If you’re shopping for a “foodie,” this is the guide for you! This gift guide is a collection of some of my very favorite items and products that deserve a spot in the kitchen of every home cook or food lover.
Created with the home chef or foodie in mind, I’m excited to share this gift guide with you. I’ve included products at a variety of price points that I use and love in my home on a daily (or weekly) basis.
Over the past decade, I’ve spent more time than I can even begin to count in the kitchen and have had the opportunity to try many gadgets, small kitchen appliances, and kitchen essentials – this list reflects my favorites. (And just for fun, I’ve added a section for the youngest foodies on your shopping list!)
I hope this inspires thoughtful gift-giving this year!
Foodie Gift Guide
KITCHEN ESSENTIALS
All-Clad Saucepans – About five years ago, I upgraded to All-Clad saucepans and have been absolutely smitten. They heat so evenly and clean up wonderfully. I recommend starting with the 2-quart and 4-quart sizes.
Lodge Cast Iron Skillet – We have one 10-inch and two 12-inch cast iron skillets and use them every single day. At some point, there is always one on the stove. Every kitchen needs at least one!
Le Creuset Dutch Oven – A pricey investment but worth every penny. I have had the 7.25-quart version for over a decade and I use it multiple times a week for spaghetti sauce, soups, stews, braising, and no-knead bread… you name it and you can make it in a quality Dutch oven.
7-Piece Knife Set – Good (sharp!) knives are one of my top three kitchen essentials, and perhaps THE biggest difference-maker in your cooking or baking prep. There are so many different brands, but Wusthof is my absolute favorite. This set contains all of the basics.
Stainless Steel Steak Knives – Dishwasher safe and slice like a dream. I highly recommend if you’re in the market for knives (or know anyone getting married!).
Thermapen – This instant-read digital thermometer has been a staple in my kitchen for years. I can’t imagine cooking or baking without it! It’s incredibly versatile – I use it when making whole chickens, deep-fried turkeys, caramel sauce, candy, baked bread, burgers on the grill, and everything in between.
Zeroll Ice Cream Scoop – The absolute best ice cream scoop I’ve ever owned.
SMALL KITCHEN APPLIANCES
KitchenAid Hand Mixer – I love my stand mixer, but I use my hand mixer wayyyyy more often. Most jobs don’t require a stand mixer, and this 7-speed KitchenAid hand mixer makes easy work of virtually any cookie dough or cake batter.
Breville Food Processor – While it’s definitely an investment, I’ve never used a better food processor in all of my years in the kitchen. I love that it has a digital counter so you can easily see how long it’s been running (perfect for recipes that indicate a specific processing time).
Breville Coffee Maker – We had been using a Keurig for years (and loved it), but we missed using freshly ground coffee beans. There are tons of brewing options (including cold brews and single cups) to create a totally custom cup of coffee.
Breville Waffle Maker – I make pancakes more often than waffles, but when I do make waffles (like buttermilk waffles), I am so glad I have this waffle maker! I used to have one of those round Belgian waffle makers that you flip upside-down, but this one is so much easier to use and not messy at all.
Breville Smart Oven – I never imagined I’d be someone who loves using a toaster oven, but I am! We use this smart oven multiple times a day for plain old toast, reheating leftover pizza, broiling hoagies, and everything in between.
Wolf Gourmet Electric Griddle – My pancake game has never been stronger! This griddle makes perfect pancakes every time, and we also use it for grilled cheese, toasted sandwiches, and more.
Kitchen Scale – Weighing ingredients makes such a difference in any baking recipe. This is the one I use in my kitchen – it can hold up to 22 pounds and is incredibly versatile.
STOCKING STUFFERS
OXO Everyday Spatula – My favorite spatula – sturdy with just the right amount of give.
Spoon Spatula – Perfect for scraping out small containers (like the bottom of peanut butter jars).
Scrub Daddy – Admittedly not a sponge person, but I actually love these. You need very little soap, they rinse super clean, and dry quickly.
Dish Towels – Thick, absorbent, and available in a variety of colors.
Perfect Pasta Salt Rocks – Elevate any pasta dish with these fun salt rocks.
Finishing Salt – A little pinch goes a long way!
LITTLE CHEFS & BAKERS
Personalized Apron – Nothing says chef status like an apron. There are so many cute patterns to choose from!
Wooden Baking Utensils – Usable wooden kitchen utensils, just at a smaller, kid-friendly size.
Play Kitchen Tools and Play Pots & Pans – Add these kitchen tools and pots/pans to your child’s play kitchen.
Pop-Up Cake Kit – A fun indoor project for a cold, snowy afternoon.
Cookie Puzzle – 12 puzzles in one that the whole family will have fun working on.
KiwiCo Science of Cooking: Bread & Butter Kit – This fun delivery provides a kid-friendly approach to gluten, yeast, and emulsions.
My Very First Cookbook and The Delish Kids Cookbook – Both offer easy-to-follow instructions and a variety of recipes for the youngest chefs and bakers.
SPECIAL DELIVERIES
Graeter’s Ice Cream – My favorite brand of ice cream! Put together a 6-pack or 12-pack of assorted flavors for the ultimate ice cream lover.
David’s Tea – Years ago, I bought my mom a gift set from David’s Tea and she’s been hooked ever since. I gift her new flavors to try every holiday season.
Levain Bakery Cookies – Send a taste of NYC to your loved ones! This set of 8 cookies will brighten anyone’s day.
Zingerman’s Coffee Cake – Based in Michigan, Zingerman’s is famous for its coffee cake. Choose an assortment of 3 coffee cakes to send this holiday season.
Curdbox – A cheese subscription box! How fun is this?!
Custom Message Shortbread Cookies – Simply adorable. These would be so much fun to open!
Goldbelly Gift Card – Order famous meals from places all over the country, like Shake Shack burgers, Philly cheesesteaks, Chicago deep dish pizza, Primanti Brothers sandwiches, New York bagels, etc. A fun gift for the whole family to enjoy!
TELL ME! What would you add to this list? Do you have a go-to foodie gift that everyone loves? I’m always looking for new ideas!
HAPPY SHOPPING!