Finding the perfect gift for someone passionate about food, a true foodie, can be a delightful challenge. You want to give them something they’ll genuinely appreciate and use, something that speaks to their culinary soul. Instead of adding to kitchen clutter, consider gifts that enhance their food experiences, introduce them to gourmet flavors, or upgrade their essential kitchen tools. Think luxurious cookware, unique ingredients, or curated food selections from renowned culinary sources. These are the kinds of Foodie Gifts that will truly impress, whether you’re searching for Christmas gifts for him, her, or any occasion for the food enthusiast in your life.
According to Will Edwards, Chef de Cuisine at Sweet Basil, “I like to go with more experiential gifts rather than adding to the clutter of someone else’s kitchen. It’s also not often that you get to cook with some of the more luxurious ingredients out there.” This insight highlights the importance of choosing gifts that are both practical and special for the foodie in your life.
While some gifts are universally loved, Chef Edwards advises against gifting knives to experienced cooks, as knife preference is highly personal. However, for budding home chefs, high-quality basic kitchen tools can be incredibly valuable. To help you navigate the world of foodie gifts, we’ve curated a comprehensive list of exceptional kitchen and food-related presents, incorporating expert advice from Chef Edwards and the Southern Living editors. Let’s dive into the best foodie gifts to consider.
Top Foodie Gifts for Every Kitchen and Taste
1. Epicurean Gourmet Series Cutting Board
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/epicurean-c41981f0d72345f886f3a39fa25877cb.jpg)
A high-quality cutting board is an indispensable tool for any food lover, from seasoned chefs to beginners. The Epicurean Gourmet Series Cutting Board is a top-tier choice, favored by editors for its durability and thoughtful design. It features a juice groove to keep countertops clean and a stylish dual-tone look. Made from a composite material, it’s more resilient than wood or plastic and conveniently dishwasher safe. This cutting board is a practical and elegant foodie gift that will be used daily.
2. Cottage Lane Kitchen Hissy Fit Hot Sauce
For the foodie who loves a kick, Cottage Lane Kitchen Hissy Fit Hot Sauce is an excellent choice. This cayenne pepper vinegar-based hot sauce, crafted by a woman-owned, four-generation family business in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, adds the perfect heat to everything from breakfast eggs to late-night pizza. Gifting this hot sauce is gifting a burst of flavor and a taste of Southern tradition, making it a unique foodie gift.
3. S’well Prep Bowl Set
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SwellPrepFoodGlassBowls-153b17cc86b8438590a854a1f761edd0.jpg)
Organization is key in any kitchen, and the S’well Prep Bowl Set is a thoughtful foodie gift for those who love to prep ingredients or meals in advance. These durable Tritan bowls are transparent for easy content identification and nest neatly for space-saving storage. They are fridge, freezer, microwave, and dishwasher safe, offering ultimate convenience and making meal prep a breeze.
4. Food Huggers Fruit and Veggie Huggers
Reduce food waste with the innovative Food Huggers Fruit and Veggie Huggers. This set of silicone sleeves creates an airtight seal around cut fruits and vegetables, keeping them fresher for longer. An editor-favorite and a fantastic alternative to plastic wrap, these dishwasher-safe huggers are an eco-conscious and practical foodie gift.
5. OXO Stainless Steel Food Scale
For bakers and precise cooks, the OXO Stainless Steel Food Scale is an essential foodie gift. Using a food scale ensures accuracy in recipes, especially in baking where ingredient ratios are critical. This scale features a pull-out display, making it easy to read measurements even with large bowls, leading to consistently perfect culinary creations.
6. Meater Plus
Take the guesswork out of cooking meat with the Meater Plus wireless smart thermometer. Chef Edwards emphasizes the importance of temperature accuracy in cooking meat, stating, “There is no shame in using a thermometer to get it right.” This Bluetooth-connected thermometer allows for remote monitoring via a phone or tablet, ensuring perfectly cooked meat every time. It’s a high-tech foodie gift for achieving culinary precision.
7. Stargazer Cast Iron Skillet
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/105-inch-cast-iron-skillet-0a102f98c5de49b29ee446e9dd618655.jpg)
For a truly special foodie gift, consider the Stargazer 10.5-inch Cast Iron Skillet. Named the “favorite splurge option” after rigorous testing, this skillet boasts a nonstick surface and an angled rim for easy pouring. Its unique bronzed finish adds elegance to any kitchen. Made in the USA and backed by a lifetime warranty, it’s a durable and luxurious addition to any foodie’s cookware collection.
8. Mississippi Cheese Straw Factory Peppermint Cookie Straws Gift Tin
Perfect for the holiday season, the Mississippi Cheese Straw Factory Peppermint Cookie Straws Gift Tin is a sweet and festive foodie gift. These buttery shortbread straws are embedded with real peppermint chips and come in a decorative tin, ready for gifting. From a family-owned business known for cheese straws, these peppermint treats are a delightful and seasonal foodie gift.
9. The Flavor Bible
For foodies looking to expand their culinary horizons, The Flavor Bible is an invaluable foodie gift. Chef Edwards recommends it as “a great reference tool to get inspired.” This book is a comprehensive guide to flavor pairings, helping cooks understand ingredient combinations and develop their own unique dishes and recipes. It’s a gift that fosters culinary creativity and learning.
10. Franklin Smoke
Grilling enthusiasts will love Franklin Smoke, a cookbook by Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbecue. This book is packed with techniques and recipes for grilling and smoking, suitable for all skill levels and grill types. It’s a perfect foodie gift for anyone passionate about barbecue and outdoor cooking, offering expert guidance from a barbecue legend.
11. Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Bread Oven
For the bread-baking foodie, the Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Bread Oven is a dream gift. Featured on Oprah’s Favorite Things 2023, this bread oven has a domed lid that traps steam, creating a perfect rise and crust. Whether they’re experienced bakers or beginners, this Le Creuset oven will help them achieve bakery-quality bread at home, making it a truly special and luxurious foodie gift.
12. MasterClass Annual Membership
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/masterclass-annual-membership-dbaf416f627c4cec8110077cd514d702.jpg)
An experiential foodie gift like a MasterClass Annual Membership offers endless culinary learning opportunities. With access to over 180 classes taught by experts, including renowned chefs like Thomas Keller and Dominique Crenn, foodies can refine their skills and gain new perspectives on cooking. Chef Edwards highlights the value of learning from master chefs, making this membership an inspiring and educational foodie gift.
13. GIR Spatula
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/gir-ultimate-spatula-eb399fe979e94effa2ee2d8d207a353e.jpg)
You can never have too many spatulas, especially if they are GIR Spatulas. These silicone spatulas are incredibly versatile kitchen tools. With a strong yet flexible blade, they are perfect for mixing and scraping both wet and dry ingredients. Heat-resistant up to 550 degrees F and safe for nonstick cookware, a GIR spatula is a practical and quality foodie gift.
14. JB Prince Gray Kunz Sauce Spoon
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/jb-prince-gray-kunz-sauce-spoon-b72d6f82cfb640faaf601be1b0a2998b.jpg)
Elevate their kitchen utensil collection with the JB Prince Gray Kunz Sauce Spoon. Chef Edwards calls spoons, along with knives, “prized possessions” in professional kitchens. The Kunz spoon’s unique design is ideal for basting, plating, measuring, and saucing. Its versatility and professional quality make it an impressive foodie gift.
15. Unicorn Pepperstick
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/unicorn-pepperstick-0953fac2e9b348afbe13aef3a6cd241d.jpg)
Freshly ground pepper makes a significant flavor difference, and the Unicorn Pepperstick allows for fresh grinding anywhere. This portable and durable pepper grinder is pocket-sized for convenience. Chef Edwards praises its durability and ability to “crush a steak with a pepper crust in just a few motions.” It’s a unique and flavorful foodie gift.
16. Truffle Hunter Professional Italian Truffle Shaver
For a touch of gourmet luxury, the Truffle Hunter Professional Italian Truffle Shaver is an exceptional foodie gift. This shaver isn’t just for truffles; it can also be used to shave cheese, vegetables, and even chocolate. Chef Edwards notes its versatility, saying, “Works great for chocolate as well. How often do you get to experience a little shaved truffle at home?” It’s a gift that adds a special touch to any meal.
17. South of Somewhere Cookbook
Take a culinary journey with the South of Somewhere cookbook. Dale Gray shares recipes and stories from her experiences in South Africa, South Korea, and the American South. This cookbook is described as “beautiful…full of approachable recipes, with a really strong point of view,” making it a captivating and inspiring foodie gift for those who love to explore global flavors.
18. Lodge USA Enamel Cast Iron Dutch Oven
The Lodge USA Enamel Cast Iron Dutch Oven is a step up in quality and proudly made in Tennessee. Kimberly Holland highlights it as “American-made enamel-coated cast iron. First of its kind to be made in the U.S.!” With a self-basting lid and beautiful enamel finish, it’s both functional and elegant, perfect for oven-to-table serving. This Dutch oven is a premium and patriotic foodie gift.
19. Dreamfarm Mini Supoon
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/dream-farm-mini-supoon-8d86a7952c9148edbcca290df2e6eed6.jpg)
Minimize condiment waste with the Dreamfarm Mini Supoon. This handy teaspoon features a flat squeegee tip and flexible sides, ensuring every last bit is scraped from jars. It’s a small but incredibly practical foodie gift that promotes efficiency in the kitchen.
20. Gris Gris Cocktail Magic Hot Pepper Simple Syrups
Cocktail-loving foodies will enjoy Gris Gris Cocktail Magic Hot Pepper Simple Syrups. These New Orleans-inspired syrups, available in Basil Habanero and Jalapeño flavors, add a spicy kick to cocktails, seltzer water, and even dressings. Betsy Cribb Watson raves about the Jalapeño Hex Syrup, calling it a “fun host gift” and perfect for margaritas. It’s a unique and flavorful foodie gift for adventurous palates.
21. Microplane Premium Classic Series Zester and Cheese Grater
The Microplane Premium Classic Series Zester and Cheese Grater is a kitchen essential many don’t realize they need until they have one. Chef Edwards highlights its versatility: “It works great for minced ginger or garlic without needing to dirty a cutting board and a knife. It’s also a great tool for finishing with a touch of citrus zest or making it snow with parmesan.” Available in many colors, it’s a practical and efficient foodie gift.
22. Blazing Bella Balsamic Vinegar Sampler Gift Set
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/blazing-bella-balsamic-vinegar-125589ff1a1347f1957ad31e34bc86e6.jpg)
Elevate dishes with the Blazing Bella Balsamic Vinegar Sampler Gift Set. Rebecca Angel Baer loves balsamic glazes, using them on “vegetables, pizzas, and even cheese boards.” This set includes five flavors – peach, fig, strawberry, raspberry, and barrel-aged balsamic vinegar – packaged in a gift-ready wooden crate. It’s a flavorful and versatile foodie gift.
23. Hedley & Bennett Essential Apron
Upgrade their kitchen attire with the Hedley & Bennett Essential Apron. Made from 100% cotton twill with a lifetime guarantee, these aprons are both comfortable and functional. Chef Edwards notes, “These aprons are as comfortable as they are functional and you can’t have too many.” It’s a practical and long-lasting foodie gift, and you can even personalize it for an extra touch.
24. Victorinox Star Peeler
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/victorinox-star-peeler-d434fdded010459a9600cddb671af93c.jpg)
A quality vegetable peeler is an often-overlooked but highly useful kitchen tool. The Victorinox Star Peeler is recommended for its sharpness and efficiency. Catherine Jessee prefers Y-peelers for their practicality and safety. This affordable foodie gift will make everyday cooking tasks easier.
25. Diaspora Co. Build Your Own Spice Shelf
For a spice rack refresh, Diaspora Co.’s Build Your Own Spice Shelf is a thoughtful foodie gift. Customize it with 3 to 12 spice tins, choosing from high-quality, ethically sourced spices. Alana Al-Hatlani suggests it’s perfect for “people who have had the same jar of cumin in the pantry since the early 2000s.” It’s a gift that enhances flavor and supports ethical sourcing.
26. Stone Hollow Farmstead Strawberry Rose Drinking Vinegar
Introduce them to a unique flavor with Stone Hollow Farmstead Strawberry Rose Drinking Vinegar. Handmade in Alabama, this drinking vinegar adds a farm-fresh touch to sparkling water, cocktails, and salad dressings. It’s a distinctive and flavorful foodie gift for adventurous tastes.
27. Porter Road Best of Porter Road Box
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/porter-road-box-155179c3d71443b680cd61dbf91537d4.jpg)
Meat-loving foodies will be thrilled with the Porter Road Best of Porter Road Box. This curated selection of pasture-raised meats, hand-cut at their Kentucky facility, includes steak, pork chops, ground beef, bacon, and sausage. It’s a gourmet foodie gift that delivers exceptional quality and flavor right to their door.
28. Personalization Lab Personalized Cutting Board
Combine functionality with sentimentality with a Personalization Lab Personalized Cutting Board. Customize the design, style, and size, adding names or dates to make it truly unique. This cutting board doubles as kitchen décor and makes a thoughtful and personalized foodie gift, especially for couples.
29. Suck UK My Family Cookbook
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/My-Family-Cookbook-eec421391cc04013b110141772f5fda0.jpg)
Help them preserve family culinary traditions with the Suck UK My Family Cookbook. This customizable recipe book has space for over 80 recipes, photos, family recipe reviews, and notes. It’s a nostalgic and heartfelt foodie gift for keeping treasured family recipes in one place.
30. Boarderie Ciccetti Cheese & Charcuterie Board
For a last-minute yet impressive foodie gift, Boarderie Ciccetti Cheese & Charcuterie Board is perfect. These ready-to-eat charcuterie boards are freshly made and shipped overnight. They include artisan cheeses, meats, dried fruits, nuts, chocolates, and crackers, complete with a serving board and cutlery. It’s effortless gourmet gifting.
31. Blank Slate Kitchen Flavor Duo Gift Box
Add instant flavor with the Blank Slate Kitchen Flavor Duo Gift Box. Featuring Sichuan chili oil and zhug, these flavor enhancers are easy to use and elevate simple dishes. Tara Massouleh McCay praises them as “super easy ways to infuse flavor into simple dishes.” It’s a flavorful and versatile foodie gift.
32. Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit Carolina Grits
Bring Southern comfort to their kitchen with Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit Carolina Grits. These stone-ground grits, hand-milled in South Carolina, are exceptionally creamy. Versatile for shrimp and grits, breakfast casseroles, and more, they offer a taste of authentic Southern cuisine and make a comforting foodie gift.
33. KitchenAid 5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer
For the avid baker, a KitchenAid 5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer is the ultimate foodie gift. This iconic and durable stand mixer is a kitchen staple that will last for years. Including essential attachments like a flat beater, dough hook, and wire whip, it’s a versatile and memorable gift.
34. Sweet Grass Dairy Georgia On My Mind Gift Box
Taste the flavors of Georgia with the Sweet Grass Dairy Georgia On My Mind Gift Box. This gift box highlights the best of Georgia’s culinary scene, featuring handmade cheeses, salami, blackberry preserves, and flatbread bites from Sweet Grass Dairy and other Georgia makers. It’s a regionally-inspired and delicious foodie gift.
35. Ambrosia & Nektar Premium Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil
A bottle of high-quality olive oil is always a welcome gift for foodies. Ambrosia & Nektar Premium Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil is imported from Greece and offers exceptional quality. Alana Al-Hatlani describes it as “lovely.” This gourmet olive oil will enhance the flavors of any dish and makes a universally appreciated foodie gift.
36. Southern Living by GreenPan Ceramic Nonstick Frypan Set
Upgrade their cookware with the Southern Living by GreenPan Ceramic Nonstick Frypan Set. This set combines the durability of tri-ply stainless steel with the convenience of a ceramic nonstick coating. Dishwasher and oven safe, and free of harmful chemicals, it’s a practical and healthy foodie gift for everyday cooking.
37. The Grey Buttermilk Biscuits With The Fixins’
Bring the taste of award-winning Southern cuisine home with The Grey Buttermilk Biscuits With The Fixins’. From the renowned Savannah restaurant, The Grey, this set includes a dozen flaky biscuits with bacon jam, seasonal jam, and pimento cheese. It’s a gourmet foodie gift that offers a taste of Southern fine dining.
38. Sizzlefish Seafood Lovers Gift Pack
For seafood lovers, the Sizzlefish Seafood Lovers Gift Pack is an exceptional gourmet foodie gift. This combo pack features a variety of sustainably-sourced seafood, including salmon, tuna steaks, crab cakes, mahi-mahi, and smoked fish. If fresh seafood is hard to access, this gift delivers premium seafood directly to their door.
39. Ooni Karu 12 Pizza Oven
Entertaining foodies will love the Ooni Karu 12 Pizza Oven. This portable oven offers multi-fuel options and cooks restaurant-quality pizzas in just 60 seconds. Perfect for backyards, balconies, or camping trips, it’s a fun and interactive foodie gift for pizza enthusiasts and outdoor cooking.
40. Material Kitchen Knife Stand
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/material-kitchen-the-stand-55ec482b55174d11b90b3a36439dc1a5.jpg)
Help them organize their knives in style with the Material Kitchen Knife Stand. This stand features magnetized walls to hold up to eight knives without wall mounting. It’s a beautiful and functional foodie gift for keeping knives organized and displayed elegantly in the kitchen.
41. Zojirushi Rice Cooker & Warmer
Take the hassle out of rice cooking with the Zojirushi Rice Cooker & Warmer. This rice cooker features settings for various types of rice and an automatic keep-warm function, ensuring perfectly cooked rice every time without babysitting. It’s a practical and convenient foodie gift for rice enthusiasts.
42. Williams Sonoma Melamine Mixing Bowls with Spout
A set of reliable mixing bowls is a kitchen essential, and the Williams Sonoma Melamine Mixing Bowls with Spout are a great choice. Made from lightweight and durable melamine, this set includes three nesting bowls with pour spouts, easy-grip handles, and non-slip bases. It’s a practical and versatile foodie gift for everyday cooking and baking.
43. Poppy & Peep Bourbon Caramel Sauce
Indulge their sweet tooth with Poppy & Peep Bourbon Caramel Sauce. This bourbon-infused caramel sauce, handcrafted in Nashville, elevates desserts and baked goods. It’s a decadent and flavorful foodie gift that adds a touch of indulgence to any treat.
44. Sachai Tea Company Original Chai Concentrate
Tea-loving foodies will appreciate Sachai Tea Company Original Chai Concentrate. Brewed in Birmingham with black tea from Assam, this masala chai concentrate has a balanced spice blend that’s comforting and not overly sweet. Easy to prepare hot or iced, it’s a flavorful and aromatic foodie gift.
45. Maldon Salt Company Sea Salt Flakes
Every foodie needs Maldon Salt Company Sea Salt Flakes in their pantry. This comically large bucket of finishing salt is a must-have. Chef Edwards notes, “It brings a subtle amount of texture to the plate as well.” These pyramid-shaped sea salt flakes are industry standard for enhancing flavors and adding a delicate crunch to dishes, making it an essential foodie gift.
Questions and Answers About Foodie Gifts
What are good gifts for cooks who have everything?
For the foodie who seems to have it all, consider elevated versions of everyday ingredients. Chef Edwards suggests heirloom grains, rare spices, and artisan cheeses. He also recommends local and seasonal items, emphasizing that “The memory of an amazing peach will be more lasting than the latest kitchen gadget.” Explore Southern makers for unique and out-of-the-box foodie gifts.
What are useful gifts for beginner cooks?
Chef Edwards advises gifting items that inspire cooking. This could be a cookbook for expanding culinary horizons, a quality cutting board, or a versatile Dutch oven for making dinner more often. Useful tools that go beyond basic, like a Microplane zester or a food scale, can also help beginners build their kitchen skills and confidence.
Why Trust Southern Living for Foodie Gift Recommendations
This article is brought to you by Melanie Fincher, editor at Southern Living with extensive experience in product reviews and gift guides. Her background as a food writer at Allrecipes provides deep knowledge of food and cooking. This curated list of foodie gifts is based on her expertise, recommendations from Southern Living editors, and insights from Will Edwards, Chef de Cuisine at Sweet Basil, ensuring trustworthy and top-quality gift suggestions for the food lover in your life.
