Why Italian Olive Oil Is the Best Christmas Gift This Year
Every holiday season brings the same question: what’s a gift that feels thoughtful, elevated, and actually useful? This year, the answer is surprisingly simple: Italian olive oil. Once considered a pantry staple, high-quality extra virgin olive oil has become the new wine: a collectible, giftable, conversation-starting essential that fits every lifestyle and kitchen. And with people drinking less and choosing wellness-driven gifts, olive oil has officially become the must-have present of the season.
The Cultural Significance of Italian Olive Oil
In Italy, olive oil is a symbol of heritage, craftsmanship, and hospitality. For centuries, gifting a bottle of premium extra virgin olive oil has been a gesture of respect and abundance. It represents nourishment, prosperity, and the idea of gifting something that we use every day.
Italian regions from Tuscany to Puglia to Sicily produce some of the world’s most celebrated oils, each with its own flavour profile and personality. Giving one as a gift means giving a piece of culture: a story, a tradition, and a taste of Italy itself.
Why Olive Oil Is the Perfect Christmas Gift
1. It’s the New Wine
As consumer habits shift, olive oil has taken the spotlight as the “new luxury.”
People are cooking more, drinking less, and investing in high-quality pantry products. Premium olive oil offers the same sophistication as gifting a bottle of wine, but with broader appeal and longer enjoyment.
2. Options for Every Budget & Style
The beauty of olive oil is range:
Affordable artisan bottles that make perfect hostess gifts
Mid-range favourites ideal for coworkers, clients, and food lovers
High-end limited editions for when you really want to impress
Olive oil always feels thoughtful and elevated.
3. Endless Varieties
Italian olive oil is a world of flavour:
Fruttato (fruity)
Leggero (light)
Intenso (bold)
Peppery finishes
Single-origin bottles
Cold-pressed and early-harvest selections
Plus, many come in naturally infused versions such as lemon, chili, basil, and rosemary…an easy way to elevate even the simplest dishes.
4. A Gift That Lasts
Unlike wine or chocolate, olive oil stretches through weeks (even months) of use.
It becomes part of everyday meals:
Drizzling over pasta
Finishing soups
Enhancing salads
Pairing with bread
Elevating roasts and vegetables
5. Beautiful Packaging
Modern Italian olive oil packaging feels like gifting art. From gorgeous bottles to hand-illustrated labels and sleek tins, the design alone makes an impression. Even a simple bottle becomes a centerpiece on the counter.
6. It’s All About Nutrition
As people prioritize wellness, olive oil has become one of the most appreciated functional gifts. It’s packed with antioxidants, healthy fats, and vitamins, making it both luxurious and good for you.
Our Curated Italian Selection
At our stores, we proudly carry some of Italy’s finest olive oil brands, including:
Terrigno, known for bright, aromatic oils and exceptional regional craftsmanship. The owner is one of the two certified Canadian Oil Sommeliers.
Ristoro Italiano, offering classic, balanced profiles that appeal to both new and seasoned olive oil lovers. Sicily at its best.
Favuzzi, premium, chef-approved oils with rich flavour and impeccable sourcing.
And more: including seasonal specialties, flavored varieties, and limited-edition bottles perfect for gifting.
From everyday essentials to collector-worthy bottles, our shelves are stocked with oils that represent true Italian excellence.
Olive Oil at Lina’s: Terrigno spotlight
Terrigno olive oil is harvested in Molise, Italy, and goes from tree to bottle within hours for exceptional freshness. It is a cold pressed extra virgin oil with no additives, offering a bright, bold, and balanced flavour perfect for both everyday cooking and special finishing touches.
With its beautiful bottle design, rich taste, and authentic Italian heritage, Terrigno makes a standout gift. It is versatile enough for bread dipping, dressing salads, finishing vegetables, or enhancing even the simplest meals. Rich in polyphenols and healthy fats, it is both indulgent and mindful, making Terrigno the olive oil you choose when you want wine level impact with everyday utility.
For over 30 years, we’ve brought authentic Italian flavours, including the country’s finest olive oils, to Calgary’s homes during the holiday season. If you're gifting it to a foodie, a host, a coworker, or someone who simply loves beautiful things, a bottle of Italian olive oil is the perfect way to share heritage, wellness, and sometimes a new taste. This Christmas, give the gift that feels luxurious, meaningful, and timeless.
