Winter is a magical time that’s made even better by sparkling Christmas lights, jam-themed Advent calendars and cups of hot chocolate topped with melting marshmallows and dollops of whipped cream. Still, no magic can rival that moment when you find the perfect present for someone you love. With so many places to look and products to sort through, this is easier said than done. Luckily, a slew of EatingWell writers and editors—myself included—were willing to help.
For the avid cooks in your life, editor Abigail Demarest suggests buying a container of flavored sea salt. For your friends with high-energy dogs that require long walks every day, I recommend the Lululemon Belt Bag. And for your chocolate-loving sister, editor Kristin Montemarano promises you can’t go wrong with the Valrhona Chocolate Truffle Gift Box.
Since all of these products have been thoroughly vetted by friends, family and ourselves, we’re confident that your inner circle will love them, too.
Editor-Loved Stocking Stuffers
Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag
lululemon
The coveted Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag is a perennial favorite of mine. I wear it almost every day when I walk my dog, loving its roomy design, adjustable strap, convenient interior and exterior pockets and wide range of colors. In my experience, it’s never a bad idea to have more than one of these in a few different hues to match all sorts of outfits. Plus, it’s the perfect size for a Christmas stocking.
Burlap & Barrel Chai Masala
Burlap & Barrel
Since discovering Burlap & Barrel a few years ago, editorial director Carolyn Malcoun has bought the brand’s spices to use as stocking stuffers for her friends and family. She prefers to mix and match bottles to get a discount (the more you buy, the more you save if you put together a gift set), but Malcoun always repurchases the chai blend, oregano and Silk chili because they’re her favorites.
Material Kitchen Salt Sphere
Material Kitchen
The Material Kitchen Salt Sphere is one of my most-used kitchen tools. It has a striking design that guests invariably comment on, a magnetic swivel lid that’s easy to open and close with one hand while I’m stirring with the other and two compartments. I store kosher salt in the top and fill the smaller bottom section with flaky sea salt, but chili flakes, black pepper or your favorite spice would work just as well. The Salt Sphere was sold out for a while, but I’m happy to see it’s back in stock and on sale.
Butterfly Bakery of Vermont Heady Topper Mustard
Amazon
“I bought this a few years ago for my sister and brother-in-law’s stocking and they loved it so much, it’s a must-include now,” said Malcoun. Even though it’s made with Heady Topper’s double IPA beer, which is hoppier and more intense than a standard IPA or lager, Malcoun assured me that the flavor isn’t overpowering, saying that it pairs perfectly with your “favorite bratwurst.”
Heraclea Early Harvest Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Heraclea
If Montemarano could drink Heraclea’s olive oil, she would. “I have purchased bottle after bottle because of how fresh and potent it is,” she said. “All olives are single-origin, hand-picked and Fair Trade.” She uses hers to make salad dressings, drizzle over pasta, serve with bread, finish soup and so much more. Anyone would be lucky to receive such a versatile (and delicious) gift in their stocking.
Valrhona Chocolate Truffle Gift Box
Amazon
Valrhona’s chocolate truffle gift box is another of Montemarano’s favorites. She loves the complexity, balance and textural differences of the 15 truffles inside. Inspired by French pastries—like Millefeuille, Tarte Tatin, Crème caramel, Chocolate fondant and Paris-Brest—it’s no surprise that this gift box will be her go-to stocking stuffer this year.
Feetures High Performance Max Cushion Tab Socks
Feetures
I wear Feetures socks every day. They keep my feet warm, cozy and blister-free while simultaneously wicking moisture and repelling odors. Having lived in this state of luxury for so long, I can’t imagine wearing another sock to workout or lounge in. My husband and I both feel so strongly about this brand that we bulk order new sets every year to make sure we never run out.
Saltverk Sea Salt
Amazon
“I put this flaky sea salt on everything,” announced Demarest. “It’s sustainably made, hand-harvested in Iceland and adds just the right amount of salty and aromatic flavor to everything from eggs to steak.” She loves it so much, in fact, that she called it a “must-have” gift for your “foodie friends.” Choose from traditional flaky sea salt, smoked salt, thyme salt, seaweed salt and more unique blends at Amazon.
McCrea Caramel Flavor Family
Amazon
When registered dietitian Emily Lachtrupp is craving a sweet treat, she eats one of McCrea’s black lava sea salt caramels. While you can buy a set with just this flavor inside, she recommends grabbing the caramel variety pack if you’re using it as a stocking stuffer. This way, your friend or family member gets to try them all, including ginger, mocha, maple and vanilla.
Lake Champlain Chocolates Peppermint Crunch Coins
Amazon
While assistant general manager Penelope Wall recognizes that she might be biased since she’s from Vermont and Lake Champlain Chocolates is a Vermont brand, she insists that this is “some of the best” chocolate you can get. For stockings, her go-to is the Dark Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Coins. “I love that they are a perfect taste of holiday in every bite, but not too sweet,” she said. She buys a bag and divides the coins up among the family members, but I wouldn’t judge you if you wanted to keep the lot to yourself.
Loisa Adobo Seasoning
Amazon
“Adobo and Sazón are two must-have seasonings for any Latin kitchen, and Loisa’s versions are extra special and great for gifting,” said Wall. “Even if you’re not cooking arroz con pollo on the regular, they are my secret flavor boosters for guacamole, popcorn, avocado toast, even on pizza!” The best part, though, is that they come in organic and salt-free options, too.
