Picking a gift for a food-loving friend or loved one always seems like an easy task. Just walk into a kitchen store and pick what looks most intriguing, right? WRONG. That’s how you end up burdening one of your favorite people with more immersion blenders than they know what to do with, or worse, a completely useless kitchen gadget.
As food people who are the recipients of such good (yet misguided) intention, let us guide you this year. We have a list of gifts for cooks that are not only a whole lot less expensive than that ice cream maker you think your person really wants, but are also guaranteed to be appreciated. We’re talking basics here, and sometimes that’s the best way to go.
1
Baker's Twine
Nuntika via Getty Images
It's one of those things that home cooks only remember when they need it. They'll think of you every time this bundle comes to their rescue.
2
Wooden Spoons
Jupiterimages via Getty Images
There are never enough wooden spoons. Never.
3
Parchment Paper
Lucia Lambriex via Getty Images
Parchment paper is not only essential in baking, but it makes for easy cleanup in cooking tasks, too. (Plus, it means you can make en papillote on a whim.) It's also one of those things that many home cooks (ahem, raising my hand here) always forget to put on their grocery list.
Advertisement
4
Mason Jars
Eda Ho via Getty Images
Mason jars serve more uses than you can ever imagine. They're also always being given away with goodies inside them by your food-loving friend, so there's a constant need for more.
5
Cheesecloth
Ngoc Minh Ngo via Getty Images
Cheesecloth is good for more than making cheese in the kitchen -- it's one of those things that's just good to have on hand.
6
Flaked Sea Salt
OlgaMiltsova via Getty Images
This is love. And no, we're not talking about the course crystals. This is the FLAKED kind (Maldon makes a great version).
Advertisement
7
Digital Meat Thermometer
Warren_Price via Getty Images
So important to making a dinner great -- and they're always due for an upgrade.
8
Cake Pin
Ateco
Help your baking friends stop using up all their toothpicks. This cake pin dedicated to testing a cake's doneness will do just that. Plus, they usually don't cost more than a couple bucks. Buy your friend a handful of them, for when he/she inevitably loses one or two.
9
Rubber Spatulas
rstpierr via Getty Images
Rubber spatulas, of all shapes and sizes. These are so, so, so great in the kitchen. They don't last forever, so having a refresh is a great gift.
Advertisement
Before You Go
