by Caitlin
Gift giving can be tough, but it doesn’t have to be. I think the best gifts are the ones that are thoughtful, useful, fun, and/or are not necessarily something someone would buy for themselves (but can't live without, once they get it!). With that in mind, what better way to achieve those goals than a food-centered gift? Everyone's gotta eat!
So, for this year's first annual Food Lush Gift Guide, we have 50 things under $25 and 25 things over $25.
Ready? Go!
1. A Year's Subscription to Cook's Illustrated. Hands down my favorite cooking magazine. Recipes are tried and true, and the articles explain every variation they tried, what worked, what didn't work, and why. I've never made a bad recipe from Cook's Illustrated.
Photo source: Wikipedia.org
2. Joyce Chen Bamboo Steamer Baskets. You'll want to get the liners, too. Together they're still under $25! Steam dumplings, seafood, veggies, and more for quick, healthy, weeknight dinners.
Photo source: Amazon.com
3. Herbs de Provence. Nicely packaged, totally functional.
Photo source: williamssonoma.com
4. Fluted Square Cookie Cutters, set of 5. Round cutters are great, and square cutters are probably something most kitchens don't have. Use for biscuits, for cutting individual tops for chicken pot pie, or for homemade cookies and crackers.
Photo source: surlatable.com
5. Double Dish. Watch olive pits, cherry stems, edamame pods, and pistachio shells disappear back into the dish they're served in.
Photo source: aplusrstore.com
6. See's Milk & Dark Chocolate Peppermints. See's is always a hit, and these are a nice alternative to the (delicious) classic holiday peppermint bark.
Photo source: sees.com
7. Sur La Table Recycled Rainbow Glass Pitcher. The matching tumblers are great too, and at $5.95 each, a set of four is still under $25.
Photo source: surlatable.com
8. The Food Lover's Companion Book or App. Want to know what a Chinese Goosberry is, or the difference between blanching and parboiling? This is indespensible for the food lover in your life, and a whole lotta fun to look through.
Photo source: smokingmeatforums.com
9. Luxardo Cherries. These are the real deal. No fake colors or flavors, just intense, rich cherry color and flavor across the board. From, you know, actual cherries. A great addition to any bar or sundae.
Photo source: RealSimple.com
10. Anthropologie Wallpaper Butter Dish. Functional, whimsical, and probably not something I'd buy for myself. Perfect.
Photo source: anthropologie.com
11. Star Wars Lightsaber Chopsticks. Yes.
Photo sour: thinkgeek.com
12. Flour Sack Towels. Super absorbent, huge, bleachable: They're simply the best and I use them for everything.
Photo: kingarthurflour.com
13. Marcona Almonds. Marcona have a particular, unique crunchiness and something else in their texture that reminds me of macadamia nuts.
Photo source: tienda.com
14. Food Pod. A modern twist on the old metal steamer basket. Attach the clip to the side of the pot and drop in the pod. Will accomodate a dozen eggs, several heads of broccoli, shellfish, and more.
Photo source: aplusrstore.com
15. Illy Coffee
Photo: seattlecoffeegear.com
16. Restaurant gift card to a favorite place or a hit on Yelp.
Photo source: westsidecafe.net
17. Fish Spatula. This thin, hard spatula is great for any delicate food. I use mine for roasted veggies, burgers on the grill, getting cookies off the pan, etc.
Photo source: amazon.com
18. Homemade Fleur de Sel Caramels. Make a big batch, wrap them in wax paper, put them in a tin or festive bag, slap on a ribbon and voila. (Then make sure to mail me some.)
Photo source: thatdianne.wordpress.com
Or, find a nut recipe that you love, make a batch, stick them in cellophane bags and tie a ribbon on.
Photo source: me. All that's missing is a ribbon.
This spiced nut recipe looks good. So does this spiced herb nut recipe. As a bonus, these kinds of nuts can be frozen, so if your giftee is overloaded with holiday goodies they can put them in the freezer and pull them out again in February to enjoy. (Stick them in a freezer bag or other airtight container first.) They also keep for a while in the fridge.
19. Salt: A World History. For the foodie history buff in your life.
Photo source: bn.com
20. Cloth Napkins, set of 4
Cloth Napkins, set of 4
Cloth Napkins, set of 4
World Market also has 6 packs of solid color napkins for $10. Pick your favorite, throw in a coordinating print from above, and you'll still be under $25.
Photos source: worldmarket.com
21. Champagne Flutes
Photo source: crateandbarrel.com
22. Magic Wand Salt and Pepper Shakers. Perhaps not totally practical, but these tickle me to no end.
Photo source: perpetualkid.com
23. Prosciutto de Parma. Friend far away? Send him or her a pound of prosciutto with a note saying you wish you could share it over a bottle of wine.
Photo source: gourmetfoodstore.com
24. Le Creuset Enameled Stoneware Utensil Crock. Since it's Le Creuset, I'm always surprised how relatively inexpensive these are. This is just one example: you can find them in a variety of colors and sizes for under $25. Check Amazon, Sur La Table, or chefscatalog.com.
Photo source: amazon.com
25. Super Natural Every Day. Delicious, whole-food recipes and beautiful photography from Heidi Swanson at 101cookbooks.com.
26. Chef'n Freshforce Citrus Juicer. I've written about this before, and it's still a favorite in my kitchen. You may not want to shell out $20 for a citrus juicer, but it's worth every penny and would make a great gift. Throw in a bag of limes or lemons, or go for a little more and add a bottle of tequila or gin.
Photo source: kaboodle.com
27. Fancy Hot Chocolate. My favorites are Penzeys (in regular or Hint of Mint)
Photo source: penzeys.com
And Williams-Sonoma's:
Photo source: williamssonoma.com
I've had and enjoyed both their Classic and Peppermint, and I'm so happy to see that they're in on the salted caramel craze because, man. I love some salted caramel.
28. Whiskey Stones.
Photo source: thinkgeek.com
29. Your favorite recipe and a dish to make it in. You can easily spend a lot on a nice Emile Henry or Le Creuset dish, but there are also plenty of cheaper options, like this Pyrex pie plate. Hit your local Homegoods, Marshalls, or TJ Maxx for namebrands dishes on the cheap as well.
Photo source: cooking.com
30. Onion Goggles. They actually work. They're miraculous.
Photo source: thinkgeek.com
31. Introduce someone to your favorite wine: Wrap up a bottle with a note about why you like it. Mine is Marques de Caceres Rioja because it's delicious, reasonably priced, full-bodied, opens up beautifully, and reminds me of studying abroad in Spain.
Photo source: wine.com
32. A salt pig and a box of kosher salt. Form and function: It keeps salt readily available, keeps it from clumping, and keeps dust and debris out.
Photo source: amazon.com
33. Send a local product or two. I live in Virginia, and here are two of my favorites:
Hubs Peanuts Holiday Duo
Photo source: hubspeanuts.com
Pork Barrel BBQ Picnic Pack (choose any four sauces and rubs)
Photo source: PRweb.com
34. Cheesecake Knife. Don't let the name fool you. According to the website, "the unique design of this knife allows it to glide effortlessly through cheesecake, soft cheese, cake, and softened butter. It’s perfect for any sticky slicing jobs." Sounds good to me.
Photo source: kingarthurflour.com
35. Silicone Garlic Roller and a Rubaway Bar. (Together they're both still under $25.)
I'm generally not a fan of most single-use items, but this garlic roller is cheap and does a great job skinning your garlic.
36. Homemade Tomato Jam
Photo source: nytimes.com
Or Gingered Pear Preserves
Photo source: guidetohomecanning.com
37. Handheld Milk Frother
Photo source: williams-sonoma.com
38. Hearty soup and cornbread
(Photo: frontiersoups.com)
39. Bento Boxes. They come in different shapes, sizes, and colors.
Photo source: aplusrstore.com
40. Mustache Chip Clips
Photo source: perpetualkid.com
41. Small white pitcher. Use as a creamer, or for syrup, salad dressings, even flowers.
Photo source: stonewallkitchen.com
42. Did your giftee just get back from somewhere and can't stop raving about something they ate on the trip? Do they have a trip coming up, or just a soft spot for a faraway place? Get them goodies from their destination.
Headed to Jamaica? How about some Ting (Whole Foods also sells it), Jerk seasoning (make your own and put it in a mason jar), and a recipe for Jamaican Beef Patties?
Photo source: tingsoda.com
Had a good time in Britain last year? How about a selection of Cadbury and PG Tips.
Photos source: worldmarket.com
43. Garlic cellar.
Photo source: Raedunn Etsy shop
44. Pop-up sponges. This seems like one pricey, sponge, I know, but it's one of the best sponges there is. Your gift recipient's kitchen will thank you!
Photo source: williams-sonoma.com
45. Personalized champagne bottles. This is a DIY gift, but it's super easy and relatively cheap. Pick up your favorite bottle of bubbly (easy to find a good one under $15), scrub off the label, use puff paint to personalize your bottle, and then use chalkboard paint over the top. Voila! A gift that looks very expensive and fancy for under $25.
Photo source: thenextbird.com
46. Your favorite salsa and serving spoons. Pick one or two of your favorite salsas (I'm a big fan of Mrs. Renfros), tie them together with a ribbon and add a few of these adorable condiment spoons.
Photo sources: renfrofoods.com & crateandbarrel.com
47. Microplane. Handy, useful, a must-have in any kitchen. Give this with a bag of lemons or whole nutmeg.
Photo source: amazon.com
48. Kid's apron. For the little foodie in your life, how adorable is this tea-and-crumpets apron?
Photo source: anthropologie.com
49. Coffee and coffee mugs. I love these mugs, and they're so reasonably priced. You can buy two, pair it with a pound of your favorite local coffee, and you're set.
Photo source: anthropologie.com
50. Recipe and recipe cards. One of my favorite foodie gifts, is to make your favorite recipe and pair it with a set of awesome recipe cards (using one of the cards to write out the recipe). I love these Rifle cards, but you can choose your favorites, too, of course.
Photo source: riflepaperco.com
OVER $25
1. The Joy of Cooking. Whenever I need a basic recipe -- pie crust, cobbler, beef stew -- this is my go-to book. It has great recipes but great reference info too. A must-have.
Photo source: amazon.com
2. Bennington Trigger Mugs. Strudy, pretty, ergonomic, made in the USA, lead-free: This is not your average mug. Comes in a variety of finishes, this set of two also comes with two small spoons. Throw in your favorite hot chocolate, tea, or coffee to round it out.
Photo source: benningtonpotters.com
3. Himalayan Salt Slab. Can be used hot or cold. Grill on it, use it in the oven, use it to serve a cheese platter. Pretty presentation and adds a hint of flavor to the food without overseasoning. Naturally antimicrobial.
Photo source: oowha.com
4. Fiestaware Platter. You can never have enough platters. Fiestaware has lots colors to choose from, so you'll find one to go with any kitchen. Not sure? White is classic.
Photo soruce: thisnext.com
5. Know someone who didn't know what to do with their CSA share this summer? Help them out. Sur La Table's Eating Local has info and recipes on seasonal produce.
Photo source: surlatable.com
6. Samuel Adams Lager Glasses, set of 4. Specifically designed for lager, these glasses will be a hit wth your favorite beer drinker.
Photo source: estore.samueladams.com
7. Rosle Garlic Press. The Cadillac of all garlic presses, this thing is a beast, and worth every penny.
Photo source: chefscatalog.com
8. Momofuku Milk Bar. Satisfy a sweet tooth with this highly anticipated cookbook from the minds behind Momofuku's Milk Bar restaurants. Highlights include cereal milk ice cream, compost cookies ("a chunky chocolate-chip cookie studded with crunchy salty pretzels and coffee grounds"), crack pie, and much more.
Photo source: amazon.com
9. Glass Cake Stand AND Punch Bowl. A classic, pretty domed cake stand that can also be turned into a punch bowl, and it's only $30.
Picture source: williams-sonoma.com
10. Basic Cheese Making Kit. All you need is the right kind of milk, and you can make Farmhouse Cheddar, Gouda, Monterey Jack, Feta, Cottage Cheese, Colby, Parmesan, and Ricotta all in your kitchen.
Photo source: cheesemaking.com
11. 10 Piece Glass Bowl Set. Perfect for getting your mise en place ready.
Photo source: kaboodle.com
12. Little Birdie Garlic Keeper. There are cheaper, mass market versions out there, but I love that this is handmade and a fun to look at.
Picture source: etsy.com/shop/AbbyTPottery
13. Penzeys Indian Curry Set. Heard one of your giftees say they always wanted to learn how to bake, cook Indian, or improve another special skill set in the kitchen? Help get them started with some basics. For example:
Photo source: penzeys.com
Penzeys offers a ton of great spice sets including extracts, peppercorns, taco seasonings, Asian basics, American basics, and more.
14. How about a Madhur Jaffrey cookbook?
Photo source: amazon.com
Or get the spice set and the book and package them up together.
15. Thirstystone Monogram Coasters with Walnut Holder. They look nice and they're functional.
Photo source: macys.com
16. Silpat Silicone Cookie Sheet Liners. Nor more burnt or uneven cookies. They won't know how they lived without it.
Photo source: williams-sonoma.com
17. Bodum Tea Press. A french press for tea!
Photo source: amazon.com
Photo source: amazon.com
19. The French Chef with Julia Child. Who doesn't love Julia?
Photo source: cgi.ebay.com
20. Grapefruits & Oranges. Nothing like some fresh winter citrus.
Photo source: davidsonbros.com
21. Cow Cutting Board. (You can even get it monogrammed.)
Photo source: williamssonoma.com
22. Chip in on a big gift. Coveted items like Le Creuset dutch ovens, Staub cocottes, and Kitchenaid mixers are pricey, but if you're able to go in with family and friends, it's much more affordable -- and it's exciting to be able to finally get your Mom/uncle/sister/husband that mixer/pot s/he's always wanted!
Photo source: staubusa.com
Photo source: amazon.com
24. Bodum Pavina Double Walled Insulated Cups. By some kind of sorcery, these glasses are designed to not sweat. I don't know if I'd believe it if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, but they work and they're fantastic. These come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Photo source: amazon.com
25. Sur La Table Cooking or Baking Class. There's a wide selection to choose from, and it varies by store. Some highlights include Tuscan Holiday, Pasta Workshop, and Steakhouse Favorites. I took a cupcake class a few years ago and thought it was very well done. I rarely make cupcakes but I still use some of the tips I learned in my general baking. Check this page to look near you.
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That's a lot of great stuff for the food lover in your life, don't you think?
Be sure to check out the Style Lush Gift Guide for a few other kitchen- and food-related gift ideas (and a lot more awesome gift ideas, too).
Also, if you'd like to share this list with your own readers or friends, we have a badge you can add to your site, designed by C*Squared Associates.
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Happy shopping!
Now that I'm at the end, I'm not sure which is my favorite. I kept thinking, THIS! No, THIS! Excellent gift guide. This will be a huge help this year.
Posted by: Mama Bub | November 01, 2011 at 10:20 AM
I have been itching to get my Christmas shopping started, and these are great suggestions.
Posted by: Andrea | November 01, 2011 at 10:26 AM
Great suggestions! I especially love the salt-and-pepper wands because my 3 year old loves to add her own seasoning.
Posted by: Elsha | November 01, 2011 at 11:06 AM
That Cake stand/punch bowl is brilliant!
I got the onion goggles last year (a FL rec, I believe) and can attest they are AWESOME!
You all never cease to amaze me!
Posted by: Dawn K. | November 01, 2011 at 12:07 PM
Lots of great ideas for me to give to my family, who never seem to know what to buy me! Hurray :)
Posted by: auntie | November 01, 2011 at 12:38 PM
Oh wow. I want just about everything on your list. Great stuff.
Posted by: Christy | November 01, 2011 at 01:00 PM
This is AMAZING.
Posted by: Miranda | November 01, 2011 at 01:38 PM
You're awesome. That is all. THANK YOU for putting this together!
Posted by: Home Sweet Sarah | November 01, 2011 at 03:14 PM
GREAT JOB on the gift guide, Caitlin! I want every single thing on this list!
Posted by: Jen L. | November 01, 2011 at 09:50 PM
The foodpod is actually made by a company called fusionbrands (http://www.fusionbrands.com), which has a TON of different fun and functional kitchen items. I have the foodpod, which I've used quite a bit for par-boiling veggies before I make pizza, two cookhooks (one for the oven and one for when I'm outside at the grill), a lovehandle, and a set of poachpods.
I was gifted two of the items (the lovehandle and foodpod), as I worked with the company on their website, but the others I purchased because I knew how awesome they were.
Posted by: Darcey | November 02, 2011 at 01:22 PM
Love the post, Catie. Guess what you're getting for Christmas?
BTW, we gave Zach the onion goggles and Bennington trigger mugs and they gave us the Cooks Illustrated and Joy of Cooking, both of which are tops. I can vouch for the Marques de Caceres and there is also a Reserva of this wine that is out of this world if you like a light red.
A good way to get the Sam Adams glasses is to take the tour of the brewery, then go to Doyle's in Jamaica Plain. They let you keep the glasses. If you need 4, take two tours!
Love,
Dad
Posted by: Duncan Hannah | November 03, 2011 at 08:45 PM
I'd have to go with the Food Pod or the Juicer.
Posted by: Genevieve | November 14, 2011 at 04:01 PM
the magic wand salt and pepper, absolutely!
Posted by: Jess | November 14, 2011 at 04:50 PM
Joy of Cooking!
Posted by: moira | November 14, 2011 at 07:12 PM
ooo that eating local cookbook looks great!
Posted by: colerose | November 15, 2011 at 04:30 PM
The Professore called again for the immediate adoption of emergency regulatory and registration provisions that have been proposed by the League repeatedly over the past four years. The draft legislation includes a new provision—"Juliet's Law"—imposing fines or imprisonment for failure to report the presence of either poisons or daggers within 100 feet of an unaccompanied minor.
Posted by: True Religion outlet | November 16, 2011 at 03:57 AM
ohhhhhhhhhhhkay. at least 50% of this is ALREADY on my REALLY WANT list. The Food Lover's Companion? Check. MILK (Momofuku ANYTHING)? Check. Cooks Illustrated? Check. Immersion Blender? Check. JUUUUUUUULIA? CHECK.
Posted by: Alison Ryan | November 16, 2011 at 09:08 AM
Cakestand/punch bowl? yes, please. Or maybe that butter dish from Anthropolgie. Want!
Posted by: Jessie | November 16, 2011 at 03:04 PM
I'd have to say the onion goggles...they'd make me look MORE sexy!
Posted by: Chris Akers | November 16, 2011 at 05:13 PM
The Cook's Illustrated subscription!
Posted by: Katherine | November 20, 2011 at 10:38 PM
This article is amazingly helpful for those looking to buy a gift. If you do not know what to buy as a gift, you are 100% certain to get an amazing idea after going through the long list in this blog. They include items which are useful and which the recipient will surely appreciate. One must be thoughtful when giving out a gift and the important element is that the gift is only an indication of the heartfelt wishes for the other person.
Posted by: Kelly @ABestKitchen | October 12, 2012 at 05:19 PM