If you're looking for some gift ideas for the upcoming holiday season, consider the gift of good food and kitchen accessories to help those you love easily make delicious meals and memories.
I've been giving food products and kitchen tools as gifts for the past twenty years, and people love them because they're both unique and practical. Whether you're shopping for a beginner cook or a seasoned food enthusiast, here are some ideas that will be appreciated by all.
Quality extra virgin olive oil or a finishing olive oil such as lemon thyme or truffle
Olive oils are a healthy condiment full of flavor to uplevel any dish.
You can look for quality olive oil at a local specialty shop or online. Here are some online ideas:
Specialty vinegar such as champagne or aged balsamic to pair with olive oil
The perfect salad dressing begins with high-quality olive oil and vinegar.
All-natural and all-purpose spice blends like Herbs de Provence
A spice blend like Herbs de Provence will elevate any dish and avoid condiments full of sugar, salt, and chemical additives.
Italian or French hazelnut spread
Healthier than Nutella and ideal for crepes. Yum! Making crepes is a wonderful family activity.
A unique assortment of Italian pasta straight from Italy made with Italian flour
The right pasta can be a game changer for those with gluten sensitivity.
French syrups to make "fancy" sodas
These treats are loved by kids. They are also economical and fabulous for holiday entertaining.
French orange water
For the cook who has everything, this no-calorie ingredient is an exciting addition to baked goods, drinks, and homemade whipped cream.
These high-quality ingredients will elevate any dish and make cooking a truly enjoyable experience.
Kitchen tools will help create delicious and easy family-friendly dinners. From innovative gadgets to time-saving utensils, these tools are designed to make time in the kitchen more efficient and enjoyable.
Raclette grill
Raclette is a traditional French and Italian dish served in the winter months, and there is hardly any cooking involved. All that is needed is a raclette grill and a few simple ingredients —an assortment of charcuterie such as bresaola, prosciutto, capicola, ham, and salami, boiled potatoes, and raclette cheese. A raclette dinner is easy and impressive for entertaining, and kids love it!
Sparkling water maker
To go with the French syrups, it makes homemade healthy sodas and saves money.
French fry cutter
This French fry cutter creates perfect and uniform French fries in seconds. It's a must-have for families with kids and perfect for a $20 and under gift exchange.
Kids crinkle cut knife
This child safety knife makes it easy to bring kids into the kitchen to learn and to give parents a hand preparing dinner. The scalloped edge also adds beauty to any dish.
Crêpe pan
No menu is complete without French crêpes. They are easy to make, freeze well, and can be used to make delicious meals in minutes. Making crêpes is also a wonderful family activity.
Le Creuset
A Dutch oven is an essential kitchen item for every home cook. It's perfect for braising meat and vegetables, and it's also convenient for making soups and even cooking pasta. Investing in a Le Creuset Dutch oven is a wise decision as it guarantees quality and is built to last a lifetime.
Copper pan
Copper is the best conductor of heat; copper pans or copper-lined pans are the choice of chefs everywhere. A good copper pan will uplevel the quality of food and, when cared for, last a lifetime and become a family heirloom.
Pepper grinder
Fresh ground pepper has amazing health benefits, so it's a must for every home. Give the gift of an artistic or handmade pepper grinder.
Mini food processor
Helping someone save time is a gift that lasts forever, and a mini food processor will do just that. It can be used to make salad dressings, purees, baby food, pestos, and more in minutes. It also chops onions and vegetables in seconds with just a few pulses and without the hassle of using a large food processor. A mini food processor goes right in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.
Souper Cubes freezer storage
Dinner is easy when you have homemade goodness in the freezer. Souper Cubes are ideal for freezing soups, sauces, and pestos – even tomato paste and herbed butter.
Garlic roller
A garlic roller removes the garlic skin in seconds and is a time saver when garlic is difficult to peel.
Napkins, rings & knives
Last but not least, my favorite gift ideas are cloth napkins, napkin rings, and individual knives - a must for every table to add a touch of elegance and set the mood for a meaningful mealtime routine. They provide a reminder of how valuable it is to sit at the table every day and eat together. The benefits are priceless.
Learn More about napkins and rings
Learn More about personal knives
These gifts are more than just kitchen tools or ingredients. They can help your loved ones make quick and effortless meals while reducing the time spent and stress in the kitchen. These food products provide healthy and flavorful alternatives to processed foods, which can significantly improve the quality of meals and promote healthy eating.
And if you are looking for a unique hostess gift, bring a fresh rosemary plant. It will bring an invigorating aroma to the kitchen and elevate any dish with flavor and nutrients. Plus, they are pretty. Look for a fresh rosemary plant at your local grocery.
To find your perfect gifts, you can click the links below each suggestion or look for specialty stores in your neighborhood. The shopkeepers will help you learn about the products and find the perfect gift.
If you have any questions, you can always hit reply and ask - I'd love to help!
Happy cooking and happy holidays!
