Awesome Gift Ideas for the Home Cook

 

Gifts for the Home Cook

Got someone on your list that loves to cook? I’ve got some great gift ideas for the home cook. I’ve compiled two lists: One list is items that are $20 or less, and the other list ranges from just over $20 to one big item that is around $200.

Whether you’re looking for a little something to stuff in their stocking or a big gift from “Santa,” I’ve got you covered.

Many of these items are things I own and love, but a few of them are things that are on my wish list this year. A couple of them are gifts from friends that I have loved and used over and over, so I know they’ll be a hit.

None of these items is sponsored. I just really like them or really want them. The links below are affiliate Amazon links.

The item descriptions are matched by number to the pictures in the image.

Gifts for the Home Cook for Under $20

1. Flour-Sack-Towels and Dish-Cloth Kitchen-Towels: Can you ever have enough hand towels in your kitchen? I think not. The reason these are a top pick is that they are soft and easy to work with, and they can easily be tucked into your waistline to act as a make-shift apron when needed. When wadded up, you can use them to grab things out of the oven. They’re white, which means they can be bleached after being used to wipe up spilled grape juice. A great practical gift. To dress it up, you could tie a whisk, bamboo spoon, or spatula on top.

2. Bamboo Kitchen Tools: I’m kind of obsessed with bamboo spoons. They are awesome. I have about 10 in my kitchen and couldn’t survive with any less. I use them for everything. I love that they do not absorb flavor or odor, so even if you use them to make Indian food, you can use them to mix up some rice crispy treats the next day without worrying that the curry smell/taste will linger. I also love that they can be used on non-stick pans without causing any damage. And, I really love the ones that have the flat, slightly slanted bottom. They are great for making candy because they naturally fit in the curve of the pan as you are thoroughly stirring the entire bottom of the pan.

3. Bellemain 4 oz. Porcelain Ramekins: I had a friend give me ramekins once for my birthday, and it was one of my favorite things anyone has ever given me. She gave them to me so I could make creme brulee, but I use them for so much more. I use them to make single-serving desserts, puddings, serving dishes for toppings, and basically any time I need a small dish. They are so handy. I use them at least once or twice a week.

4. Culinary Micro Butane Torch: If you decide to go with ramekins, it is fun to throw in a torch like this. A torch is a must if you are going to make creme brulee, and it just makes you feel so cool to use one. 

5. Thermoplastic Softspoon Spatula: A soft spatula is another kitchen essential I feel like I can’t live without. The thing is not all soft spatulas are created equal. You need a good one that is sturdy but also can easily suction right to the edge of the bowl or can scrape out every last drop.

6. OXO Good Grips Prep Cutting Board: I had a friend tell me once that her favorite thing in her kitchen was a small cutting board. I was a little underwhelmed, but decided to trust her that it was life-changing. So I got one, and I must say, I grab that thing EVERY day, usually multiple times a day. I keep it in the cupboard right by my sink and use it to quickly cut up fruit for the kids or to do any small chopping job I need to do. It is SO handy to have a small cutting board to grab and not have to get out a bigger one. Also, so much less bulk in the sink of dirty dishes, and it fits so easily in the dishwasher.

7. Digital Multi-function Kitchen and Food Scale: A food scale is a great way to measure ingredients when you want to be precise. So if you have a serious baker, a scale is a must. Kids also think it is really cool and will most likely request you to get it out often.

8. Amazon Basics Silicone Baking Mats: This is something on my list this year. I keep hearing how great these are from all of my favorite bakers, so I’m finally going to get on the baking mat bandwagon this year. Can’t wait to get them.

9. Strawberry/Tomato Corer: This little tiny thing is a perfect gift to stick in your favorite cook’s stocking, especially if they make strawberry jam or love to cook with fresh tomatoes. This gets rid of the least amount of the strawberry or tomato as possible and cuts down significantly on waste. Also, it is much easier to use than a paring knife for such a tedious job, so it saves time when doing a big job like making jam.

10. Spiral Slicer Spiralizer Bundle: Again, this is an item I do not have yet. I put it on my list and have my fingers crossed that my husband will get me one. I have a feeling my kids will fight over helping me make dinner if we get this. I also have a hunch that they will be more excited about eating carrots and other veggies if they are in fun spirally strings. 

11. OXO Good Grips 11-Inch Balloon Whisk: Cooking is more fun with the right tools and with high-quality ones. Any home cook would be thrilled to see a nice sturdy whisk in their stocking.

Gifts for the Home Cook for $20+

1. Amazing Cake Stand Multifunctional Cake and Serving Stand: I love this cake stand. Mine was a gift from a thoughtful friend, and every time I use it, I think of her fondly. I swear it makes my cakes taste better, too. This particular cake stand is extra awesome because it can double as a punch bowl. So fun for special occasions.

2. Instant Pot 7-in-1 Multi-Functional Pressure Cooker: I am so excited to get an Instant Pot for Christmas…I took the liberty of ordering this myself to make sure Santa didn’t forget it. I love that this can make almost anything in under an hour. For a busy mom who often gets into the afternoon before thinking about what dinner is going to be, this is a lifesaver. Some people get a little worried and feel intimidated about being able to use it. Let me just tell you, my sister, who has six kids and a very crazy life (we are talking serious Mom Brain Struggles daily), has one, and she figured it out. I’m pretty sure that means anyone can do it.

3. Large Wooden Salad Bowl with Utensil Servers: There is just something so classy about serving salad out of a bamboo bowl with bamboo servers. It makes salads taste better. Seriously, so pretty and a great addition to a holiday or special occasion tablescape, but also practical enough to use on a daily basis. I like this particular model because it is nice and deep. Sometimes wooden bowls are really shallow.

4. Cuisinart Smart Stick 2 Speed Hand Blender: This was another gift from a friend. Such a great tool! I don’t know how I lived without it for so long. I used it all the time to turn our dinner into baby food for Charlotte and Trever, and I use it to blend my Homemade Refried Beans all the time. So much safer and easier than trying to transfer them into a blender. Great for pureed soups and for frothing eggs for fluffier pancakes. Super useful and even more fun. Makes me feel like a real chef every time I use it.

5.Hamilton Beach Digital Rice Cooker and Steamer: One of my favorite things in my whole kitchen is our rice cooker. I use it ALL.THE.TIME! We love rice and eat it at least 3-4 times a week, so a rice cooker is a must for us. My husband lived in Korea for two years and became a rice addict, which has turned all of us into rice lovers. He showed me how to measure rice/water in a rice cooker with your hand, and it always comes out perfect. This is a great gift for college students. Rice is cheap, and with a rice cooker, they can’t burn it.

6. Pyrex 9-Pack Simply Store Food Storage Set: I have been slowly trying to transition my storage containers from plastic ones to nice glass ones like these. I’m getting there, but one more set like this would do it. I’m guessing that the cooks on your list would love a set of these as much as I would. Such a practical and useful gift.

7. Ninja Nutri Blender System: Okay, folks. I’m a little passionate about this one. I love mine so much! For a busy mom who is trying to get as many fruits and vegetables into her family as possible, this is an absolute must. When I bought mine, I was really just looking for a good blender. I may or may not have bought it from an infomercial, and the Magic bullet-like attachments and food processor were bonuses they threw in. I am so glad they did. It’s life-changing to have one appliance on my counter that can be a powerful blender and a great food processor. I use the food processor function almost every day. It has made it so easy to hide veggies in meals like spaghetti, tacos, lettuce wraps, meatloaf, casseroles, etc. I throw veggies in, hit a button, and all of a sudden they become unrecognizable specks. It’s so great! I also love the blender function and use it almost as often for healthy smoothies and whipped hot chocolate. The magic-bullet type containers are great for taking on the go. The whole thing is fabulous and one of the best investments I’ve ever made.

8. Javelin Digital Instant Read Meat Thermometer: I do not have this, but my assistant has one and told me it is one of her favorite things in her kitchen, so now I need one. This takes the guessing game out of whether or not your meat is done and keeps you from overcooking it. It’s digital, so it gives an instant read. Awesome! I sure hope I get one in my stocking this year.

More Great Gifts for the Home Cook

As I typed this post, I remembered a few more things I love that make great gifts.

Zester Grater: Perfect stocking stuffer and great for zesting all your favorite citrus. Also, nutmeg and garlic. This is one of those things that you don’t use super often, but when you need one, you really need one. A regular grater just isn’t the same. Being able to hold it in your hand gives you a lot more control when you are grating.

Handheld Juicer: I just made three Key Lime Pies for Thanksgiving, and I made them at my sister’s house, and she didn’t have a juicer. It took me almost an hour just to juice all the limes. Crazy! This juicer could have juiced the 20 limes in a matter of minutes. They also get so much more of the juice out. I love the juicer and use it often for pico de gallo, and anytime I make lemon bars or key lime pie.

Electric Knife: This is something I don’t have. My assistant keeps telling me how much she loves hers, and it’s making me wish I had one. She uses hers to cut bread while it is still warm, fresh out of the oven. She says it works great! My parents have one, and I have tons of memories of my dad using it to cut our Sunday roasts growing up. I’m thinking I’ll get this for my husband this year.

Last but not least…a Hot Chocolate Maker. Both my sister and sister-in-law have expressed their love of their Hot Chocolate Makers to me repeatedly this weekend. It heats and froths the hot cocoa to make it extra yummy. This is a great gift for families or grandkids.

Hope these ideas are helpful for you! Merry Christmas!