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25 Delicious Gift Ideas for New Cooks

Here's what someone who's recently become interested in cooking actually wants.
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A person putting on a green apron
Credit: Iuliia Pilipeichenko/Shutterstock

Gift giving is hard work: You not only want to find something that the recipient might not think to get themselves, but something they’ll genuinely appreciate and use. If you know someone who has really taken to cooking over the last year, I've got ideas for creative gifts that will let them know you've noticed their new hobby and want to support it. 

A great apron goes a long way

An apron can be a deeply personal possession for someone who likes cooking, and as a gift, they’re perfect because they run the gamut on pricing. If you don't have a ton of money to spend, you can still get a great apron that will last them a long time; and if you're feeling spend-y, you can find some spiffy high-end ones, too. Keep in mind that not every apron is made for every body type. While bib aprons are popular for men, crossback aprons are good for larger people and smock aprons can be better for women. Additionally, while funny aprons are popular gifts, they’re often not made very well and thus, aren’t all that usable. When it comes to aprons, washability and durability are paramount—but that doesn't mean you have to get them something boring.

Don’t be intimidated to gift knives

For years, I worked at Williams Sonoma in gift registry, and people would constantly say they didn’t think knives were “giftable.” I disagreed then and I disagree now. One of the best gifts I ever got was a Japanese serrated bread knife. Good knives are expensive and something cooks are often slow to buy for themselves, but they're one of the best kitchen investments a person can make. Consider a single, amazing knife or a whole set, depending on what you're looking to spend. Remember, gifts aren’t about what you think, they’re about what the recipient thinks.  

Silicone utensils and a set of mixing bowls

A fantastic set of mixing bowls is useful for a hundred different tasks beyond mixing. They can be used for storage, serving, and—if they're particularly nice—a bit of eye candy for the countertop. And silicone utensils like spatulas and "spoonulas" have become a must-have item that are typically built well enough to last the test of time. (Mine are over 20 years old.) The silicone clings to the side of bowls, allowing you to scrape out every last bit. They are also heat-proof, save your non-stick pans from damage, and can sail through a dishwasher. A great set of these utensils and some bowls is a stellar gift that will last ages.

Their first food processor or mixer

Yes, people survived before Cuisinart and KitchenAid machines, but these handy countertop appliances open up a world of culinary possibilities. KitchenAid mixers, for example, have tons of attachments to make pasta, process tomatoes, spiralize fruit, and more. And a food processor speeds up menial chopping tasks, often doing so much more skillfully than someone can do by hand. (I use mine to grind hard bread into gourmet breadcrumbs.) Whether going with a smaller sized herb processor or indulging in a colorful mixer, these appliances take places of pride on a cook’s counter. 

Cooking classes

If your friend or loved one has expressed an interest in a particular style of cooking, find a local class or series of classes in that style they might enjoy. Check your local community college and nearby retailers like Sur La Table and Williams Sonoma for availability. You can also consider something like Masterclass, an online option. As a nice touch, wrap a related cookbook for under the tree. 

Lastly, don't overlook the value of gift cards, which may feel impersonal, but aren't. They tell your recipient, explicitly, that they know best what they'd like. For a burgeoning chef, a shopping spree at their local kitchen supply store might be exactly what they wanted.