Gifts for cooks
Gifts for people who cook
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Wüsthof Classic 8-inch chef's knife
A forged German chef's knife is the single tool that changes how cooking feels, and it can last decades.
Check price on AmazonWhat to look for: An 8-inch blade and a handle that fits the hand.
The best gifts for cooks are tools used several times a week: a sharp chef’s knife, a digital scale, a microplane, a bench scraper, a good thermometer or a cookbook that teaches technique. Check what they own first, since most kitchens already have a knife block.
At a glance
Cooks are easy to shop for and easy to get wrong. They have opinions, and a drawer full of gadgets they never use. The safe gifts are the plain tools that every serious cook reaches for: a sharp knife, a scale, a thermometer, a good scraper.
Look at the counter, not the cupboard: what is worn, burnt or held together with tape?
How to choose
- Upgrade the workhorse. A better chef’s knife or tongs gets used daily.
- Add the tool they borrow. A scale or microplane that they always use at someone else’s house is a hit.
- Give technique, not recipes. A cookbook that explains why is read more than one that lists dishes.
- Avoid single-purpose gadgets. An avocado slicer takes a drawer for one task.
If you are buying for a baker, also see our Christmas cookie baking supplies.
All the picks
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Wüsthof Classic 8-inch chef's knifeOur pick
A forged German chef's knife is the single tool that changes how cooking feels, and it can last decades.
- Look for:
- An 8-inch blade and a handle that fits the hand.
- Best for:
- Serious home cooks.
- Skip:
- if they already own a favorite knife.
-
Escali Primo digital kitchen scale
A digital scale makes baking more accurate and cuts down on dirty cups.
- Look for:
- A tare button and grams and ounces.
- Best for:
- Bakers and meal-preppers.
-
Microplane Premium Classic zester grater
A fine zester turns lemon peel, hard cheese and nutmeg into a finishing touch.
- Look for:
- A stainless steel blade and a cover.
- Best for:
- Cooks who zest and grate.
-
OXO Good Grips multi-purpose scraper and chopper
A bench scraper moves chopped vegetables, cuts dough and scrapes the counter clean in one motion.
- Look for:
- A stainless blade and a comfortable grip.
- Best for:
- Bakers and prep-heavy cooks.
-
ThermoPro TempSwift instant-read thermometer
An instant-read thermometer is the one tool that tells you when meat is safely done.
- Look for:
- A fast read and a probe long enough for a thick cut.
- Best for:
- Every cook who roasts meat.
-
OXO Good Grips locking tongs, 12 inch
Locking tongs flip, serve and grab at the stove and the grill, and they are a gift that gets used every meal.
- Look for:
- A locking mechanism and a silicone tip option.
- Best for:
- Cooks and grillers.
-
Maldon sea salt flakes
Flaky finishing salt adds crunch to steak, cookies and roasted vegetables, and cooks love it.
- Look for:
- A sealed box and a small dish to keep it in.
- Best for:
- Cooks who season at the table.
-
OXO Good Grips V-blade mandoline
A mandoline slices potatoes, onions and cucumbers evenly in seconds for gratins and salads.
- Look for:
- A hand guard and adjustable thickness.
- Best for:
- Cooks who like even slices.
- Skip:
- for anyone who is careless with blades.
-
Lodge pre-seasoned cast iron grill press
A grill press flattens bacon and sandwiches and helps with the smash burger.
- Best for:
- Griddle and panini fans.
-
Breville Control Grip immersion blender
An immersion blender purees soup in the pot and saves washing a blender.
- Look for:
- A detachable shaft and variable speed.
- Best for:
- Soup makers and sauce fans.
-
Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat
A cookbook that teaches why food works, so cooks can improvise rather than follow recipes.
- Look for:
- The hardcover edition with illustrations.
- Best for:
- Cooks who want to improve.
- Skip:
- for cooks who want a quick recipe-only book.
-
Flour Water Salt Yeast
A bread book that gives a beginner a clear path to a good loaf.
- Best for:
- Home bakers.
-
OXO Good Grips non-stick cheese slicer
A cheese slicer makes neat, even slices for a platter and is a neat addition to a kitchen drawer.
- Look for:
- A nonstick wire and a comfortable handle.
- Best for:
- Cheese-board makers and cooks.
What to skip
- Knife blocks with many knives. Most cooks use one or two.
- Appliances that duplicate what they have. Ask before buying a second air fryer.
- Novelty aprons and slogan towels.
- Anything non-dishwasher-safe unless the cook hand-washes already.
For bigger kitchen gifts, see splurge gifts worth it and gifts under $100. For the person who hosts, try hosting kitchen essentials.
Questions people ask
What is a good gift for someone who loves to cook?
A sharp chef’s knife, a digital scale, a microplane or a thermometer is used for years. If they already own these, give a cookbook that teaches technique.
Is a good knife a good gift?
Yes, as long as you buy a versatile chef’s knife and they do not already own one they love. A solid 8-inch knife is the best single choice.
What should I avoid giving a cook?
Avoid single-use gadgets, huge cookware sets and anything that needs special care. If you are unsure, a quality tool they already use daily is safer than something novel.
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