People who love to spend time in the kitchen are probably among the most difficult to buy for during the holidays. It’s not that they don’t appreciate a fresh set of dish towels or another ceramic mug to (somehow) squeeze into their overstocked cabinets. But those who find joy in making meals often have everything they need, for the most part, which makes finding gifts for people who love to cook a little tricky.
It’s tempting to stick to the basics if you love a foodie and know nothing about the ins and outs of a self-proclaimed chef's abode, but chances are, they already have kitschy decor and a few dozen aprons, too. My advice would be to think outside the box and come up with something fun, yet still functional, to add to their inventory.
Still not sure what to gift the master chef in your life? Scan your kitchen for inspiration, and think about what items you own, love, and (honestly) use on a regular basis. What's missing from your own meal space that you'd wish for yourself? Once you have an idea or two, customize the tool to your giftee's taste. It's definitely a little more difficult to find gifts for people who love to cook as opposed to, say, your bookworm sister or gym rat BFF, so if you're still struggling closer to the holidays, here are a few items to inspire you.
Totally Bamboo 2-Sided Poly-Boo Cutting Board, $20, Bed Bath & Beyond
I added this double-sided cutting board to my wedding registry and can honestly say it's one of those go-to tools I use on a daily basis. It's made of bamboo on one side, and polyvinyl on the other, with little symbols etched into the corners explaining what types of food each side is meant for cutting.
Old Home Kitchen Porcelain Butter Boat, $17, Amazon
I grew up scooping slices of butter from a dish like the one featured above, and maybe this is a mentality thing, but I'm convinced there is no better butter experience than when it comes from a ceramic boat.
The old-fashioned dish features three parts: the bottom piece, where you'll pour in just the right amount of cool water to keep the stick of butter fresh and soft, the actual butter dish, and the classic lid to seal it all in. Trust me, your giftee is in for the toast of their lives.
Boston Warehouse Tablet Holder and Cookbook Stand, $25, Amazon
Useful items that double as home decor are definitely pieces anyone who loves to cook can appreciate, especially since their countertops probably look like a mismatched display of culinary machinery.
This gorgeous easel-back stand works as a crafty sign and cookbook display so your loved one can move about the kitchen without having to worry about losing their page.
OXO Good Grips 3-N-1 Avocado Tool, $10, The Container Store
Gone are the days when struggling to cut an avocado made cooking an act of hard labor. OXO's three-in-one avocado tool "splits, pits, and slices" the popular fruit so you don't have to.
Trust me, it's definitely a lot safer this way friends (coming from the girl who sliced open her finger in a knife fight with a gorgeous avo — guess who won?).
Kamenstein 20-Jar Revolving Spice Rack, $34, Target
For the friend who has a million plastic bottles of spices overflowing in her pantry, the Kamenstein rack will be her savior.
The organized set of 20 premium cooking and baking spices include everything from basil to rosemary, and will look incredibly sleek on her kitchen counter. Plus, it's kind of fun to stand and spin the thing when you're deciding what to make for dinner.
Spectrum Ashley Fruit Bowl, $20, Bed Bath & Beyond
If your giftee is someone who loves to toss apple slices into salads, ripen bananas for bread, or someone who can genuinely appreciate the aesthetic of a fancy fruit bowl, this is the purchase for you. The open-air design ensures each food item, whether fruits or veggies, will stay fresh and ripen evenly.
Cherry Bombe: The Cookbook, $17, Amazon
Is it just me, or are cookbooks a dying breed? Thanks to Pinterest boards and Instagram influencers, these days, everyone can upload and share recipes digitally and save them in a Google doc. But, personally, I'm still a huge fan of aesthetically pleasing cookbooks to line up on my kitchen counter, and if your giftee is a major foodie, chances are they do, too.
Cherry Bombe is the long-awaited hard copy of recipes from the indie mag, and it's a well-rounded volume of recipes from women who know food, and eat it often.
Kate Spade New York All In Good Taste Kitchen Canister, $30, Wayfair
I am a sucker for Kate Spade everything, but who couldn't use another canister, right? This glass container is a roomy 10 inches tall, and can hold over two pounds of product. Great to use as a cookie jar or dry goods container, there's no doubt in my mind your master chef will find use for this in her kitchen.
