A Christmas tradition, something that Truly Nuts understood. A vegan, ethical, and colourful nut brand that was sustainable too.

Three stand outs begging to be eaten. Something salty, something spicy, something sweet. Brazil Nuts, Milk Chocolate. Hand-picked wild harvested Brazil nuts, layered with the finest, creamiest Belgian chocolate. Infused with selenium to raise her spirits, her dopamine levels increasing, protecting cells against oxidative stress. 25% of profits to preserve the Amazon jungle, and other global projects. Nuts that would GO WILD FOR GOOD. The fairy lights in the tree winking conspiratorily at her, as she licked chocolate off her fingers. The crunch of the Brazil Nut soothing her nerves. She imagined how she’d play with it. Decadent Chocolate Brownies,  just like her partner liked. A splash of ginger, a hint of orange. Crunchy Brazil Nuts in the mix too. Washed down with a non-alcoholic rum, a splash of hot ginger. Now, craving something savoury, two to choose from. Mixed Nuts, Fired Up Chilli. Spiced, hot chilli mixed Brazil Nuts, almonds, and cashews. Cayenne pepper tickling her nose, a splash of lemon, a smidge of garlic. Paprika and oregano, a mini pack of deliciousness. Almonds- Salted And Baked, simple but effective. Premium salted almonds, a familiar crunch. A delicious snack on its own, but even more magical in her secret recipe. Harissa and non-honey vegan chicken, with orange zest and thyme. But the breakout star? The pickled cabbage and the almond tabbouleh. The latter, with those infamous smoked almonds. Mint and tomato, dancing in sumac and za’tar. Not a traditional Christmas meal but she liked experimenting. Colourful food that was bold and exciting.

Prices:

120g x 8 £32

30g x 14 £18

Naked Kimchi

There was something special about fermented foods, especially at Christmas. Brussel sprouts with kimchi and vegan bacon lardons. Juicy green pickles straight out of a jar and onto a grazing platter. Red Kraut in a fermented chilli sauce. Brie wedges plunged into an apple and cider brandy fermented chutney. Eggnog, given the healthier ‘kefir’ treatment. But there was one fermented ingredient that had her excited. Kimchi, she would have it in everything. Colourful food that enriched her plate, and fuelled her mind, body and soul. From cabbage leaves to radish white, mixed with garlic and ginger. Chili’s heat, an open flame, vegan, and gluten free. No two bites the same, not just a dish for Christmas. Remembering past meals, how she revelled in its beauty. Kimchi Sesame Udon noodles drenched in soy sauce, an egg on top. Kimchi pancakes with sourcream, scattered with spring onion. But her personal favourite? The Tofu and Kimchi Bibimbap, glazed in Gochujang sauce. Tamari and maple syrup, drizzled over silken tofu. Chilli kimchi, with pickled daikon. A cup of wild rice, long cucumbers thinly sliced. Edamame beans with wilted spinach, garlic cloves marinating. Was it any wonder that Naked Kimchi appealed to her so immensely? Locally sourced kimchi, bursting with unami flavours. A feel good social enterprise, hiring refugees job opportunities in a diverse, and inclusive environment.

As for the kimchi, she couldn’t want to put a festive twist on them. Signature Kimchi with Tumeric & Seaweed, a fusion of Korean and Ukaranian heritage. Granted, it wasn’t the typical colourful food gift idea for Christmas. Yet, A loved to celebrate international flavours and cuisines around the world. The kimchi brimming with immune boosting probiotics, postbiotics, supporting gut health, cognitive function and overall wellbeing. She imagined the world of festive possibilies it would open up. A Korean inspired grazing platter, with Kimchi and Gochujang Pimento Spread. Homemade vegetable wontons, and Korean seaweed crisps. A glass of Strawberry Milkis, fizzing in her mouth. Roasted vegan tofu, smoked like ham, served with a Kimchi Christmas slaw. Soft brown sugar, ginger, and cinnamon. Kimchi and cranberry salsa toasties, oozing with brie. When it came to winter warmers though, the Kimchi spicy ramen came out on top. Quick and easy, instant ramen noodles given a Christmas update. Vegan chicken broth, infused with red pepper powder and sesame oil. A tonne of kimchi, slithering into the broth. Noodles simmering, sliced gobu root, earthy and mild. A creamy bitterness, balanced out with tart cranberries. A flavour combination that shouldn’t work but somehow did.

Price:

Monthly Subscription: £25 per month (for 1KG)

250 Pouch £7.40

500g £12

1000g £24.00

 

Future TVNA

It was strange. Before she became a vegetarian, she wasn’t a huge fan of fish. Put off by the fishy smell, and the appearence. Haunted by the glazed dead eyes that followed her around the supermarket. Liking predominantly white fish like cod, halibut and tuna. She remembered teen vacations in Madeira, Bacalhau (salted/dried cod), drenched in Extra Virgin Olive oil, garlic cloves too. A sprig of parsley, crushed up. Espada, another favourite, with sea salt and black pepper. Tuna, on occasion, in a sweetcorn and tuna wrap. A splash of garlic mayo, verging on tartar sauce. Aged 17, she became vegetarian, cutting out fish and meat. Now, 14 years later, she liked seafood more as a vegetarian, than she ever did in the ‘before before’. Vegan Fish made out of nori banana blossom, deep-fried, served with chunky salt and vinegar. Vegan breaded scampi, drenched in lemon and salt. Vegan salmon fillets, dressed in a simple parsley butter. But the best vegan fish substitute of all? Future TVNA, her go-to for vegan tuna dishes with delicious flavour. Flaky, soft, melt-in her mouth. Tasting like canned tuna, without the nasties. So, how would she dress up her colourful food, for a festive tuna twist?

Something fancy to start, A Vegan Tuna and Avocado bowl with Salsa Macha. Shredded vegan tuna, drenched in olive oil. Balsamic vinegar drizzled generously on avocado. Toasted smoky chiles, and fried garlic, that made her mouth water. Tuna croquettes another starter and grazing favourite. Crispy bites filled with tuna, seaweed, and lemon. Drizzled with vegan honey, she fell in love. The mains were something else, a lesson in creativity and innovation. A garlic and lemon tuna pasta, for an easy boxing day meal, layered with black olives and capers. Salty, briney, just what the doctor ordered. A splash of olive oil, hard to believe this wasn’t real tuna. Made from soy, pea protein and chickpeas, a triple protein blend. Tuna tacos with red cabbage and mango. Sprinkling black sesame seeds, lime zested, chilli flakes scattered. Sorghum and Albacore Tuna Salad with Preserved Lemon, washed down with a glass of non-alcoholic rose prosecco. Bubbles tickling the roof of her mouth. And who could forget the cheesy tuna toasts, with olive salsa. A Mediterrenean style quick dinner that would give her sanity at the busiest time of the year.

Price:

£1.90 at Asda

Colourful Restaurants & Bars

Doughnation Pizza

She watched the performers in Covent Garden. A man, covered in silver paint, pretending to be a statue. Kids rushing up with their families to take selfies. A woman juggling rainbow clubs, a duo brother act, spinning in hoops. The air was decidedly chilled, her hands sunk in velvet pockets. Her breath like clouds in the cold, dark night. She walked past the iconic Santa’s sleigh with velvet presents. A long line of people waiting to get their photo taken. Golden bells embellished with red bows, Christmas trees jingling with baubles. A live singer crooning into the crowd, the watchers going wild. All I Want For Christmas on a loop, the passersbys lapping it up. But she was on another colourful food mission for Christmas. Doughnation Pizza, hidden in Henrietta Street. Where pizza and cocktails awaited in a cozy restaurant. She burrowed into her red puffa jacket, friend in tow. A catch up for the ages, time passing by like shifting sands. Waiting for delicious artisanal pizzas, where every pizza sold, would donate to a 360 Inclusive Sustainability Program.

What would they try first? A Potato Pizza, unusual sounding, sliced potatoes with Fontina Cheese. Thyme Salt sprinkled, a side of mayo she dipped it in. Eyes crinkled in a smile, washed down with a Hugo Spritz. Elderflower cordial swimming in a champagne flute glass. A splash of gin, a glug of prosecco, soda swishing, clinking with ice. Her friend slurping an Aperol Spritz, Aperol and Gin. Pour in the prosecco, elderflower cordial too. Not like the Aperol Spritzes she had before, a rose like aroma. A subtle musky flavour, a hint of sweetness. But it was the Margherita Pizza that she fell for the most. Sure, it wasn’t drenched in cranberry sauce like a Christmas pizza could be. It was better. In house artisan sauce, laced with English heritage tomatoes, mozarella cheese oozing. 2 slices to go, into the pizza pocket of her belly it went. Colourful food for Christmas, just the way she liked it. A soft yet chewy stonebaked crust, she ate it piece by piece. There was a vegan option too. But how would it hold up? The Covent Garden Vegan,  slathered with vegan mozarella cheese. Creamed spinach straddling the pizza. Rocket plunged into olive oil, smoked garlic to taste. It was the definition of delicious. A melody of taste and rhyme, that made her heart glow with ecstacy.

Prices:

Margherita £13.95

Potato Pizza £14.95

The Covent Garden Vegan £14.95

Spritzes £28 for a pitcher

DF Tacos

 

Dopamine Boosting Drinks

 

Non-Alcoholic

Big Drop Brewing Co 

The air was sharp like a crystal blade. The snowflakes twirling in a gentle shroud, soft whispers from the heavy cloud. Kissing the earth, the children frolicking. The wind a ghost, howling in the night. Its icy breath trailing down her neck in spite. Yet despite the cold, she craved an iced drink. Where she could sit, sip and think, as she wrote out her Christmas list. Wrap the Christmas presents, a swig of non-alcoholic lager. A golden brew, a frothy crown. Tasting just like the real thing, a liquid dance on her tongue. She tasted winter sunshine on her lips, put the Christmas decor up. IPA, a citrus kick, stouts chocolately-rich. Hops bringing their bite, a bitter grace. Malts adding warmth, a soft embrace. Yeast whispering life, its bubbles rising. She remembered a homemade ale she had last year. Ale with notes of cinnamon spice, by crackling fires. Ginger with heat, star aniseed like liquorice. Flash forward to this year, Big Drop Brewing Co, and their award-winning craft beer. Alcohol-free, but it didn’t taste like it. Rivalling some of her favourite beers, complex flavours. Thinking of her future Christmas dinner. Vegan turkey cradled in garlic butter. Homemade cauliflower cheese infused with thyme, roast potatoes marinated in garlic. Port-infused gravy, parsnips griddled with hazelnuts. A glass of a non-alcoholic IPA, going down a dream.

She would start with the Reef Point Craft Lager. An eminient golden ray of sunshine. A malt forward offering with a soft, honey aroma. A robust malt backbone, with a slight bitterness. Traditional noble hops, with a splash of citrus. Gluten-free and vegan, rich in colour and flavour. Served straight from the fridge, paired with her future boxing day meal. Piquant peppercorn sauce poured over vegan steak. Juicy, tear the meat apart, soft buttery cheesy mash. Leftover Christmas vegetables, parsnips, carrots, sweetcorn too. The beer she was most pleasantly surprised by was the Paradiso Citra IPA. Citrus notes reminding her of lemon trees in Rome. A sparky zest, finishing that last sip with a satisfied sigh. The bright, sharp twist of bitterness on the end, making her want to dive back for more. A Broccoli and Butter Bean Aglio e Olio, drenched in olive oil. Creamy butter beans, and peppery broccoli. Three more beers begging to be trialed. Pine Trail Pale Ale, with rosy floral aromas. A light and limey citrus bite on the palette. That slight bitterness that she so enjoyed. Galactic Milk Stout, that reminded her of a Guinness but better. Reminding her of honeycomb covered in chocolate. Decadently rich, like manna on the tongue. Poolside DDH IPA, fused with tropical flavours. Imagining drinking this on a warm beach on Christmas day. Feeling the sand between her toes. US hops, combined with pineapple, citrus, pine and stone fruit aromas. Underpinned by a pine and herby flavour, a splash of mango.

 

Citizen Spritz Alcohol-Free Spritzes 

Dry January was coming up yet it seemed like she was already prepared. On medication where she could no longer drink, searching for alternatives to get through the Christmas season. Conjuring recipes for some of her favourite winter drinks. A pan, stir in grape juice, a splash of vegan red wine. Cut up the orange slices, watch them bob in the burgundy sea. A hint of nutmeg, throw some cinnamon sticks in. Vegan mulled wine, in a fishbowl glass, a wedge of orange. Hot Toddy, pour in the apple juice, a squeeze of lemon. Cinnamon sticks swilling in the amber liquid. Watch it heat up, clasp dry hands around your favourite mug. But there were the cocktails too. The ones she loved the most. Aperol Spritz, a clonk of ice. Mojito, muddle the lime and mint. A Frozen Pink Grapefruit Prosecco cocktail, watch the pink bubbles fizz.

Citizen Spritz understood the assignment. Vegan, alcohol-free cocktails in a can that would make her colourful food and drink Christmas just that much sweeter. A Bitter Orange can to start, ready to drink. Tried on its own, citrus delight. Pour the orange can in a glass over ice. Simple, but festive. Yet, she had other ideas. Add some star anise and cinnamon, let it soak. A glug of cranberry juice, three-quarters lemon and lime. Her very own festive bitter orange cocktail. Her personal favourite? The Cool Lime, reminding her of her beloved Mojito. Given a refreshing twist, adding slithers of cucumber. A dash of maple syrup, squeezing two limes dry. Watch the ice cubes sink as it began to melt. But wait, she had a more Christmassy idea. Cranberry and mint, a smidge of raspberry. Would it go together? Festive, yet somehow refreshing. A change from the cocktails you would normally get. Pink Grapefruit another surprise. Tart and bitter. An aperitif to all the Christmas puddings she would be gobbling up. Mince pies and clotted cream. Find a champagne flute, pour in some ‘Nozecco’, gurgling away. Add the can, some extra pink grapefruit too. Watch the golden liquid fizz up pink. Candied grapefruit slices to garnish, ice the juice into a blender. Poured into a cup, add more Nozecco. A festive Christmas cocktail gurgling down her throat.

Prices: £30 for 12 x 250ml cans

What Are Your Favourite Colourful Food And Drink Gifts?

*Disclaimer

Please note all thoughts are my own and are not affected by gifted products.