It’s time for holiday gift shopping, and that can be a challenge if you don’t share the same hobbies and interests as the people you’re shopping for. But if one of those people happens to enjoy cooking, you’ve come to the right place.
There are so many tools and gadgets that can help your favorite iron chef feel a little more like their celebrity chef idol when they get down to the business of making dinner — or really any recipe. Pick from one of these 10 holiday gift ideas, which cover a range of prices.
1. Chef’s Knife or Knives
A classic selection that never gets old, every chef appreciates receiving some quality steel. Of course, you could change it up and get modern with an ultra-sharp ceramic knife, or if you’re really feeling generous, go for the whole set. There are so many qualities to choose from. Try for a traditional shape or the Asian-inspired santoku-style knife, which is thinner and great for breaking down veggies.
2. Food Processor or Blender
Many recipes call for ingredients to be broken down or blended, but these ultra-useful kitchen machines are expensive, and many younger chefs won’t have one. Adding one to their kitchen will allow for the creation of many exciting new sauces and recipes. Gift season is a great opportunity to choose a powerful blender — something with a 1 hp motor that won’t break or fizzle out after a few smoothies. Another incredible holiday gift for people that like to make bread at home is a bread maker. With these machines you will make delicious loaves of bread in no time!
3. Pizza Stone
If your giftee is a fan of pizza — and who’s not? — they might enjoy making some of their own pie using a pizza stone! Homemade pizza is delicious and healthier than restaurant pizza in most cases, and you can make it using a conventional oven, pizza oven, grill or smoker. Speaking of smokers…
4. Wood for Smoking
Fans of game meet and masters of the grill will tell you that few cooking methods can infuse meat with more flavor than slow-smoking it over some quality wood. Fuel to run a smoker can get expensive though, so if you want to be a pal, why not give your friend the gift of some high-quality wood for smoking? Just be sure you know what they like to use first.
5. Mixology Kit
This is a classic holiday gift. The right pairing of cocktail can make a meal — or help a chef make a meal — even better. Many chefs pride themselves on their mixology skills, but having the tools of the trade can elevate their game to the next level. Since these trinkets aren’t cheap, they’ll appreciate your gift of quality bar tools.
6. BBQ Utensils
Speaking of tools, the ones you use on the grill are distinctly less dainty than those for the bar. They are, however, no less important. A nice heavy set of tongs, a metal spatula or a quality long slicing knife for breaking down large roasts is a gift any pitmaster would go crazy for. You’ll be the star of tailgating in no time.
7. Sous Vi Machine
Sous vi is a cooking technique that keeps protein moist by circulating hot water around food that’s placed in a vacuum-sealed bag. It’s a popular method used by master chefs around the world, and you can equip your foodie friends with a machine that allows them to do it. Not only is sous vi exotic and delicious, but it’s also accessible and simple to do with a little practice.
8. A New Cooler
Now don’t be simple and assume that the only time a cooler comes out is to transport beer. Sure, you can move cold drinks in a cooler, but you can also bring fresh ingredients to cook with or a pre-made dish to serve. Some of the new soft and hard-shell coolers on the market are truly special, with superb insulation and great features that make them durable and practical at the same time. A great selection if your friend is a foodie on the go!
9. Juicers
Not the kind Jack LaLanne would have told you about, but the little press-style ones that allow you to hand-juice a lime, lemon or orange. These fun kitchen gizmos are more useful than you might think. They’re easy to clean, and they’re really the best method of getting fresh juice from citrus. A perfect low-cost selection that will get some use and bring a smile out in any chef.
10. Mason Jars
These ultra-handy containers have recently made a comeback as glassware. They make quite good cups, and when you’re not sipping a craft soy iced macchiato from them, you can put the top on and store things for a long time. They’re durable and cheap, and you can buy them by the flat in tons of different sizes. Even if you don’t think you’d use them, your chef pals will, trust us.
Ten holiday gift ideas, all good for chefs, that give you options at a number of different price points. Dare we say, this list is so solid you might just end up taking home a little something for yourself! Bookmark this article and rest easy knowing you’ve got your Christmas shopping for that particular person all dialed in. Now, if only we had some advice on how to use wrapping paper.
