Buzz
Gift-giving can be challenging: You want to choose something unique, practical, and meaningful for the recipient. If you've got someone in your life who’s recently embraced cooking, I have some creative ideas that will show them you recognize their new interest and want to encourage it.
A Quality Apron Makes All the Difference
For those passionate about cooking, an apron can be much more than just a practical item – it’s personal. When gifting an apron, you can find one in nearly any price range. Even with a small budget, you can find a durable apron that will serve them well for years, while those willing to splurge can get something luxurious. Just remember, aprons come in different styles suited to various body types. Men often prefer bib aprons, while larger individuals may find crossback aprons more comfortable, and smock aprons are great for women. While funny aprons can be fun, they often fall short in terms of quality and utility. Ultimately, look for an apron that’s washable and durable, but don’t feel restricted to something plain.
Williams Sonoma Personalized Adult & Kid Classic Apron $24.95 – $29.95
Williams Sonoma Crossback Chambray Apron $34.95
Carhartt Men’s Duck Canvas Apron $39.99
Hedley and Bennet Crossback Apron $95
Bella Pinafore (smock) Apron $97
Don’t hesitate to gift knives to someone special.
During my years working in the gift registry at Williams Sonoma, I often heard people claim that knives weren't suitable for gifting. I couldn’t disagree more. One of my most memorable gifts was a high-quality Japanese serrated bread knife. Good knives are an investment and can be costly, which is why many home cooks hesitate to buy them for themselves. But trust me, they’re one of the best kitchen investments anyone can make. You can choose a single, premium knife or a full set, depending on your budget. Remember, the joy of giving lies in what the recipient truly values, not what you assume they'll appreciate.
WÜSTHOF Classic IKON 8" Chef's Knife $200
MAC Knife Professional Series 8" Chef's Knife with Dimples $144.95
WÜSTHOF Gourmet 10-Piece Knife Block Set $223.20
Shun Classic 8” Chef’s Knife $99.95
Consider adding a set of silicone utensils along with a collection of mixing bowls.
A versatile set of mixing bowls is an essential kitchen tool that goes far beyond mixing ingredients. These bowls can serve as storage containers, be used for serving, or even add a touch of style to your countertop if they're particularly attractive. Silicone utensils, like spatulas and "spoonulas," have also become a kitchen staple, known for their durability and long-lasting performance—mine have held up for over 20 years. The silicone material sticks to the sides of bowls, ensuring you can scrape every last bit. These utensils are heat-resistant, safe for non-stick cookware, and dishwasher-friendly. A good set of both utensils and bowls makes for an excellent gift that will endure for years.
All-Clad 5-Piece Silicone Spatulas $59.95
Open Kitchen by Williams Sonoma Silicone Wood Spatulas, Set of 5 $29.95
Silicone Spatula Set, 5 Piece $6.99
Lareina Ceramic Mixing Bowls for Kitchen $39.99
Tabletops Gallery Hobnail Style 4 Piece Blue Storm Stoneware Nesting Mixing Bowl $42.49
Their first food processor or mixer
While it's true that people cooked without the help of machines like Cuisinart and KitchenAid, these handy countertop appliances now unlock a world of culinary possibilities. KitchenAid mixers, for instance, offer a wide range of attachments that allow you to make pasta, process tomatoes, spiralize fruit, and much more. Meanwhile, a food processor speeds up tedious chopping tasks, often doing them more efficiently than by hand. (I personally use mine to turn stale bread into gourmet breadcrumbs.) Whether you opt for a compact herb processor or indulge in a vibrant mixer, these appliances are sure to take pride of place on any cook's counter.
Cuisinart Food Processor 14-Cup $198
KitchenAid Cup Food Chopper, Ice Blue $44.95
Ninja NF701 Professional XL Food Processor 12-Cup $133.94
KitchenAid Artisan Series 5 Quart Tilt Head Stand Mixer, White $349.95
KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer, White $239.99
GE Tilt-Head Electric Stand Mixer, 5.3 Quart $149.00
Cooking lessons
If someone close to you has shown interest in a specific type of cuisine, look for local cooking lessons or a series of them that match their preferences. You can explore options at community colleges or well-known retailers like Sur La Table and Williams Sonoma. If you're considering an online choice, Masterclass could be a great fit. To make the gift even more special, add a related cookbook for them to unwrap.
MasterClass Starting at $120/year
Sur la Table Cooking Classes Prices vary by location
Williams Sonoma Cooking Classes Prices vary by location
America’s Test Kitchen Online Cooking School $179/year
Don't forget about gift cards—they may seem impersonal, but they are far from it. A gift card tells the recipient that you trust their preferences. For an aspiring chef, a gift card to a local kitchen supply store might be just what they’ve been wishing for.
