I’ve compiled a list of my top favorite tools and gadgets I use in my own kitchen that would make great holiday gifts for people who love to cook. There’s something for everyone!
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For the Everyday Cook:
Tastes Better From Scratch Cookbook – This cookbook is what I’ve deemed, “The Best of The Best” of our Easy Family Recipes. It’s filled with my personal favorite recipes as well as fan favorites and several brand new recipes. Look no further for the perfect gift for families, newlyweds, and anyone that loves food! Pair with this handy cookbook stand for a complete gift that everyone will love!
Scrumptious Cookbook – This cookbook was written by my friend, Christy Denney from The Girl Who Ate Everything. It is full of 100 family-friendly and game-day recipes designed to make your life easier.
Chefs Knife – A great chopping knife is essential for every home cook (and a good knife sharpener, too). Although I’m very comfortable with a Western chefs knife, I also love a good Santoku knife that’s smaller and lighter weight. Zwilling has a new hybrid rocking santoku knife that is my #1 favorite!
Boos Block Cutting Board– My in laws gave this to me for my birthday years ago, and it’s the most used and loved tool in my kitchen! You can even get them personalized. Don’t forget the oil, to go with it.
Staub Enameled Dutch Ovens – This is the pot I use most in my kitchen, for everything including soups and stews, roasts, and curries. I love the black interior and how it cooks just like a cast-iron, but I can wash it with soap and water.
All-Clad Stainless Steel Cookware – You get what you pay for and All-Clad pans are the best of the best and will last for decades. Don’t feel like you have to buy a big set all at once. I’ve built my collection over the years by buying pots and pans one by one, until I’ve collected only the ones I use most. Pair them with a set of beautiful potholders.
A cute Butter Keeper – I keep mine on the counter, so it’s easily accessible for cooking (and my kids can reach it for their toast).
Salt Cellar – This pretty marble one would go perfectly with some high quality flaked sea salt.
Wireless Meat Thermometer is a great choice for the grill master in your life.
Flattop Grill – The options are endless with what you can make on this, it’s so versatile! For smaller options, this one is great for the stove, and this flattop grill sheet goes on top of your normal grill.
Spatula Spoon – This is my favorite spoon, and I use it for everything! It’s useful for cooking, and pretty enough to use as a serving spoon too.
For the Baker:
Dough Hook – My favorite tool for mixing muffin and quick bread batters, no knead artisan bread ,or beer bread.
Banneton bread proofing basket – I never knew how much I’d love this until I finally bought one a few years ago, and now it’s one of my essentials for making sourdough and artisan breads. This kit also includes a bread lame and dough scraper. (If you’re serious about bread making, a great kitchen scale is also a must!)
Cake Making Tools – My must-haves include an offset spatula , these 8” cake pans, and Ateco pastry bags for frosting decorating. I absolutely love my cake turntable, and this one comes with lots of cool extras.
A Cute Pie Dish and some pie weights, to go with.
Homemade Vanilla is such an easy gift! I like to wrap a bottle in a cute holiday hand towel, and attach a cookie cutter to it.
Pizza Oven – For outdoor cooking, the Ooni Brand Pizza Ovens are the best of the best. If you own a Traeger or Green Mountain smoker, several of my family members have this Pizza Oven accessory and love it! If cooking pizza indoors, I use a baking steel in my oven, and the result is amazing (especially with my homemade pizza dough.) The indoor Breville pizza oven is also popular, but pricey! If you’re serious about making pizzas, don’t forget to grab a pizza peel.
Favorite Small Appliances:
Ninja Creami – I love to use mine to turn my vanilla protein shake and chocolate protein shake into healthy and creamy ice cream!
Instant Pot – I think this handy appliance is here to stay, and I have tons of great Instant Pot recipes for you. I will even teach you how to get the most out of your Instant Pot!
Air Fryer – I hesitated jumping on this band wagon, but I absolutely love it, and use it regularly. Check out all my air fryer recipes and I can show you how to use it!
Ankarsrum – This top of the line Swedish mixer has stolen the hearts of many at home cooks, mine included! It has a great warranty and is perfect for everything from my homemade bread to energy balls and cream cheese frosting!
Kitchen Aid Mixer – So many cute colors to choose from!
Blender – I am obsessed with my Vitamix. It’s powerful, has a great warranty, and makes everything so creamy. This Ninja Blender is also another great and popular option.
Electric Kettle – My sister introduced me to this and I couldn’t believe how quickly it boils water! Convenient for cooking, making tea, or filling up my favorite hot water bottle during the winter months.
Fondue Pot – Melt chocolate, cheese, or broth for a fancy and fun dinner in. We love using this for date night or New Year’s Eve. This set even comes with fondue forks, recipes, and is dishwasher safe!
Other Fun Ideas:
Sous Vide – A great gift for experienced chefs looking to up their game! The Anova brand has convenient controls right on the device, or this smaller Breville brand will conveniently fit in a drawer, and is controlled by an app.
Charcuterie Boards – Beautiful meat and cheese boards are fun for decorating, and entertaining. I own this round and this rectangle one, and a few inexpensive ones from Target. Amazon also has some good options. I will show you how to build the Perfect Charcuterie Board.
Pebble Ice Maker – If you have the counter-space, these are so fun!
Meat Chopper and Vegetable Chopper are hugely popular right now and it’s easy to see why! These two things will get lots of use and your friends and family will sing your praises! I use both multiple times a week in my kitchen!
Cooking Class – Sur la Table offers fun in person and online classes, or search for local ones offered in your community.
A Food Tour in a fun city would also make a great gift! We’ve done one in Seattle, Charleston, and one in Park City (run by an amazing friend of mine!).
Magazine Subscription to Cooks Illustrated, Bon Appetit, Food and Wine, or Food Network are all great choices!
Yeti Tundra Cooler is our go-to for camping and road trips! It keeps everything cold for days due to its extra thick insulation. The Yeti Cooler Bag is great for regular use during the summer anytime at the pool or park.
Hot Sauce Kit – Such a fun gift for the hot sauce enthusiasts in your life (ahem…me!).
Indoor Herb Garden – Another one I’m adding to my wish list!
Organizer For the organizer in your life! These beautiful wood boxes not only look nice but are sturdy and hold various sizes of Ziplock bags. I LOVE them!
Home Canning Equipment – Call me old fashioned, but I love canning so much! I use this waterbath canner for making jams, applesauce, canning peaches, and pepper jelly too. Grab some of my favorite weck jars and other essential Home Canning Tools to go with.
Hydro flask , Stanley Tumbler or Yeti Mug
Frother – Use it for your morning coffee, hot chocolate, or even to get a quick and efficient blend for your powder drinks.
Measuring Spoons – Everyone needs them, and they are not created equal! These measuring spoons are my favorite, I love the fact I can fit the oval side into even the tiniest spice jars!
Egg Dispenser – I use this to maximize space in my fridge, and love how it looks too.
Gifts by Price:
You can find ALL my favorite gifts, cooking and kitchenware HERE. I’ve made it easier than ever for you to check out gifts in specific price ranges!
Gifts under $25: From milk frothers and gourmet treats to rolling pins and bamboo cutting boards, check off the next person on your gift list now.
Gifts under $50: Make sure to check out the best selling Electric Lunchbox perfect for keeping all your favorite soups warm for lunch on the go! This apple peeler/slicer is also a MUST!
Gifts under $100: This category includes most of my favorite small appliances and is packed with unique gifts everyone will adore.
Gifts over $100: Quality knives and all the best cookware and accessories! I’ve got you covered.
For the Mini Chef:
Cookbook – This is the kid’s cookbook I use for my own kids. It helps them learn great skills and make some yummy recipes. Would be a great gift with oven mitts and an apron!
Knives – These kid-safe knives are fun for even the tiniest chef, and can make a great stocking stuffer!
Water Bottle – These Owala water bottles are great quality and come in so many fun colors! This Stanley is another popular one.
Insulated Thermos – My kids love to take everything from leftover mac and cheese and spaghetti to french toast roll-ups; and this thermos keeps it warm for hours.
Cooler Snack Bag – These have ice packs built in and is the perfect size to keep healthy snacks. I send them with my kids to school, sport practice, and love to bring them for road trips.
Lunch Box Supplies – These divided lunch containers are my favorite, but these popular ones would be a cute gift too. Pair it with some fun toothpicks and a lunchbox!
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I originally shared this recipe November 2021. Updated October 2022 and November 2023.
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I am loving your cookbook and your posts! Thank you!