Edible Gifts Actually Worth Sending this Holiday Season

Edible gifts are great. They're the best option for the person who has everything (cookies won't clutter a space). We spoke with Dawn Perry, Bon Appétit digital food editor and Jesse Damuck, test kitchen contributor, about the best food gifts to send this holiday. From chewy molasses cookies to smoked salmon, options both homemade and store-bought, these are the edible gifts we'd love to receive.
Alison Roman1/14Anything from Russ and Daughters
"Smoked salmon from Russ and Daughters" is always appreciated, says Perry. "Actually—anything from Russ and Daughters." You can order online here, or, if you're in New York City, just swing by the store. Get yourself something nice while you're at it.
Photograph by Victoria Jane, Food Styling by Mallory Lance, Prop Styling by Alexandra Massillon2/14Chewy Molasses Cookies
Molasses keeps these cookies magically fresh and chewy for days. Plus, says Perry, should you choose to mail them, they hold their shape and stand up to the bumping and jostling of the shipping process.
Michael Graydon + Nikole Herriott3/14Blood Orange and Coconut Marshmallows
What hot cocoa enthusiast wouldn't want a package of these? Pack them in clear plastic bags tied with a piece of twine to up the adorable factor.
Michael Graydon + Nikole Herriott4/14Golden Cashew-Curry Brittle
Everyone loves brittle. And most people are happy to avoid the holiday shopping crowds, which is why homemade presents like this rule. Learn how to make brittle in this video.
cporganics.com5/14Organic Dried Goods
Love Rancho Gordo beans? You need to try Cayuga Pure Organics. There's more than beans here, though: The online shop sells everything from buckwheat flour to popcorn to freekeh. Gift them with a handmade wooden spoon and/or shiny new pot for cooking.
Peden + Munk6/14Chocolate-Cinnamon “Babkallah”
Introducing our test kitchen's hybrid baby: It's braided like a challah for maximum babka-y chocolate swirl in every bite. We recommend gifting this to someone who's hosting you overnight: You're gonna want to eat a slice for breakfast. Don't have time to bake? Order a chocolate babka from Breads Bakery, instead—it's a staff favorite.
Instagram/sugarbuilt7/14Sugarbuilt Cookies
We are more than happy to pass the cookie-baking torch to Amelia Coulter, the brains and hands behind Sugarbuilt Cookies. Follow her on Instagram for some of the most amazing icing work we've ever seen—then head to her online store to order a few…dozen.
food52.com8/14Extracts
If you have a serious baker on your list, he or she will definitely appreciate quality extracts. We particularly like this set from Food52 (pictured). It features bottles of vanilla, almond, and lemon.
9/14Ham
It just isn't the holiday season without a ham, so if you're gonna go big, go really big with one of the best. Andrew Knowlton, Bon Appétit restaurant and drinks editor, says his pick is Edward's Wigwam Country Ham.
Michael Graydon + Nikole Herriott10/14Savory Granola
Granola for the holidays? Sure, it's been done before. But this salty, not-too-sweet version is for sprinkling over salads. It's one of Perry's favorites to gift (and get).
Danny Kim11/14The Obsessivore’s Fruitcake
Come on—it's a classic! And this one has the added bonus of actually tasting great. This is one fruitcake that won't get re-gifted.
Facebook/Mike's Hot Honey12/14Honey
Mike's Hot Honey brings a whole new meaning to the phrase "sweet heat." This Brooklyn-made, chile-infused honey is incredible on, well, just about everything. Buy two—one to give, and one to keep.
Michael Graydon + Nikole Herriott13/14Salted Honey and Chocolate Bark
Don't buy boxed bark! This holiday confection is both sweet and salty.
http://cecilandmerl.com14/14Bitters
For the cocktail connoisseur: Small-batch bitters last for ages, and are also an unexpected gift. Knowlton is a fan of the cherry bitters by Cecil & Merl, thanks to their "deep, tart flavor of super-ripe Bing cherries."