Food & Drink

Snack foods

8 kinds worth knowing, 15 picks, and what to check before you buy.

Representative photo-style image of snack foods — generated, not a specific product
Representative image, generated

Snack gifts suit almost anyone on your list: the coworker you don't know well, the relative who has everything, the friend who hosts every holiday. Unlike a lot of gifts, food doesn't need to match anyone's decor or fit on a shelf. It gets opened, shared and finished. The ones that land best are either a small upgrade on something the person already reaches for, like a good bag of popcorn, or a taste of something new, like a jerky flight or a box of snacks from another country. Think about how the person eats. A grazer will want variety. Someone with one firm favourite will want the best version of it.

Kind 1 of 8

Popcorn for movie nights and grazers

Popcorn gifts come in two kinds: ready-to-eat tins and bags in flavours like caramel or cheddar, and kits with kernels and seasonings for making it at home. Ready-made popcorn is good for sharing at a party or leaving in an office kitchen. A kit suits someone who likes a small project and already has a pot or popper. Before you buy, check whether a kit needs special equipment, how long ready-made popcorn stays fresh once it's open, and whether the flavours lean sweet or savoury.

Kind 2 of 8

Snack boxes, cookies and sweet assortments

A mixed snack gift works when you aren't sure what someone likes, because variety covers a lot of tastes. Curated boxes can follow a theme, like international treats or a single craving such as ramen, while cookie tins and chocolate bar assortments feel more traditional and look good set out at a gathering. The Gourmet Shortbread Cookie Tin and the Ramen Lover's Gift Box are both easy to give, and the Pure Canadian Maple Syrup Gift Box suits someone who likes breakfast. Look at what's actually in the box so you know it isn't mostly filler, and check the best-before dates.

  • Illustration of Ramen Lover's Gift Box

    Curated pick$25–$50

    Ramen Lover's Gift Box

    A care package that promotes a beloved noodle habit into a proper ritual.

  • Representative photo-style image of curated international snack box — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

    Curated international snack box

    An exciting culinary adventure for the curious palate, offering a diverse selection of popular and unique snacks from around the world.

  • Representative photo-style image of specialty cookie gift box — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

    Specialty cookie gift box

    A delightful collection of unique and handcrafted cookies, perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying with a warm beverage.

  • Representative photo-style image of artisanal chocolate bar assortment — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

    Artisanal chocolate bar assortment

    A delightful treat for chocolate connoisseurs, offering a range of unique flavors and cocoa percentages to explore.

Kind 3 of 8

Crackers for the cheese board crowd

A cracker assortment is a good fit for someone who entertains, builds a cheese board every holiday or likes a savoury snack with a glass of wine. Look for a mix of textures and flavours, like thin and crisp, seeded or herbed, so the set pairs with more than one kind of cheese. It works well alongside a jar of preserves or a wedge of cheese you pick up locally. Check that the packaging protects the crackers from breaking, and see how long they keep once opened.

  • Representative photo-style image of gourmet savory cracker assortment — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

    Gourmet savory cracker assortment

    An elegant choice for those who enjoy entertaining or appreciate sophisticated snacks, ideal for pairing with cheeses and spreads.

Kind 4 of 8

Dried fruit that feels like a treat

A good dried fruit medley goes beyond raisins, with apricots, figs, dates, mango or cherries arranged so the box looks generous. It suits people who prefer something less sugary than chocolate, and it lasts well through a busy holiday season. It also makes an easy host gift since it can go straight onto a platter. Before buying, check whether the fruit has added sugar or coatings, whether pieces are whole or chopped, and whether the box reseals.

  • Representative photo-style image of premium dried fruit medley — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

    Premium dried fruit medley

    A naturally sweet and wholesome snack option for health-conscious individuals or those seeking a guilt-free treat.

Kind 5 of 8

Ketchup chips and other Canadian favourites

Ketchup chips are a very Canadian flavour that people who grew up with them tend to miss once they move away. A box of Canadian snacks makes a fun gift for expats, American friends and family who have never tried them, or anyone homesick at Christmas. The Canadian Snack Box (ketchup chips & friends) puts a few of these classics together. Check which snacks are included, since chips can crush in transit, and make sure the mix isn't mostly things the person can already buy where they live.

Kind 6 of 8

Beef jerky for the savoury snacker

Jerky suits hikers, people on long commutes and anyone who would pick salty over sweet. It keeps well and is easy to wrap. A sampler with different meats or flavours gives the person something to compare. The Beef Jerky Advent Calendar spreads that across the days before Christmas. Before buying, check the texture (tender or chewy), how spicy the flavours are, and how much sugar is in the marinade. Tastes differ a lot on all three.

  • Representative photo-style image of exotic meat jerky sampler — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

    Exotic meat jerky sampler

    An adventurous snack option for those who appreciate savory, protein-rich treats with unique flavor profiles.

Kind 7 of 8

Salmon jerky and smoked fish

Salmon jerky and smoked salmon are an easy step up for someone who likes seafood or has ties to the West Coast. Jerky is chewy and portable, while smoked salmon is more for serving on crackers or a brunch platter. The Smoked Salmon Gift Box is good for a host or a family that gathers over food. Check whether the product is shelf-stable or needs the fridge, how it's cured or smoked, and whether the person actually enjoys a strong fish flavour.

  • Illustration of Smoked Salmon Gift Box

    Curated pick$25–$50

    Smoked Salmon Gift Box

    The hostess gift that gets plated and devoured on the spot

Kind 8 of 8

Gourmet nuts for easy entertaining

A roasted nut assortment is a safe choice for coworkers, neighbours and holiday hosts because it gets set out and eaten right away. Good sets mix types and seasonings: salted, spiced, honey-roasted or plain. Nuts also pair easily with dried fruit or crackers if you want to build a bigger gift. Before you buy, make sure nobody in the household avoids nuts, see whether the nuts are divided by type or mixed together, and check for a resealable container.

  • Representative photo-style image of premium roasted nut mix assortment — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

    Premium roasted nut mix assortment

    A versatile and satisfying snack for anyone who enjoys crunchy, flavorful nuts, suitable for entertaining or personal indulgence.

How to choose snack foods as a gift

  • Think about when the person snacks, like movie night, the drive to work or entertaining, and pick something that fits that moment.
  • Read the full list of contents, not just the front of the box, so you know what's actually inside.
  • Check best-before dates if you're buying early or the gift won't be opened until after the holidays.
  • Ask quietly or check with a partner about dietary habits before choosing nuts, meat or anything very sweet.
  • For a household or office, choose shareable variety over one large quantity of a single flavour.

Usually safe to skip

  • Novelty flavours meant as a joke often get tried once and thrown out, so pick something the person would actually finish.
  • Big mixed hampers padded with filler and wrapping can look impressive but hold very little the person really wants.
  • Very spicy or strongly flavoured snacks are a gamble unless you already know the person likes that kind of heat.

Questions people ask about snack foods

What is a good snack gift for someone who has everything?
Choose something they wouldn't buy for themselves, like a jerky sampler, a box of snacks from another country or a better version of a snack they already love. Gifts that get eaten don't add clutter, which helps with someone who already owns plenty.
Are snack boxes a good gift to send to family in the US?
Yes, especially if the box has Canadian flavours like ketchup chips that are hard to find south of the border. Choose snacks that travel well, and check whether any items, like meat products, have restrictions when sent across the border.
How early can I buy food gifts for Christmas?
Dry snacks like crackers, nuts, dried fruit and jerky usually keep for weeks, so buying in November is often fine. Check the best-before date on each item, and wait longer for anything that needs the fridge or goes stale quickly once opened.

Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.

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All snack foods picks

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