“Nothing beats home cooking” is a phrase many of us grew up with. As children, our parents would always tell us that there’s food at home, so no need to eat out. While yes, nothing beats your mom’s sinigang or your dad’s home-cured beef tapa, what’s a person to do if they’re living away from home and can’t cook (or just plain don’t want to)?
For those who scorch water or turn bread into hockey pucks instead of toast, getting food delivered provides the sustenance needed to survive during this pandemic. But it’s not just about surviving. In the 271 days of our virus-imposed isolation, getting food delivered has kept some of us from absolutely going bananas. It has offered a way to reach out to the world and sate your hunger for what’s out there.
If you have friends or family that have become food delivery regulars, here are some Christmas gift ideas that’ll make them eternally grateful for you being in their life.
Food app credits
If you really want to get your delivery regular buddies excited, this is the route to go. Apps like Grab, Foodpanda and Lalafood have e-payment systems that make it easier for you to buy your friends online gift certificates that they can use to pay for their meals. It gives them the power to choose what they want to eat while giving you bragging rights for being really clever about your Christmas gift this year.
Meal subscription plan
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If you’re worried about their bank accounts (let’s be real, delivery food isn’t cheap), you can also try getting them a meal subscription plan for Christmas. There’s a plan for almost every budget that can be purchased on a weekly or monthly basis, so you don’t have to break the bank. There are tons of places you can order from that have different cuisines and are customizable—which is especially important if they have food allergies. Most meal subscription plans cover all three main meals and include a light snack, so your giftee definitely won’t go hungry.
D.I.Y. food kits
Gusteau from “Ratatouille” may have said “Anyone can cook!” but he’s not quite right about that. If your intended recipient’s food delivery habit was born out of necessity (because they’ll start a fire in the kitchen if they even go near a stove), getting them a D.I.Y. food kit might be a good idea.
[READ: All the DIY meal kits we loved (so far) if you want to cook but not prep]
These food kits come with instructions and ingredients, so all your giftee needs to do is put things together. Who knows? It might make a chef out of them yet.
A free meal from their favorite takeout place
While it’s not the most creative idea, a free meal from their favorite takeout place will surely put a smile on their face. It’s quick, easy and almost foolproof (unless your giftee isn’t home, then that’s a problem). I mean honestly, who doesn’t love a free meal? A few places you should consider are Crosta Pizzeria, Taco Mata, Spicebird Grill and Lazy Oeuf by Metronome. If you’re still unsure, here’s a list to help you out.
Header image courtesy of Kai Pilger on Unsplash
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Writer: ANDREIANA YUVALLOS
