Skip the stress of the holiday season and start shopping in the comfort of your home! We own and use every single item on this list, so our recommendations are honest and genuine.
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Gifts For The Cook
As a self-proclaimed foodie, my eyes light up when I scroll through the pages of a cooking magazine or a kitchen store. Here are some of my favorite gadgets, equipment, and serveware that I think would make great gifts:
- Nakano Knives: A good set of knives is the secret to enjoying cooking. These are the Japanese knives I have been using for over two years, and I cannot recommend them enough. The folks over at Nakano Knives are running a few campaigns, so be sure to enter code: FLP to get 30% off on Nov 25 and Nov 28 and then 20% off until the end of the year.
- Cutting Board: A good cutting board is just as important as knives. I have been using this Boos block for over three years. It is very sturdy and easy to clean and maintain. If you need a visual, you can see it in action in this Instagram video.
- Thermapen® ONE: If you love cooking meat, you need a good digital thermometer. And Thermapen is the Ferrari of digital thermometers. It is quick, accurate, and easy to use. Plus, they are running many promotions during November, so don’t wait.
- Air Fryer: I bought my air fryer in March and have already shared several Air Fryer Recipes. I love that it cooks everything quickly and without much oil.
- Le Creuset Braiser: This is the most used and asked-about pan I own. It is excellent for braising, making sauces, and finishing meats and vegetables in the oven. If you want to see it in action, check out my recipes for Gigi Hadid’s Pasta, Mediterranean Lemon Chicken, and Spinach Artichoke Pasta.
- Cuisinart Belgian Style Waffle Maker: I recently bought this waffle maker to treat ourselves to Yeasted Waffles over the weekend. I love that it cooks waffles evenly. Also, it is small, so it doesn’t take up a lot of space in the kitchen.
- Simplehuman Trashcan: Can trash be stylish? With this Simple Human dual compartment voice and motion sensor trash can, it can. It has one section for everyday trash and another for recycling. I love that I can open it without touching anything. It is great when your hands are dirty or full.
- Silicone Kitchen Utensils Set Cooking Utensils: This set includes cooking tools that suit all cooking and baking needs. I love that it comes with a holder, so keeping them organized in the kitchen is easy.
- Hedley & Bennett Aprons: A stylish and functional apron is an underestimated tool for any cook. I own a few of these aprons. They are made for chefs, so they are comfortable, practical, gender-neutral, adjustable, and easy to wash.
- Half Sheet Pans: I love these sheet pans for roasting meat and vegetables. They are easy to clean and sturdy.
- Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine: Since we bought this Barista-style espresso machine, we stopped making coffee runs to Starbucks. While it may seem like an investment initially, it pays for itself quickly. With this coffee maker at home, paying $5 for a latte is a thing of the past! I also love that it is so easy to use and customizable and makes delicious lattes.
- Farmhouse Pottery Cappuccino Mugs: I bought a set right before we left Vermont. I love serving lattes in these mugs. It never disappoints; people always ask where I got them from.
Gifts For The Lifelong Learner:
Both my husband and I are a fan of watching documentaries and cooking shows and learning from people who are masters in the fields. Lucky for us, nowadays, there are so many options out there.
Below are a couple of online subscriptions that would make a lifelong learner happy.
- Food Blogger Pro: This membership is great for someone who wants to become an influencer, content creator, or blogger, even if they are a total beginner. I have been a member of Food Blogger Pro since 2013 and contributed much of my success to their teachings.
- Masterclass Membership: If you want to learn a new skill, meditating, cooking, baking, singing, or interior decorating, Masterclass is your one-stop shop. Classes are taught by masters in their respective fields, most of whom are celebrities. This subscription is a fantastic gift for someone with a curious mind.
- America’s Test Kitchen Membership: Anyone who wants to become a better cook or baker would benefit from the cooks at America’s Test Kitchen. Not only do they provide you with foolproof recipes, but also they teach you the principles and techniques behind every recipe to make you a better cook. Plus, they offer classes for young chefs as well.
- New York Times Cooking: If you need a gift idea for someone who is more of an intermediate to advanced cook, NY Times’ cooking subscription can be a great gift. Not only do they have an incredible amount of recipes, but they also have a very engaging community willing to write about their experiences with these recipes.
Gifts For The Home, Fashion and Beauty Lover:
As a part of this gift guide, I also included options for those who enjoy treating themselves to fun home decor, a nice outfit, or a luxurious skin care product. Here are some ideas for you to choose from:
- Pine Brook Diamond Persian Style Rug: I recently bought this rug for my kitchen. It is not only beautiful but also easy to clean.
- Knit Throw Blanket: I can’t imagine a better gift than a warm and cozy knitted blanket. It can be used as decor around the house or as a cover for daytime naps.
- Hatch Alarm Clock: This device might look like a nice alarm clock, but it does much more than that. It offers a built-in reading light with 22-color settings, a sunrise alarm feature for peaceful wake-ups, and so much more. It is much better than waking up to your Iphone’s obnoxious alarm clock.
- Cotton Cloud Jersey Duvet Cover & Shams: This is a beautiful duvet cover (and matching shams) for someone with a minimalist style. I recently bought this for us, and we love it. It is made of cotton, washes well, and requires no ironing.
- Dyson Cordless Vacuum: A cordless vacuum cleaner can be an investment initially, but it is a huge upgrade from the heavy vacuum cleaner you have to carry around the house. This thing is a powerful tool that will make cleaning, dare I say it, fun!
- Caskata – Arbor Blue Rimmed Oval Platter: Every time I use this plate, I get messages from people asking me about it. It is one of those classic servewares that will never go out of style. If you want to see it in person, check out my recipes for Friendsgiving and Grilled Shrimp.
- Mahabis Slippers: These are Dwight’s favorite slippers. Made with sustainable, recycled, and organic materials, they are comfortable and stylish at the same time.
- Weezie White Robe: A friend of mine gifted me one of these bathrobes for my birthday with my initials on it. It is a beautiful, good-quality bathrobe that I know I will be using in the years to come. Plus, I love the fact that Weezie is an Atlanta-based small business.
- Quince Mongolian Cashmere Sweater: High-quality cashmere at an affordable price might sound too good to be true, but I assure you that these sweaters are beautiful and good quality.
- Quince Mongolian Cashmere Pom Pom Beanie: This is a cashmere beanie that will never go out of style. It is super soft and keeps you warm.
- Dr. Dennis Gross Pro Facial Steamer: Ideal for all skin types, this pro facial steamer hydrates and purifies the skin in one simple step, revealing soothed complexion in about 9 minutes.
- Le Labo Candle Set: This splurge-worthy candle set is an elegant gift for someone who enjoys lighting candles around the house and finds them soothing.
- Oura Ring: This is a great gift for someone who is health conscious and enjoys keeping track of vital functions of his/her body. I bought mine a year ago as I wanted to start building historical data on my heart rate, sleeping patterns, and workouts. It is waterproof and works via an app on your smart phone.
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