38 Gifts for People Who Love Food
Alright, alright, alright. It’s almost the holidays, folks. How are your naughty and nice lists looking? From your techie bestie to your sleepless-with-a-newborn sister, we’ve got you covered–with HexClad products, coffee candles, The Best Babka and more, right this way.
For the Newbie Cook
The newbie cook could use our 6-Piece Hybrid Fry Pan Set or 12-Piece Pots & Pans Set–dealer’s choice–depending on their cabinet capacity. We obviously are gonna recommend HexClad here. Our cookware features a hybrid coating that’s both stainless steel (for a killer sear) and nonstick (for easy cleanup), it’s oven-safe to 500 degrees, and it’s nontoxic. Our new Small Roasting Pan is just the thing for a knockout roast chicken–which every new cook who eats meat should master–and we reckon a comfy, stylin’ apron makes the transition from “takeout central” to “host with the most” a bit easier.
For the Seasoned Cook
Longtime cooks will appreciate the upgrade of their dreams in our 12-Piece Set, but we suggest you also spend time on our “specialty cookware” page. Maybe the Brunch Chef in Chief would drool over our Double Burner Griddle–they wouldn’t be the first. Our BBQ Grill Pan is ideal for the sibling famous for their grilled shishito peppers. And obviously our stunning Japanese Damascus steel knives will elevate you to favorite-child status with your parents. (Do you really want to deal with Mom’s steak knife masquerading as a chef’s knife again?)
For the Exhausted Parent
Not gonna lie: The best newborn gift one zonked Mom on our staff received was a six-inch Mille Crêpes cake from iconic New York bakery Lady M. Ethereal layers of crêpes, gorgeous pastry cream, and a golden top? There’s a reason folks go crazy for it worldwide–and there’s even a green tea version. Less expensively, you could invest in wonderful chocolate-nutella babka from a local bakery. We’re partial to both Breads Bakery’s Chocolate-Nutella Babka and NAVAD’s version–perhaps the best this writer has tasted. And even more frugally, you could invest in a basket of Chomps and stuff them into stockings for anyone and everyone. Lots of protein per stick, kids love ‘em and they’re a way to stave off “hangry” on the go.
Photo courtesy of Lady M.
For the Techie
Your favorite nerd will flip for our HexMill Salt & Pepper Grinders, which employ burr technology–the same tech used in high-end coffee grinders. We adore the ThermoPop2, a cute instant thermometer your loved ones can use for caramels or a roast; it has a range of -58 to 572°F. Lastly, they’ll appreciate that our Damascus Steel Knives use 67 layers of steel, swirling together for a Rockwell hardness rating of 60 and up. (Think: durable and gorgeous.)
For the Neatnik
It’s not easy to keep a kitchen neat as a pin when you like to cook. If this is a pet peeve of your neatnik friend, we recommend our Splatter Screen, which can magically protect a stovetop without breaking out a washcloth. (Think: No-mess dumplings.) Speaking of washcloths, we have reusable cloths from Papaya Reusables all over our home, and love ‘em. And we might pair this cool silicone-coated stainless steel over-the-sink drying rack with our own sleek dish drying mats. (Pro tip: These mats come in packs of two and are a pretty clutch gift for a recent college grad!)
For Pizza People
Pizza People, our time is here. We’ve got a Pizza Steel that’s oven-safe up to 900 degrees, a sharp new accessories set, and a trivet that will keep your counter safe. And more than one staffer will be buried with a jar of Mike’s Hot Honey, which is to pepperoni pizza what ebony is to ivory.
For Meat Lovers
Our test kitchen director sends Olympia Provisions to any carnivore she cares about. We've also got a perforated grill basket bundled up with our Damascus steel cleaver, and a steak knife bundle that is the stuff of carnivores' juiciest dreams.
Photo courtesy of Olympia Provisions
For the Host With the Most
Expert hosts can be simply impossible to shop for. For those folks, especially if they don’t drink alcohol, consider stashing “emergency gifts” on your shelves. We love hand-poured soy candles from Bristol, Rhode Island apothecary Juniper Hill. Cardamom Star Anise is subtle and dreamy; “Coffee Coffee” is just the thing for those who obsess over (or gave up) coffee. And there’s something so compelling about pewter measuring spoons, linked with brass, from Rhode Island metalsmith Beehive Handmade–ideal for the host who loves to bake.
For the Sweet Tooth
La Maison du Chocolat forever. If that's too luxe for your budget, these little chocolate caramel honey bees from John & Kira are adorbs. If your loved ones celebrate Christmas, this Jacques Torres advent calendar is inexpensive and has actually decent chocolate inside. And Food Director Laura Rege won't leave home without BonBon Swedish candy.
Photo courtesy of La Maison du Chocolat
For Everyone
It’s been, some might say, a year. There are plenty of nondenominational charities whose work is inarguably good. Among them are World Central Kitchen–a hunger-focused organization helmed by Chef José Andres–Doctors Without Borders, and No Kid Hungry. (We particularly love to give in someone else’s honor when they have plenty of cash to spare–or inscrutable taste!)
May your next year be a kind one.
