Gifts for Ramen Lovers: 9 Ideas They'll Actually Use
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Everyone has that one friend. They know which shop has the best tonkotsu, they have opinions about noodle thickness, and they have definitely eaten instant ramen at 2 a.m. and called it a good decision.
Buying them a gift is easy if you think like they eat: warm, a little indulgent and a lot of fun. Here are nine ideas they'll actually use.
1. Ramen socks
Start with the most wearable bowl of noodles they'll ever own. Our Ramen Socks are full-color crew socks printed with noodles, broth and a soft-boiled egg, front and back. They're printed by hand in Reno, Nevada, and they fit in any stocking.
Gift tip: mix them with two more flavors. Any 3 pairs are $45 with free shipping, so you can cover the ramen lover and two more people on your list.
2. A proper ramen bowl set
Deep bowls, a ladle-style spoon and a pair of chopsticks turn a weeknight cup of noodles into a real meal. Look for bowls that hold at least 30 ounces so there's room for toppings.
3. A ramen cookbook
For the friend who's ready to graduate from packets, a good ramen cookbook walks through broth, tare, noodles and toppings. It's a gift that keeps paying off, especially if they invite you over to taste-test.
4. A soft-boiled egg kit
The jammy marinated egg is the best part of the bowl. An egg timer, a small marinating container and a bottle of good soy sauce give them everything they need to make their own.
5. An instant ramen sampler
Put together a box of instant ramen from different countries and regions. It's cheap, it's fun to unbox, and it starts a great debate about which one wins.
6. Chili crisp or chili oil
A spoonful of chili crisp makes almost any bowl better. Pair a jar with a note that says "for emergencies."
7. A noodle strainer basket
Long-handled noodle baskets make cooking and draining noodles easy, and most home cooks don't own one. It's a small upgrade they'll use every time.
8. A gift card to their favorite ramen shop
Sometimes the best gift is a night off. A gift card to their local spot, especially a small, independent shop, is always welcome.
9. Socks with their own photo on them
Want to go one step further? Custom Photo Socks let you print any image you own: a photo of their dog, their favorite bowl or the two of you at the ramen shop. We email a proof before anything prints, and your socks ship 2 to 3 business days after you approve it. Learn how custom photo socks are made.
The easy combo
Can't decide? Tuck a pair of Ramen Socks inside a ramen bowl with a pair of chopsticks. It's a complete gift, and it looks great wrapped. Shopping for more foodies? Check out our foodie gift guide.