gift guide: foodies + home chefs
I’M A huge believer in having the ‘right tool’ for the job. It just makes such a big difference. My sweet mom gave my husband and I some gorgeous new knives for our anniversary a few years ago, and aside from the tiny nicks I frequently take out of my finger tips, they have honestly just made my daily life that much better. The ones I had been using before were a wedding gift and are now 17+ years old and no matter how many times my husband tries to sharpen them, they’re just not great to work with. The shiny [sharp af] ones make me super happy several times a day everyday. They’re def the right tool for the job.
IF YOU love someone who loves to cook or is passionate about eating good food, hook them up with the 'right tools’ so they can feel that joy in their daily life, too. There are SO many truly gorgeous, effective and beautifully-made things out there and they make fantastic gifts. There are tons of ideas in this guide, including a whole section for Cookbooks. And check out A Few of My Favorite Kitchen Tools for more ideas. If you don’t see what you need, reach out, I’m always here for you. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo
Gifts for Foodies + Home Chefs
+ I have a tenuous relationship with meat. I like to eat it, but I’m kind of grossed out cooking it, especially raw chicken. So my Thermapen ONE is absolutely essential to my piece of mind. It’s the only meat thermometer I trust to be accurate. It’s easy to use, easy to clean and quick. My husband loves it too because I no longer look sideways at his grilling mumbling ‘are you sure that’s cooked?’ And it comes in 10 really pretty colors, making it a truly fantastic gift. + $105
+ Whether your home chef is seasoned or just starting out, they will LOVE Caraway Cookware [more than 35k 5-star reviews almost guarantee it]. The non-toxic ceramic coating makes it yuck free, non-stick, easy to clean and even to cook with. The Cookware Set comes with a super clever storage system to keep it all organized and it’s STUNNING in 6 ‘classic’ colors and now 4 ‘iconic’ finishes that will elevate any kitchen. The Saute Pan is my very favorite, it’s the perfect size for feeding a family and it cleans up sooo easily. Anything Caraway makes counts as a spectacular gift. + from $85
+ Kosterina’s gorgeous Greek oils, vinegars and olives are a beautiful gift for anyone who loves to cook or eat. Made from Koroneiki Olives harvested early in southern Greece, Kosterina’s cold-pressed oils are pure and clean and delicious. They also make a stunning variety of vinegars that stray from the usual Balsamic [though they have that, too] and they’d all make gorgeous gifts on their own or in a Bundle. AND they make a few really pretty, unique Skincare products from olive oil, too and it’s all stunningly packaged for gifting, so you’ll be read. You just can’t go wrong. + from $15
+ I have several friends obsessed with this Chef'n Citrus Juicer and I totally get why. Aside from being super pretty, it also handles all kinds of citrus like a total boss, purportedly leaving not a single drop of precious juice left in the rind. And it’s easier to squeeze than the average reamer. So whether you need just ‘the juice of one lemon’ or want a whole fresh glass, this beast can handle it and comes in pretty colors, too. + from $29.99
+ Your foodie and hot pizza lover will be obsessed with Brightland’s Pizza Oil. It’s a hot, herbaceous blend of spices and their awesome California olive oil ready to give your pizza the smackdown. You can also put it on eggs, veggies, pasta… anything that needs a little extra extra.+ $28
+ If you love a home chef who’s adamant that everything’s better from scratch, gift them this Verve Culture Artisan Tortilleria Kit. The authentic 8” cast iron tortilla press is handmade in Mexico by local artisans. The kit also includes a handmade napkin to keep the tortillas warm and a booklet with some history, instructions and recipes. You can also use this press for lots of other savory treats. It’s easy to use, easy to clean and super pretty. Pair it with some Masa Harina and they’ll be ready to start churning out fresh tortillas. + $48
+ Diaspora Co. sells gorgeous single-origin spices + teas sourced directly from farmers in India and Sri Lanka. They pay 6x the commodity rate to ensure that growers of these exquisite spices make a living wage and the result is stunning. You get super fresh, high quality single-origin ingredients for your favorite dishes and the farmers get supported for their hard work. Plus it’s all sent in THE most beautiful packaging, making it just a perfect gift for chefs, teachers, neighbors or anyone else who loves a little spice in their life. + from $11
+ You already know how much I love Hedley & Bennet Aprons. Now H&B has worked tirelessly to design a set of Knives with the same incredible quality, pro chef collaboration and attention to detail. There’s a Chef’s Knife, Utility Knife and a Bread Knife, all made with 3 layers of Japanese steel and that all come in 3 colors [it’s the Shiso Green for me]. Buy one or the whole set for a really tops gift. They also have Star Wars, NFL and MLB versions for your die-hard fans + from $65
+ Take your chef’s grilling to the next level with a Made In Carbon Steel Griddle Set. It includes a professional-grade griddle and a Grill Press to create deeelicious smash burgers, grilled cheese, smashed potatoes and more. It’s non-toxic, non-stick and compatible with both open fire grills and all types of stove cooktops. Each piece is also available separately as well as a whole huge line of gorgeous Made In cookware, bakeware, knives and utensils. + $199
+ ‘Tis the season for Sur La Table to bring out their fantastic collection of food-related Ornaments. Everything from a T-Bone Steak to an Avocado Toast to an Oyster Platter is represented and would make a fun and lasting gift for your food lover. Each ornament is handmade of mouth-blown glass and hand-painted, making them really unique and special. + from $19.95
+ Material’s reBoards and Free Boards are made entirely of kitchen plastic scraps and sugar cane, making these sustainable beauties way more than a pretty face [though they are SO pretty]. Plus a full 50% of proceeds from the sale of these eco-friendly boards goes to charity. That’s a serious win-win gift. I have several in two sizes and love they way they clean up and hold up, they’re sooo much better than the plastic ones. + from $25
+ Join a centuries-old Mexican tradition of using a Molcajete, a unique type of mortar + pestle, to grind spices, herbs and veggies. The rough volcanic stone helps to release the ingredients’ oils, providing awesome flavor. This large version is perfect for prepping and serving salsas, pesto, guacamole and more. + $54.95
+ Great Jones makes GORGEOUS cookware and bakeware that’s both stunning to look at AND a chef’s dream to use. ‘The Duchess’ dutch oven is lauded for her good looks and even cooking. She comes in 8 sunny colors and moves effortlessly from stovetop to oven to table, looking just lovely at every stop. I LOVE our Small Fry and Holy Sheet Pans for their durability and continued non-stick quality, even after LOTS of abuse. Read more about why I love Great Jones here. + from $40
+ I love this pretty Wood Cookbook Stand. It’s made of FSC-certified beachwood and has a clear acrylic panel that not only keeps your book open to the right page, but also protects it from splatters. It also folds flat for easy storage when not in use. Pair it with a Cookbook for an awesome gift. + $59.95
+ I use my whole collection of these GIR Suction Lids ALL the time. They are so useful for keeping things warm, stopping butter from splattering all over the microwave, keeping the flys out of your salad… I love them. You can buy them in sets of 5 or 10 and in 11 really pretty colors. I also absolutely love LOVE their Spatulas and Spoons. + from $37.95
+ Hedley & Bennett is The industry gold standard for high quality aprons, awesome for pitmasters, home chefs, artists, tinkerers and general mess-makers. They have a variety of styles and fabrics depending on what it’ll be used for, including a heavy duty waxed canvas that just gets a solid wipe down when it’s dirty. I absolutely love mine. + from $75
+ This Everybody Timer just makes me happy. Designed by super creative Dusen Dusen for Areaware, it’s just a really funky, fun and totally analog kitchen timer so you don’t burn stuff and don’t have to look at your phone while you're cooking, which is especially nice if you have guests that you’d like to look at instead. + $48
+ Every chef needs a good kitchen towel and Geometry Tea Towels are my favorite. They’re so pretty, super duper soft, quick-drying [ie. not stinky], actually absorbent AND they’re made entirely from recycled post-consumer materials. I now look at my ‘old’ towels sideways and am considering retiring them all to our bike wash station. Because of the enormous selection of prints, they are a seriously gorgeous gift for just about anyone on your list. + $16 [Use code Darcie15 for 15% off your purchase]
+ Oh I love every little thing that Dansk ever made and these Kobenstyle Saucepans exemplify why. They’re just so classic and beautiful and the colors are perfection. The lid doubles as a trivet for easy transfer to the table, maximizing that form AND function that Dansk so beautifully represents. I use the 1QT to make hot chocolate and single soup servings or the 2QT for sauces and pasta. And I love my adorable Butter Warmer, too. They have a size for every job and they’re all stunning. + from $65
+ OH this is the kind of gift I can get behind 100%. Olympia Provisions in Portland, OR will send your foodie a mouthwatering selection of their authentic, handmade, artisan salamis along with some other crazy delicious little nibbles. You can choose a single Sampler or go for a Monthly Subscription to keep the dream alive. + from $21
+ Is it weird to love a compost bin? Because I do. I’ve had my Bamboozle Bamboo Composter sitting on my counter for like 8 years and I still love it. It’s pretty, doesn’t smell, holds enough so that I don’t have to go dump it out constantly. It’s dishwasher safe, has a filtered lid and comes in TWELVE really pretty colors to match any decor. If you’re going to display your compost, it better be pretty. + $40
+ Get the most out of your precious spices by grinding them fresh. This battery-powered FinaMill Spice Grinder has a super solid ceramic grinding mechanism, a wide opening for refills and uses a pod system to keep spices from mixing together. So you can add pods for spices you use often and just swap them out as you cook. One-handed grinding is so convenient and cool. Plus it comes in 8 really beautiful colors so you won’t mind having it out. Awesome. + from $69.99
+ If you love an adventuring foodie or chef, Hydro Flask’s Outdoor Kitchen Collection is awesome. There are crazy durable plates and flatware AND insulated bowls that keep food hot or cold while you’re out in the wild or at a BBQ next door. I have a set of the bowls and I LOVE them for taking food to picnics. + from $19.95
+ Season like a serious pro with Spiceology’s massive selection of unique and delicious chef-created and approved Spices, Spice Blends + Rubs. They have a huge selection of individual jars [a few you’d expect and a BUNCH you wouldn’t] or Variety Packs that would make just awesome gifts for the novice or pro pit masters, bakers and chefs you love. + from $6.99
+ With sous vide cooking, everything is perfectly tender, moist and at the right temp every time. An Anova Precision Cooker is the only tool you need to make batch or individual sous vide meat, veg, soups and more at home. It has both manual and wifi-enabled controls so you can walk away while cooking. Pair it with an Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer for a real-deal setup. + from $149
+ Take homemade pizza night to a whole other level with an Ooni Outdoor Pizza Oven. The Fyra pictured here is wood-pellet powered and lightweight enough to drag to the campsite, the beach, your neighbor’s yard, the park or anywhere else you’d like to chill and make amazing pizza. There are several different models to choose from depending on size and how you want to cook [gas or wood pellets]. And with the Volt 2, you can now make your epic pizza indoors, too. Plus they have Pizza Peels and a million other rad Accessories to go with it. What a baller gift. + from $349
+ Sometimes the simplest things make the biggest difference and that is def the case with Material's Good Shears. They’re constructed of German steel with a removable silicone handle for easy cleaning. And you can chuck the whole lot in the dishwasher. Plus they’re so dang pretty. + $35
+ I love this Emile Henry Storage Bowl. It’s gorgeous, yes, but also totally brilliant. The bottom acts as a dark cellar for onions, potatoes and garlic, while the top holds all of your fruit. The cork lid absorbs moisture and keeps the flies away. It comes in 2 sizes and 7 colors. I’m so impressed with how long it keeps stuff fresh. + from $100
+ Is it nerdy to love a set of bowls? Like really LOVE it? Well, fear of nerding out never stopped me before. This Duralex Lys 10-Piece Glass Bowl Set is one of my favorite and most-used items in the kitchen. Everyday. They nest perfectly for easy storage, go in the dishwasher and are otherwise seriously perfect. I have another stack of the li’l 2oz ones, too, that I use for prep. + $60
+ Send your foodie the gift of their absolute favorite food. Goldbelly partners with a HUGE variety of small bakeries and restaurants around the country to ship nostalgic [or new] favorites to your door. They’ll send pretty much anything your heart desires from samosas to lasagna to kolaches [or these H&H Bagels]. + from $25
+ Give your chef the gift of a bit more time with an Anyday Dish. You can make a legit gourmet meal in one bowl ENTIRELY in the microwave in like 9 minutes. For real. Even David Chang says so. Learn more about why I love this thing here. + from $30
+ Instantly add massive flavor to your dishes with Boulder-based Fireworks Chef’s Butters. These little ‘bursts’ of magic come in both savory and sweet flavors and are all made with hormone-free grass-fed butter. YUM. + from $6
+ This is so cool. HitchFire is a hitch-mountable, super powerful propane grill that can go anywhere your vehicle can; camping, tailgating, skiing, the park... This beefy F-20 model has two burners for feeding the whole crew and the handy swingarm feature provides easy access to the car’s contents. My husband would LOVE this thing. + from $549
+ Give your chefs a stunning canvas for their art with a handmade Dinner Set by Boulder-based artist, Bridget Dorr. I absolutely love the organic shape of the 10” dinner plate, 8” salad plate and 5” side plate. She has several color glazes to choose from. Such a gorgeous and special gift. + $105/set
+ When you want to bring things from oven to table in cool, timeless style, look to Crow Canyon Home’s Enamelware. They’ve been making these pieces for nearly 50 years, coating steel with porcelain with super durable and fun results. They have Roasters, Pizza Pans and bakeware, too. Plus awesome serving pieces for all the other parts of your meal. + from $18
Cookbooks
I LOVE thumbing through a good cookbook. They’re just beautiful to look at and so inspiring. And they make gorgeous gifts. Pick an old favorite or try something outside your comfort zone. They make a fantastic gift all on their own, or pair one with a special spice blend, pretty dish towel or useful kitchen gadget for a really thoughtful gift.
Good Fish: 100 Sustainable Seafood Recipes from the Pacific Coast
by Becky Selengut
Smitten Kitchen Keepers: New Classics for Your Forever Files
by Deb Perelman
The Food of Oaxaca
by Alejandro Ruiz
Half Baked Harvest: Super Simple
by Tieghan Gerard
Why We Cook: Women on Food, Identity and Connection
by Lindsay Gardner
Salt Fat Acid Heat
by Samin Nosrat
Ottolenghi Flavor
by Yotam Ottolenghi
Sous Vide at Home
by Lisa Q. Fetterman
The Wok
by J. Kenji Lopez-Alt
Ready or Not!
by Michelle Tam [Nom Nom Paleo]
Food Between Friends
by Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Julie Tanous
Joy of Cooking
by Irma S. Rombauer
Cook Real Hawai’i
by Sheldon Simeon
Beautiful Boards
by Maegan Brown
Milk Street Tuesday Nights
by Christopher Kimball
The Clean Plate: Eat, Reset, Heal
by Gwyneth Paltrow
In Bibi’s Kitchen
by Hawa Hassan
Made in India
by Meerah Sodha
Chinese Takeout Cookbook
by Kwoklyn Wan
Old World Italian
by Mimi Thorisson
Cook's Science
by Cook’s Illustrated
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