From Skeptic to Superfan: How Glass Straws Completely Won Me Over (And Why They’re the Perfect Stocking Stuffer!)

I have a confession to make: I was once the person who rolled my eyes at glass straws. “Too fussy,” I thought. “Probably tastes like drinking through a thermometer.” I swore I’d never be that person. Then a gorgeous new set of glassware arrived at my door—four bottom-heavy tumblers (two smooth, two delightfully ridged)—and tucked inside the box were four crystal-clear glass straws. I promptly exiled them to the junk drawer, convinced they’d live there forever.

Fast-forward a few weeks. I ran out of my usual plastic straws (yes, I’m a straw person—wrinkle warnings from my aunt be damned), and there sat those glass beauties, freshly washed in the dishwasher. Desperate for my 3 p.m. cold-brew fix, I gave one a try.

First sip: weird. It felt… bony. Like sipping through a very elegant icicle. Second sip: hmm, not terrible. By the end of the glass: I was officially smitten.That’s why I chose glass straws as my final product recommendation of the week leading up to Christmas. 

Here’s why:

  - They never collapse or turn into soggy paper mâché (looking at you, eco-friendly paper straws). 
- The thick borosilicate glass keeps drinks colder longer—perfect for iced coffee or sweet tea. 
- They’re ridiculously pretty glinting in the sunlight on my table. 
- Dishwasher-safe = zero effort. Just drop them in the utensil basket and done.

If you’re still hunting for the perfect little Christmas gift or stocking stuffer, grab a set of glass straws. They’re unexpected, eco-friendly, and genuinely delightful. Trust the former hater turned evangelist: whoever finds one of these in their stocking on Christmas morning is going to be delighted.

Sometimes the best gifts are the ones we never knew we needed… until we can’t live without them.

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Stocking Stuffers for the Foodie

I don't think that there is an easier group of people to shop for than the “foodie.”  Everywhere you look there is something that this delightful group of people may find useful, from seasonings to spices, to exotic and ethnic foods, to specialty liquors for those equally special cocktails, to mixes, equipment, and books. To add to the ease, something sure to please can be found to fit any budget, from a five dollar pack of vanilla beans from Melissa's Produce to a thousand dollar espresso machine from Williams-Sonoma.

If you or someone you know is shopping for a foodie, the Quarto Publishing Group can help you with this fantastic offering of diverse and “stocking stuffer worthy” cookbooks. Each of which is unique and interesting is its own special way.

Burger lovers (like me) will find much inspiration in this cute, burger-shaped book that offers both meat and meatless recipes and drool worthy pictures to both tempt and inspire you.

 Have a beer lover in your family?  He or she will be delighted with this bottle-shaped volume (the absolute perfect shape for stuffing a stocking) that will both educate and inspire. Reasonably priced, it can be tied onto or inserted into a six-pack making it a welcome host or hostess gift.

Ever wonder what to do with those cute Babybel cheeses? This book has all of the answers in its cheese-shaped self that can be easily added to a meat, wine, and cheese gift basket along with a heaping mound of Babybel cheeses.

 Exotic food loving foodies will absolutely delight in this fascinating Bombay Lunchbox book. If you are unfamiliar with the lunch delivery system in India, you need to read all about it here, and then whip up one of the toothsome recipes contained within. Colorful and informative, you won't be able to put this one down, and may soon find yourself booking passage to Bombay.

 Lastly, Carolyn and Chris Caldicott's book of British recipes is the perfect remedy for this busy, exhausting, seriously-in-need-of-comfort holiday season. Use this as the centerpiece in a gift basket for your favorite Anglophile along with a teapot, cup and saucer, tin of English breakfast tea, and a jar of clotted cream. A nutmeg grater, some whole nutmeg, and a package of vanilla beans will allow them to immediately try the Clotted Cream Rice Pudding recipe in the book.  It is seriously the closest thing to being wrapped in comfort. Toss in a DVD of the latest season of Midsomer Murders and you have a gift they will appreciate for months to come.

Happy shopping!

This post is linked to:

Cookbook Wednesday

Disclaimer:  I was provided these books, free of charge, in exchange for a review.