10 Kitchen Gift Ideas
Would you agree that shopping for gifts can be stressful no matter the occasion, whether for the holiday season, birthdays, the celebration of special events, or to reward milestones?
Unfortunately, sometimes we just don’t have the time to be creative! As giving should never be a source of stress, I felt the need to share my personal gift ideas with those who find it difficult to get out of the kitchen.
I’m pretty sure you know of at least one person who loves being in the kitchen for one reason or another.
If you do, here are 10 Kitchen Gift Ideas that are evergreen, in which you may want to consider for the chef you have in mind.
Let’s check them out…
1)) Cookware
Every cook loves new cookware. No surprise there, but there are ways to make this gift more special.
For example, a new saucepan would be a wonderful present, but in addition, find a great sauce recipe to be used as a stocking stuffer along with all the required ingredients!
This is a quick way to complement the main gift without spending much money.
The goal here isn’t to be cheap, and gifts that complement each other are a lot more meaningful to the recipient.
They’ll love you for putting in the extra effort because it’ll show you care.
2)) Flavored Oils and Vinegar
These items are a sure way to create a new or improved old dish! New oils and vinegar are always a treat for a cook, you can never have enough!
For instance, there’s Walnut oil, Avocado oil, Truffle oil, etc. Simply take a look around your local organic specialty food store and you will be amazed at the variety they have available.
3)) Plastic Storage Containers
Be certain that they are of the highest quality, which is able to go into the freezer, dishwasher, and microwave!
I don't know how, but these convenient containers always seem to disappear as if they grew legs and walked away, especially the lids to them.
You can never have enough of them or enough sizes.
Why not buy several different shapes and sizes, but fill them full of special nuts or candies to make these gifts more special than plain old plastic?
Remember, it’s a good idea to enhance all of your gifts by adding something extra.
4)) Liquor
Although we all like to have a little celebration cheer, there is another wonderful use for liquor in the kitchen.
It is essential for creating beautiful demi-glazes for your favorite meat dishes and most likely your cook at home will not splurge on such luxurious liquids.
So why not help your favorite chef out and purchase a few bottles of liquor to cook with?
Brandy, Sherry, Bourbon, and Madeira are all fantastic to use.
Giving high-quality liquors as a gift will allow the chef to take his or her cooking to the next level.
5)) Wine
Like liquor, wine is also essential for deglazing pans and creating incredible sauces.
Again, why not include a recipe book as a stocking stuffer? Inspiration is always welcomed by any cook, because no one knows it all, especially when it comes to the culinary arts.
6)) Coffee & Tea
Most kitchen lovers love coffee if not to drink, to cook with. So, why not create a specialty coffee gift basket?
It's easy to find local free-trade coffee in your neighborhood specialty food store, and while you're there buy some cinnamon sticks, honey, flavored syrups, etc.
Why not also throw in some specialty coffee mugs and some liquors such as Baileys or Kahlua?
What a treat that would be!
Tea is also widely used in kitchens today. Instead of boring brines, use tea instead!
7)) Cookbooks
This is a no-brainer, but if they truly love to cook, then they LOVE cookbooks. We never get tired of cookbooks, but be sure to find the best ones that people are raving about.
Those are popular for a reason, as the recipes are probably delicious.
Look for a specialty cookbook store and you'll have a fantastic gift in your hands.
You could always find thousands of cookbooks on Amazon.com.
Tip: Most cooks prefer to have the physical version of cookbooks, despite the digital options, because it’s easier to follow the recipes during preparation.
8)) Microplane
If your special chef does not have one, then here is another must-have kitchen item. They are inexpensive and vital when adding or enhancing flavor in dishes.
Why not combine a Microplane with several of its favorite counterparts like whole nutmeg, whole cinnamon, whole star anise, etc?
That way your chef can get right down to business!
9)) Appliances
Maybe not an oven or a fridge, but why not a new electric mixer or Panini press?
If you’re thinking about giving small appliances as gifts, you should consider making your purchases online.
Small appliances are almost always less expensive when purchased online and shipping is often waived as well.
Sometimes brick-and-mortal stores charge a premium during the holiday seasons, so save yourself time and money and buy online!
10)) Tableware
If they love to cook, then they most likely enjoy entertaining guests. Why not find beautiful tableware such as glassware, placemats, or service plates that they can show off their creations with?
Unique paper napkins make great stocking stuffers and linen napkins with gorgeous napkin rings are always a treat.
Conclusion
One of the best ways to keep your stress levels down when it comes time to pick out gifts is knowing you have evergreen go-to options like the 10 Kitchen Gift Ideas I covered in this article.
There are truly plenty of ways to put smiles on faces this year no matter what the occasion.
And for one last suggestion: Make your own Specialty Gift Basket by combining several of the above ideas you learned about today.
Not everyone likes being in the kitchen, but for those who do, you now have ten ideas to consider.
Have fun finding the perfect gift for the kitchen lover!