Shopping for people who like to cook may come off as a bit of a challenge, especially when they likely have all of the latest and greatest kitchen gadgets and tools out there. No matter what you choose to get your foodie friend, they’ll be thankful, but you can really blow them away with one of these presents.
To help you find a gift that the cook you’re shopping for will love (and actually use!), we chatted with experts in the field, including chef Elena Besser, who stopped by TODAY to recommend must-have gifts. Our editors (who double as foodies in their free time) shared items they’re loving as well — from cookbooks sure to help them hone their craft to high-tech toasters.
Food gifts seen on TODAY | Gadgets and small appliances | Food gifts | Cookware | Food prep gifts | Storage and organization | Cooking tools | Cookbooks | Accessories | FAQ | Meet the experts
Food gifts seen on TODAY
Rubirosa Pasta Sampler
Gifting them with an at-home pasta experience? That’s amore. Inside they’ll find three different pasta shapes sure to last them a while, as each one weighs out to a pound a piece, totaling out to three pounds of pasta noodles. Pair it with a Shop TODAY-loved sauce to make the perfect gift.
Fishwife Starter Pack
Our editors love this trendy brand not only because it makes a chic gift, but because of how easily it is to add to meals we’re already making.
This starter pack includes seven of the brands bestselling tins of fish, including Smoked Atlantic Salmon (well-loved by production associate Audrey Ekman), Albacore Tuna (a favorite among associate partnerships editor Lauren Witonsky) and other fan favorites.
Maldon Salt Sea Salt Flakes
Whether you’re using this to rim cocktail glasses, or finish off chocolate chip cookies (like associate editor Kamari Stewart does), this salt takes anything “to the next level,” she says.
“You also don’t realize how much three pounds of salt actually is (hint: it’s a lot), so I know this will last me a while and was worth every penny,” Stewart says.
Graza Olive Oil Gift Set
This “sizzle” and “drizzle” duo is a set that home cooks can use while cooking, as a salad dressing, on top of popcorn and other foods, and even as a topper for ice cream.
We especially adore Graza for their squeeze bottle concept, that makes it easy to “drizzle” contents over food.
Stellar Granola Variety 4-Pack
Stellar Granola encourages consumers to stock up just in time for the holidays — to take and share snacks wherever you’re going. Whether it’s roadtripping to grandparents house or mixing them in with a parfait in the morning, this set includes four of the brands “core” flavors.
The Lost Kitchen Morning in Maine Pancake Box
The items included in this set are the perfect recipe for a slow Sunday morning: pancake batter, blueberry toppings, blueberry maple syrup and more.
It even includes supplies such as mixing spoon for getting the batter to be just right, a glass butter dish for storing it in the fridge and a hand towel for wiping up messes afterwards.
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A cut above the rest$undefined$200.95
Gadgets and small appliances for home cooks
The CRIMPiT Circle
This hacky gadget allows you to create crustless sandwiches at home. To use, simply place your bread in the device, spread your favorite filling and press down the Crimpit. When you’re done, you can pop your treat in the toaster for a toasty treat. Plus, it’s great for people of all ages. “Even though I’m an adult, I still don’t want the crust for some reason,” Content creator Corey Bonalewicz, better known as Corey B on social media, says. “It’s the kid still in me.”
Dash Mini Bundt Cake Maker
Dash captured the hearts of the home cook with their affordable mini waffle maker. However, they didn’t stop there. The brand released their mini bundt cake maker, which the cook in your life can add to their mini appliance collection. With a price point under $20, the handy device is an affordable gift for the cook in your life.
Dash Deluxe Rapid Egg Cooker
If they’re big into breakfast, consider an egg cooker. This one from Dash can cook a dozen eggs at once and to their preferred doneness, but it can also steam vegetables, dumplings and warm tortillas for taco night.
Saiji Tablet Stand Holder
Shopping for a foodie who is also a content creator? Bonalewicz uses this tablet stand holder to create his videos. He says creators he collaborates with often ask him, “This is all you use?” He says when he goes to film videos with celebrities, “I just bring my camera stand — the thing fits in my backpack — and my phone. And that’s it.”
County Line Kitchen Cold Brew Mason Jar
Let them make their own cold brew with this top-rated mason jar set. Start off by putting coffee in the filter and filling the jar with water and sealing shut with the lid. After sitting in the fridge overnight, they will have a fresh batch ready to go for their morning commute.
True Crystal Clear Ice Cube Tray
Spirits connoisseurs will adore this mold because it makes four large crystal-clear ice cubes just like what they might get at a craft cocktail bar. They’ll also appreciate the fact that America’s Test Kitchen considers it the Best Clear Ice Mold after rigorous testing.
Stovetop Popcorn Popper
Gift your favorite foodie a popcorn maker to go with their weekly movie marathons. This popper can create up to six quarts of popcorn, plus it features cool innovations like a patented stirring mechanism to leave no kernel unturned.
Grosche Stovetop Espresso Maker
Coffee lovers are sure to enjoy this stovetop espresso maker. The pot can make up to six espresso cups at a time and works on both gas or electric stovetops. With a wooden handle and finger burn guard, they won’t need to worry about injuring themselves as they pour themselves a piping mug of joe. It also comes in nine different colors perfect for every kind of home aesthetic, ranging from a deep blue to a speckled mint.
Instant Pot 8-Cup Rice Cooker
If Bonalewicz could only have one kitchen appliance, it would be this Instant Pot rice cooker that includes a non-stick ceramic coated pot, dishwasher-safe steamer tray, rice measuring cup and rice spoon.
“Air fryers are cool, but I feel like rice cookers can do so much more,” he says. “College kids, they want cheap meals. And what’s cheap? Rice. Rice is cheap. You can cook meals and can steam your rice. You can make cakes in a rice cooker. Rice cookers can do so many things that I didn’t know that they could do.”
Cuisinart Griddler
Whether you recognize the beauty of a pressed panini or the satisfaction of a golden pancake stack, this griddler is guaranteed to please the taste buds and the stomach. Capable of acting as a grill, panini press and griddle, the appliance is the perfect gift for cooks.
Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker Nano
While Claudia Dionne’s expertise lies in charcuterie, her “steak game has completely changed” ever since her mom gifted her this sous vide precision cooker. The machine circulates water at the temperature that you want your steak to finish cooking at. While she used to dread making steak, she now says, “I cook my steak perfectly every single time and I impressed all of my guests with this.”
Our Place Wonder Oven
If they are limited on space but not creativity, this tabletop oven is tiny but mighty! According to the brand, it can air fry, roast, broil, bake and reheat so you know they’ll be able to tackle any recipe. What’s more is, it can fit an entire chicken and cooks up to 30% faster than traditional ovens, says the brand.
Ninja Mega Blender
Upgrade their blender situation with this upscale option from Ninja. Not only does it have a 72-ounce capacity and four blades designed for baking, smoothies, individual servings and more, but it also features a built-in food processor for swifter meal prep.
Revolution R180B High-Speed Touchscreen Toaster
Editor Vivien Moon gifted this toaster to her brother, whose wife dubbed it the “Tesla of toasters.” It boasts a range of high-tech features, including the ability to perfectly toast up to six different styles of bread, from waffles to bagels.
There’s also seven different “toastiness” levels, depending on if your breakfast food of choice needs to be completely thawed or crisp around the edges.
Food gifts for home cooks
Loisa Organic Sazón Seasoning
Writer Jannely Espinal admits that this is the “best sazón” she’s received thus far. “I used it completely and my meal preps could have not been better without Loisa,” she says, admitting it tastes like “your Latina mom’s meal.”
Deux Salted Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Dough
Described as “crunchy,” “nutty” and “perfect” by social media editorial assistant Annie Shigo, this cookie dough can be baked in the oven as a late night snack, or indulged straight out of the package.
Jacobsen Salt Co. Black Garlic Salt
Salt is the most important ingredient in a kitchen. It’s used to season dishes and, depending on how and what type is used, it can also add a final touch of flair to things like steak and roasted chicken. This “flavor bomb” option from the Pacific Northwest-based company includes notes of caramelized garlic to let their next several dishes shine.
Fancypants Chocolate Chip Cookies
Stuff a little sweet treat in their stocking with these bite-sized cookies that pack powerful flavor with each bite. These cookies have earned compliments from many friends at each dinner party she attends, according to Shigo.
Sauz Wild Rosemary Marinara Sauce
This marinara sauce is Shop TODAY-approved, with multiple editors getting their hands on it to pair with pasta noodles, as a pizza sauce, or incorporating into other meals. Shigo named this her favorite out of the four flavors they offer, noting it has a sweet flavor not traditionally found in marinara sauces.
Production coordinator Camryn Privette also loves their hot honey marinara flavor, because “it’s the perfect balance of spicy, sweet but flavorful,” she says.
Brightland The Pair
Treat your favorite chef to this unique assortment of pantry essentials from Brightland. This box is a great way for them try new vinegar flavors utilizing fermented California grapes.
Truff Hot Sauce Variety Pack
Heat seekers love this truffle-loaded hot sauce, so consider this trio the perfect gift for the person who have several varieties of hot sauce sitting in their pantry at all times.
Moonrise Bagels Stuffed Bagels
Started in Woodstock, New York, Moonrise Bagels has quickly become an ultra-popular bagel shop thanks to their delicious stuffed bagels that look just as good as they taste. With this pack — which allows you to choose which six bagel flavors you want — you can try Moonrise Bagels’ most popular items. Your bagel options include Bacon, Egg and Cheese, Egg and Cheese, 100% Vegan, Sausage, Egg and Cheese, Buffalo Chicken and Pastrami Reuben. They ship nationwide, so snag them for your foodie friends before they sell out!
Best of Porter Road Box
Home chefs love high-end ingredients to cook with — even more so when somebody else is covering the bill. One of our favorite ingredient boxes comes from Porter Road, which includes two dry-aged steaks, two pork chops, two pounds of dry aged ground beef, one pound of bacon, one pound of country sausage and one pound of chorizo sausage. If you’re nice, they might even invite you over for dinner when they’re cooking something special.
“A Taste of it All” Meredith Marks Caviar Trio
“If you want to really treat yourself or a foodie in your life, get them caviar,” suggests Witonsky. “I would never buy it for myself because of the price, but always savor it when gifted a tin. This set from Meredith Marks Caviar comes with 3 different varieties to sample — though if I had to choose I’d say I like the Platinum White Sturgeon the best. Plus, it comes with a Mother-of-Pearl spoon which is a must for the taste test!”
Carnegie Deli The Ultimate Holiday Feast
“If you’re looking for a unique gift for the holidays, this is it,” says associate editor Allie Wise. “Give the gift of not having to cook with this decadent ultimate Holiday Feast from the iconic Carnegie Deli. It comes complete with pastrami, corned beef, rye bread, mustard and more. Finish off the dinner with a delicious cheesecake! Your belly will thank you!”
Cookware gifts for home cooks
Sur La Table Professional Carbon Steel Wok
Whether the cook in your life wants to perfect their sesame noodles recipe or try out a new stir-fry combination, this carbon steel wok will allow them to do it in style. The wok features a maple handle and carbon-steel body for all high-heat cooking.
Our Place Always Pan
If the cook in your life doesn’t already have Our Place’s Always Pan, be prepared to amaze them. The nonstick pan is designed to replace eight traditional pieces of cookware, according to the brand, plus it features a toxin-free ceramic coating, a stainless steel steamer basket, beechwood spatula and more.
Caraway Dutch Oven
If they’ve had a Dutch oven on their wish list, then look no further than this gorgeous take from Caraway. This ceramic-coated version with 37,000+ five-star ratings is compatible with all kinds of stovetops, is free of pesky PTFEs and comes in six stunning hues.
Uncommon Goods Personalized Cast Iron Pan
If they’re looking to take their cooking game to the next level, consider this personalized cast iron pan that’s currently featured on our Gifts We Love 2023 shopping guide. Not only is it designed to last generations, according to the brand, but you can customize it with their name and a significant date.
Sur La Table John Boos Maple Edge Grain Cutting Board
Prepare contents for chicken noodle soup, fruits and veggies to meal prep for the week and more, all without fear of damaging the wood, thanks to the brand’s cream coat.
This cutting board is reversible, with one side meant for cutting meat, and the flip side meant for all other foods.
Food prep gifts for home cooks
Enduring Keepsakes Personalized Rolling Pin
Make sure that Grandma’s cookies get the credit they deserve! A personalized, laser-engraved embossed rolling pin with her name on it should do the trick. Now everyone will know exactly who made those delicious treats!
ChefSofi Mortar and Pestle Set
A mortar and pestle can do everything from grind fresh herbs for sauces, to making fresh pesto and even salsas. We like this one with 15,000+ verified five-star ratings because it has a deep bowl and a relatively thick handle on the pestle so it’s easy to grab.
Great Jones Stir Crazy
Prefer mixing bowls that are a little more aesthetically pleasing? This ceramic set from Great Jones is not only “so retro and cute,” it’s also completely safe to place in the microwave, freezer and dishwasher.
Storage and organization gifts for home cooks
Chef’s Path Airtight Food Storage Container Set
Gone are the days of a million cereal boxes, bags of dried beans or half-eaten cookie tins. With this bestselling storage container set, they can decant everything into the clear bins so everyone can see snacks and ingredients clearly so everything gets used.
Crock-Pot Electric Lunch Box
After cooking up a storm, a healthy portion of leftovers can make-or-break a 9-to-5 job. Since lots of Shop TODAY staffers are home cooks, we added this electric lunch box to our list of Gifts We Love in 2023.
Kamenstein Ellington Revolving Countertop Spice Rack
Need parsley? Check. Fennel seed? Check. This rack comes with 16 pre-filled spice jars — and the best part is that it comes with free refills for five years!
W&P Porter 8-Piece Fridge Bundle
Keep single-use plastics out of the kitchen with this fridge bundle from Porter. The sustainable plastic and silicone containers can hold leftovers and pre-prepped ingredients in a stylish way that won’t clutter up the refrigerator.
Fresh & Save Vacuum Sealer Starter Set
Grab this vacuum sealer starter set, which has earned a 4.5-star average rating on Amazon for its ability to be used and cleaned easily. “Easy to clean and so far durable. I use them to store and freeze meat, poultry, fish, and some fresh fruit and vegetables,” one reviewer wrote. “Truly space-saving in our small refrigerator.”
Cooking tools for home cooks
Gracula Garlic Crusher
Let’s face it, most home chefs already have all the cooking essentials they need, like the best kitchen knife set and a top-rated air fryer. But sometimes the best cooking tools are cute and useful. This vampire-shaped garlic crusher is named Gracula. After placing a clove or two of garlic in the compartment, simply twist Gracula a few times to mince in seconds.
Microplane Rasp Grater
This microplane product has appeared in endless TikTok recipe videos for delicious dishes like bucatini al limone and olive oil cake. The handy tool’s soft-grip handle contrasts the stainless steel teeth on the grater that any cook can use to shave cheese, zest lemons and more.
Cookbooks for home cooks
“Come Hungry: Salads, Meals, and Sweets for People Who Live to Eat,” by Melissa Ben-Ishay
“I’m obsessed with how colorful, flavorful and veggie-forward all of these recipes are,” says associate social media editor, Dani Musacchio. “The instructions in the book are super easy to follow, even for a beginner cook like myself. This is a must-have cookbook to add to your collection and makes a really great gift for any foodie.”
“RecipeTin Eats Dinner,” by Nagi Maehashi
“This is my favorite cookbook,” says deputy editorial director, Ali Deabler. “It’s great for beginners or expert chefs, and every recipe has a QR code that will take you to a video to show her cooking it, so really really great for people who are more visual learners. And she also offers swaps if it’s a less common ingredient. Though overall everything has been really easy to get for me.”
“Justine Cooks: A Cookbook,” by Justine Doiron
“I have yet to make anything from this cookbook but I’ve just been constantly flipping through it because the pictures are so pretty and everything looks so delicious!” says writer Emma Stessman. “I am obsessed with Justine and I always love watching her videos on TikTok and Instagram so I’m excited to try some of these recipes. From what I’ve read so far all the dishes seem really approachable and also vegetable-forward.”
“What Goes With What,” by Julia Turshen
“This has been on my cookbook wish list ever since it was announced since Julia Turshen is behind one of my favorite cookbooks of the last decade, “Simply Julia.” No surprise here, this was such a satisfying read,” says senior SEO editor, Jess Bender. “What makes this cookbook so unique is that she includes a variety of different charts for each chapter highlighting the perfect balance of ingredients for a successful dish. I’ve made a few dressings plus a hearty chorizo sofrito rice since I checked this out of the library — chef’s kisses galore!”
“That Cheese Plate Wants to Party,” by Marissa Mullen
Head of research and development at Vermont Creamery, Gina Martano, says anyone who loves cheese should look to content creator and author Marissa Mullen for tips on building a cheese board. Not only does Martano believe that it’s an incredible book to gift to anybody, but she has built “so many” cheese boards with Mullen’s advice.
“She put together this process of building a cheese board, just an aesthetically beautiful cheese board, with step-by-step directions,” she says. “I’ve been very into it and just feel that beautiful artisan cheese deserves their moment.”
Accessories for home cooks
RSVP International Tear-Free Onion Goggles
If they claim they have everything they need in their kitchen arsenal, challenge that theory by gifting them these specs. These fog-free goggles protect their eyes from irritating onion enzymes, keeping the home chef tear-free and ready to slice and dice like a pro.
Uncommon Goods Pasta Candle Collection
“For a fellow foodie, I usually go for something edible, but these candles are the perfect gift when that’s not an option, or you just want to switch things up!” says Witonsky. “They come in fun farfalle and rigatoni shapes, are wrapped in a super cute box and are perfect for the pasta lover in your life.”
Kangaroo Original Standing Mat Kitchen Rug
While it might seem like a strange gift to give, we promise that the home chef in your life will love you for this padded mat. As they stand at the sink or stove, its thick foam (measuring at 3/4”) should feel cushiony under their feet and relieve pressure on their joints so they can keep cooking without a break.
Fortessa Jupiter Double Old-Fashioned Glasses
Beautiful rocks glasses are an accessory we can definitely get behind. Your wannabe bartender friends and family will love these textured, handcrafted old-fashioned glasses with beading detailing circling the glassware. Available in four dreamy colors, when these glasses aren’t in use, they are pretty enough to display and entice them to make cocktails for the group.
Meet the experts
- Corey Bonalewicz, known as Corey B on Instagram and TikTok, is a content creator and comedian who regularly tests viral cooking gadgets for his 22 million followers across all platforms.
- Elena Besser is a chef who has made many appearances on The TODAY Show, sharing recipes for green goddess salad, oven-baked baby back ribs and more.
- Claudia Dionne is the charcuterie board manager at Three Little Pigs Charcuterie, which began as a small shop in Greenwich Village and now is a nationally distributed brand. She recommends including some cheese, a few meats, a garnish, a crunch, some fresh herbs and a paté to any charcuterie board.
- Gina Martano is the head of research and development at Vermont Creamery. She aims to “create delicious products with the consumer at top of mind,” starting with high-quality milk from local Vermont farms.
