Gluten Free Holiday Gift Guide 2017

Disclaimer: I was not paid nor given free products in exchange for writing this post. Some of these companies have previously provided me with samples. This post contains a few affiliate links (always specified) in which I get a small commission that helps maintain the cost of this site (there is no added cost to you). All opinions are my own, and I only recommend products that I, myself, use and love. As always, double check labels and product information. Ingredients, allergen policies, and facilities can change at any time.

It’s that time again! – The Tasty Meditation Gluten Free Holiday Gift Guide 2017! Below you’ll find some favorite from previous years, plus a few new ones. Find the perfect gift for your gluten free loved one!

For the chocolate/sweets lover:

See’s Candy – I highly recommend their gold box chocolate truffles. Yes – gluten free truffles!! The perfect decadent treat.
Pascha Chocolate – Very allergen-friendly dark chocolate.
Al Nassma – Elegant camel-milk chocolates from Dubai (please see my previous post for allergen information).
Organic Living Superfoods – (affiliate link) Health conscious friends will love this organic, dairy free, chocolate covered fruit. I recommend the dark chocolate covered pineapple and coconut. (Get 10% off with code “TastyMeditation10”)

For the experienced cook – Often times experienced home cooks know exactly what ingredients they need and what new kitchen gadgets they are dying to try, which makes a gift card to the right store a perfect gift.

Nuts.com gift certificate –Gluten free flours, nuts, and baking ingredients can get expensive, so I’m sure that any home cook would love the gift of a full pantry.
Guittard Chocolate Chips – My absolute favorite chocolate to bake with. Most of their products are made in a dedicated facility and will say so on the label.
Bed, Bath and Beyond gift card –Not sure what gadget your GF friend is missing? Let them pick! I asked my followers on Facebook what was on their wish list, and cooking gadgets (bread makers, in particular) were at the top of many lists.
Digital Kitchen Scale – Digital scales are essential for measuring gluten free flour and making sure gluten free recipes come out the best they can be! So far my favorite scale is by Escali who provided a sample in exchange for this review.
Blendtec blender with twister jar – One of the most useful gadgets in my kitchen. The twister jar is perfect for making nut butters and small servings of anything.
“1000 Gluten Free Recipes” by Carol Fenster – My first cookbook when I went gluten free, and boy was I glad I had it! Five years later it still has a prominent space on my bookshelf.
Natural Contents Cookbook Good Food For Everyone: Farm Fresh Clean Eating – Gluten free, grain free, soy free, mostly paleo, dairy-free friendly and vegan friendly recipes.
Any books by Elana Amsterdam (aka Elana’s Pantry) – Through the years Elana has proven to be my favorite source for paleo recipes. Buy some almond and coconut flour and get cooking!
Gluten Free Labels – (affiliate link) Fun labels, stickers, tags, and toothpick flags that will easily help distinguish the gluten-free products from the gluten-filled products in a shared kitchen.
A dinner at their favorite GF restaurant – Because every great cook deserves a relaxing culinary experience every so often. Great option if you know your sweetie has a favorite. Unless you’re taking them to a new 100% GF restaurant, don’t surprise them with a new place they haven’t had a chance to research.

For those who like easy baking projects:

Luce’s Gluten Free Artisan Bread Mix – Delicious, rustic bread mix. Just add water, mix, and bake. I recommend the sourdough and “rye” mixes (not real rye, of course), which are oat free (the other mixes contain non-purity protocol GF oats, an ingredient that I do not personally eat/recommend)
123 Gluten Free Mixes – A high quality set of mixes that are extremely allergen friendly. Great for loved ones with multiple food intolerances. Over a hundred recipes on their website – you will never get tired of their mixes. The Sweet Goodness Pan Bars are a personal favorite.
Better Batter Mixes – Better Batter has a beautiful mission. I urge you to visit their website and read about the family that was diagnosed with Celiac Disease, the business that sparked from it, and their dedication to various communities including individuals with autism. Very allergen friendly, and there are literally hundreds of recipes on the Better Batter website.
Really Great Food Company Mixes – A big hit at the recent GFAF Expo. Their coffee cake and banana bread were huge hits and personal favorites.
Gluten Free Prairie Oatmeal – IF you know your GF loved one can tolerate gluten free oats, they will be super impressed with Gluten Free Prairie! Unlike many GF oats on the market, Gluten Free Prairie uses gluten free purity protocol oats which are grown/harvested in dedicated fields. For more info on the purity protocol issue click here.

Subscription Boxes

American Gluten Free– (affiliate link) My favorite gluten free subscription boxes on the market. AGF supports small businesses across the country, so you will taste very unique products that you might not have found otherwise. All items are made in dedicated gluten free facilities and/or are certified gluten free. They’re all dairy free, as well! You’ll find subscription options for both on-the-go snackers and experienced cooks. AGF is offers single boxes as well as their regular month-to-month plan – it’s the gift that keeps on giving! Use code “Tasty10” to get 10% off ANY subscription for LIFE – every box, every month, for as long as you are a customer.

For the beauty product lover:

Red Apple Lipstick gift certificate – (affiliate link) Amazing allergen-friendly makeup with stunning lipstick colors for all complexions. The Rallye Balm is a lifesaver for chapped/dry lips during the colder months. Favorite colors include Vogue and Wine & Dandy. Get 22% off orders of $50+ with the code “TastyMeditation”
Éclair Naturals – A line of beautiful handcrafted lotions, shampoos, soaps, bath salts, and more that are certified gluten free, soy free, vegan, cruelty free, and non GMO. The body butter is perfect for friends who have sensitive skin during the winter time.

For the book lover:

“Jennifer’s Way: My Journey with Celiac Disease – What Doctors Don’t Tell You and How You Can Learn to Live Again” by Jennifer Esposito – A truly inspiring account of Jennifer Esposito’s journey. A must read for anyone – Celiac/GF folk, non-Celiac/GF loved ones, those struggling with diagnosis, people who have never even heard of Celiac Disease – everyone can learn something from this true story.
“Gluten is my Bitch” by April Pevetaux – An entertaining and humerous book about living with Celiac Disease.
“From Crappy to Happy: The Naked Truth About Living With Celiac Disease” – Gluten Dude’s new book! Love the title.
“Celiac and the Beast” by Erica Dermer – An informative and humorous book about what it’s like being diagnosed and living with Celiac Disease.

Fresh GF treats shipped to your door (dedicated GF bakeries):

Bread SRSLY Sourdough – (affiliate link) “The best gluten free sourdough bread on the market,” says my San Francisco-native boyfriend. I’m a total Bread SRSLY addict. You can even eat it without toasting! $5 flat rate shipping.
Krumville Bake Shop – Perhaps my favorite bakery in NYC. Delicious cookies, cakes, muffins, and bread – everything that comes out of the Krumville kitchen is incredible!
Meredith’s Bread – Wonderful breads and the best black and white cookies you will ever eat. Their products are in farmers markets all over NYC/NJ/CT (look for the GF label! – they have a separate bakery for their wheat-based products).
Izzi B’s Allergen Free Bakery – Try the yellow cake. Your friends will never guess that this bakery is free of gluten, soy, dairy, eggs, all nuts, and casein, preservatives, trans-fats, and refined sugar! Located in Connecticut.
Gluten Free Territory – Amazing raspberry cheesecake brownies! You won’t want to share. (Note: I recommend their oat free products. Two of their cookies contain non-purity protocol GF oats, which I do not eat/recommend).
Squirrel and the Bee Goodness Grainless Granola – The most amazing granola you will ever taste! I highly recommend both the pumpkin spice and cinnamon vanilla. Also available at farmers markets in NJ.
Everybody Eats– My mom and I are obsessed with their baguettes, and the company is run by some of the most caring people you’ll ever meet. Pickup locally in Brooklyn or get it shipped to your door.
Mariposa Baking Co – Located in San Francisco, Mariposa is one of my favorite bakeries in the country. I highly recommend their cinnamon rolls – out of this world!
Gluten Free Gloriously – One of my top favorite bakeries! Located in NJ. I highly recommend their cookies. While many bakeries are often limited to two or three cookie variations, Gluten Free gloriously makes everything a Celiac has been missing — lintzer cookies, biscotti, rainbow cookies, holiday pies, even cannolis! Getting married? Their wedding cakes are stunning!

(Pictured above: Krumville Bake Shop cake, Bread SRSLY Sourdough, Gluten Free Territory brownies, Izzi B’s Allergen Free Bakery cupcakes, Everybody Eats baguette)

For the alcohol lover:

Tito’s Vodka – Certified gluten free, corn-based vodka. You might want to get some for yourself too. I’ve found that you save more money in the long run if you buy the bigger bottle (wink).
Wine – When in doubt, always a good gift.

GF Resources:

Gluten Free Watchdog Subscription – GFW is one of the most incredible advocates the community has. Her website is a wealth of information. Subscribers get special access to products reports (selected items are tested for gluten in a lab) and support her overall efforts.
Celiac Research Donation – Donate in honor of your Celiac loved one! The Celiac Center at Columbia University is one of several organizations doing amazing research for the community, searching for better treatment and a cure.

Don’t forget that your loved one is not defined by Celiac. We all have other interests and hobbies – theatre, movies, music, pets, crafts, games, sports – gifts that are not food-related are also great choices.

Please feel free to email this list to loved ones and leave a comment – what gift are YOU wishing for?

Happy Holidays!