2024 Foolproof Living Holiday Gift Guide

I’ve also rounded up a second list featuring gifts I’m personally buying for my loved ones this year. This one goes beyond the kitchen, with picks like stylish shoes, makeup, tech gadgets, and more.

And for the bookworms in your life, I’ve included my favorite cookbooks of 2024—perfect for gifting anyone who loves to cook or bake. Whether you’re shopping for the chef, the entertainer, or the trendsetter, you’ll find something here to make their holiday extra special!

Please know that some of the links below are affiliate links, and if you make a purchase, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Foodie Gifts Under $100

• OXO Good Grips Complete Grate & Slice Set: This is a kitchen essential I use all the time. If you’ve ever tried to slice a whole bunch of potatoes evenly for a recipe, you know that slicing vegetables can be super time-consuming and tricky with a knife.
  
  This mandolin makes it much easier to get those perfectly uniform slices in a fraction of the time. And it’s not just for potatoes—this set comes with more than one surface. You’ve got a coarse and medium grater plus a julienne slicer. And when it’s all done, clean-up is a breeze. Just toss everything into the dishwasher and you’re good to go!
  
  So, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly gift that makes kitchen prep faster, easier, and way more fun, this OXO Grate & Slice Set is the way to go. Trust me, it’s a total must-have!

• Digital Thermometer: When it comes to cooking meat, there is no other foolproof method than using a meat thermometer. The last thing you want is to spend big bucks on a piece of meat and overcook it because you do not know the internal temperature. This is where two of my favorite digital thermometers come in. I have two options for you:
  • ThermoPro TP16S Digital Meat Thermometer: Under $22, this probe thermometer is especially great for those long cooking times, like roasting a turkey. It’s super easy to use, has a long cord so you don’t have to keep opening the oven, and the large display makes it easy to keep track of your cooking. Once the turkey hits the perfect temperature, it’ll beep to let you know it’s ready!
  • Thermapen ONE: This one is a bit more premium, but it’s worth every penny for how fast and accurate it is. It gives you a reading in just one second, which is lightning-fast. Whether you’re grilling, roasting, or baking, it’ll tell you the temperature in no time.
• KitchenAid Variable Speed Corded Hand/Immersion Blender: This is an ideal gift for someone who is into making soups and sauces on the regular. Yes, you can use a blender to puree soups, but it is a bit of a hassle. This particular blender from KitchenAid is really easy to use. There’s just one button—no complicated settings—and it does the job every single time.
• Lodge Dutch Oven: While the wildly popular French brands like Staub and Le Creuset are wonderful, I think the more budget-friendly Lodge 6 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven is an excellent alternative. This six-quart Dutch oven is perfect for everything from soups and stews to baking bread. You can start on the stovetop, finish in the oven, and even store leftovers in the fridge—all in one dish.
• Herb Keeper: Fresh herbs are a game-changer in cooking, but keeping them fresh for long can be tricky. That’s where the OXO Green Polypropylene Herb Keeper comes in, and it’s less than $20. It’s an affordable gift for anyone who loves using fresh herbs, especially those who grow their own. This handy herb keeper hydrates and protects herbs, keeping them fresh for longer. All you do is fill the bottom with water to keep the herbs hydrated, and the basket allows for 360° air circulation, while the lid maintains humidity.
  I love the 2.8 QT version because it fits neatly on the door shelf of my fridge. But don’t worry—if you need something smaller or larger, they come in different sizes to suit your needs.
• Zwilling Fresh and Save Vacuum Sealer Machine and Starter Kit: The ZWILLING Fresh & Save Vacuum Sealer Machine was easily the best purchase I made this year. It’s a fantastic gift for anyone who loves to meal prep and keep their food fresh for longer. The starter kit comes with everything you need: a rechargeable vacuum sealer, a large glass storage container, and some reusable vacuum sealer bags. While the bags are great for snacks and if you are into sous vide cooking, I love the glass containers for storing prepared meals. They’re durable, reusable, and perfect for reducing plastic waste.
• Chef Aprons: Wearing a nice apron in the kitchen doesn’t just protect your clothes, it also makes cooking feel more special and enjoyable. Plus, if you and your spouse like to cook together, matching aprons can really add to the experience. My husband and I love wearing ours when we cook—it just makes everything more fun!
  I have two options for you at two different price points.
  • One of my favorites is this Afun Chef’s Apron, which is less than $20 and it comes in a variety of colors. My husband Dwight and I are fans of the green and cream colors, but you have plenty of options when it comes to color choices.
  • If you want to splurge a bit more, you can go for the wildly popular Hedley & Bennett aprons. Their prices range from $90 to $200, and they’re known for being durable, easy to clean, and stylish. 
• Gift of Learning: My next idea, a yearly membership to an online cooking school, is not a tool in the kitchen per se, but it is the gift of learning. And again, there are two I personally love and highly recommend.
  • The first one is America’s Test Kitchen, which is $49.95 for a whole year. This membership offers over 14,000 science-backed recipes, most of which come with fun-to-watch how-to videos. Plus, you get access to 8,000 unbiased product reviews and all episodes of their popular TV shows. This is one membership I’ve kept for over 10 years now, and I’ve learned so much as I’ve honed my cooking skills and created recipes for Foolproof Living.
  • The second one I’ve been loving is Masterclass. It’s a place where you can learn from the best of the best in the field of cooking—chefs like Thomas Keller, Gordon Ramsay, Alice Waters, and more. The classes are short and to the point, and they even come with printable handouts, so you can keep the recipes, even if you decide not to continue your membership.
• Electric Knife Sharpener: Whenever I hear someone say they don’t enjoy cooking, I always wonder about the condition of their knives. Dull knives can really take the fun out of prepping, and that’s why an electric knife sharpener is such a great investment—and an ideal gift for anyone who loves to cook.
  Now, I’ll be honest, the one I own was a gift I received from a close friend about 5 years ago and it is almost $200. However, there are so many options out there that is a fraction of the price.
  •  I like this other Chef’s Choice electric sharpener for its ease of use, no bells and whistles, just a simple electric knife sharpener. 
  • If you prefer one that offers a bit more, this three-stage electric knife sharpener comes with 100% diamond abrasives and precision angle guides that would work with straight-edge and ceramic knives.
    

The Gifts I Am Buying For My Loved Ones:

• Remarkable: My husband specifically asked for this digital notebook for Christmas, and I can see why! It’s perfect for anyone who spends their day taking notes, reviewing documents, or even journaling. With its distraction-free design and a focus on privacy, it’s a thoughtful gift for anyone who values their ideas and creativity. Plus, they’ll never need to buy another notebook again!
• Chanel All Eyes on Gift Set: Chanel’s holiday gift sets are always a hit and sell out fast—and this one is no exception! I love this set because it features their incredible mascara, one of my all-time favorites. Plus, the adorable carrying case is a collector’s dream and doubles as a chic little makeup bag.
• Suri Toothbrush: Everyone in my family is getting one of these toothbrushes. With over 40 hours of battery life and a travel-friendly carrying case, it’s perfect for life on the go. The built-in UV-C LED light is a game-changer, eliminating 99.9% of harmful bacteria in just one minute.
• Meta Wayfare Glasses: I recently tried on Meta’s smart glasses after meeting someone who owns a pair, and I was impressed! With the click of a button, you can listen to music or podcasts and capture photos or videos seamlessly. They make an innovative and thoughtful gift, especially for content creators.
• English Floral Serving Bowl: I couldn’t resist getting this as a gift for myself—I’m absolutely in love with the charming English floral pattern! If you’re like me and have a soft spot for gorgeous bowls and plates, this salad bowl is definitely worth adding to your collection.
• Oura Ring: I have been using an Oura ring for over 3 years now and cannot recommend it enough. It works through an app and measures a variety of physiological metrics like heart rate, how much sleep I get, heart rate, breathing rate, and body temperature.
• Veja Sneakers: These trendy French sneakers, crafted in Brazil and Portugal, are everywhere right now—and for good reason! Stylish and sustainably made, they’re definitely on my wishlist. I’m planning to snag a pair for myself as soon as they go on sale.
• Bistro Tile Monogram Mug: When I need a gift for someone I don’t know too well, a mug is always my go-to. These bistro tile mugs are the perfect choice—they’re stylish, personal, and affordable, making them a beautiful yet budget-friendly option.
• Custom Book Embassor: This customizable book embosser makes a thoughtful gift for any book lover who devours their way through a library’s worth of reads. With a variety of designs to choose from, it’s easy to find one that perfectly suits your loved one’s style.
• The Demi: These red ballet flats are perfection! I bought a pair a few years ago, and they’ve been a staple in my wardrobe ever since. Handmade in Spain with real leather, they’re as timeless as they are comfortable.
• The Lake Pijamas: Based here in Atlanta, Lake Pajamas are a bit of a splurge, but they’re the softest pajamas I’ve ever owned. They wash beautifully, and this kimono-style set is my absolute favorite—both to wear and to gift!
• Blingy Shoes: I recently picked up a pair of these sparkly shoes for a few upcoming holiday parties, and I’m so glad I did! The kitten heels make them super comfortable to wear, even for longer events. They look stunning with crisp white pants, creating a chic and festive look I absolutely adore.
• The Best Eye Shadow Palette: As someone who owns a lot of makeup (eye shadows are my weakness!), I can confidently say this palette is a game-changer. The quality is fantastic, and the shades are the perfect range of versatile brown tones. If you have this in your collection, you won’t need another!

Cookbooks Perfect For Gifting

This year, I had the pleasure of cooking from some truly exceptional cookbooks. Below are my absolute favorites—each one packed with delicious recipes, inspiring ideas, and stunning photography. If you’re looking for the perfect gift for someone who loves to cook, these gems are sure to impress!

• Keep It Zesty by Edy Massih: You don’t need to visit Edy’s Grocer in Brooklyn to experience the wildly popular Middle Eastern dishes Edy Massih is known for. In this cookbook, he shares recipes inspired by his Lebanese heritage, blending tradition with a modern, creative twist. From elevated takes on classics to approachable dishes for home cooks, this book brings the vibrant flavors of the Middle East right to your kitchen.
• Pass The Plate by Carolina Gelen: For the millions of fans following Carolina on Instagram, there’s no need to keep screenshotting her stunning recipes—they’re all here in one gorgeous cookbook! Carolina’s creativity shines in every dish, making this book a treasure for seasoned cooks looking to elevate their repertoire. While it’s not a beginner’s cookbook, it’s perfect for anyone ready to dive into ultra-creative recipes made with everyday ingredients. A fantastic gift for the adventurous home chef in your life!
• Big Vegan Flavor by Nisha Vora: This cookbook is a fantastic starting point for anyone curious about vegan cooking but unsure where to begin. Nisha’s warm and caring personality shines through as she breaks down the basics of veganism and introduces essential ingredients. Packed with approachable recipes for beginners and seasoned vegans alike, it’s as inspiring as it is practical. Plus, the stunning photography makes it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
• Pizza Night by Alexandra Stafford: Once you dive into Alexandra’s recipes, you’ll never want to order pizza again! This cookbook not only teaches you how to make incredible homemade pizza but also pairs them with restaurant-style seasonal salads for the perfect meal. Organized by season, it helps you make the most of what’s fresh and available at your local market. It’s an ideal gift for anyone who loves to entertain and impress with creative crowd-pleasers!
• Zaytinya by Jose Andres: If you’re looking to bring more Mediterranean flavors into your cooking, this book is a must-have. José Andrés shares authentic recipes inspired by his travels to Greece, Turkey, and Lebanon, where he learned from the locals themselves. As someone familiar with many Turkish recipes, I can vouch for their authenticity—they’re just like the ones my mom used to make. It’s a treasure trove of dishes that capture the heart and soul of Mediterranean cuisine.
• Evergreen Kitchen by Bri Beaudoin: This cookbook is a gem for anyone seeking creative and flavor-packed vegetarian dinners. Bri’s recipes span everything from sandwiches and salads to hearty bowls, catering perfectly to those who are health-conscious yet love bold flavors. Each recipe is accompanied by stunning food photography, letting you feast with your eyes before you even start cooking. It’s a must-have for the vegetarian or veggie-curious cook in your life.