15 sweet and savoury treats to give as gourmet gifts

Want to surprise a friend, colleague or even your father with a gourmet gift that's out of the ordinary? Forget the traditional boxes of chocolates and baskets you've already seen! Offering a sweet or savoury treat is all about immediate pleasure and discovery. According to a Statista study, 68% of Canadians prefer edible gifts for the holidays. Whether it's for a birthday, Father's Day or just to please, here are 15 ideas that will make even the pickiest eater salivate. Get ready to discover local, original and sometimes surprising options, perfect for men who like to treat themselves and share. Get off the beaten track and make a splash with these suggestions that combine taste, originality and practicality!

For the guy who likes to eat well without spending hours in the kitchen, offer a box from La Boîte du Chef. This concept offers gourmet meals that can be prepared in minutes. Ingredients are fresh, local and portioned. It's the perfect gift to impress effortlessly, and it takes the hassle out of dinner. What's more, 82% of men say they appreciate receiving ready-to-cook meals as gifts!

Take his taste buds on a journey with a box filled with sweet treats from the four corners of the globe. From Japanese KitKat to Korean cookies and Mexican candies, he'll discover new flavors. This type of box is ideal for the curious and those seeking new discoveries. According to FoodNavigator, the market for international snacks is expected to grow by 12% in Canada by 2023!

An assortment of fine charcuterie is the salty gift that always makes people happy. Choose local products: dry sausages, terrines, rillettes and smoked hams. Perfect for an aperitif or an impromptu picnic. Artisanal charcuterie is renowned for its quality and authenticity. A must for lovers of good things!

Cheese is a sure-fire gourmet gift. Give her a box of fine cheeses: blue, aged cheddar, creamy brie... there's something for every taste. Canada boasts over 500 varieties of artisan cheeses, enough to satisfy even the most demanding palates. Pair it with a good loaf of bread and you're ready to go!

For the active man who wants to eat healthily without breaking his back, the HelloFresh box is a sure bet. Every week, he receives a variety of recipes and all the ingredients he needs to cook balanced meals. Practical, economical and zero waste! By 2022, over 1.2 million Canadians have adopted this type of time-saving, healthier eating service.

It's impossible to talk about sweet treats without mentioning maple! Offer a basket filled with maple syrup, maple butter, maple candies and maple popcorn. Canda produces 72% of the world's maple syrup, so make the most of it! It's the perfect gift for fans of authentic, local flavors, to enjoy at breakfast or as a snack.

For the guy who likes to discover new flavors, a boxed set of craft beers will hit the spot. IPA, white, red or stout, there's something for every taste. Canada boasts over 250 microbreweries, each with its own original creations. Add a few salty nibbles for a successful aperitif!

Chocolate is a timeless gourmet gift. Choose from a selection of fine chocolates, dark, milk or flavored. Choose local artisans for a unique experience. According to Cacao Barry, 74% of men prefer to receive artisanal chocolate rather than industrial bars. A simple pleasure, but always appreciated!

Would you like to offer her a different culinary experience? The GoodFood box offers original recipes and fresh ingredients delivered right to your door. Ideal for varying pleasures and discovering new flavors effortlessly. More than 300,000 households rely on GoodFood for their meals every week!

For a gift that's both healthy and delicious, opt for a box of nuts and dried fruit: almonds, cashews, pistachios, apricots, dates... Perfect for snacking at the office or during a sports session. Nuts are rich in protein and healthy fats, ideal for keeping in shape while indulging yourself.

Homemade jams are a morning luxury. Offer her an assortment of original flavors: strawberry-basil, blueberry-lavender, pear-vanilla... Made locally, they contain no additives or preservatives. According to the Association des producteurs artisanaux, demand for local jams is set to rise by 18% by 2023!

For those with a sweet tooth, nothing beats a box of fine pastries: macaroons, éclairs, tartelettes, cannelés... Give her a selection of sweets made by a local artisan. Artisanal pastries seduce with their freshness and creativity. The perfect gift to mark a special occasion.

Popcorn isn't just for movie nights! Offer a kit with different popcorns and original seasonings: salted caramel, cheddar, spicy BBQ... It's fun, gourmet and perfect for sharing with friends. Gourmet popcorn is booming, with sales expected to grow by 15% by 2023.

For the man who likes to spice up his dishes, a boxed set of artisanal hot sauces is an idea that really hits the spot. Local peppers, original recipes, varied intensities... he'll be able to spice up his meals to his heart's content! The hot sauce market has exploded in Canada, with sales up 22% in two years.

Finish off with a box of homemade cookies, personalized with a first name, funny message or original motif. It's the gourmet gift that puts a smile on your face and is easy to share. Personalized cookies are very popular for special occasions and add a unique touch to your attention. A guaranteed hit with gourmands!