Gift-giving season is almost upon us, but the joy of presenting a thoughtful offering extends far beyond just the holidays. Whether it’s birthdays, anniversaries, spontaneous gestures of appreciation, or showing up to a dinner party with a little something extra, finding the perfect gift is a year-round endeavor. And because thoughtful doesn’t have to mean extravagant, we’re thrilled to unveil our updated-for-2024 guide to budget-friendly Cooking Gifts, all under $50.
[Dramatic flourish sounds intensify!]
Discover 53 exceptional cooking gifts under $50, perfect for every type of food and drink enthusiast in your life. These selections are drawn from our rigorous product reviews and staff favorites, ensuring quality and practicality for year-round gifting occasions. Keep this guide bookmarked for stocking stuffers, grand gestures, and even a simple “thank you for watching the dog” token of gratitude.
Kitchen Essentials
The Indispensable Chef’s Knife
Mercer Culinary 8-Inch Genesis Chef’s Knife
PHOTO: Amazon
$60 $38 at Amazon $49 $39 at Walmart View on Webstaurant Store
The Mercer Genesis knife earned its crown as a top pick in our review of the best chef’s knives under $50—a selection process that involved testing a whopping 34 knives. A quality chef’s knife is the cornerstone of any well-equipped kitchen, making it a remarkably useful cooking gift. This Mercer knife features a handle that provides a secure and confident grip.
Serious Eats / Dera Burreson
Precision Measurement Tool
Escali Primo Digital Food Scale
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PHOTO: Amazon
$27 at Amazon $27 at Target $33 at Sur La Table
While a digital scale might not initially seem like the most thrilling present, anyone who appreciates culinary accuracy will attest to its transformative effect on the measuring process. Ditch the measuring cups and spoons; simply pour ingredients like flour, oil, or even diced onions directly into your mixing bowl and proceed with your recipe. It’s an indispensable tool for baking perfection. The Escali Primo stands out as our top budget scale for its user-friendliness and reliable accuracy, making it a practical cooking gift.
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Serious Eats / Grace Kelly
Instant-Read Thermometer for Perfect Cooking Temperatures
Thermoworks ThermoPop 2
PHOTO: Thermoworks
$41 at Amazon View on Thermoworks
Beyond weight and volume, temperature is paramount in cooking. The ThermoPop is a long-standing Serious Eats favorite because of its large, easily readable display and dependable performance. Available in a spectrum of colors, it can even inject a bit of fun into a workplace white elephant gift exchange – imagine gifting a bright orange thermometer! This thermometer is a practical and thoughtful cooking gift.
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Serious Eats / Grace Kelly
Reusable Food Storage Bags: Eco-Friendly Kitchen Gift
Re(zip) 5-Piece Stand-Up Pack ‘n Go Kit
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PHOTO: Amazon
$25 at Amazon View on Rezip.com
Whether for storing leftover dinners or packing snacks, food storage containers are indispensable in any kitchen. Reusable bags provide a fun and functional alternative to traditional containers, and Re(zip) bags excel in versatility and portability. They stand upright, lack hard-to-clean crevices, and boast a leak-proof seal. Consider gifting these to the environmentally conscious friend who’s always prepared with snacks for outdoor adventures. These reusable bags are a sustainable and thoughtful cooking gift.
Serious Eats / Madeline Muzzi
The Multi-Purpose Wok
Joyce Chen Carbon Steel Wok
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PHOTO: Amazon
$40 $28 at Amazon $35 at Wayfair $60 $40 at Lowe’s
A wok can be an exceptional cooking gift, and it doesn’t need to break the bank to be outstanding. This carbon steel wok from Joyce Chen excelled in our wok testing. Its flat bottom ensures compatibility with all stovetops. The versatility of a wok is immense; you can cook almost anything in a wok, making it a gift that truly keeps on giving.
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Serious Eats / Grace Kelly
Essential Cutting Boards Set
OXO 2-Piece Cutting Board Set
PHOTO: Amazon
$24 at Amazon $24 at Home Depot $24 at Oxo
While a set of plastic cutting boards might not seem as luxurious as a wooden carving board, our focus here is on affordable practicality. We are big admirers of OXO’s renowned durability. These cutting boards are gentle on knives, effortlessly cleaned, and intelligently designed with rubber edges to prevent slipping. A thoroughly sensible and appreciated cooking gift.
Serious Eats / Nick Simpson
The Everlasting Cast Iron Skillet
Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet
PHOTO: Amazon
$35 $20 at Amazon $20 at Walmart $25 at Target
We have long championed Lodge cast iron pans. They are remarkably affordable, aesthetically pleasing, and built to last generations. A pre-seasoned skillet makes a fantastic cooking gift, particularly for someone new to the joys of cast iron cooking.
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Serious Eats / Grace Kelly
Gifts for Bakers
The Baker’s Essential Lame
Breadtopia Bread Lame
PHOTO: Amazon
$13 at Amazon View on Breadtopia.com
A thoughtful cooking gift for the bread baker in your life, Breadtopia’s lame is among our top recommendations. Its simple design makes scoring dough effortless. The included storage box ensures it stays sharp and protected when not in use.
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Serious Eats / Jesse Raub
Proofing Basket for Perfect Bread Shape
Bulka Banneton Bread Proofing Basket
PHOTO: Amazon
Proofing baskets are essential for giving dough structure as it rises, resulting in beautifully shaped loaves, often with a decorative pattern. This Bulka banneton, with its flat base and moisture-wicking wood pulp construction, is our absolute favorite and makes a wonderful cooking gift for bread enthusiasts.
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Serious Eats / Jesse Raub
Elegant Bundt Pan for Show-Stopping Cakes
Nordic Ware Platinum Collection Anniversary Bundt Pan
PHOTO: Amazon
$44 at Amazon $53 at Williams Sonoma $42 at Walmart
Bundt pans are perfect for creating stunning cakes, and this Nordic Ware pan, our top pick in recent tests, boasts a wonderfully dramatic design. Fun fact: Nordic Ware actually invented the Bundt pan! Their Anniversary pan baked our test cakes uniformly, and cakes released effortlessly. This bundt pan is a beautiful and functional cooking gift.
Serious Eats / Meghan Splawn
Versatile Half Sheet Baking Pan
Nordic Ware Naturals Baker’s Half Sheet
PHOTO: Amazon
$28 at Amazon $28 at Walmart $40 at Sur La Table
Half-sheet baking trays are incredibly practical for countless kitchen tasks. Why struggle with a large, unwieldy full-size sheet pan to roast a few vegetables when a half-sheet provides ample space while still fitting comfortably in most home ovens? (Full-size sheets are often too large for home ovens!). It’s a kitchen staple that many don’t realize they need until they have it. Our favorite half-sheets from Nordic Ware resist warping, no matter how frequently they are used. This baking sheet is an essential and practical cooking gift.
Serious Eats / Irvin Lin
Efficient Danish Dough Whisk
Zulay Kitchen Danish Dough Whisk Large Hand Mixer
PHOTO: Amazon
$10 $7 at Amazon $16 at Walmart
Ideal for bread makers, Danish dough whisks transform the often sticky task of mixing flour and water into a breeze. The open design allows dough to move freely, making it also excellent for mixing batters—think pancakes, muffins, cakes—and even gently folding in egg whites. This dough whisk is a helpful and unique cooking gift.
Serious Eats / Andrew Janjigian
Non-Stick Muffin Pan for Perfect Muffins
USA Pan Nonstick Muffin Pan
PHOTO: Amazon
$32 at Amazon $32 at Williams Sonoma $35 at Michaels
Speaking of muffins, this USA Pan tin is a winner. It bakes muffins evenly, and they release effortlessly thanks to its non-stick surface, making cleanup a breeze. Gift this as a fun cooking gift and perhaps hint at enjoying the baked results!
Serious Eats / Irvin Lin
Versatile Tart and Quiche Pan
Wilton Excelle Elite 9-Inch Non-Stick Tart and Quiche Pan
PHOTO: Amazon
$13 $10 at Amazon $20 at Walmart View on Webstaurant Store
Tart pans are perfect for creating visually stunning desserts thanks to their removable bases and fluted edges. Crusts, even simple press-in varieties, conform easily and look professionally made. Our editor Rochelle Bilow credits this pan with easing her pie crust anxieties. This tart pan is a delightful and confidence-boosting cooking gift.
Serious Eats / Rochelle Bilow
For Coffee & Tea Lovers
Premium Loose Leaf Tea
Art of Tea Tali’s Masala Chai
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PHOTO: Art of Tea
To truly impress a tea lover, opt for loose leaf over tea bags. This tin of warming masala chai is as delightful in flavor as it is in presentation. Shopping for a black tea or herbal tea enthusiast instead? We have many more recommendations here. Premium tea is an elegant and comforting cooking gift.
Serious Eats / Eric Brockob
Coffee Subscription for Global Flavors
Crema.co Coffee Subscription
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PHOTO: Crema.co
Most people are daily coffee drinkers, so why not elevate someone’s morning routine with a coffee gift subscription? Crema offers subscription boxes with a convenient auto-delivery option or à la carte selections. Begin by taking a fun quiz about the recipient’s coffee preferences, including roast level and bean type (ground or whole beans), and you’re set to gift a personalized coffee experience.
Serious Eats / Will Dickey
Vanilla Bean Simple Syrup for Gourmet Coffee at Home
Sonoma Syrup Co Vanilla Bean Simple Syrup
PHOTO: Amazon
Enjoying café-quality coffee drinks at home is easier than you think. A splash of exquisite vanilla syrup transforms an ordinary cup into a special experience, and this Sonoma Syrup Co. bottle is truly luxurious. Our associate editorial director Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm favors Sonoma Syrup Co. for its real vanilla bean specks. They offer other enticing flavors as well, like lavender and peppermint. This vanilla syrup is a sweet and flavorful cooking gift.
Serious Eats / Irvin Lin
Airtight Coffee Canister for Bean Freshness
Fellow Atmos Vacuum Coffee Canister
PHOTO: Amazon
$40 at Amazon $40 at Williams Sonoma $41 at Target
Give the gift of lasting coffee freshness with a proper container for beans or grounds. We recommend this vacuum-sealed canister from Fellow Atmos for its sleek design and ability to keep coffee fresher longer than standard bags. It’s a practical and aesthetically pleasing cooking gift.
Serious Eats / Irvin Lin
Budget-Friendly French Press
Coffee Gator 34-Ounce French Press Coffee Maker
PHOTO: Amazon
We are enthusiastic about this French press—so much so that we named it our best budget choice in our French press review. Its layered stainless steel construction keeps coffee warm, and the dual filter minimizes grit. Plus, the charming gator logo adds a touch of whimsy. This French press is a reliable and affordable cooking gift.
The Spruce Eats / Isaac Nunn
Portable Coffee Maker for Travel
AeroPress Original Coffee Maker
PHOTO: Amazon
$50 at Amazon $40 at Target $50 at Sur La Table
The AeroPress is an excellent cooking gift for hikers, campers, and travelers. It brews a single serving of delicious coffee on the go. Its lightweight design makes it highly portable, signaling “I’m serious about my coffee.” (We’ve known people who pack their AeroPress even for weekend trips!).
Serious Eats / Jesse Raub
Fun Gadgets and Goodies
Elegant Wooden Cookbook Stand
Tilisma Wooden Cookbook Stand
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PHOTO: Amazon
Resembling a cutting board but serving as a cookbook stand, this item is perfect for those who appreciate cookbooks alongside online recipes. This wooden stand keeps your cookbook open to the right page as you cook, hands-free and mess-free. It’s a charming and practical cooking gift.
Serious Eats / Daniel Gritzer
Compact Mini Food Processor
Hamilton Beach Stack & Snap 4-Cup Mini Food Processor
PHOTO: Amazon
$45 at Amazon $45 at Home Depot $45 at Hamiltonbeach.com
Don’t underestimate this mini food processor due to its size—it performs impressively against larger models, capable of slicing, dicing, chopping, and pureeing effectively. It’s far more versatile than trendy single-purpose food choppers. This mini food processor is ideal for salad enthusiasts and makes a useful cooking gift.
Serious Eats / Irvin Lin
Reliable Garlic Press
OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled Garlic Press
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PHOTO: Courtesy of Amazon
$25 at Amazon $12 at Target $32 at Wayfair
While we often critique single-task kitchen tools due to limited kitchen space, a dependable garlic press is invaluable for busy weeknights when mincing garlic feels tedious. This OXO garlic press is a worthwhile and practical cooking gift for anyone who cooks with garlic frequently.
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Serious Eats / Grace Kelly
Fun Ice Cube Tray with Storage
PHINOX Ice Cube Tray with Lid and Bin
PHOTO: Amazon
You might not think ice cubes are exciting, but during our ice cube tray testing, this PHINOX tray was described as “a thrill to use.” Releasing cubes is as satisfying as popping bubble wrap, but with useful ice as the result. The PHINOX tray includes a storage bin, enabling you to make and store a large quantity of ice. This ice cube tray set is a surprisingly enjoyable cooking gift.
Serious Eats / Caroline Lange
Compact Handheld Vacuum Sealer
Anova Precision Port Handheld Vacuum Sealer
PHOTO: Amazon
$50 at Amazon View on Anovaculinary.com
Vacuum sealers are useful for preserving food and sous vide cooking, but many, like chamber sealers, are bulky and expensive. This palm-sized gadget from Anova is effective and compact enough to store in a drawer. It’s a unique and practical cooking gift.
Serious Eats / Nick Simpson
Mini Mortar and Pestle Set
Fox Run Granite Mortar and Pestle
PHOTO: Amazon
$27 $22 at Amazon $22 at Home Depot
A mortar and pestle is a fantastic kitchen tool that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. While they can be large, a mini version makes a wonderful cooking gift. Its heft conveys quality, and what better way to relieve stress than by grinding spices? This affordable set performed excellently in our tests.
Serious Eats / Muzzi Madeline
Popular Insulated Tumbler
YETI Rambler Tumbler
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PHOTO: Amazon
$51 at Amazon View on Yeti.com View on Westmarine.com
Yeti offers a wide range of mugs and tumblers, but you can’t go wrong with their insulated beverage vessels, which are currently very popular. As long as you avoid a disliked color, a Yeti tumbler is a safe and appreciated cooking gift. These tumblers are trendy and practical cooking gifts.
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Serious Eats / Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm
Heavy-Duty Reusable Grocery Bag
COLONY CO Reusable Waxed Canvas Grocery Bag
PHOTO: Amazon
Single-use plastic bags are undesirable, and paper bags tear easily. This reusable grocery bag cleverly resembles a classic paper bag but is made from durable beeswaxed organic cotton. It’s a sustainable and stylish cooking gift.
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Serious Eats / Grace Kelly
Colorful Pinch Bowls for Prep
Le Creuset Pinch Bowls
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PHOTO: Le Creuset
$40 at Amazon View on Lecreuset.com
These vibrant pinch pots are both charming and functional. Ideal for organizing mise en place, these small bowls are perfect for spices or minced garlic. Plus, they stack neatly for easy storage. Le Creuset pinch bowls are delightful and useful cooking gifts.
Bar & Tableware
Elegant Wine Rack
Crate & Barrel 11-Bottle Wine Rack
PHOTO: Crate & Barrel
If you are confident in someone’s decor taste, a stylish wine rack makes a sophisticated cooking gift. This Crate & Barrel rack features a chic hexagonal design and holds 11 bottles, perfectly fitting our under-$50 budget.
Serious Eats / Meghan Splawn
Premium Whiskey Glasses Set
Riedel Crystal Rocks Glass, Set of 2
PHOTO: Amazon
$45 at Amazon $46 at Walmart $45 at Sur La Table
These sophisticated rocks glasses from Riedel, a leading name in drinkware, boast a generous 13-ounce capacity and timeless design. Enough said – they are a perfect cooking gift for whiskey lovers.
Serious Eats / Amanda Suarez
Versatile Bar Spoon with Muddler
Barfly Muddle Bar Spoon Bar Spoon
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PHOTO: Amazon
For the cocktail enthusiast, a bar spoon that also functions as a muddler is both thoughtful and practical. This Barfly spoon, around $15, adds a touch of sophistication to any bar cart and makes a great cooking gift for cocktail aficionados.
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Serious Eats / Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm
Essential Cocktail Shaker
OXO Steel Single Wall Cocktail Shaker
PHOTO: Amazon
$23 at Amazon $23 at Target $23 at Sur La Table
A perfect complement to the bar spoon, a cocktail shaker is essential for any home bar. This OXO cobbler shaker seals tightly and holds two cocktails, striking a great balance between quality and affordability. It’s a must-have cooking gift for cocktail lovers.
Serious Eats / Kate Dingwall
Stylish Salt Cellar for Easy Access
Zero Japan Bee House Salt Box
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PHOTO: Amazon
Keep this useful salt cellar on the table, counter, or bar cart—it will look great anywhere, ensuring flaky salt is always within reach. This Zero Japan cellar holds 16 ounces and comes in various attractive colors, making it a practical and stylish cooking gift.
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Serious Eats / Grace Kelly
Classic Drinking Glasses Set
Duralex Picardie Clear Tumbler Set
PHOTO: Amazon
$40 $24 at Amazon $48 at Williams Sonoma $6 at Sur La Table
Gifting water glasses might seem ordinary, but we admire these Duralex Picardie tumblers so much that we want everyone to own a set. From the flared rim to the comfortable, textured sides, they are a pleasure to use and are remarkably resistant to breakage and dishwasher wear. This tumbler set is a practical and timeless cooking gift.
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Serious Eats / Grace Kelly
High-Quality Pepper Mill
Peugeot Paris Pepper Mill
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PHOTO: Amazon
$62 $40 at Amazon $69 at Williams Sonoma $62 at Sur La Table
For a gift that provides a perfect opportunity to use the phrase “rise and grind,” this is it. A quality pepper mill will bring a touch of elegance to any kitchen. The Peugeot Paris mill is a classic and refined cooking gift.
Serious Eats / Abigail Clarkin
Gourmet Treats
Bulk Sea Salt Flakes
Maldon Sea Salt Flakes Bulk Tub
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PHOTO: Amazon
A tub of Maldon salt has been featured in numerous Serious Eats gift guides. It’s a perfect cooking gift—everyone needs salt, but not everyone indulges in the fancy kind. Go big with this generous tub of Maldon sea salt flakes.
Serious Eats / J. Kenji López-Alt
Sichuan Chili Crisp Trio
Fly By Jing Triple Threat
PHOTO: Fly By Jing
$28 at Amazon View on Flybyjing.com
Savory, spicy, salty, and crunchy, Fly By Jing’s Sichuan sauce collection is an exceptional way to enhance any pantry. This trio includes their signature Sichuan Chili Crisp, Zhong Sauce, and Chengdu Crunch—but be warned, this sauce set may lead to further Fly By Jing purchases (including their noodles). This sauce set is a flavorful and exciting cooking gift.
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Serious Eats / Grace Kelly
Flavored Olive Oil for Culinary Finishing
Partanna Sicilian Orange Extra Virgin Olive Oil
PHOTO: Amazon
$20 at Amazon View on Partannafoods.com
We featured this orange-flavored olive oil in our extra virgin olive oils review, and it’s perfect here too. High-quality olive oil makes a wonderful cooking gift. Partanna oil is made using the agrumato infusion method, where oranges are crushed with olives, creating an exceptionally flavorful oil that’s delicious on everything—even yogurt and fruit.
Serious Eats / Grace Kelly
Pure Vermont Maple Syrup
Barred Woods Pure Vermont Maple Syrup, Amber Rich
PHOTO: Amazon
Like olive oil, maple syrup offers a unique and memorable gift opportunity. Opt for high-quality syrup like this one from Barred Woods, nestled in Vermont. Choose between lighter Amber Rich or more intense Dark Robust varieties—both are exceptional. This maple syrup is a sweet and gourmet cooking gift.
Serious Eats / Rochelle Bilow
Gourmet Assorted Chocolates
Knipschildt Assorted Chocolates, 12 Pieces
PHOTO: Williams Sonoma
$39 at Amazon $45 at Williams Sonoma
With craft chocolate trending, we tested numerous boxes to find the best. This 12-piece Knipschildt box is exquisite inside and out, featuring unique flavors like rosemary-infused caramel with mushroom salt. It’s a decadent and delightful cooking gift.
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Serious Eats / Grace Kelly
Gourmet Nut Butter with Honey
Big Spoon Roasters Almond & Pistachio Butter w/Raw Honey & Sea Salt
PHOTO: Amazon
Nut butter fanatics (they do exist!) will appreciate this truly luxurious jar. Big Spoon Roasters Almond & Pistachio Butter is both sweet and salty, tasting incredibly fresh-ground. The jar is elegant enough to gift as is. It’s also amazing in coffee smoothies. This gourmet nut butter is a unique and delicious cooking gift.
Serious Eats / Jen Causey
Specialty Hazelnut Oil
La Tourangelle Roasted Hazelnut Oil
PHOTO: Amazon
$10 at Amazon $31 at Walmart View on Goodeggs.com
La Tourangelle offers many specialty oils—our former pastry editor loves their pistachio oil. A quality nut oil can elevate salads, add delicate flavor to meats, or enhance a simple bread basket. It’s a fantastic cooking gift for dinner party hosts—or for yourself. This hazelnut oil is a gourmet and versatile cooking gift.
Serious Eats / J. Kenji Lopez-Alt
Tinned Fish Variety Pack
Siesta Co. Tinned Fish Variety 5-Pack
PHOTO: Siesta Co.
If your giftee enjoys tinned seafood as appetizers, consider their tinned fish preferences. This Siesta Co. set includes white clams in brine, mussels in pickle oil, and white tuna in olive oil, all imported from Spain. They also make great stocking stuffers.
The Best Tinned Fish (and Other Seafood) You Can Buy Online
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Serious Eats / Grace Kelly
For Cookbook Collectors
Essential Baking Technique Cookbook
Sift: The Elements of Great Baking
PHOTO: Amazon
$37 $22 at Amazon $37 $35 at Bookshop.org
Just in time for the holidays, Sift, by pastry chef Nicola Lamb, was released in November 2024. This comprehensive book on the hows and whys of baking is a fantastic cooking gift for any baking enthusiast. Serious Eats’ pastry expert Genevieve Yam highly recommends it.
Classic New England Cookery Book
The L.L. Bean Book of New New England Cookery
PHOTO: Amazon
$30 $3 at Amazon View on Abebooks.com View on EBay
Our editor Grace Kelly recently raved about this 40-year-old cookbook, citing its excellent pancake recipe, comforting casseroles, and unique Squiggled Eggs as reasons to love it. For cookbook collectors who have everything, they likely don’t have L.L. Bean’s—making it a unique cooking gift.
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Serious Eats / Grace Kelly
Taiwanese Cuisine and Culture Cookbook
Made in Taiwan: Recipes and Stories from the Island Nation
PHOTO: Amazon
$40 $23 at Amazon $40 $38 at Bookshop.org
Written by journalist and Serious Eats contributor Clarissa Wei with Ivy Chen, Made in Taiwan is more than just a cookbook. It beautifully documents Taiwan’s history and culture through food. Gorgeously photographed, it makes a transporting and thoughtful cooking gift, earning a spot on our list of essential cookbooks.
Oyster Lover’s Guide and Cookbook
The Joy of Oysters
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PHOTO: Amazon
$30 $18 at Amazon $30 $28 at Bookshop.org
This title was featured in our best cookbooks of 2023 roundup. The Joy of Oysters is part cookbook, part ecological exploration, and part coffee table book, ideal for brunch enthusiasts who love oysters, nature lovers, or anyone who appreciates interesting books. It’s a unique and captivating cooking gift.
Sourdough Bread Baking Bible
Tartine Bread
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PHOTO: Barnes and Noble
$40 $22 at Amazon $40 at Target $40 at Barnesandnoble.com
Tartine Bread made our list of best baking cookbooks and is a favorite among sourdough bakers. Whether a beginner or experienced baker, Tartine Bread offers valuable insights and techniques. It’s a must-have cooking gift for bread baking enthusiasts.
Comprehensive Pasta Making Guide
Mastering Pasta: The Art and Practice of Handmade Pasta, Gnocchi, and Risotto
PHOTO: Amazon
$30 $14 at Amazon $23 at Walmart
Making pasta from scratch is less daunting than it seems, and Mastering Pasta is among our top recommendations for learning. Gift it to someone who enjoys cooking projects and doesn’t mind a hands-on approach. It’s an enriching and practical cooking gift.
Middle Eastern Cuisine Masterpiece
Zahav
PHOTO: Amazon
The hummus tahina recipe in Mike Solomonov’s influential cookbook Zahav is so exceptional that Kenji referenced it when developing Serious Eats’ hummus recipe. Beyond hummus, Zahav provides instruction for Middle Eastern essentials like pita and chopped salad, and explores the region’s diverse flavors. Any cookbook enthusiast will appreciate Zahav in their collection. It’s a celebrated and insightful cooking gift.
FAQs
What are the best cheap cooking gifts?
For budget-friendly cooking gifts, edible items are always a good choice. Fancy salt or finishing oil feel thoughtful without adding to kitchen clutter. Teas and coffees are also easy and appreciated wins as cooking gifts.
Why We’re the Experts
- Summer Rylander, a Serious Eats contributor since 2022, has also written about kitchen gear for Food & Wine, Allrecipes, and The Kitchn. She’s an experienced gift-giver and receiver of food-related presents.
- The items in this guide are tested, used, and recommended by Serious Eats editors, ensuring expert endorsement.
26 Essential, Thoughtful Cooking Gifts for Beginners
