Want to get a great gift for the cook in your life? Think through the options and choose something useful and avoid the twaddle.
photo source: Roger H. Goun
photo source: Roger H. GounSometimes we get so caught up in the idea of crossing the gift-buying off our list that we gift stuff that is going to eventually go to the discard pile. I know this because I found a gift I gave in a friend’s giveaway pile.
Awkward.
As you think through your Christmas list and the foodies in your life, think about what they really need or would enjoy.
1. Gift cards to specialty food shops
When on a budget, it’s hard to splurge on fancy ingredients. But, cooks and foodies love to explore new foods. A gift card to a specialty store or even a regular grocery store can be a welcome gift. You could also get gift certicates to kitchen shops like Sur La Table or King Arthur Flour.
2. A new cookbook
I love a new cookbook! I have several that are near and dear to my heart, particularly any by Beth Hensperger or Susan Branch. One new one that I just got to review is The Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen Cookbook. I am really looking forward to trying out some of these recipes. The pictures are so tempting. And the Double-Dipped Potato Chip Chicken is calling my name!
3. A kitchen tool upgrade
Recently, I invested in these baking sheets from Nordicware*. My silpat mats fit them perfectly, making baking a joy. Definitely recommend both for easy baking. Other kitchen tools that I love and use often include:
- Eat Smart Kitchen Scale
- Cuisinart Immersion Blender
- Cuisinart Waffle Maker
- electric griddle, like this one
- Cuisinart Food Processor
- Oster Bread Machine
Apparently, I have a thing for Cuisinart. They didn’t pay me to say that, though. These are the appliances I’ve bought over the years and use very regularly.
4. Kitchen linens
I don’t know about you, but kitchen linens take a beating. Sturdy replacements for hot pads, aprons, and kitchen towels would be welcome assets to any cook.
What do YOU think is a good gift for a cook?
*Edited: 1/5/12 – I am sorry to report that I had to take the baking pans back! Over the holidays, one of them started to flake its coating. Bummer! I will update you when I find a better replacement.
Barb @ A Life in Balance says
I second the idea of gift cards to specialty shops. Cooks on limited budgets so appreciate them.
Another idea is a gift card to a farmer’s market if they have them, or a nice piece of meat. My mom gave my husband a very nice piece of beef which we’ll be cooking on Christmas. We just didn’t need more STUFF.
Jessica says
@Barb @ A Life in Balance, steaks sounds wonderful!
Stacy says
That’s a great list – I couldn’t add anything to it…..but I did add those cookie sheets to my Amazon wish list. 🙂
Jessica says
@Stacy, they are wonderful!
Anne says
Great ideas! I always put kitchen stuff on my list. This year, it was a French press, baking stones, and cast iron pans. And a donut pan:)
Jessica says
@Anne, ooh… donut pan sounds interesting. I hope you’re review it.
Michelle @ Simplify, Live, Love says
Cast iron skillets! Healthy, relatively cheap, awesome! A must have staple in my kitchen. I want more this year! If anyone would like to send me a gift, I’d also love to try a silpat mat! I don’t have one. 🙂 I bought myself a Vitamix this year for Christmas and have already been using it, so I won’t have anything to open… Kitchen gadgets are my absolute favorite Christmas gift to receive. And they help me make yummy gifts to give my family and friends who don’t like to cook.
Jessica says
@Michelle @ Simplify, Live, Love, I have never had a cast iron skillet. I’m afraid I’d mess it up with the “seasoning”.
Michelle @ Simplify, Live, Love says
@Jessica, Impossible, Jessica!! Cast iron skillets are super easy to care for, in my opinion – sort of like a Pampered Chef baking stone. And if you did mess it up, just put some oil back on it and you’re good to go. 🙂
Emily says
I think Santa is bringing me that Immersion Blender for Christmas!
Jessica says
@Emily, it won’t disappoint. I am so please with mine. Wish I had bought it sooner.
Martha Artyomenko says
@Jessica, I have been wanting one, but have a hard time justifying it when I have a great blender. Should I still look at getting one?
Jessica says
@Martha Artyomenko, I have a great blender and a great food processor, but I LOVE the immersion blender. It’s been so helpful with soups and sauces. I love it that I don’t have to dirty so many more dishes. I just rinse the wand and move on. Plus it fits in a kitchen drawer, so it really doesn’t take up much place.
Martha Artyomenko says
@Martha Artyomenko,
Thanks!! That really helps!
Deb says
I want the cast iron skillet from Costco, it has a ceramic finish, like their Dutch oven which I already have….
Jackie Brown says
Every new year I go to Dillards for the 75% off appliances plus take an additional 50% and see what kind of kitchen goodies I REALLY need. It’s so much fun picking up name brand items for a fraction of the cost.
Jessica says
@Jackie Brown, that sounds like a great idea.
Martha Artyomenko says
I think some good cookie sheets, good rubber scrapers, heavy duty (restaurant quality) stainless steel serving spoons, or a gift certificate to the restaurant supply store!
Jessica says
@Martha Artyomenko, great ideas.
sona says
I would love a new baking pan, but the reviews on the one mentioned above speaks of ongoing grey stuff off of it. Concern about alluminum poisoning? Even the description speaks of washing hands.
Jessica says
@sona, well, I haven’t had that happen with these. It’s possible I linked to the wrong product (they all look the same). I bought mine at Costco, they say they are aluminized steel with wrapped steel edges.
Jessica says
@sona, I am sorry to report that the reviews were correct! 🙁 A week or two after we had this discussion, one of my pans started to flake its coating. I took them all back and am so bummed!