My mother has two categories of holiday gifts that she considers appropriate. Each year, we will chit-chat on the phone about the big day (which, this year, looks to be a very small day hosted by the worldwide web), and she will inevitably deliver her minimalist’s manifesto unflinchingly: “If I cannot eat it, or wear it, I do not want it.”
As an avid home cook, regular Bon Appétit contributor, and occasional caterer, I can’t help but respect mumsie’s boundaries; the pear butt hasn’t waddled far from the tree. And from my experience, the best kitchen and food gifts are the ones your home chef will parade around in day after day (like a good quality apron), use to take their daily smoothie to new heights (hello, Vitamix), or turn to again and again for inspiration (like the best cookbooks).
So, to help you avoid ending up in their donate pile, I’ve assembled a list of food gifts (or, food-adjacent gifts) for everyone in your life—from your Grannie who’s had the same set of knives since 1957 to your “beverage artist” brother who’s always looking for a fun new cocktail ingredient. Read on for statement kitchen timers, high-tech waffle makers, and the frypan starter set that will get even the most kitchen averse family member jazzed on cooking.
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