Introduction to Best Holiday Gifts for Cooks
I woke this morning, Black Friday, to see a mass of humanity at the nearby mall. Oddly, the parking lot had been nearly empty for weeks prior to the official kick-off to the Christmas shopping season. I personally don’t understand why people choose to subject themselves to the crowds and horrendous traffic on this day, but to each their own.
For those of you who would rather avoid the pressing crowds at your local mall, I have produced this shopping list for the cooks for whom you may be shopping. Shop on-line, check out other peoples reviews as well as my highlights herein, and I believe you will be rewarded with a gift that will please any discerning chef.
Amazon’s Best Gifts for Cooks
Mike’s Recommendations:
Gifts Under $25
Kuhn Rikon Original Swiss Peeler 3-Pack
This high quality peeler has a durable, super sharp blade and an ergonomic design. I chose a 3 set given the economical price and versatility of these peelers.
They are perfect for a wide variety of fruit and vegetables (both soft and hard) and more. The peeler features a razor-sharp straight carbon steel blade that makes peeling a breeze. The design includes a convenient potato eye remover and can be used by the left or right hand.
- The manufacturer states they are dishwasher safe, but recommends hand-washing with warm, soapy water. Be sure to dry the blade.
- Made in Rikon, Switzerland since 1986 and more than 20 million sold worldwide
Personalized Dolomite Floral Spoon Rest
- Every kitchen needs a spoon rest to keep their stove top or kitchen counter neat and tidy. This one features a beautiful, raised floral design sure to complement your existing kitchen décor.
- Personalize the utensil rest with 1 line of hand-painted text with up to 12 letters and spaces.
NLUS 2 Pack Kitchen Cooking Aprons (M/W)
Aprons are ubiquitous in the kitchen, but if perhaps you have a new cook just getting started, this is a thoughtful and inexpensive gift. There are of course hundreds of choices in this category, but I thought the 2-pack made sense for an inexpensive gift. My thinking is that the two-pack allows you to buy for a young newlywed couple or perhaps those just becoming empty-nesters…and in either case, beginning their cooking journey together.
- The aprons for made of more than 60% cotton and less than 40% polyester
- Come with 2 pockets as well as an adjustable neck bib.
- Machine-washable, fade-proof, resists wrinkles, dry cleaning, tumble dry with low heat and shrinkage.
Steel Nesting Measuring Cups and Spoons Set of 20
These measuring cups and spoons are all made out of one piece of metal so the handles will never bend or break off. They are rust resistant, made of durable stainless steel, with a thickened the cup body to avoid cracking
- Easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
- Each measuring cup also has markings both inside and outside.
- The measuring spoons are slim and narrow to fit into small spice jars or herb containers.
- The set comes with 7 stainless measuring cups: 1/8, 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, and 1 cup, and a measuring spoon set of 7: 1/16 tsp, 1/8 tsp, 1/4 tsp, 1/2 tsp, 3/4 tsp, 1 tsp, 1 tbsp, and 1 bonus Leveler & 5 Mini Measuring Spoons.
Lipper International 8815 Bamboo Wood and Acrylic Cookbook Holder
*Note: Many cookbook holders may not protect larger cookbooks
I have really enjoyed my acrylic cookbook holder. Sadly, I lost it in a recent move and I need to replace it. This will be the one I choose as a replacement (we engineers are not very extravagant).
This particular stand features an adjustable back so you can fit a variety of cookbook thicknesses. The back is sturdy and will support any cookbook, allowing you a hands-free view.
- The acrylic splatter screen protects your treasured books from splashes, keeping them clean and useful for years.
- Made from bamboo wood and acrylic
- Dimensions when open: 12 1/2″ x 9 1/4″ x 6 3/4″ *
Cushioned Anti-Fatigue Kitchen Rug
These beautiful kitchen mats are the perfect gift for cooks that spend hours on their feet in the kitchen and come in 11 different colors:
- These anti-fatigue kitchen mats are ergonomically designed and extra thick, providing comfortable support.
- The top of the anti-fatigue gel mat is designed with an attractive texture, complementing any kitchen decor.
- Bottom is made of a non-slip material.
The Blue Zones Kitchen: 100 Recipes to Live to 100 – spiral bound
Author Dan Buettner has gathered 100 recipes inspired by the Blue Zones, those “areas” home to the healthiest and happiest communities in the world. Each dish uses authentic ingredients and cooking methods of each of the zones. By so doing, he ensures the recipes deliver the same wellness and longevity results enjoyed by the inhabitants.
The recipes also include lifestyle tips (including the best times to eat dinner and proper portion sizes), all gathered from countries as far away as Japan to those in closer proximity, such as Blue Zones project cities in Texas.
Elite Gourmet EOM205 Non-Stick Omelet, Frittata, Snack Pocket Maker
I can give a hearty thumbs up to this inexpensive kitchen “utensil”. I love omelets, but never bothered to make them before buying this little gem. I now can effortlessly whip up omelet or frittata in not much more than 10-15 minutes.
- This machine makes it easy to make omelets, frittatas, quiches and snack pockets for those of you that would like a departure from the morning cereal.
- The non-stick cooking surface makes it easy to both scoop out your omelet and clean up afterwards as well.
Gifts Under $75
Fullstar All-in-1 Vegetable Chopper, Mandoline Slicer & Cheese Grater
For the cook that uses a lot of fresh vegetables in their cooking, this gadget is a god send. With 5 interchangeable blades, this kitchen chopper can meet all of your slicing, grating and chopping needs.
- The easy-to-use adjuster dial allows you to choose you desired thickness. You can also select the ideal size for your chopped vegetables by simply changing the inserts.
- Bonus handheld spiralizer – compact and easy to use.
Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Garlic Roaster with Bamboo Tray (2)
This black cast iron roaster comes pre-seasoned and is ready to use right out of the box. It works great in both the oven or on the grill. The flat lid is a traditional dutch oven style. The stainless steel handle on both lids allows for ease of lid removal.
Impress you family and friends with this exquisite cooking and/or serving dish. Great for gifting to your loved ones.
Original Hinged Cookbook Holder – Acrylic/Wood Base and Brass Hinges
This holder is adjustable for the thickness of the book and the best viewing angle. The hinged front allows for easy page turning and protects your favorite cookbooks from kitchen splatter.
- Native maple base and brass-plated metal hinges provide a classic look.
- Front cover is 11-3/4″ x 9-3/4″.
- Clear acrylic splatter shield
- Made in America by Clear Solutions Household
McCook Knife Sets, German Stainless Steel Kitchen Knife Block Sets with Built-in Sharpener – On Sale
This kitchen knife set comes with a built in sharpener. It saves you from having to honing blades on a sharpening steel.
- Made of forged, high-carbon one-piece German stainless steel.
- Cutlery knife block set is tarnish-resistant and rust-resistant.
- Optimized weight and ergonomic design make this kitchen knife easy and comfortable to use.
- 5 pieces knife set with block includes: 8″ chef knife, 8″ slicing knife, 5″ santoku knife, 5.5″ serrated utility knife, 5″ fine edge utility knife, 3.5″ paring knife, 6pcs 4.5″ serrated steak knife, 2 pairs of kitchen shears, and hard wood knife block with built-in sharpener.
Elite Gourmet EBM8103B Programmable Bread Maker Machine 3 Loaf Sizes
I have always had a soft spot for artisan breads. My wife and I received a bread machine for our wedding almost 29 years ago. Regrettably, it was lost in a move and we never replaced it. I have included this affordable model in my Christmas list as I intend to buy one for us for Christmas.
- You can now make artisan breads right at home. This Elite Gourmet bread maker does the kneading, rising and baking for you and is an Amazon favorite.
- This machine comes with 3 different settings for a 1-lb, 1.5-lb or 2-lb loaf of fresh bread.
- Comes with 19 pre-programmed menu for a variety of different types of doughs from basic white bread to even pizza dough.
- As a complimentary gift, consider this:
Mueller DuraCast 6 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven Pot with Lid
The DuraCast 6 Qt Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven is the ultimate cookware piece that is capable of cooking a variety of meals, from a delicious pot roast to gourmet macaroni and cheese. The natural heat retention of the cast iron pot combined with the enamel finish allows you to fry and sauté, sear, slow cook, stew, braise, boil, deep fry, roast, broil and bake!
- Suitable for all cooktops, including induction, oven and broil, it’s the most versatile cooking pot you will ever need!
- Of high quality and reasonable price (check out the price on the well known Le Creuset) this Dutch Oven will shine with its usefulness and versatility . Better yet, the DuraCast enamel cast iron cookware will last for years with its heirloom durability.
Betty Crocker Countertop Pizza Maker
This isn’t really a pizza oven, but I have heard from users that it gives you a pretty good pizza. In addition, it can be used for pancakes, quesadillas, and more.
Easy to Clean: The nonstick surface of this superior pizza cooker, grilled cheese maker, and panini maker make cleanup a breeze. Be creative and be messy without scrubbing the night away!
Gifts Under $150
Sonder Los Angeles, Large Teak Wood Cutting Board * (see price note below)
There is a reason teak is used for shipbuilding. Known for outstanding moisture resistance and strength due to its natural high oil content, Teak is an ideal material for cutting boards. The wood is hard enough to allow for clean cuts, but is still soft enough to maintain a knife’s edge. With proper care and monthly oiling, Laurel will outlast most items in your kitchen.
These cutting boards are hand made in Los Angeles from responsibly sourced from sustainable plantations. Finished safely. Free of BPA, phthalates, and formaldehyde.
*Note: This was on-sale at under $70 during post-Thanksgiving sales. It likely will go on sale after Christmas.
Cuisinart Kitchen in the box Bread Maker Machine with Gluten-Free Setting
For those of you who like hot, fresh bread and may have gluten allergies, this is the machine for you. I have had great luck with all of my Cusinart appliances. Given the Amazon reviews, I have no doubt this one will serve you well for many years.
- This bread maker has 15 customized automatic programs include 10 Bread Menus (Soft, Sweet, natrual sourdough, French bread, whole-wheat, gulten-free, etc), 5 Non Bread Menus (Cake, Jam, Yogurt, Dough..). It gives you lots of flexibility, with 3 loaf capacities; of 1/1.5 /2.0 lb and 3 crust color options in light/medium/dark.
- Simply add ingredients and press the START button once. The bread maker machine automatically mixes, kneads ingredients by kneading paddle, rises and bakes. You also can create your own menu using the dough and baking menu.
- Full stainless steel bread maker for long-lasting durability, rust-proof, elegant silver exterior, and tempered glass cover make the bread maker more like a work of art.
- As a complimentary gift, consider this:
Hamilton Beach Electric Pasta Maker
Many of you have been using a manual pasta maker (with crank) for years. It may be time to update to an electric maker. Not only will it make the pasta faster, but it looks to be extremely easy, based upon the reviews.
- MAKE 2-3 SERVINGS OF FRESH, HOMEMADE PASTA IN 15 MINUTES. This electric pasta machine mixes, kneads and extrudes the pasta for you. No drying is needed — once the noodles are extruded, you can boil them right away.
- INCLUDES 7 DISCS FOR 7 PASTA SHAPES: This easy-to-use pasta machine lets you choose from thick spaghetti, lasagna, spaghetti, angel hair, wide noodle, penne and fettucini.
- INTERNAL SCALE HELPS YOU MEASURE INGREDIENTS. This pasta maker weighs ingredients and helps calculate the ratio of flour to Water. After a little practice, you will be a Pro in no time.
Gifts Under $300
Cuisinart Air Fryer + Convection Toaster Oven, 8-1 Oven * (see price note below)
I have a slow cooker and a toaster oven, but admittedly have been recently eyeballing a multi-function air fryer. This 8 in 1 machine from Cuisinart (brand of my toaster oven) looks to be very versatile and gets great reviews.
This premium 1800 watt toaster oven and Air Fryer, is equipped with Air Fry setting plus toast, convection bake, bake, convection broil, broil, grill, warming feature, with a wide temperature range (Warm-450°F)
*Note: This was on sale after Thanksgiving for $160…so you may see a post-Christmas sale
Cuisinart Indoor Pizza Oven – Bake 12” Pizzas in Minutes
This is on my wish list. I have been looking at outdoor pizza ovens and then learned of these newly released indoor ovens. Note that this one is currently on sale. If you love pizza, buy this for your favorite cook and make sure you get invited to the pizza parties:
This unit can cook authentic 12″ Neapolitan pizza in 5 minutes or less (after 30 minutes of preheating). It is extremely versatile and will allow you to bake other regional favorites like deep dish, Detroit style, and New York style pizzas, all with customized toppings.
Engineered to reach 350°F-700°F in 20-30 minutes, this countertop oven ensures a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese, for cooking various pizza styles to perfection and delivering the most authentic and flavorful experience available.
Other Resources from Optimal Retirement Living
***************************************************************************************************************
Affiliate Disclosure: What are affiliate links?
Purchases are made on external affiliate company websites: When a reader clicks on an affiliate link located on www.optimalretirementliving.com to purchase an item, the reader buys the item from the seller directly (not from optimalretirementliving.com). Amazon and/or other companies pay optimalretirementliving.com a small commission or other compensation for promoting their website or products through their affiliate program.
Note: “As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.”
Prices are exactly the same for you if your purchase is through an affiliate link or a non-affiliate link. You will not pay more by clicking through to the link.