75 Cooking Gifts for the Chef in Your Life
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Whether or not you dabble in the kitchen, it can be tough to figure out the best cooking gifts to get the home chef in your life. Sure, you could gift them a set of measuring cups, but they may already have some. And, yes, many pieces of cookware seems convenient or useful, but there's so much out there that it can feel overwhelming to tell what they'd like best—and what they might ultimately regift.
There's where we come in. As commerce editors and writers, we're well-versed in the best gifts for home cooks. For the holidays, there are plenty of excellent gift ideas for the baker or BBQ master sure to make them say, “Yes, chef!” So, if you're wondering what to get your parent for the holidays or your foodie friend, look no further than these useful gift ideas, from kitchen gadgets and helpful do-it-all tools that make great stocking stuffers to flexible subscriptions that let them try new treats and recipes.
Below are some of the best cooking gifts sure to either solve a lot of problems—such as grease splatter or never having a lid that’s the right size—or cause sheer delight. Be sure get your holiday shopping done ASAP to avoid shipping delays.
For more present picks, check out all of the best gift ideas of 2022.
All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
- Ban.do1
Poketo Oven Mitts
Oven mitts appear a lot in the kitchen (chances are yours are hanging near your stove right now), so why not get ones that are nice to look at? Given as a holiday gift or a housewarming present, home cooks will appreciate these mitts not only because they are machine-washable, but because they’re also cute to boot.
- Uncommon Goods2
Jonathan Simons Lazy Wood Spoon
Those of us who cook and are not wise enough to invest in a spoon rest would adore a gift as thoughtful as this. So if you’ve been eyeing a spoon rest for your loved one as a gift, scrap that and get them this spoon that has a slot that fits on the rim of a pot instead. It’ll save them cleanup time and stress in the end.
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Tanya Holland's California Soul: Recipes from a Culinary Journey West by Tanya Holland
Written by Top Chef alumna Tanya Holland, this cookbook is filled with comfort food dishes that are rooted in California soul cooking. Expect over 80 delicious recipes—such as collard green tabbouleh, honey lavender chess pie, zucchini-scallion waffles, and more—that make delicious additions to holiday potlucks and spreads.
- Courtesy of the brand / Amanda K Bailey4
Home Chef
A meal-delivery kit like the SELF Certified Home Chef gives your culinarily-inclined friend a chance to try their hand at all sorts of recipes without having to buy full-size ingredients. The incredibly convenient service allows them to choose from about a dozen different recipes per week, deliver all of the ingredients in exactly the amounts they'll need, and require way less prep on their part without sacrificing taste.
- Amazon5
Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 Dualzone XL (10-qt.)
Family-size meals in just a few minutes? The Ninja Foodi is a top-rated brand for air fryers and this model is great for a full house. The two baskets make it easy to whip up meals for family gatherings and cookouts—they can prepare their fried chicken and fries at the same time! And if you’re looking for something a bit smaller, the Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Grill is a SELF Fave.
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Our Place The Perfect Pot
There’s a reason why the Our Place Perfect Pot is one of the best cooking gifts currently on the market—whether you have to boil, sauté, roast, or bake, the nonstick Perfect Pot, available in a variety of eye-catching colors, covers all bases. It even doubles as a Dutch oven (what can’t it do?). No wonder it has “perfect” in its name. Kitchen hack: If you’re cooking for one or have limited kitchen space, be sure to scoop up another SELF Fave, the Our Place Mini Pan.
- Amazon9
W&P The Popper Microwave Bowl
This SELF Fave microwave-friendly bowl is the best way to get movie-theater-quality popcorn with the least amount of work. Collapsible and easy to store, the smartly-designed bowl is also a great waste reducer. No kernel will go unpopped, and your loved one will never have to toss an empty bag of microwave popcorn in the trash again.
- 11
Ooni Koda 12 Gas Powered Pizza Oven
Making homemade pizza with a standard oven is a recipe for disappointment because most options don’t have enough heat power to achieve a restaurant-quality pie. But this oven can reach temperatures of up to 950 degrees Fahrenheit and is small enough to fit in just about any outdoor space. With this sleek appliance, they will be able to whip up piping hot pizza whenever the feeling strikes.
- Amazon12
Lenox Luna Nesting Dinnerware Set
Every home cook knows just how important it is to get their mise en place in order before getting started. Having everything pre-measured and ready to go in little bowls just makes the process so much smoother and simpler. These bowls are ideal for that purpose, as well as stylish and easy to store—so your giftee doesn’t have to worry about digging through their cabinets to find the right amount of small bowls.
- Sur La Table13
Philips Automatic Pasta Maker Plus
Though pasta-making is normally a very involved process, this hands-free gadget does all the hard work of mixing, kneading, and extruding for you. Simply add flour and liquid, pick from one of four shaping discs, and let the machine do its thing. Who wouldn’t want to be able to make fresh penne, spaghetti, fettuccine, or lasagna on a moment’s notice?
- Food5214
Alabama Sawyer Upcycled Countertop Compost Bin
Made from salvaged walnut, this compost bin is a stylish, eco-friendly place to toss your kitchen scraps. It’s also easy to move around from one working station to the next, and it’s fitted with a lightweight, removable tin that makes the cleaning process relatively breezy.
- MoMA15
MoMA Bubble Sauce Pot
For the home cook that seems to already have every pot and pan under the sun, this eccentric saucer will be the cherry on top of their collection. The vintage Italian design is both vibrant and functional, with unique rounded features that are easy to handle and nonstick, anti-scratch coating that can safely be used on both gas and electric cooktops.
- Material16
Material Kitchen The ReBoard
These colorful cutting boards are so vibrant and sturdy that you’d never guess that they’re made entirely from recycled plastic. Plastic kitchen scraps and renewable sugarcane come together to create a surface as aesthetically pleasing as it is durable and sustainable.
- Amazon19
Chef iQ Smart Cooker
This appliance can do everything that an Instant Pot can do and more. With over 300 different cooking presets, it’s a pressure cooker that’s also capable of slow cooking, it’s Bluetooth-accessible, and it’s equipped with a cooking calculator that helps determine the exact cook time for a certain portion of food. The home cook in your life will love that they can start the cooking process straight from their phone.
- Amazon22
Silpat Perfect Cookie Baking Mat
If your friend has expressed an interest in becoming more eco-friendly, this is one of the best kitchen gifts to help them do it. Silpat nonstick mats are long-lasting, extremely versatile, and will entirely eliminate the need for parchment and baking paper. They can be used to line sheet pans for anything from savory meals to sugary treats, and this one is marked with measurements to help them get the perfect size for whatever they’re cooking.
- Sur La Table23
TofuXpress Tofu Press
- Anyday24
Anyday The Everyday Set
The only drawback to the ease of microwave cooking is that your food might be unevenly cooked, but this set of dishes is on a mission to prove that that doesn’t have to be the case. Featuring a variety of sizes—each best suited to a different task—these dishes rely on secure glass lids to steam-cook everything from soup to banana bread to perfection.
- Sur La Table26
Sur La Table Cast-Iron Tortilla Press
If they try (and fail) to flatten corn tortillas with a rolling pin, then this might be the perfect gift. Using a tortilla press is just about the only way to achieve those super thin, super authentic results. Sure, it may be a single-use tool, but it’s the only one that can get this specific job done. That’s why it’s great that, when not in use, this cast-iron option will serve as a rustic decorative element to any kitchen.
- 27
The Vegan Chinese Kitchen: Recipes and Modern Stories from a Thousand-Year-Old Tradition by Hannah Che
Written by chef Hannah Che, this cookbook is packed with vegan recipes inspired by zhai cai, a style of plant-based Chinese cooking that originated centuries ago in Buddhist temple kitchens. Both vegans and meat-eaters alike will appreciate these umami-rich dishes, which include blistered dry-fried string beans, sweet and sour tofu, and more.
- Uncommon Goods28
Cast-Iron Garlic Roaster
Roasting a whole head of garlic is a great way to make their house smell delicious and have a quick and tasty condiment on hand at all times. This practical cast-iron gadget eliminates the need for the aluminum foil that’s usually involved in the garlic roasting process. And because it only is used to roast whole heads of garlic, they will almost never need to clean it.
- Uncommon Goods29
Bristle Free Grill Brush
Anyone who’s ever tried to clean a grill knows just how difficult it can be. But this tool is designed to make the process relatively quick and hands-off by using a two-spring system to remove BBQ remains without any blood, sweat, or tears. No longer will your loved one need to worry about their hands getting scratched while scrubbing or that little bits of metal might be falling through the cracks and contaminating food.
- Spicewalla30
Spicewalla Kitchen Essentials Collection
These tasty spices can make meals go from drab to delicious with just a few pinches. Featuring ingredients like cumin seeds, mustard powder, and whole cloves, the home chef will have what they need to start cooking outside their comfort zone. Packaged in brightly colored, stackable tins, these are spices they’ll be happy to put on display (and more likely to use if they’re visible).
- Amazon31
Souper Cubes 1-Cup Extra-Large Silicone Freezing Tray with Lid
If you’ve ever had to freeze a large amount of something at once, you’ve probably realized that plastic baggies are ill-equipped to do the job, and that your run-of-the-mill ice tray is way too small to get it done. Many cooks prep and freeze big quantities of everything from prebatched cocktails to homemade stock all the time, so this will definitely be appreciated.
- East Fork33
East Fork Weeknight Serving Bowl
- Goop35
Smithey Ironware Co. Carbon Steel Oval Roaster
This rustic, hand-hammered roasting pan doubles as both a baking sheet and a serving tray. Made from carbon steel, it’s lightweight and easy to handle but strong enough to carry the weight of heavy chicken or roast beef. Home cooks will love that they can take it straight from the oven to the dinner table—less dishwashing to deal with later on!
- 36
For the Table: Easy, Adaptable, Crowd-Pleasing Recipes by Anna Stockwell
Anna Stockwell—recipe developer, food stylist, and former senior editor at *Bon Appétit—*takes the anxiety out of dinner party-hosting with this splashy cookbook. A treasure trove of delicious recipes (organized by season) and hosting advice, the book is a must-have for those who thrive on throwing holiday dinners and get-togethers.
- Williams Sonoma38
The Chili Lab Homemade Hot Sauce Kit
- Food5239
Studiopatró Cross-Back Linen Kitchen Apron
A useful gift for home chefs and bakers alike, this linen apron is equal parts functional and stylish. It has a roomy pocket for baking utensils, and a loop to hang a dish towel, for when their hands are full.
- Airbnb40
Airbnb Experiences
Way cheaper than shelling out for a plane ticket, Airbnb Experiences allows your giftee to go on culinary expeditions around the world without having to step foot outside their home. Whether they have dreams of learning how to make handmade pasta with Sicilian farmers or want to take a sandwich masterclass helmed by a New York pro, Airbnb can help make this a reality. Experiences vary by cost and must be purchased by with an Airbnb gift card.
- Amazon41
Oxo Good Grips Good Gravy Fat Separator
- Food5242
Food52 Five Two Airtight Silicone Lids
Ask any home cook and they’ll tell you that keeping track of lids is hard work. Not these ones, though. In addition to being really cute, they’re also really helpful, and they’re easier to store since they lie flat. Sold in a pack of five different sizes, they’re airtight and can be used on anything from sauce pots to Tupperware.
- Uncommon Goods43
Uncommon Goods Handmade Monstera Leaf Spoon Rest
Pick up this adorable monstera leaf spoon rest for the plant parent in your life. Handmade by Illinois-based ceramicist Amber Clay, the kitchen tool keeps stovetops and counters clean and has an optional grip pad to help prevent it from sliding around.
- Williams Sonoma45
Williams Sonoma Le Creuset Cast-Iron Omelette Pan
- Goodee46
Takada Hand-Knit Pot Stand Set
Trivets and pot stands are one thing that home cooks and frequent dinner party hosts can never have enough of. This hand-knit set are woven by hand with windmill palm fibers following a traditional Japanese design. They're strong enough to handle the heaviest hot pots, stylish enough to impress the best, and have loops for hanging—all of which the person who loves to host will definitely appreciate.
- Brightland47
Brightland x Oisii Lush Strawberry Vinegar
- Nordstrom48
Click & Grow Smart Garden Self-Watering Indoor Garden
Nothing can take a meal from flat to flavorful faster than a handful of freshly picked herbs, but keeping herbs alive is an uphill battle—it seems like they need to be watered constantly. This electric indoor herb garden waters itself so they'll have fresh herbs on hand in the kitchen year-round.
- Amazon49
Breville Gun Smoke Infuser
A favorite of Angie Mar, executive chef at The Beatrice Inn in New York City, this little guy will give anyone the ability to impart a smoky, eight-hours-on-the-barbecue flavor to just about anything in a fraction of the time. Suggest your giftee use it on something classic, like a steak or pork roast, or something surprising (smoked nuts, anyone?).
- Uncommon Goods50
Bread Warming Blanket
Think of this as a hot water bottle but for your bread. It keeps fresh bread warm and not-so-fresh bread from becoming stale with a removable flax seed-filled pack that can be heated in the microwave—perfect for anyone keen on tackling a breadmaking project.
- Great Jones51
Great Jones Holy Sheet & Big Chill
Make all your Chopped dreams come true with this sheet pan and cooling rack set. Wonderfully suited for baking cookies and roasting veggies, the nonstick duo is a must-have if you're looking to replace those greasy sheet pans they have lying around. As one reviewer writes, “Better than I could even imagine! Can’t wait to gift more for Christmas!”
- Sur La Table52
Sur La Table Stainless Steel PrepTaxi
In every home cook’s life there comes a moment when they don't know how the hell they’re going to get ingredients from one place to another (say, from one counter to a pan). That’s where this little gadget comes in. They can use it to scrape up whatever they’ve been preparing and safely transfer it elsewhere without worrying that it’ll fall onto the floor.
- Courtesy of the brand / Amanda K Bailey53
Trade Coffee Subscription
Put that coffee maker you got your loved one to good use with a subscription to Trade Coffee. A great gift for the coffee snob, this coffee subscription service ships freshly ground coffee right to their door on a customizable schedule.
- Amazon55
Nutr Nut Milk Machine
We’re a fan of this innovative Nutr nut milk maker that produces fresh plant-based milks in a matter of minutes. All they have to do is pour in nuts or grains, add water, and blend. The included stainless steel measuring cups, recipe book, and strainer make the whole process a breeze.
- Purple Carrot56
Purple Carrot
Make cooking at home more fun (and convenient) by giving your parent or pal a subscription to Purple Carrot. Ideal for any home chef, the plant-based meal-kit service delivers all the ingredients to make healthy veggie-packed dishes.
- Saltverk57
Saltverk Sustainable Sea Salt
Every home cook needs a fabulous finishing salt on hand, but how many times can you buy them the same old Maldon? Switch it up with this Icelandic sea salt, which includes varieties like lava and licorice. Just a pinch will be enough to give their food Nordic flare.
- Amazon58
Yamako Tofu Maker Kit
This fully-equipped kit has all the tools your loved one needs to get into tofu-making, including a cheesecloth, molding kit, and a quick guide to introduce them to the process. Pair it with a big bag of soybeans to ensure they have everything they need to get started, and watch the freshly-made tofu flow.
- Amazon59
Instant Vortex Plus 6 Quart 6-in 1 Air Fryer with ClearCook
The Instant Vortex Air Fryer, which has easy-view windows and OdorErase technology, is the perfect gift to get those home chefs. Excellent for making veggies and last-minute meals, this convenient kitchen gift is also dishwasher-safe, making for easy cleanup.
- Daily Harvest60
Daily Harvest Subscription
With a Daily Harvest subscription, they can enjoy a smoothie each morning without the hassle of shopping for all the ingredients. The subscription service has over 20 vitamin-packed smoothie options that can be prepared in a blender in just seconds.
- Nordstrom61
Zwilling Enfinigy 12-Cup Drip Coffee Maker
If your loved one's a coffee lover, then this Zwilling coffee maker is a great gift to pick up. The stainless steel coffee maker can make up to 12 cups of coffee at a time, so they'll will never be without a cup of fresh joe.
- Amazon63
Smirly Bamboo Cheese Board and Knife Set
This bamboo cheese board and knife set includes everything needed to create an epic charcuterie board—ceramic bowls, slate labels, chalk markers, a bamboo fruit tray, utensils, and more. Just add some cheese, crackers, and wine, and they're good to go.
- Courtesy of the brand66
Omsom The Try 'Em All Set
Every home chef should have a supply of SELF Fave Omsom on hand in their kitchen. Its Try ’Em All Set, which includes a sampling of all of the brand's Southeast Asian, East Asian, and Thai Krapow starter packs, is enough for over 40 meals. The self-proclaimed foodie in your life will be eating delicious dishes for days.
- Food5268
Food52 Five Two Bamboo Double-Sided Cutting Board
Cutting boards make an appearance in practically every meal prep, so why not give your loved one a unique one? Made out of lightweight bamboo, Food52’s Five Two double-sided cutting board comes with a phone slot, which means YouTube recipe videos just got a whole lot easier to follow. Plus, they come in three sizes.
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- 69
Kisfam Double-Sided Magnetic Knife Block
Make messy kitchen drawers a thing of the past with this double-sided magnetic knife block. Made using 100% bamboo, it provides the ideal space to neatly store knives (and other metal kitchen utensils).
- Food5272
Food52 Five Two Adjustable Rolling Pin with Measuring Rings
- 73
Le Creuset Salt or Pepper Mill
Why gift ho-hum salt and pepper shakers when you can give a colorful Le Creuset mill that doubles asa countertop statement piece? Made using heavy-duty ceramic and stainless steel, these grinders are moisture-, grease-, and odor-resistant, and can be easily wiped clean. A clear acrylic color option is also available for those that appreciate an even more minimalist kitchen vibe.
- 74
Crux Smokeless Indoor BBQ Grill with Viewing Window
This compact indoor grill is a lifesaver during winter (who wants to stand outside by the BBQ when it’s freezing?). Not only does it have a removable temperature control dial and a glass lid for easy food viewing, but it is also smokeless, making it an ideal gift for those living in small apartments or dorms.
SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.
