The holidays are right around the corner! To help you prepare, we’ve compiled our top gift ideas for the foodies in your life (or yourself). These are items that we use in our kitchen and love!
Always Pan – A nontoxic, nonstick pan boasting multiple cooking functions. It also happens to be incredibly beautiful, making it total kitchen eye candy!
Salad Spinner – A must-have for the health enthusiasts in your life! It removes excess moisture from greens to keep them from getting soggy.
Garlic Press – The ultimate kitchen shortcut for garlic lovers! Using a garlic press to crush garlic is so much faster than chopping.
Cookie Scoop – The one kitchen tool I can’t do without when it comes to baking! Perfect for getting consistent cookies, protein balls, and scooping out bite-size pieces of melon.
Dutch Oven – An absolute favorite! Perfect for making large quantities of soups, stews, and curries. And although we haven’t tried it, apparently it bakes amazing bread.
White Saucepan – The prettiest saucepan! Perfect for making applesauce, rice, chai, and more!
Cast Iron Skillet – Our go-to for cooking eggs, pancakes, potatoes, shredded chicken, and basically everything! Plus, easy to clean and naturally non-stick. Lodge is our favorite brand! Find our guide to cast iron here!
Vitamix Blender – An absolute essential in the kitchen for super creamy smoothies, sauces, vegan queso, cheesecake filling, and more!
Spice Grinder – This multi-purpose grinder works with both dry and wet ingredients. It’s perfect for grinding spices for incredible freshness and also for blending small quantities of sauces.
Minimalist Baker Everyday Cooking Cookbook – Our entirely plant-based, mostly gluten-free cookbook featuring easy and delicious recipes!
Amy Chaplin’s Whole Food Cooking Every Day Cookbook – James Beard Award-winning cookbook filled with colorful, creative vegetarian recipes made without gluten, dairy, or refined sugar.
Andrew Weil M.D.’s Fast Food Good Food Cookbook – Quick, easy, and delicious recipes focused on anti-inflammatory foods. Largely vegetarian and gluten-free.
Meera Sodha’s Fresh India Cookbook – Flavorful Indian recipes that are vegetarian and quick and easy to prepare. Plenty of vegan options.
Jenné Claiborne’s Sweet Potato Soul Cookbook – Incredibly delicious vegan soul food focusing on fresh, local ingredients.
Bryant Terry’s Afro-Vegan Cookbook – Vegan recipes and food history inspired by a blend of African, Caribbean, and Southern cuisines.
Happy holidays, friends!
Ana says
Would a cast iron skillet be a good gift idea for someone vegan? Or is it mostly used for meats?
You can see our full cast iron guide here – it’s definitely still useful for vegans!
carly says
Great list thanks for sharing! I keep hearing about that always pan and it’s all over FB.. do u love it?
Hi Carly, yes! You can find our full review of the Always Pan here.
Dilpreet says
My best is so foodie so I was looking for food ideas to give her a surprise on her birthday.
Amazing! xo
Melinda ke says
Hi Dana!
Don’t forget to add a good chef’s knife to the list! I finally just bought a Shun knife and wow, what a huge difference it makes! It cuts through carrots and potatoes like butter. I’m so glad I finally upgraded, it is one of the most important tools in the kitchen. Love your blog, keep up the good work! 😉
Love that recommendation!
Kelley Switzer says
Hi! Could you possibly give me a sneak peek or any idea of the types of recipes that are in Andrew Weil M.D.’s Fast Food Good Food Cookbook ?
Hi Kelley! It’s mostly vegetarian, very simple, minimalist, vibrant, and the meat that is included is minimal and very thoughtfully sourced. Very health focused and delicious! I’ve loved everything I’ve made so far.
Sharon says
Will you be coming out with a new cookbook incorporating some animal protein?
Love all your recipes!
We’re not planning to at the moment, Sharon! But thanks for the lovely encouragement. xo
Lauren says
Thank you for this! I’ve been wanting to switch out my old non-stick cookware and this was the push I needed to finally get the Always Pan ($50 off right now!) and a cast iron skillet. I’ll consider it my Christmas gift to myself :)
I just ordered a second Always Pan! That’s how much I love it! Glad you found this helpful!
Charlotte says
Love this list!! Am definitely looking for things for my family. I was wondering if you have a good recommendation for some nice pie plates? My older brother has just got into making pies and quiches, so I’d love to surprise him with a nice set beyond his $5 pyrex. Would love your input.
Interestingly I just purchased some but I can’t say I love them. Mine are ceramic and I later read you’re supposed to use glass so you can see how brown the crust is getting?
Sumitra says
Thank you so much! I have been wanting a dry/wet spice grinder for so long! Also wanted to ask if you really LOVE the Always Pan.
Thank you for all that you do and share so generously with us. This is the first year that I’ve actually succeeded in making flax eggs work and muffins have become a regular in our home – all (and so much more) thanks to you!
Stay well!
Love and blessings,
Sumitra
I absolutely love it! Just ordered a second during their seasonal sale!
Sumitra says
Thank you, Dana!
Jeanne Stockwell says
Great choices!! Thank you!!