Holiday Wish List: Gift Ideas for the Cook

I always love creating and sharing our annual holiday gift guides because it helps me get organized and figure out what I’m putting on my own shopping list for friends and family (and my personal wish list, too).

Today I’m sharing some ideas for people on the “nice list” who love to cook. From under $10 up to several hundred (I’m looking at you, copper roasting pan!) there’s something at every price point. Most of these are things I have, use, and recommend, too.

Molino Olive Oil

The blue and white bottle of Molino’s EVOO matches my color scheme perfectly and I buy it often. It’s from Spain so probably less expensive for me over here in Europe than it is for you in the States, but you can find it here for $19.95 (if you love the bottle, just refill it over and over).

Cookbooks

I still love REAL cookbooks, even though I often cook from a recipe on my phone or laptop, too. Every year I like to try a few new ones, and this year it looks like The Pioneer Woman’s new release (Super Easy) is at the top of my list.

Other favorites are Joanna Gaine’s Magnolia Table cookbook, Ina Garten’s Modern Comfort Food, and of course, Julia Child’s cooking masterpiece: Mastering the Art of French Cooking.

Tartan Apron and Oven Mitt

I love this tartan plaid apron set since I usually wind up wearing an apron as part of my holiday outfit. The accompanying oven mitt is trimmed with black velvet. It would make a great hostess gift, too.

Copper Roasting Pan

This Ruffoni copper roasting pan is stunning and is the perfect gift for the cook who has everything. I have a copper roasting pan and not only is it functional, it’s beautiful.

Fleur de Sel

Fleur de Sel adds another layer of flavor to your recipes, and it’s the perfect small gift or stocking stuffer. Find it here.

Soap and Lotion Duos

These hand soap/lotion (or dish soap/hand soap) pairings are one of my favorite Christmas gifts, especially in holiday scents. Of course several different companies make these, but Williams-Sonoma has some of the best scents, in my opinion.

Twelve Plates of Christmas

Anthropologie has a 12 plates of Christmas line every year that is absolutely adorable (and usually crazy expensive). I will just buy a plate or two that strikes my fancy…sometimes they even wind up on the wall as part of my decor. This Staffordshire dog plate is perfect for some of my chinoiserie-loving friends.

Gold Measuring Cups and Spoons

These gold measuring spoons and cups are so pretty and they make baking fun. They’re another great stocking stuffer or hostess gift idea (pair them with a cookbook or a pretty towel).

Cast Iron Dutch Oven

We share these stock pot/dutch ovens frequently because we both have them and love them. I have three in different sizes (mine are Staub) and absolutely love them. I have the brass knobs on top; you can actually buy those separately so if you have a silver top you can swap them out for fun. These run the gamut on price with Staub and Le Creuset being the most expensive, but you can find other brands for less at Nordstrom and even HomeGoods. You might already know this, but different stores may carry exclusive colors, so be sure to check around before you decide on your color.

Crate and Barrel | Williams Sonoma | Nordstrom

Rectangular Bakers

Amy’s recent post featuring the Pioneer Woman’s line showed off these rectangular bakers; I think they’re so pretty (and they’re inexpensive).

Nutcracker Napkins

The Nutcracker has always been a big part of our holiday season because of my daughter’s many years of ballet; these napkins would help set a pretty table, wouldn’t they?

I hope this gets you started with a few good ideas. We’ll be back on Thursday with another wish list!