The Christmas season is upon us, and stress has begun to fill the air! Sometimes we don’t have the time to be creative!
As giving should never be a source of anxiety, I felt the need to share my unique gift ideas for Christmas this year for those who find it difficult to get out of the kitchen. I hope you find inspiration!
1. Cookware
Every cook loves new cookware. There is no surprise, but there are ways to make this gift more special.
For example, a new saucepan would be a wonderful present for under the Christmas tree, but find a great sauce recipe to be used as a stocking stuffer along with all the necessary ingredients!
2. Flavored Oils and Vinegar
A sure way to make something new or improve an old favourite! New oils and vinegar are always a treat for a cook; you can never have enough!
Walnut oil, Avocado oil, and Truffle oil; look around your local speciality food store, and you will be amazed at the variety today!
3. Plastic Storage Containers
They must be of the best quality and can go into the freezer, dishwasher, and microwave! I don’t know how, but these containers always seem to disappear, and you can never have enough or enough sizes.
Why not buy several different shapes and sizes but fill them with special nuts or candies to make this gift more special than plain old plastic?
4. Liquor
Although we all like to have a little Christmas cheer, there is another excellent use for liquor in the kitchen.
It is essential for creating beautiful demi-glazes for your favourite meat dishes, and most likely, your cook at home will not splurge on such luxurious liquids. So why not help your famous chef out and purchase a few bottles of liquor to cook with? Brandy, Sherry, Bourbon, and Madeira are all fantastic to use.
5. Wine
Like liquor, wine is essential for deglazing pans and creating incredible sauces.
Again, why not include a recipe as a stocking stuffer as well? Any cook always welcomes inspiration.
6. Coffee & Tea
Most kitchen lovers love coffee, if not to drink, to cook with. So why not create a speciality coffee gift basket? It’s easy to find local free-trade coffee in your neighbourhood specialty food store and while you’re there, buy some cinnamon sticks, honey, flavour syrups, etc. Why not also throw in speciality coffee mugs and liquors such as Baileys or Kahlua?
What a treat!! Tea is also widely used in kitchens today. Instead of boring brines, use tea instead!
7. Cookbooks
Again another “no-brainer,” but if they genuinely love to cook, they LOVE cookbooks. We never tire of cookbooks, but be sure to find the best ones. Look for a speciality cookbook store, and you’ll have a fantastic gift in your hands.
8. Microplane
If your special chef does not have one, here is another must-have kitchen item. They are inexpensive and essential when it comes to adding or enhancing flavor in dishes.
Why not combine a Microplane with several of its favourite counterparts like whole nutmeg, cinnamon, whole star anise, etc. That way, your chef can get right down to business!
9. Appliances
Maybe not an oven or a fridge, but why not a new electric mixer or Panini press? Here’s a shopping tip… when buying any of these items this year, buy online!
Small appliances are almost always cheaper online, and shipping is often waived. Stores charge a premium this time of year, so save time and money and buy online!
10. Tableware
If they love to cook, then they love to entertain. Why not find beautiful glassware, placemats, or service plates with which they can show off their creations? Unique paper napkins make great stocking stuffers; linen napkins with gorgeous napkin rings are always a treat.
So don’t let stress take the fun out of Christmas this season. There are indeed plenty of ways to put smiles on faces this year. And for one last suggestion: make your Specialty Gift Basket! Create your gift basket by combining several of the above ideas. Now that is an incredible gift for any kitchen lover!
