28 Perfect Kitchen Gifts for People Who Love to Cook

 

The holiday season is officially upon us, and if you’re looking for the best gift ideas for someone who loves to cook, you’ve come to the right place. Whether it’s a homemade food gift or some cool kitchen gadgets, I absolutely love giving cooking gifts to those who love being in the kitchen as much as I do. I’ve filled this list with things I personally own and love, items I’ve tested to make sure they’re the best of the best, things I give gifts each year that are always hits, and some popular items with tons of rave reviews that we recommend this year.

From decorative pieces to functional cooking tools, check out the best kitchen gifts for every kind of foodie or home chef within every kind of budget.

Reviews of the Best Kitchen Gifts

1. For Coffee and Tea Drinkers: KeepCup Brew Cork Coffee Cup

This cup is one of my favorite things to give as a gift! I love how stylish and sustainable this cup is. It’s easy to have a million to-go cups for coffee and tea at home, but I prefer to have just one special one that I’m obsessed with. The glass is stylish and made with durable, tempered glass, so it won’t shatter, and the cork band keeps your hands from burning. KeepCup is also BCorp certified, and 1% of all sales goes toward protecting the environment, so it’s a feel-good gift too!

2. For the Brunch Fanatic: Dash Mini Waffle Maker

This adorable mini waffle maker from Dash makes a great gift for anyone on your list who can’t get enough of brunch. With a 4.7-star rating from over 231,000 reviews (yes, that’s right!), people cannot get enough of the tiny kitchen gadget. Not only is it cute, but it’s easy to use, too. And the best part is the price, so it makes a nice bonus gift or a white elephant gift!

3. For the French Fry Lover: Prep Solutions Tower French Fry Cutter

A french fry cutter is one of those things you didn’t know you needed until you have one. In my quest to make the best homemade fries ever, I tried out a bunch of french fry cutters and found that this compact one was my favorite. It makes creating perfect shoestring fries so much easier, and I like that it’s compact enough to store for a device I don’t pull out every single day. It has seriously shortened my prep time while making fries, and I can’t imagine my life without it — and neither will your giftee!

4. For the Household Chef: Le Creuset Dutch Oven

Le Creuset Dutch Ovens are one of the most popular gifts each year. Why? Well, there’s really nothing better than tried-and-true cookware that will last forever. I own and love the 5 and ½ quart size, as it’s my go-to size for everything from baking bread to making soup. Mine is in the Caribbean Blue color but there are so many pretty hues to choose from!

It’s something the person you’re shopping for will have for a lifetime, and is perfect for newlyweds, new homeowners, those cooking for large families — pretty much everyone! If you’re looking for a splurge-worthy gift for someone, you really can’t go wrong.

5. For the Meat Cooker: Thermapen One

I love ThermoWorks and the Thermapen One is my favorite instant-read thermometer of all time! It gives nearly instant, extremely accurate results, so I never have to second guess if my roast is done or not. Trust me, it will quickly become one of your giftee’s most-used kitchen tools, and they’ll feel better about cooking meat or fish with it. The thermometer is extremely easy to use and read, and it gives a full reading in one second or less. All of this makes it a great gift for anyone who cooks meat.

6. For the One Who Doesn’t Like Following Recipes: The Flavor Bible

Part of being a great cook is knowing how to put a meal together without a recipe. In “The Flavor Bible,” dozens of chefs share the secrets to cooking without recipes. It’s the perfect must-have gift for anyone who loves cooking and already has tons of cookbooks—or for someone who prefers cooking without having to follow directions.

I keep copies of this book both on my desk at home and in my studio test kitchen to offer some added inspiration when I’m developing new recipes! It’s truly a non-cliche cooking gift for home chefs of all kinds and it’s forever earned a place as one of my favorite cookbooks.

7. For the Wine Drinker: My Favorite Wine Accessories

I’ve slowly become quite the vinophile, researching everything I can about wine. If you’re shopping for a wine lover, a wine aerator is a great gift idea — especially if they’re a red wine drinker. This funnel-shaped one from Rabbit is the one I’ve used for years and I love that it gets the job done for a low price. It also functions as a strainer so it will get rid of any gross sediment or bits of cork.

If you’re looking for something a little more fancy, consider an electric wine opener! This one from Oster is super popular and removes the cork with just a press of a button. It can open 30 bottles before needing to be recharged in the stand, and this gift set also comes with a foil cutter, wine pourer, and two vacuum wine stoppers.

But if you really want to splurge on the wine lover in your life, we recommend checking out our list of best wine fridges.

Buy the Rabbit Wine Aerator:

Buy the Oster Electric Wine Opener Kit:

8. For the One Who’s Always Busy: An Air Fryer

If you’re looking for a great gift for someone with a baby or young kids, an air fryer is a perfect idea. They’re great for quick weeknight recipes, and they’re excellent for reheating leftovers and cooking frozen food. Because they cook so quickly, air fryers let you whip up frozen chicken nuggets for a screaming toddler in only a few minutes without having to wait for the oven to preheat! It’s glorious. If you know a parent who could benefit from this, the Philips Premium Air Fryer XXL is an amazing option and made my list of the best air fryers! If you’re looking for a less expensive option that doubles as a rotisserie oven, the Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer has tons of rave reviews too.

If you do end up gifting an air fryer, be sure to share our recipes for Air Fryer Meatballs and Air Fryer Chicken Wings!

Buy the Philips Premium Air Fryer XXL:

Buy the Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer:

9. For the One With a Sweet Tooth: Ninja Creami

As one of the most sought-after ice cream makers, the Ninja Creami has been sold out for once. Naturally, as soon as it came back in stock, I got my hands on it just to see what all the fuss was about — and let me tell you, it is worth the hype! Although it’s quite tall, this device magically makes all your favorite iced desserts, including cream, sorbet, milkshakes, and more, with the press of a button. I find the ice cream came out perfectly, and it’s so much fun to use with your whole family!

10. For the One With the Outdoor Kitchen: Ooni Koda Pizza Oven

People are obsessed with Ooni Pizza Ovens, and they’re a great gift for any outdoor kitchen enthusiast you’re looking to splurge on this holiday season. They cook wood-fired pizza outdoors in only 60 seconds! With thousands of rave reviews on the Ooni website (that feature mouth-watering pictures of pizza), and many articles from food publishers saying it’s worth the hype, this will be one of the best cooking gifts this year for sure!

11. For the Cozy Cook: Williams Sonoma Gold Monogram Mug

These monogram mugs from Williams Sonoma are the perfect balance of cozy and classy! Just select the first initial of the person you’re shopping for, and you instantly have a gorgeous, personalized gift. Freezer, microwave, and dishwasher-safe, this mug would make a great stocking stuffer or an excellent gift for a co-worker or close friend. The mug begs you to fill it with hot chocolate and sit by a fireplace with a good book.

12. For the Cheese Board Designer: The Cheese Knife OKP2

This is the cheese knife to end all cheese knives, so if you’re shopping for a cheese lover, you have your gift! The ridged blade cuts through everything from a soft brie to a crumbly parmesan. It doesn’t stick to the cheese as you cut, which is a major issue with other cheese knives, and the yellow handle gives it a fun pop of color. The best part? It’s under $20. Maybe you’ll want to buy one for yourself as a gift, too!

13. For Serious Entertainers: Cuisinart Electric Fondue Pot

Whether they’re a cheese person or a chocolate person, they’re going to love being able to make their own fondue at home. While they could make fondue on a stovetop, a fondue pot makes it so much easier to serve and enjoy together! I adore mine from Cuisinart, which I think is super pretty and large enough to hold enough fondue for up to 8 people. Now, that’s what I call a party!

14. For the Tea Lover: Stylish Tea Cups and Tea

If you’re shopping for someone who enjoys tea, I recommend gifting my go-to tea cups from The Citizenry. The tea lover in your life likely has plenty of cups, but these are special and are probably unlike anything they already own. I love the smooth black clay because it feels so cozy and is the perfect size for a warm beverage. It’s a little work of art in your hand. They can be used for everyday sipping or to take out when they have guests over.

I would pair these cups with luxurious tea from Le Souk Spices and Teas. The Vanilla Lemongrass is the signature tea at Burke Williams, a luxe California day spa. 

Buy the Oro Cacao Cups:

Buy the Le Souk Vanilla Lemongrass Tea:

15. For the One With a Starter Kitchen: Global Chef’s Knife

If there’s one thing someone needs when moving into their first home, it’s a great chef’s knife. While it’s nice to have knives for specific purposes, this one is extremely versatile and can get you through cooking most meals. It’s the perfect gift for anyone moving into their first home or furnishing a new kitchen. I use the Global Chef’s Knife per the recommendation of my chef friend who uses it in her restaurant. It comes with a lifetime warranty against defects and breakage. It also maintains sharpness exceptionally well — and I chop a lot!

16. For the Baker: KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer

One of the best cooking gifts will always be a KitchenAid Stand Mixer. Why? It’s a classic kitchen staple that makes a great splurge gift! If you’re shopping for someone who loves to bake, there’s no doubt they would welcome a KitchenAid Stand Mixer into their kitchen. I think everyone should own it because you never know when you’ll need to use it and it looks so pretty on a countertop.

17. For the Family Chef: The America’s Test Kitchen Family Cookbook

America’s Test Kitchen Family Cookbook is a classic—and a great gift for those who enjoy cooking for (and with) family. It’s packed with more than 1,200 family-friendly recipes, and the intro features a helpful tutorial on cooking techniques, which is great for kids who want to learn (and for parents who are still learning themselves!). This is not just a cookbook. It’s an experience!

18. For the One Who Appreciates Nice Scents: Capri Blue Volcano Candle

Capri Blue’s Volcano candles are basically Anthropologie’s signature scent — and that scent is amazing. Not only does this candle smell good, but it also looks stunning on top of a dining table or a shelf as decor. When you’re unsure what to get, this makes a perfect gift for a holiday hostess, a teacher, your neighbor, or a friend. The scent is described as “tropical fruits, sugared oranges, lemons and limes, redolent with lightly exotic mountain greens.” You can buy this candle in various sizes at different price points, including a mini size for $16, a regular size for $36, a large size for $118, and a mega size for $220. 

19. For the One Obsessed With Spices: KRUPS Fast Touch Electric Grinder

If you’re looking for a gift for someone who enjoys cooking with spices, get them a reliable spice grinder. I use this one from Krups to make my Homemade Celery Salt and Homemade Ancho Chile Powder. It’s seriously the best! They can also use it to grind coffee beans, though I recommend getting a second one unless they want some spicy coffee!

20. For the Home Entertainer: Tikal Wood Candle Holder

These candle holders from The Citizenry are another item that I love gifting. That’s because they fit everyone’s style, from modern to classic, and work just as well on a dinner table as on a decorative mantle. They’re perfect for a dinner party, and the timeless design will never go out of style. They come in a set of two, and I like adding these candles for a complete gift. They’ll fit perfectly in the wood candle holder.

21. For the Meal Prepper: Stanton Trading Cutting Board

This isn’t the most beautiful cutting board you’ll ever see, but it might be the most functional. I won these plastic cutting boards and they’re the only ones I recommend for sanitary chopping. It’s a perfect size, and because it’s restaurant-grade quality, it has a lot of strength for larger cutting jobs. The cutting board is easy to clean and will hold up after hundreds of uses, too. If you have a friend who dreams of culinary school or a family member who spends Sundays washing and cutting fruits and veggies, this makes for an excellent gift.

22. For the Fancy Friend: Markham Square Decanter and Glasses

If you have a friend who loves bringing back Scotch from trips abroad, or you’re shopping for someone who frequently drinks whiskey and bourbon at home, they’ll love this crystal decanter. It looks beautiful on a bar cart or mantle and is the perfect showcase for whatever spirit they’re obsessed with at the moment. It comes with two classic wedge-cut glasses for neat pours and cocktails. All are made with high-quality crystalline and the set comes in a ready-to-go gift box, which is why they’re my favorite cocktail glasses.

23. For the New Parent: Sur la Table Mini Masher

If you’re looking for an inexpensive but useful gift, look no further than this mini masher! This little gadget allows you to mash a small amount of food, like half of an avocado. It might seem silly, but it brings me a lot of joy to otherwise mundane tasks. This would make a great gift for new parents who want to make their own baby food — but anyone who likes making cooking easier would love this.

24. For the Margarita Lover: Vitamix Professional Series 750 Blender

The key to a great frozen Strawberry Margarita? A good blender for frozen drinks. When concocting frozen cocktails, I use my trusty Vitamix Professional Series 750 Blender. Super powerful, it also has a speed dial that gives complete control for the smoothest blends. It’s a bit of an investment, but it crushes through ice like no other and it’s something your giftee will have for years. Plus, they can use it for soups and smoothies, making it super versatile.

25. For the List Maker: Recipe Journal

If you’re shopping for a home cook who loves experimenting with their own recipes, this is a fun gift. The Recipe Journal has space to note ratings, hints, and tips for each recipe tried, plus blank lists to note favorite recipes, restaurants to try, and more. It comes in one of eight colors and has a silk paper finish. You can even add the recipient’s name to the cover for a personalized touch. This is one of my go-to gifts, and people really love it!

26. For the One On-the-Go: Baldwin Boxer Lunch Box

This lunchbox from Rifle Paper Co. is not only pretty, but it’s functional and makes packing lunch a delight. The insulated lunch box features gold zipper hardware, an illustrated floral design, and a strap to clip on a canteen. Inside, there’s food-safe lining and a mesh zipper pocket for smaller items. This would also make a great gift for commuters or teens that bring their lunch to school. We love Rifle Paper Co.!

27. For the Host: Snowman Salad Plates

These adorable dessert plates from Williams Sonoma are an ideal gift for anyone who hosts people for holiday parties. Each glazed stoneware plate features adorable snowmen playing outside. Williams Sonoma’s dinnerware is stylish and great quality, and because most wouldn’t buy seasonal dinnerware for themselves, it makes a special gift! The plates can be ordered individually or as a set, but get the set so they have multiple on hand!

28. For Literally Everyone: Macarons or Chocolate (or Both!)

If you’re heading to a holiday party and are stumped on what to bring the host, we recommend fancy treats. I’m obsessed with Chelles Macarons! They are life-changing! Before trying them never cared for macarons. They’re not only a great hostess gift, but they’re perfect for close friends, coworkers, your children’s teachers, and really anyone on your list! You can opt for the signature assortment or choose your own flavors and packaging.

Godiva chocolates are another great hostess gift. The classic Belgian chocolates come in dozens of flavors and arrive in gorgeous boxes, no gift wrapping required. 

Buy the Chelles Macarons:

Buy the Godiva Chocolate Gold Gift Box:

Prices were accurate at time of publication.