Olive oil gifts almost always hit the mark. Extra virgin olive oil is useful, enjoyed every day, speaks of the land and tradition and, in a good gift box, is as elegant as a fine wine. In this guide we share ideas for olive oil gifts at Christmas, weddings, christenings and corporate events, explain how to choose the oil and the format to suit the person and show you how to present it so that your olive oil gift is unforgettable.
Contents
Why olive oil gifts are such a good idea
There are many reasons to give extra virgin olive oil:
- It always gets used. Unlike other presents, oil does not end up in a drawer: it is enjoyed in the kitchen day after day.
- Everyone likes it. From people who cook every day to those who only have it on toast.
- It has a story. Every oil tells you something about its variety, its mill and the landscape it comes from.
- There are options for every budget. From small 100 ml bottles for little gestures to premium gift boxes and limited editions.
- It is a quality, sustainable product. A natural food, tied to the land and to the Mediterranean diet.
What is more, Spanish extra virgin olive oil is recognised all over the world, which makes olive oil gifts perfect for friends and clients in other countries. Few presents travel as well, or say as much about where they come from.
How to choose an olive oil gift
Before choosing, think about the person who will receive it. These questions will help you pick the right olive oil gift:
Do they like intense or mild flavours?
For a palate used to intense flavours, an early harvest Picual, green and peppery, will be a delight. For someone who prefers mild flavours, an Arbequina or a Picudo is a better choice. If you are not sure, a gift box with two or three varieties is the safe bet, and it turns the gift into a small tasting adventure. We explain the differences in our guide to olive oil varieties.
Do they cook a lot or mostly eat it raw?
If they cook every day, they will appreciate a generous format, such as a tin or a magnum gift box. If they are more about toast and salads, a special oil in a designer bottle will be more welcome.
Are they looking for something exclusive?
For the most demanding, limited editions, first-day-of-harvest oils or oils with a designation of origin make olive oil gifts with a story.
Do they care about organic farming?
If so, choose a certified organic oil. We explain how to recognise one in our guide to organic olive oil.
Formats and gift boxes for olive oil gifts
The format is almost as important as the oil itself. These are the most common options for olive oil gifts:
| Format | Ideal for | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 50 to 100 ml bottles | Favours for guests, events and tastings | Frasca and mini bottles from Tuccioliva, Noviembre or Aceituno |
| Gift box with several varieties | Discovering and comparing styles | Oro Bailén 4-variety gift boxes |
| 250 to 500 ml designer bottle | A personal gift or for your host | Tuccioliva bottles, Señorío de Camarasa with gift box |
| Premium or magnum gift box | Special and corporate gifts | Palacio de los Olivos Magnum gift box, Elizondo Emerald |
| Large tin | For people who cook a lot | Oro del Desierto 3 litre tins |
In our shop you will find a full section of extra virgin olive oil packs and gift boxes, designed for giving.
Olive oil gifts for every budget
One of the advantages of olive oil gifts is that there are options for any budget. Here are some guidelines:
Small gestures
For guest favours, colleagues or small presents, 50 to 100 ml bottles and single-serve portions are the best choice. They are easy to carry and let you give quality oil to lots of people without overspending.
Mid-range gifts
A 500 ml bottle of a premium oil with a gift box, or a gift box with two or three 250 ml varieties, is a well-judged personal gift for family, friends or hosts. It is the most popular format at Christmas, and a lovely balance between a thoughtful present and a sensible spend.
Special gifts
For an important occasion or a key client, choose a magnum gift box, a limited edition or a collection of several varieties in a large format. These are gifts people remember, and they show the care you put into choosing.
In every case, remember that size is not what matters, quality is: an olive oil gift should always be extra virgin and from the latest harvest.
Olive oil gifts at Christmas
Christmas is the time of year when olive oil gifts are most popular, and not by chance: it coincides with the arrival of new harvest oils, the freshest and most aromatic of the year. An olive oil gift at Christmas means giving the best oil of the season.
Some ideas for the festive season:
- An early harvest oil. Green, intense and freshly made, it is the most special gift for an enthusiast. We explain why in our guide to the new harvest.
- A first-day-of-harvest gift box. Such as the Castillo de Canena First Day of Harvest gift box, with Arbequina and Picual.
- A gourmet hamper. Combine a good oil with chocolates or jams made with olive oil.
- A tasting gift box. Several varieties and some tasting glasses to enjoy with the family over the holidays.
An idea that works very well at this time of year is to give oil from the same mill to several members of the family, so that everyone tries the same new harvest oil over the Christmas meals. And if you are hosting the dinner, put a bottle of good oil on the table with freshly baked bread: it is the best starter and usually becomes a talking point.
Place your order a little in advance in December, because deliveries multiply in the weeks before Christmas. Ordering early also gives you more choice, as the most sought-after early harvest gift boxes are made in limited numbers.
Olive oil gifts for weddings, communions and christenings
More and more couples and families choose olive oil gifts as favours for their guests. It is a useful, original keepsake with a Mediterranean touch that suits any celebration. These are the most practical options, all easy to hand out on the day:
- Frasca and mini bottles. The 50 ml Tuccioliva frasca, in boxes of 50, is one of the most elegant favours.
- 100 ml bottles. Such as Noviembre Picual 100 ml or Señorío de Camarasa 100 ml.
- Single-serve portions. Perfect for including in a hamper or with breakfast the morning after.
- Small gift boxes. For godparents, grandparents or special guests, a gift box with two varieties.
If you are ordering a lot of units, count your guests with some margin and order several weeks in advance. For large orders, write to us and we will help you choose.
An idea to personalise it
Add a small card to each bottle with the couple’s or the child’s names, the date and a short message. The oil will be remembered every time it is used.
Corporate olive oil gifts
Olive oil gifts are an excellent choice for clients, suppliers and teams. They convey quality, closeness and tradition, and they are appreciated in any country.
- Premium gift boxes. Such as the Palacio de los Olivos 1.5 litre Magnum gift box or the Elizondo Emerald limited edition.
- Variety collections. The Elizondo Luxury Collection pack or the Oro Bailén deluxe 4-variety gift box.
- Gifts for the whole team. 100 or 250 ml bottles with a gift box, easy to send and hand out.
For corporate orders, we can help you choose and arrange delivery to several addresses. Write to us with the number of units and the date you need them. A thoughtful olive oil gift is remembered far longer than the usual corporate presents.
Olive oil gift ideas for enthusiasts
If the person you are buying for already knows the world of olive oil, surprise them with something special:
- A tasting kit. The gift box of 6 tasting glasses with watch glasses and a selection of oils to compare. We explain how to use them in our guide to the olive oil tasting glass.
- Less common varieties. Royal, Arbosana, Picudo or Lechín, which are not easy to find in supermarkets.
- Unfiltered oils. Available only at the start of the season.
- Flavoured oils. With truffle, black garlic or oak smoke, for curious cooks.
- A trip. If you want to go further, give an olive oil tourism experience; you will find ideas in our guide to olive oil tourism in Jaén.
Gourmet olive oil gifts
Olive oil can also be given in other forms. Some gourmet products made with extra virgin olive oil are perfect for rounding off a gift:
- Olive oil pearls. Little spheres that burst in your mouth, ideal for decorating dishes. Try the Oro Bailén olive oil pearls.
- Olive oil chocolates. Dark chocolates made with extra virgin olive oil, from our chocolates and sweets section.
- Olive oil jams. A delicious rarity to serve with cheese and toast.
A hamper with a good oil, some pearls, a chocolate bar and a jam is a complete and very original gourmet gift, and a fun way to show just how versatile olive oil can be.
Olive oil gifts for people living outside Spain
Spanish extra virgin olive oil is one of the most appreciated products of our food culture abroad. Spain is the world’s largest producer, and organisations such as the Spanish Olive Oil Interprofessional promote its culture all over the world. That is why olive oil gifts are ideal for friends, family or clients who live in other countries.
If you want to give olive oil to someone who lives in Europe, you can send it directly from our shop. We ship with UPS to many European countries, and the shipping cost is shown before you pay. For countries outside the European Union, such as the United Kingdom or Switzerland, bear in mind that the recipient may have to pay taxes or customs charges when the parcel arrives.
A tip: if the person does not know Spanish olive oil well, include a note about the variety and how to enjoy it. A Picual from Jaén or a variety gift box makes an excellent introduction, and the note turns a simple bottle into a little lesson in Spanish food culture.
Mistakes to avoid with olive oil gifts
- Choosing an oil that is not extra virgin. Plain “olive oil” is a blend with refined oil and does not convey the quality of a good gift.
- Giving an old oil. Check the harvest or the best before date: the more recent, the better.
- Using clear bottles without protection. If the bottle lets light through, it should go inside a gift box.
- Forgetting the person’s tastes. A very intense Picual may not appeal to someone who prefers mild flavours. If in doubt, give several varieties.
- Leaving it to the last minute. At Christmas and in wedding season, order in advance to avoid a rush.
How to put together an olive oil gift hamper
A well-thought-out hamper turns olive oil into the centrepiece of a complete gourmet gift. These combinations always work, whatever the occasion:
- Mediterranean breakfast hamper. An early harvest oil, some artisan regañás or picos (Spanish crispbreads and breadsticks), a jar of preserved grated tomato and an olive oil jam.
- Aperitif hamper. An intense Picual, marinated olives, a cured cheese and some olive oil pearls to surprise.
- Sweet hamper. A mild Arbequina for baking, chocolates made with olive oil and a handwritten recipe for olive oil sponge cake.
- Taster’s hamper. Three different varieties, two tasting glasses and a tasting sheet for noting impressions.
Choose a sturdy box or basket, protect the bottles well and place the oil as the star, where it can be seen. If the hamper has to travel, it is better to send the oil directly from the shop and put the rest together separately.
Olive oil gifts for people just discovering it
Many people do not know that there are so many different oils. For them, an olive oil gift can be the start of a new passion. The ideal is a gift that invites comparison: a gift box with two or three very different varieties, for example a mild Arbequina, a balanced Hojiblanca and an intense Picual.
Add a simple note: “Taste each oil on its own, on bread, and notice the differences.” After that first tasting, the person who receives your gift will probably never look at olive oil the same way again.
How to present your olive oil gift
Presentation turns a good oil into a memorable gift. Some tips:
- Choose opaque containers or gift boxes. As well as looking elegant, they protect the oil from light.
- Add a note. Explain where the oil comes from, its variety and how to enjoy it: raw, on bread, in a salad.
- Add bread or a local product. Some crispbreads, a cured cheese or olives complete the experience.
- Take care with the wrapping. Kraft paper, jute string and a sprig of olive or rosemary add a natural touch.
- Include storage tips. Remind them to keep it in a cool, dark place. You can point them to our guide on how to store olive oil and its shelf life.
Sending your olive oil gift
If you want to give olive oil to someone who lives far away, you can send it straight to their address. We offer fast dispatch within 24/48 h from Spain, delivered by UPS to the UK and across Europe. We pack every order carefully so that the bottles arrive in perfect condition.
When you place the order, enter the address of the person receiving the gift. If you want to include a message, write it in the order notes. And if it needs to arrive by a particular date, order a few days in advance, especially at Christmas.
Find the perfect olive oil gift. Gift boxes, variety packs, mini bottles for events and limited editions from Spanish mills.
Frequently asked questions about olive oil gifts
Which olive oil is best as a gift?
A quality extra virgin olive oil from the latest harvest, in a container that protects it from light. If you do not know the person’s tastes, a gift box with several varieties is the best choice.
What olive oil favour can I give at a wedding?
Frasca or mini bottles of 50 to 100 ml are the most common, elegant and practical favour for guests.
How far in advance should I order oil for an event?
For large orders, several weeks in advance. That way you can be sure of availability and delivery times.
Can the oil be sent directly to someone else?
Yes. Enter their address when you place the order and add a message in the notes if you like.
Is olive oil a good corporate gift?
Yes. It is useful and high quality, conveys tradition and closeness and is appreciated in any country.
Olive oil gifts are a way of giving flavour, culture and tradition. Choose the format that best suits each occasion and give a present that is enjoyed every single day. From a tiny frasca at a wedding to a magnum gift box for a valued client, there is an olive oil gift for every person and every moment, and each one brings a little of the Spanish countryside to the table.
