Trying new foods is one of the most rewarding things about travel. But it's not always possible to enjoy pasta in Naples, Italy and ramen in Osaka, Japan. Thankfully, food isn't confined to geographic limits. You can always enjoy a taste of a place in your own home.
If there is someone in your life who loves traveling for food, bring the world to them with these deliciously perfect gifts for foodie travelers.
Italian Chocolate That'll Transport Them to Turin
Chocolate can sometimes be an impersonal gift. The kind of thing that you get someone you don't know very well. But that's not the case with these chocolates, made by the gourmet chocolatier company Venchi.
Founded in 1878, the company is one of the best in Italy. This specific gift box is also special because it is shaped like a beautiful book. After finishing the chocolates (in probably less than a day), the person can keep the box and use it to store other things.
Buy it now: Venchi
A Book That Shows How Fascinating Food History Is
Cecily Wong, Dylan Thuras / Amazon
This book is one of my absolute favorite things ever. Filled with incredible food facts, it takes you on a wondrous journey that leaves you wondering how you never knew food history could be this exciting.
Buy this for the eternally curious person who loves knowing interesting bits of information.
Buy it now: Amazon
The Perfect Whiskey Decanter for a Traveler
Why get a boring old whiskey decanter when you can get one in the shape of a globe? Gift it to the person who has a million interesting travel stories. You can pour quality whiskey into the two glasses that come with the decanter and listen to tales of adventure and mishaps.
Buy it now: Total Wine
A Game-Changing Homemade Tortilla Starter Kit
Any Mexican or Guatemalan person in the world will tell you that there is one universal truth: There are no tortillas like homemade tortillas.
If you know someone who's a fan of these countries' cuisines, give them this tortilla-making kit, which includes a tortilla press and two bags of tortilla flour (for blue corn and white corn). The kit can be used to make dishes like tamales, pupusas, tostadas and tacos.
Mexican night will never be the same.
Buy it now: Masienda
A Gourmet Japanese Snack Box Subscription
Whether you're shopping for someone who's always dreamed of Japan or a person who fell in love with the country, they'll love this subscription box.
For 12 months, they'll get Japanese snacks and teas plus a cultural magazine that explains what each item is and its significance to the country's culture. The box ships directly (for free!) from Japan, so you can rest assured that it provides authentic flavors.
Buy it now: Bokksu
The Best Sweet Wine in the World
Port is arguably the best sweet wine in the world — or at least the most famous sweet wine. Coming from the Douro Valley in Portugal, this thick wine is the perfect way to end a meal.
Gift a truly special person this two-bottle set of Taylor Fladgate Fonseca 1994 port wine, which has tones of spices to complement the tangy sweetness of the grapes and other forest fruit it's made with.
Buy it now: Total Wine
A Handy Empanada & Churro Maker
CucinaPro Store / Amazon
You haven't known culinary goodness if you've never tried empanadas. Or churros. This affordable and easy-to-use skillet makes it easy to make both without the need for oil that will splash everywhere.
The best part of empanadas is that there are a million and one varieties from all over Latin America, so the person who gets this will get to experiment with different recipes for years. Add Spanish-style churros with chocolate, and you have yourself a perfect dinner.
Buy it now: Amazon
A Spoon Rest Shaped Like Their Favorite State
Handmade in Minnesota, these unique spoon rests will remind someone of their favorite (or home) state. With this, they'll be immediately transported to a place of good memories every time they cook.
The back has the state name and a leaf of the state tree, making it a truly special gift.
Buy it now: UncommonGoods
A Subscription to Tea From Around the World
Let the tea lover in your life travel through taste with this three-month subscription box. They'll receive 10 tubes with loose tea leaves from around the world, so they can try different styles and flavors.
Hey, it might even inspire them to book a ticket to a place with particularly good tea.
Buy it now: UncommonGoods
And Finally, a Bucket List That'll Last a Lifetime
Mimi Sheraton / Amazon
You've heard of the best-selling travel book "1,000 Places to See Before You Die" by Mimi Sheraton. But this gift does you one better: "1,000 Foods to Try Before You Die."
Filled with food recommendations from all over the world, this is a perfect travel gift for anyone who enjoys new cuisines. Even the proudest foodie will learn something from this book.
Buy it now: Amazon