The 50 Must-Have Gifts for Food Enthusiasts in 2024

A ratchet mill will completely elevate their kitchen experience. Simply add salt, pepper, or any desired spice through the front-loading door, adjust the dial to the desired thickness, and crank the handle for a perfect grind every time. Say goodbye to subpar grinders for good.

For anyone who loves food, there’s likely a collection of beautiful cookbooks in their home. This compact bookshelf (measuring just 7.8 x 11.8 inches) is an ideal solution to keep their favorite cookbooks within easy reach on the kitchen counter, without taking up valuable space.

Grillers and roasters know that the key to achieving perfectly juicy results lies in the temperature. This smart meat thermometer allows you to set the temperature based on meat type (poultry, pork, fish, wild game, and more) and your preferred cooking level—no more guessing if your steak is medium-rare. Its wireless capability also lets you monitor the cooking process from up to 150 feet away using the Yummly app, ensuring your meat is never overcooked again.

For those who appreciate the art of slow cooking, this mortar and pestle by Cole & Mason is a perfect choice. Crafted from solid black granite with an unglazed stone interior, it offers the ideal grip to effortlessly create spice pastes, fresh seasonings, and pesto blends. Just keep in mind that it’s not dishwasher-safe and needs to be washed by hand.

This genuine paella pan hails from Valencia, Spain—the birthplace of paella. Crafted from heavy-duty, professional-grade carbon steel, it boasts a 14-inch-wide shallow cooking surface with dimples to ensure even heat distribution. The 2-inch-high sides prevent rice, vegetables, and proteins from spilling over, while the looped handles make it easy to move from the cooktop to the table. This size serves four to six people.

This pre-arranged basket arrives ready to enjoy—no slicing necessary. The Boarderie Ciccetti Cheese & Charcuterie Board includes four delicious cheeses (creamy coppinger, peppadew pepper white cheddar, merlot pecorino, blueberry Wensleydale, and double-cream gouda), three types of salami (black truffle, peppered, and picante), plus an assortment of tasty accompaniments. It also includes bamboo picks, a spreader, and tongs. Fit for royalty, the 9-by-9-inch acacia board can be reused time and again.

Typically, cookies are dipped in milk—but not anymore. Flexipan collaborated with renowned pastry chef Dominique Ansel to create this ingenious baking pan that molds cookie dough into cookie shot glasses, perfect for filling with milk. A brilliant innovation.

This diner-themed jumbo puzzle is absolutely adorable. It features all the classic comfort foods, like meatloaf, egg salad sandwiches, onion rings, coffee, and a burger with fries. With 1,000 uniquely cut pieces, it promises hours of enjoyment and concentration as you assemble it piece by piece.

The Misen 8-Inch Chef's Knife is a versatile hybrid that combines the best of Japanese and European knife styles: a sharp 15-degree angle found in Japanese knives, plus a double-bevel Western blade for symmetry on both sides. Its alloy steel handle features a bolster for a better grip, making it perfect for beginners. Ideal for new cooks still discovering which knives work best for them.

From David Chang's Momofuku comes the Bestsellers Pack, featuring all the pantry essentials needed to create a restaurant-quality meal at home. Inside each box are all five of the brand's iconic dried noodles (soy and scallion, sweet and spicy, tingly chili, spicy soy, and spicy chili), chili crunch, soy sauce, and savory seasoned salt. The noodles cook in just about four minutes, and all you need to do is add the included sauce packet.

The Black + Decker Kitchen Wand 6 is a versatile multi-tool that includes six different attachments: a can opener, wine bottle opener, spice grinder, whisk, milk frother, and salt and pepper grinder. It’s the perfect gift for any kitchen, doing everything from pureeing soup to frothing milk. With about 30 minutes of runtime per charge, it's also cordless. Along with the unit, the set includes a mixing cup, storage cases, and a charging dock.

The Omsom Saucy Noodle Sampler is an ideal gift for noodle lovers who crave bold flavors and quick meals. It contains either three or eight air-dried noodle packs with four distinct sauces (coconut lemongrass curry, garlic black pepper, soy garlic, and chili sesame). The best part? Each pack cooks in just minutes.

With a MasterClass subscription, they can take their culinary skills to the next level by learning from top chefs like Gordon Ramsay, Thomas Keller, Alice Waters, Wolfgang Puck, and Dominique Ansel. Starting at $10 a month, this is the gift that keeps on giving.

For those who enjoy indulging in sweet treats and crafting their own personalized recipes, an ice cream maker is a delightful and creative gift. We recommend the Cuisinart ice cream maker for first-time ice cream makers, as it makes the process of crafting unique flavors a breeze. With only the need to pre-freeze the bowl overnight (a necessary step), it takes just around 20 minutes to churn up to 1.5 quarts of creamy, soft ice cream. It can also make frozen yogurt.

The Hero Bread Greatest Hits pack is packed with soft flour tortillas, rich buttery Hawaiian rolls, and hearty seeded sandwich bread. The best part? They’re crafted with olive oil, rich in fiber, free from sugar, contain 4 to 7 grams of protein, and have fewer than 100 calories per serving. They taste just as amazing, if not better, than traditional grocery store alternatives but use all-natural ingredients. Hero Bread also offers flaky croissants, white bread, and hamburger and hot dog buns.

Not only is this Crock-Pot the cutest one around, but it also features two compartments, allowing you to prepare both a main course and a side dish at different temperatures within the same unit. It offers functions like slow cooking, searing/sauteing, baking, rice/steaming, and keeping food warm, with a smart timer ensuring both dishes are ready at the same time.

It might be frowned upon to play with your food, but this is one exception you won't want to miss. Compartes offers a delicious game of tic-tac-toe with nine colorful chocolate pieces, each marked with an X or an O. Ideal for the game lover with a sweet tooth.

If truffle oil is a bit too intense for their taste, a sprinkle of this gourmet black truffle salt on popcorn, fries, or avocado toast will elevate any meal. It's the simplest way to add a touch of luxury to everyday dishes.

The Breville Bakery Chef Stand Mixer is one of our all-time favorite stand mixers, making it the ideal, reliable gift for any avid baker. This 12-speed powerhouse can handle anything from kneading dough to whipping up meringues. It also features a double-sided scraper that cuts down on mixing time. Accessories include a dough hook, wire whisk, flat beater, spatula, splash guard, and stainless steel bowls.

The Made In Butcher Block is perfectly sized for smaller countertops, measuring 18 x 12 inches. Crafted from premium beechwood, this cutting board offers versatility with two sides: one with grooves to collect excess juices and the other flat for chopping fruits and vegetables. With built-in handles for easy carrying, it’s a practical and elegant kitchen addition. For a complete gift, pair it with a chef's knife or paring knife.

Prepare for an unforgettable meal with the Cucina Combo from the iconic Italian restaurant Rubirosa. This bundle includes premium cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil, marinara sauce, and vodka sauce. Simply pair with their favorite pasta or spread it over pizza dough for a deliciously easy meal.

The Zwilling Fresh & Save Starter Set is perfect for the home chef who loves to meal prep in advance. The set comes with a rechargeable vacuum pump, two containers, and four bags that can be used for storage, sous vide cooking, marinating, and prepping meals. The materials are top-notch: the containers and bags are safe for the freezer and microwave (without the vacuum seal), and the containers are dishwasher-friendly for effortless cleanup.

Chances are, if they're a food enthusiast, they've heard of Samin Nosrat's James Beard Award-winning Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking. This culinary masterpiece is globally renowned, featuring over 100 recipes and 150 illustrations.

Laconiko Olive Oil, an award-winning cold-pressed oil made from handpicked olives in Greece, boasts eight times the antioxidants of regular olive oil—a heart-healthy choice for any foodie. With its rich, fruity, and peppery taste, it’s perfect for dipping crusty bread or drizzling over salads. For an even more elevated gift, consider pairing it with dark and white balsamic vinegars.

Caraway's popular cookware collection is now available in durable enameled cast iron. Compatible with all stovetops, this set includes a Dutch oven, skillet, braiser, grill pan, and a birch wood storage organizer. You can also purchase each piece separately.

A caviar ornament is a thoughtful and more affordable alternative to actual caviar, and they'll think of you every time they hang it on their tree. This vintage-inspired glass ornament is available in various styles, including an oyster platter with lemon slices and a deviled egg with caviar.

This playful and practical cutting board goes beyond the ordinary with a design sure to bring a smile to anyone using it. The Fredericks and Mae Large Plastic Cutting Board comes in six vibrant colors: multi confetti, green and white, yellow and white, blue and white, rainbow, and black and white. It's perfect not just for chopping, but also as a stylish serving tray for charcuterie and snacks.

The Calicle Insulated Ice Cream Bowl Set is a perfect gift for ice cream enthusiasts. Featuring two vacuum-insulated bowls, this set ensures your frozen treats stay chilled, even on warm days at the park, by the pool, or while relaxing on the patio. Available in a classic black-and-white combo or a fun beachy blue and pink mix, it's versatile enough to keep your treats cool or even warm them up on chilly days.

This apron is the ultimate in durability, comfort, and practicality. It features an adjustable neck strap, a chest pocket, a utility loop for tools like tongs or kitchen towels, and two spacious lap pockets. It's easy to clean and can be tossed in the wash after a meal prep session. Plus, it comes in various colors and patterns, from Mickey and Minnie Mouse to Grateful Dead and Star Wars.

These colorful Champagne flutes add a touch of elegance to any celebration. Available in sets of two or six, they come in vibrant shades like blush pink, cobalt blue, and lavender. Whether you're toasting a milestone or just enjoying a drink, these glasses make a chic gift for anyone celebrating a special occasion.

For dishes like Pad Thai and stir fry, this premium Craft Wok model is a top choice. Made of 15-gauge carbon steel, this wok is hand-hammered and a favorite among professional chefs. It features a dual-handle design with a steel helper handle and a wooden handle, ensuring a secure grip while tossing ingredients. While it doesn't come pre-seasoned, it includes clear instructions for seasoning. This high-maintenance wok requires careful upkeep, so it's best suited for someone dedicated to its care.

Bring the restaurant sushi experience home with the Special Sushi DIY Kit from the iconic Blue Ribbon in New York City. This kit includes a fantastic assortment of raw fish and fresh ingredients to prepare four to five rolls and two servings of crispy rice. It serves two to three people, with the following items: tuna, salmon, hamachi, shrimp, spicy tuna, spicy scallop, crispy rice, cooked rice, nori sheets, soy sauce, eel sauce, wasabi, pickled ginger, scallion, serrano chile, avocado, and a bamboo mat for rolling. You can also add extra gourmet options like Wagyu, caviar, and a Japanese chef’s knife for an elevated sushi experience.

Skip the ice cream machine and surprise the food lover in your life with a box of artisanal ice cream sandwiches from Cream + Sugar. Handmade in Wyoming, the ice cream is carefully packed between the company’s signature cookies, which are baked fresh each day and covered in candy sprinkles. All ingredients are organic and locally sourced, and the ice cream sandwiches come in a variety of flavors like huckleberry, mint chocolate chip, salted caramel, vanilla, pumpkin, and peppermint. The box contains 16 sandwiches, and you can choose eight of each flavor.

Wine connoisseurs will love the Eat Chocolate, Drink Wine Gift Box from Clif Family Winery in Napa Valley. This popular artisanal gift set is perfect for friends, family, and colleagues. It includes a 750-milliliter bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon and three organic dark chocolate treats: Napa Noir, Dark Duo, and Toffee Crunch.

Meal prep containers are a practical and thoughtful gift, and the W&P Sustainable Kitchen Starter Set includes everything you need to store a variety of foods. The set features eight pieces: three seal-tight glass bowls, two reusable silicone bags, and three stretch lids that fit over your existing bowls. All items are microwave- and dishwasher-safe, made from durable borosilicate glass and LFGB-certified silicone, which undergoes stricter testing than FDA standards. Choose from five elegant colors: cream, mint, charcoal, blush, and slate. Larger collections with 8 and 20 pieces are also available.

For those who enjoy a refreshing juice after their workouts, the Nama Vitality 5800 juicer is the perfect tool to help them create their own fresh juice at home. As a cold press juicer, it uses a slow extraction process, reducing oxidation and heat, which helps preserve the natural enzymes in fruits. This means the juice retains more nutrients and offers a fuller, richer flavor. Beyond juices, the Nama juicer is also great for making smoothies, sorbets, and plant-based milks.

Crafted from stainless steel, these steak knives from Material are designed to easily slice through steak and other meats. The set includes a wooden holder for convenient storage, which can be placed in a drawer or displayed on your kitchen countertop. They’re low-maintenance, being dishwasher-safe and resistant to rust. This stylish set comes in four matte color options: white, light orange, beige, and a mix of all four, making it a great choice for anyone who enjoys hosting dinner parties.

If you're unsure whether to gift something salty, sweet, or savory, why not offer all three? This Olive & Cocoa gift box has something for everyone, regardless of their taste preferences. Packed in a handcrafted wooden crate (or canvas bag), the assortment includes treats like chocolate-covered raisins, pistachios, dried fruit mix, Swedish fish, gourmet trail mix, corn nuts, peanut brittle, almond caramel popcorn (a favorite), chocolate churro pretzels, and more. Available in petite and large crates, with Bavarian pretzels included in the large option. If it’s too warm, they’ll send melt-resistant alternatives.

If LaCroix is a regular purchase on their shopping list, a carbonator will guarantee they’ll never run out of seltzer. This stunning model from Aarke is available in eight different colors and can carbonate up to 60 liters with one CO2 cylinder, helping to save about 100 plastic bottles from being recycled.

For the host who enjoys treating guests to an indulgent charcuterie board, the Beauplus Cheese Board and Knife Set is the perfect addition. This spacious set accommodates a variety of salads, cheeses, meats, crackers, and fruits. It includes a convenient pull-out drawer for utensils (such as a wine opener) and small ceramic bowls for dips and jams. Additionally, there are side drawers for storing food and a separate round tray to hold extra nuts and fruits.

For the brunch enthusiast in your life: the ultimate collection of legendary bloody mary mixes and all the perfect fixings. This savory selection features a 25-ounce bottle of mix, a 1.6-ounce dry bloody mary blend, olive oil, sea salt water crackers, queso, a sea salt and pepper seasoning blend, cheddar cheese, black truffle hot sauce, and sweet soppressata.

Crafted from 100% cotton, the Thyme & Sage kitchen towel set is both practical and charming, designed with home cooks in mind. The set includes three types of towels: an extra-absorbent one for spills and drying dishes, a flat towel perfect for lining bread baskets or covering dough as it rises, and a versatile towel for all other kitchen tasks.

The Proctor Silex Retro Electric Tea Kettle combines vintage charm with modern functionality. With a capacity of 1.7 liters, this cordless kettle is perfect for families or avid tea drinkers who love a hot cup of tea. What sets this kettle apart is the built-in thermometer that displays the water temperature. Once the water reaches a boil, the automatic shut-off feature kicks in, and the transparent gauge at the back shows the remaining water level. Just remember, it doesn’t whistle—because it's electric!

This Cuisinart Mini Belgian Waffle Maker features a convenient vertical design that makes pouring the batter inside a breeze, reducing mess. It offers five browning levels, so you can easily customize the crispiness of your waffles. While there may be a slight learning curve, the included measuring scoop helps simplify the process. However, its vertical shape could make storage challenging for those with limited cabinet space.

For your favorite sweet tooth, the Molten Chocolate Cake DIY kit from Red Velvet NYC includes pre-measured dry ingredients and a pat of butter (you'll need your own eggs). With easy-to-follow instructions and beautiful illustrations, the cake takes just about 20 minutes to prepare and 12 minutes to bake. Although it’s designed for experienced bakers, Red Velvet NYC offers simpler cake kits for first-timers as well.

For anyone who loves mushrooms and enjoys gardening, the Back to the Roots Organic Shiitake Mushroom Kit allows you to grow mushrooms right at home in just 10 days. No special equipment is needed, making it perfect for beginners or a fun family project. The kit includes a grow log, spray bottle, and humidity tent, with step-by-step instructions. Other kits for growing mini-mushrooms, oysters, and pink oysters are also available.

The Williams Sonoma Encore Bar Tool Set offers everything needed to craft bar-quality cocktails or mocktails. Made from stainless steel, the set includes a high-quality insulated cocktail shaker that ensures drinks stay chilled, a strainer, tongs, a bottle opener, a stirring spoon, and a double-sided jigger with 0.75 ounce and 0.25 ounce measurements. To top it off, it comes with a convenient stand for neatly storing all the tools in one place.

From Egyptian falafel to the iconic Philly sandwich, The Sandwich Shop: 50 Mouthwatering Sandwich Recipes brings together a world of sandwich flavors. Featuring beautifully shot photos and easy-to-follow instructions, these recipes are guaranteed to inspire, whether you're craving meat, chicken, duck, pork, seafood, or even vegetarian and vegan options.

The CrockpotGo Electric Lunchbox, designed for personal use, offers a convenient way to enjoy a warm, home-cooked meal whether you're at work or a student on the move. Made from durable stainless steel and dishwasher-safe, this eco-friendly alternative reduces the need for plastic containers. With a cup capacity, it provides ample space for a satisfying meal, and features a detachable cord stored at the bottom for easy heating. Keep in mind, the tray has no compartments (not a bento box), so it may not be ideal for packing a variety of snacks.

Blunt knives not only slow down food prep but also increase the risk of accidents. The Chef’s Choice Model 130 Electric Knife Sharpener is the perfect solution for maintaining sharp, safe knives. This sharpener comes with a 20-degree guide to help position the knife properly, ensuring protection from damage. It features three sharpening slots, including one for polishing everyday blades and another with a micro-serrated finish for slicing meat. It even works on bread knives.

Questions You Might Ask 

What should I gift a cooking enthusiast?

Crilly suggests gifting a hand-forged knife, such as a gyuto, a Japanese-style blade designed with Western functionality in mind.

This impressive knife boasts a hand-forged design with a carbon steel core, surrounded by high-quality stainless steel. As Crilly explains, the carbon steel ensures a long-lasting sharp edge and easier sharpening, while the stainless steel layer provides protection from oxidation and rust. Additionally, the octagonal handle is a hallmark of traditional Japanese knife-making.

A pepper cannon is another excellent, practical gift choice. Crilly calls it 'the best pepper grinder.' With this, you can adjust the grind’s fineness for perfect consistency, and it delivers pepper at lightning speed—no more wasting time twisting for just a few pepper crumbs on your dish.

Crilly also recommends that every kitchen should have a chef’s press—or even a few. The simple, vented design serves multiple purposes, such as searing steaks or keeping sous vide bags submerged. These are perfect stocking stuffers and are compact enough to store in any kitchen.

What makes a good gift for a chef?

'A torchio is the ultimate splurge gift,' says Crilly. 'I have TWO!' This hand-crank pasta press can work with a variety of dies to make different pasta shapes. 'It attaches easily to most countertops or benches,' he adds, 'and it gives you a solid arm workout while making fresh pasta.'

Crilly also highlights a practical gift often included in online gift baskets for chefs: a Y-shaped vegetable peeler. Since peeling is a frequent task in cooking, he suggests getting peelers that are inexpensive enough to replace once they become dull, allowing for easy and frequent replacements.

What should you include in a cooking gift basket?

Blanchard shares, 'I always add a few premium pantry items to a gift basket, such as flaky sea salt, high-quality extra virgin olive oil, or artisanal soy sauce.' Blanchard also recommends including small tools that are useful for everyday cooking, like a Microplane, vegetable peeler, wooden spoon, and a four- or five-inch petty knife.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Nor’adila Hepburn, a contributing writer for Mytour. In her search for the best gifts for food lovers, she explored a wide range of kitchen gadgets and food items to compile her top picks. For professional insights on what makes the ideal gift, she consulted with Grant Lee Crilly, a chef and co-founder of ChefSteps; Jacqueline Blanchard, a chef and owner of Coutelier NOLA; and Silvia Hermanny, a culinary expert and lifestyle content creator in the food industry.