Looking for the perfect gift for the chef of the family? Check out my top 10 foodie Christmas gifts that will make any home chefs mouth start to water!
The holidays are about giving thanks to those whom we love, with words and with gifts. And today I’m sharing my top 10 favorite foodie Christmas gifts! Do you have a self-taught chef in the family? Does your favorite cousin dream of going to culinary school and opening their own restaurant, outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment such as those you find at Nella Toronto or your local store? Then, these are the gifts for them! Most all of these products are one’s I’ve used, right down to the brands linked to below, so they have the Charming Detroiter stamp of approval! Enjoy!
1. Tasty flavors from overseas
1. Gochujang Paste | 2. Sambal Oelek Ground Fresh Chili Paste | 3. Maggi Liquid Seasoning | 4. Mirin (Sweet Cooking Rice Seasoning) | 5. Hoisin Sauce
I’ve been completely hooked on the Asian flavor profile lately, so why not fill a basket with some tasty flavors from across the pond?
Related: Mussels with Fennel Thai Chili Broth and Garlic Toasts
2. Pasta-making accessories
1. KitchenAid Pasta Roller | 2. Semolina Flour | 3. Squid Ink | Fluted Pastry Wheel
Equip your foodie friends and family with all the necessary essentials for making their homemade pasta! Semolina flour gives dough an authentic flavor and consistency, and squid ink can be used to make a striking dark black linguine or gnocchi. A KitchenAid pasta roller makes rolling pasta a cinch, and for cutting ravioli, a fluted pastry wheel gives you a clean and beautiful edge!
Related: Spring Asparagus and Pea Ravioli with Lemon Beurre Blanc
3. A monthly spice subscription
A monthly spice subscription is the gift that keeps on giving long after the holidays are over! If your foodie friend loves to be adventurous and try new things (and let’s face it, what foodie doesn’t love that?!), this may be the perfect gift for them! My current favorite spice subscription is by Spicing Your Life, which provides affordable, unique and healthy spice blends mailed directly to you every month! Click here and use the code “CHARMING” to receive 10% off your first order for your foodie friend (and grab a subscription for yourself while you’re at it!).
4. A cast iron reversible grill/griddle
Lodge Cast Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle
This is one of my favorite items from our wedding registry! Lodge’s cast iron reversible grill and griddle offers a high-quality solution for indoor grilling, while doubling as a griddle for all your Sunday morning brunch needs. Perfect!
Related: Strawberry Arugula Salad with Grilled Polenta Croutons
5. A rolling utility cart
Whitmor Deluxe Rolling Utility/Shopping Cart
This seems crazy, but I’m in love with this product! I am usually solo during the weekly grocery shopping trip, and I also love to go to the local outdoor market on the weekends. Both mean carrying a lot of heavy bags on my own, especially at the market! Bring this rolling utility cart with you next time and save your arms the hassel of carrying all those bags while you browse the merchandise!
Related: How to Shop Less Often with Weekly Meal Planning
6. A French press
1. Triple Filter 8 Cup French Press | 2. SterlingPro French Coffee Press 8 Cup | 3. Ritual French Press – 9 Cup | 4. SterlingPro Double Wall Stainless Steel French Coffee Press
Once you go French press coffee, you never go back. At least I didn’t! (Okay when I’m lazy, I will, I suppose.) But seriously, I am crazy about French press coffee – it is absolutely delicious! Worried about buying something that is just going to take up space in the cupboard? The great part about buying a French press is that there are lots of other things to do with them too!
Related: Coconut Coffee Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
7. A killer knife set
1. Wusthof Gourmet 18 Piece Knife Block Set | 2. Shun 6-Piece Knife Block Set | 3. Zwilling J.A. Henckels Twin Signature 7-Piece Knife Block Set
Not literally, of course! Any chef, professional or at-home, will appreciate a great set of culinary knives that will last them for many years to come. Some of my favorite brands are above, especially the famous Japanese style knives by Shun. Traditional Japanese kitchen knives are quite popular, and there are different kinds like Gyuto, Santoku, and other Japanese kitchen knives. Whichever you decide to choose, make sure they are durable and efficient.
8. An herb saver
1. Glass Herb Keeper | 2. Prepara Herb Saver Storage Pods (Set of 3) | 3. Prepara Herb Saver, Eco Edition
I love to have fresh herbs in the spring, summer, and sometimes into the fall months if we are lucky! One of my least favorite things about the winter is not having access to my outdoor herb garden. So if bringing potted plants inside isn’t an option for your foodie friend, pick them up one of these awesome herb savers that are available for smaller spaces!
Related: Lamb Tacos with Carrot Slaw and Cilantro Pesto
9. A beautiful apron
1. Couleur Nature Vintage Linen Apron (Black) | 2. Half Japanese Style Cross Denim Smock | 3. Katoot Japanese Style Cross-Front Smock Natural Linen Apron | 4. ASD Living Railroad Stripe Denim Apron
Chances are that if your foodie friend or family member has an apron, it’s probably time to say goodbye to it. Like caked-on-food-particles-and-God-only-knows-what-liquid-spills say goodbye. An eye-catching new apron may be just what they need to part with their old one!
10. Lots of cocktail accessories!
1. Oggi 4-Piece Copper Bartender Accessories Set | 2. Kikkerland Biodegradable Paper Straws (Birch) | 3. Oenophilia Wooden Muddler | 4. Tovolo Sphere Ice Molds (Set of 2) | 5. Cocktail Kingdom Traditional “Boi Lele” Swizzle Stick
When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with beautiful and unique cocktail accessories! Throw together a gift basket with the classics like a shaker, jigger, and muddler. Then add some fun extras like cocktail straws, ice-cube trays, and swizzle sticks! I love those birch patterned paper straws – so perfect for the winter!
Related: Bringing Back Cocktail Hour + Rosemary Honey Vodka Spritzers
Related: Indian Winter: A Cardamom Cocktail