It is said “It is better to give than to receive” but I’m not sure that is always true. The following are items I loved receiving! Here is my 2013 “Cook’s Holiday Guide to Giving (and Getting). There is something for every budget on this list….let’s start small and work our way up.
Stocking Stuffers and Smaller Gifts: $6-$39 (just click highlighted link for details)
1. Tools for homemade pizza! There is nothing better than a homemade pizza but you do need a few things to make the best pizza possible. I recommend these tools: a pizza stone, a pizza paddle, pizza cutter and rolling pin.
2. A double boiler. If your cook doesn’t have one, they should. Silicone spatulas, inexpensive and don’t melt like rubber.
3. Hand held juicers. These are for small jobs when you just need a little juice in a recipe. The juicer squeezes the citrus but keeps the seeds.
4. An immersion blender. I love mine for blending soups, mashing potatoes and even making whipped cream.
5. A good whisk set and a set of mixing bowls is a must for every kitchen.
6. Your cook can use a microplane to zest citrus or grate parmesan and nutmeg. One of my favorite tools!
Moving on up! Medium range gifts…$30-$140
7. A good quality stock pot for homemade broth soup and cooking pasta. I love my Calphalon.
8. A good quality chef’s knife. I love my Wusthof! My students use this one in class and I use this one for personal use.
9. A pretty white cake plate…everyone needs one.
10. A cast iron skillet is a kitchen essential. Perfect for browning.
Pulling Out The Big Guns! Gifts every foodie dreams about … ($150-$400)
11. A Kitchen Aid mixer is the quintessential gift for any chef! Buy it standard or with the pasta attachment or the ice cream maker!
12. Juicers! Making fresh juices is one of the best ways to ensure your are getting a good dose of immunity boosting nutrients. I use the Breville juicer, they come in a wide range of prices and they are all good!
13. The Blendtec blender not only makes smoothies but can make soup (yep, right in the blender) and soft serve ice cream! If a new Blendtec Blender is out of your price range check out the reconditioned Blendtec Blenders for half the price!
14. A rotisserie oven makes a fabulous gift! (The one I use is no longer in production but the reviews on this one are great) If you aren’t sure if they are the best idea for your kitchen read my post about the pros and cons of rotisserie cooking here.
15. Last but not least, the Cuisinart Food processor! In a class all by itself!
Whether you are giving or getting I hope this gift giving and getting guide was helpful for you.
What a great list! These are definitely things every cook wants (and needs!).
I want all of those! Ha! Great gift ideas!
Maybe santa will oblige!
Wow, seriously…so many great ideas! I would just be in love if someone gifted me that rotisserie cooker. Thanks for putting this together so thoughtfully.
Lol at the price it is listed for right now, me too! Except I have one…luckily I got mine when they were far less expensive!
sigh….i love kitchen gadgets. what a great list, anyone who loves to cook would love anything on it.
This is great Linda! Awesome ideas. Thanks for sharing.
Oooh, really fabulous ideas here! I would Love to get a Blendtec for Christmas! 🙂
Ummmm, yes! Fantabulous list of goodies for all chefs! …I might send this list to my hubby with a few things highlighted!
Great pictures, too…as always. 🙂
What a great list! I will definitely be getting the hubs some of this stuff this year. He’s the main cook in the house. 🙂
Lucky you!
Yep! Totally jiving with the white cake plate. I’m not sure that I can have too many of these, lol. I also like your premise for how nice it is to receive such cool gifts. Thanks for always making me laugh or smile with your writing. Laughter and good food; you’ve got something good going.
Megan Stevens, you are the sweetest.
What a great list, especially for stocking stuffers.
My immersion blender died last Spring while cooking for a women’s retreat. Huge bummer.
I should put it on my Christmas list. 🙂
That is a big bummer! It’s a very useful tool!
This is such a great list with so many good ideas.
AS A CHEF TO CHEF I LOVE THIS POST!! EXELLENT AND MUSTS FOR ANY SERIOUS FOODIES!! THANKS!! TRISH
Thanks Trish! I think everything on this list is useful too!