25 Delicious Gift Ideas for Beginner Cooks

Posted on by

Gift giving is hard work: not only do you want to find something that the recipient might not have thought of getting, but also something that they will truly appreciate and use. If you know someone who has really gotten into cooking over the past year, I have ideas for creative gifts that will let them know that you’ve noticed their new hobby and want to support it.

A great apron goes a long way.

An apron can be a deeply personal item for those who love to cook, and as a gift it is ideal because it comes in a wide range of prices. If you don’t have a ton of money, you can still get a great apron that will last a long time; and if you’re feeling extravagant, you can also find some elegant, high-end models. Keep in mind that not every apron is suitable for every body type. Bib aprons are popular among men, cross-back aprons are suitable for larger people, and bib aprons are better suited for women. Plus, while fun aprons are popular gifts, they’re often not very well made and therefore aren’t all that easy to use. When it comes to aprons, ease of washing and durability are of the utmost importance, but that doesn’t mean you have to get them something boring.

Don’t be afraid to give knives as gifts

For years I worked at Williams Sonoma on the gift registry and people always said they didn’t consider knives to be “giftable.” I didn’t agree then and I don’t agree now. One of the best gifts I ever received was a Japanese serrated bread knife. Good knives are expensive, and chefs are often hesitant to buy them for themselves, but they are one of the best kitchen investments a person can make. Consider one awesome knife or a whole set, depending on how much you want to spend. Remember, gifts are not what you think, but what the recipient thinks.

Silicone utensils and a set of mixing bowls.

A fantastic set of mixing bowls will come in handy for hundreds of different tasks besides mixing. They can be used for storage, serving and, if they are particularly nice, tabletop decorations. And silicone utensils like spatulas and spoons have become must-have items that are usually well-constructed enough to stand the test of time. (Mine are over 20 years old.) The silicone sticks to the sides of the bowls, allowing you to scrape down every last crumb. They’re also heat-resistant, protect nonstick pans from damage, and are dishwasher safe. A great set of these cookware and a few bowls is a stellar gift that will last for years to come.

Their first food processor or mixer

Yes, people are down to Cuisinart and KitchenAid machines, but these handy countertop appliances open up a whole world of culinary possibilities. For example, KitchenAid mixers come with a variety of attachments for cooking pasta, processing tomatoes, spiralizing fruit, and more. And a food processor speeds up the chore of chopping, often doing it much more skillfully than someone could do it by hand. (I use mine to grind hard bread into gourmet breadcrumbs.) Whether you use a smaller herb grinder or a colorful mixer, these appliances take pride of place on the kitchen counter.

Cooking courses

If your friend or loved one has expressed interest in a particular style of cooking, find a local class or series of classes in that style that they might enjoy. Check availability at your local college and nearby retailers such as Sur La Table and Williams Sonoma. You could also consider something like a workshop, an online option. For a nice touch, pack a matching cookbook under the tree.

Finally, don’t overlook the value of gift cards, which may seem impersonal but are not. They directly communicate to the recipient that they know what they want better than anyone else. For the aspiring chef, shopping at a local kitchen supply store may be just what they want.

More…

0
Cooking

Leave a Reply