It's that time of year when we're all searching for the best gifts to give all of our foodie friends and family members! Whether you're shopping for someone who loves to cook, loves to eat, loves to check out the latest restaurants, or all of the above, this 2021 holiday gift guide for foodies has you covered!
As always, I do include a few affiliate links in this post for products I truly use and love. This just means that if you make a purchase after clicking one of those links, I'll earn a little money (at no cost to you) to keep the kitchen up and running, which I promise to use to create more fun content like this! One of those affiliates is with Amazon, which requires a very clear disclosure: as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you have any questions about affiliates, please reach out!
For the foodie who loves a good book (not a cookbook)
Now, these are not cookbooks, but more of an actual read for someone who just loves to consume everything on the topic of food (and the famous foodies we know and love!). There are two books that have come out this year that are a must-read on any foodie's list!
Taste: My Life Through Food by Stanley Tucci is a memoir of Tucci's life through food. Growing up in an Italian American family, food played a major role in his upbringing. He previously published The Tucci Cookbook and The Tucci Table, and Taste: My Life Through Food is his latest release sharing a peek into the food-centric stories that shaped him into the person we know and love!
World Travel: An Irreverent Guide by Anthony Bourdain and Laurie Woolever came onto the scene with a bang. Written post-mortem, the book is a guide to some of the world's most fascinating places, according to Bourdain. His words are supplemented by essays by some of his friends, family and colleagues. To be fair, the book has received some criticism - travel recommendations may be "outdated" and some don't appreciate how much content was contributed by people other than Bourdain. But for anyone that is a Bourdain fan, I think they'll appreciate this book as a compilation from one of the world's most well-respected travelers and foodies who left us far too soon.
For the foodie all about function
Hear me out on this one. These might not be the sexiest gift you might give or receive, but they are genuinely life-changing kitchen tools and two of my very favorite things in my kitchen. I would be thrilled to receive these (honestly, there is a GIR spatula in my own stocking...). If you have a foodie that is all about the best and most functional kitchen tools, these are the perfect gift.
GIR spatulas are truly my favorite kitchen utensil, and these are really worth it! GIR (Get It Right) makes all kinds of kitchen utensils -- spatulas, flips, spoons, whisks, spoonulas, you name it -- but for me, the spatulas are really where they shine. They come in a variety of different sizes (I like the Ultimate and the Skinny the best) and a huge range of colors to suit any kitchen. They're the perfect combination of sturdy and flexible, dishwasher safe, stain-resistant, and heat resistant up to 550F (since they always somehow end up in the pan, amiright??).
MENU salt and pepper grinders are primarily, beautiful, but also the most functional salt and pepper grinders I've ever used. Their inverted design means that the salt and pepper comes out of the top (and doesn't leave a dusting all over your countertops...). They also hold a lot of peppercorns and coarse salt, so you're not constantly refilling them. They're a bit $$ but I promise they are worth every penny and you will never look back.
For the foodie all about presentation
The Wood Marble Pedestal Cake Stand from Crate & Barrel is a timeless classic and looks great in any setting. The marble top is stunning paired with the acacia wood base and is perfect for displaying a cake, donuts, meringue, or cookies. Full transparency, it looks like this is no longer in stock to ship in time for the holidays, but may be available for in-store pick up, so be sure to check!
The Eve Coupe Cocktail Glass from CB2 is one of my favorite purchases from this year. It's such a showstopper. The modern design with the classic coupe shape makes this perfect for holiday entertaining. It looks like this is currently on backorder online, so be sure to check availability at your local store.
For foodie who needs the latest equipment
If you're looking to give a more substantial gift, you can't go wrong with adding to someone's collection of favorite cookware. But if you're open to trying something new, there are two recommendations that I think are always a winner.
The Small Fry from Great Jones is one of the most functional pans in our kitchen. You can't go wrong with a small skillet. This pan is incredibly non-stick, gorgeously designed, and has NO RIVETS on the inside of the skillet itself. For anyone that has scrubbed a skillet after a particularly gritty meal, you'll know what a big deal this is!
The Anova Precision Cooker sous vide is such an excellent addition to any kitchen. Do you like the convenience of a slow cooker, but don't want to store something that large? Do you like meat that is perfectly cooked every time no matter what? Sous vide is the answer for you. It's as easy as setting the temperature, putting your food into a plastic bag, and dropping it in the hot water for a few hours. Perfect every time!
For the foodie who needs a tasty bite (all of us, right?)
Since we all need a little something tasty under the tree or in the stocking, these are a few of my favorite food items to give as gifts.
Hot Honey from Savannah Bee Company is perfect for anyone who loves a spicy and sweet combo! Put this on waffles, cornbread, pizza or add to a cocktail.
The Infused Salt Set from Jacobsen Salt Co. is beautiful and delicious, and a great way to taste a variety of different sea salts. Six small vials of different flavors will let you get a taste for what you like best. Flavors include Rosemary Salt, Habanero Salt, Pinot Noir Salt and Black Truffle Salt.
Homemade vanilla extract is an easy gift to make, looks beautiful, and tastes absolutely incredible. The best thing? You don't even have to plan ahead. Just create a bottle (or 2 or 3) and mark them with a "ready on" date. The gift receiver can then let it sit for a few weeks (at least 8 weeks) while it matures.
For the foodie who likes to take pictures
Do you know a foodie who loves to take pictures of what they're eating or cooking? If they want to boost their photography skills - either just as a fun hobby or as something more serious - an educational course could be the way to go!
iFoodtography School is a go-at-your-own-pace online course taught by Sarah Crawford of Broma Bakery. The course teaches you how to take stunning pictures just with your phone! Whether you're someone who takes pictures of your food in restaurants or snaps a pic of the dish you just made at home, this can help make your photos even more drool-worthy!
Foodtography School is the main online course offering from Sarah Crawford. Foodtography School is specifically targeted to those who want to treat their photography as an art form, create a standout online presence, and turn your photography into a business. A perfect gift for the budding food photographer!
If you’re interested in any of the Foodtography School offerings (they also sell presets, guides and templates), you can sign up here. Use code JESS at checkout for 15% off everything on the site!
For the foodie's stocking
If you need a little something to pop into a stocking, these two items are colorful, festive, and just perfect.
Granf Lantz Wool Wine-O's are a design-forward way to mark which glass is yours. Lantz is known for his stunning Merino wool creations (he also makes coasters, pan handles, wine bottle carriers and more), but these wine markers are just asking to be added to a stocking! Plus, they're stain-resistant, which we can all certainly use.
These Beaded Wreath Napkin Rings from World Market are SO CUTE! Personally, I cut off the bow and the bauble, but the beaded wreath portion is stunning. The perfect color pop and amount of sparkle for a holiday table (or could be a really cute ornament...
One thing you don't see on this holiday gift guide for foodies: food ornaments. Yes, there are tons of them and they are ADORABLE, but if you can hold off until just after the holiday, they will be on steep discount, and I guarantee you they will be selling the exact same ornaments again next year. I always try to get out in the week after Christmas to see what I can pick up from stores like Sur la Table, Food52, Crate & Barrel, West Elm, and I just recently spotted some from NordicWare (a mini bundt pan ornament).
Hopefully you've enjoyed this holiday gift guide for foodies and it has given you some good inspiration! Happy gifting and happy holidays!
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