Holiday Favorites

Join us as one of Food Drink Life's co-founders, Mandy, shows off her favorite finds for the holiday season! Whether you're looking for the perfect gift or just something to spoil yourself, it's all here!

Specialist Spotlight

Meet Mandy Applegate

Hello, I’m Mandy, co-founder of Food Drink Life, and I’m excited that it’s my turn to write to you. I’ve been an enthusiastic home

cook for over 45 years now, and I am the founder of Splash of Taste, a website that caters to people who want meat-free dishes. I know how difficult it can be to find the right gifts for your family and friends, so I’ve put together a list of all my favorite things. On behalf of everyone at Food Drink Life, I’d like to wish you a very happy Christmas!

My Favorite Things

If you haven't decided what to get that one friend or family member who is always so difficult to shop for, then you've come to the right place! Here are my best finds for this holiday season.

Gifts for adventurers

Gift the thrill of the great outdoors with my top picks for the adventure-seekers in your life. Better yet, get two and join in on the fun!

1. Blow-up stand-up paddle boards: I have a friend who loves to paddle board, and

whenever we’re near water, he always says, “I should have brought my board.” Well, now

he can store his board in the car, and it won’t take up a lot of space, thanks to this inflatable board! Follow my friend's footsteps and remove the hassle of awkwardly shoving

your paddle board in the car again!

2. Bike lights: These bike lights not only look cool but are also a great safety addition because the bike can be seen from the side, meaning extra safety for your most precious riders. Keep your loved ones safe with an affordable bike light; it’s a great stocking stuffer.

“Kindness is like snow. It beautifies everything it covers.”

–Kahlil Gibran

Favorites for foodies

Take it from someone who loves to talk about food all day long; these kitchen essentials will surely put a smile on any foodie's face!

My top Pick: Hex Frying Pan

I am very excited about HexClad, and if the truth be known, I know I am getting one of these for Christmas because I got it for myself! These pans

are things of beauty with handles that stay cool and a lifetime guarantee, so you never go through the pain of choosing again.

1. Silicon popcorn popper: There’s nothing I like better than settling down to a holiday movie with my family and friends and a big bowl of popcorn, my must-have snack! I like these because they are SO easy, and the silicone bowl collapses, so it’s not a space suck in your kitchen. Get this silicon popcorn popper for a friend as a useful, relatively inexpensive and thoughtful gift.

2. Homemade vanilla extract kit: Perfect for the home baker in your life, this little gift is made with ethically sourced vanilla pods and comes in a cute wooden box. Wrap this vanilla extract kit up and place it under the tree for a very thoughtful gift.

3. Cocktail smoker: Each year I make

festive cocktails, and each year, it gets harder and harder to improve on the last. Well, this cocktail smoker is the game-changer that I’ve been looking for! Buying this fun and flavorful cocktail smoker will definitely get your party started!

For those closest to your heart

These gifts might be on the more expensive side, but sometimes it’s worth it for someone who has done so much to support you.

1. Dyson AirWrap: The Dyson AirWrap is perfect for the glamorous person who has everything.

2. Bread machine: Perfect for someone who

loves fresh bread but doesn’t have the time to bake their own.

3. Cricut Machine: Treat the creative person in your life to their own Cricut machine for endless arts and crafts possibilities.

Making memories

Taking digital photos can get repetitive and hard to manage. That's why I'm here to share my favorite alternatives that don't take away from or distract important bonding time.

1. Fuji max camera: Yes, we all have a camera on our phone, but there’s nothing like a photograph that you can hold in your hand, and that develops right in front of your eyes! Get the Fuji Max camera now and start creating easily shareable memories!

2. Hand-casting kit: Talking about things to cherish, I wish I’d had this years ago when my grandparents were alive, as this hand-casting kit is an awesome memory in the making. You can cast two adults or even two adults and a child for a family memory. This

affordable casting kit will make for a future family heirloom, and it’s something I’m excited to give this year!