It’s time! My annual gift guide for cooking, kitchen, wellness, and more. You’ll find a mix of my own favorites and suggestions from favorite friends I trust. If you have some recommendations of your own, drop them in the comments below.
One note: You’ll see that most of these link directly to the brands and small retailers instead of Amazon. I know Amazon makes shopping easy, but my account got hacked and it was a real pickle to sort out. I’ve been doing my shopping elsewhere ever since. Also, worth noting, my guide this year features a lot of female-owned businesses, makers, and doers!
Little Things
Glass straws — I’m smitten with this set of straws in pretty pastels. One more reason to hydrate.
Mini tongs — I lean on these mini tongs daily in my kitchen. They’d make a cute addition to a stocking, no?
Spice-friendly spoons — I recently bought a set of measuring spoons just like these. They’re handy, since the oblong shape allows you to fit the spoons into spice jars. Brilliant!
Jar scraper — A silicone spatula designed to swipe up every last bit of batter from a bowl or the last of the mayo from the jar. It’s holiday red to boot.
Superfood Sprinkle spice blend — I have a pretty tin of this blend next to my stove and find myself reaching for it often. It’s an excellent blend of flavorful spices that also give a real kick of nutrition.
Exercise bands — I’m rehabbing an injury and have been leaning heavily on resistance bands. They’re crazy effective and perfectly portable for staying fit when traveling.
Lip saver — Another good stocking stuffer, this shea butter lip balm can’t be beat.
Bright eyes — The friend who recommended these Overachiever Eye Masks is my go-to-girl for all things beauty, so she wouldn’t steer us wrong.
Good things to eat and drink
Spritz starter — If you’re a fan of an Aperol spritz, you can level-up with this Mommenpop Blood Orange aperitif. Bright and citrusy with colorful packaging that really pops. Just add bubbly!
Kick of heat — Recommended by my friend Sarah, who has an impeccable palate, White Masau Peanut Rayu is a nutty, spicy, umami-packed chili oil that’s excellent over eggs, vegetables, noodles, you name it.
Chocolate lovers dream — I was in my local Dandelion Chocolate store recently and spied this two foot long box of chocolate. Not cheap, but a knockout to look at. It would be a fabulous hostess gift or a dramatic dessert for a crowd. If you’re looking for something a little lighter on the wallet, you can’t go wrong with a box of See’s Nuts & Chews.
Matcha on the go — I love the bright packaging of this matcha with travel-friendly packets. It’s a high-quality tea from Japan and would be a special holiday treat.
Fish food — I know of nobody more enthusiastic about anchovies than my sister, who swears by Cantabrian anchovies and anything done by Fishwife. Check out their full line-up and the cutest packaging out there.
Top tea — One of my besties, who’s an excellent cook, says this is the best chai she’s ever had. Enough said.
Tabletop and Entertaining
Generous wooden board — My big wooden board is a prized possession for snacky suppers and easy entertaining. Williams-Sonoma has some good ones and you can also check out what’s on offer at Etsy. Tip: pair the board with the Curated Board cookbook mentioned below for a lovely themed gift.
Candles (almost) too cute to light — A friend gifted me a pair of these asparagus candles and they are (almost) too precious to put to use. I’m also keen on these pretty pear candles and this charming martini-style olive.
Durable dishes-– Heath ceramics is a local maker that’s been delivering quality wares for decades. I love the new colors in the collection, particularly the butterscotch and grapefruit in the linked set of mixing bowls. I also like their bigger mixing bowl, which may just be my favorite on the planet (and this on-trend brown is a real looker).
Tinted glassware — I’m smitten on smoky glassware these days and think these bargain-basement coupes from CB2 are so chic. These pale pink glasses and pitcher also caught my eye.
Classic candlesticks — Six colors, a simple design, a fair price. I could imagine these beauties on a dining table with candles that are color-coordinated to match.
Tabletop lamps — A friend had two of these on her dining table at a dinner party recently and they looked so chic. They’re on super sale at the moment, so have a peek.
Welcome mat hat — Unplanned “just come over” entertaining is my favorite kind and this cute cap captures the mood.
Kitchen and Cooking
Nakiri knife — It’s hard for me to justify buying another knife, but I have my eye on this Nakiri number. It’s a Japanese-style knife that’s tailor-made for cutting vegetables. I love the bright red handle on this one.
Cast iron skillet — I often include a cast iron skillet in my gift guide because I own several sizes and use them every single day. Lodge is a quality brand at a great price. For a snazzy splurge, check out Staub. And for non-stick, the ceramic pans at Our Place are worth a look.
Wooden egg cups — Check out these cuties. Pair them with my recipe for perfect soft cooked eggs and you’re good to go.
Vitamix Blender — The Vitamix really is quite a workhorse, whether for smoothies, whizzing soups, or making your own nut butter. I also like the Ninja one for smaller jobs.
Chic, sleek coffee maker — I’m a big fan the brand Fellow, so when I learned they came out with a coffee maker, I put it on my wish list. It’s basically pour over-style coffee in a coffee maker. Done! (Worth noting: with so much concern about microplastics in what we eat and drink, know that coffee from their machine has been independently tested and found to be free to microplastics).
French-press with style — How cute is this French press? It’s a no-brainer way to brew coffee or tea, especially if you’re just serving one or two people.
Pretty dish towels — Good for drying dishes and they’re pretty hung up in the kitchen, too.
Organization
The gift of organization — Before things ramp up for the holidays I’m gifting myself some time with a professional organizer (for my Bay Area friends, check out Camp Tidy, helmed by an organizational phenom). If you’re outside the Bay Area, a quick Google search can turn up an organizer in your neck of the woods. Treat yourself or a loved one who you know would appreciate the support.
Glass storage jars — I always say, if you can see all that good healthy food, you’re more likely to reach for it. These storage jars are clean and simple at a friendly price.
Pretty planners — I’m smitten with these spiral-bound organizers, which I’ve been using all year. They’re beautifully made and have an assortment of soothing colors.
Beauty and Wellness
Balmy cleanser — I splurged on this rich cleansing balm earlier this year and now can’t live without. I feel like I’m in a spa every time I use it (a little goes a long way…I bought the 100 ML size and it has lasted for months).
Five-minute-morning — That’s the name of this “everything you need” make up set from Merit. My girls put me onto this clean beauty brand and I like the price point for quality products. I’m also a fan of Jones Road (their Miracle Balm is a favorite).
Killer kicks — I picked up a pair of these On Cloud sneakers to wear in dance class and loved them so much, I find myself reaching for them daily.
Travel Yoga Mat — I’ve been on the hunt for a yoga mat that I can tuck in a suitcase and I think this is it. It’s just 1 1/2 pounds and can fold up flat.
Dry brush — Run one of these babies from top to bottom and you’ll get the blood circulating and a good exfoliation at the same time.
More than an alarm clock — I was skeptical about this Hatch smart sleep clock until I tried it while staying with my daughter. It’s like a whole sleep system, with a gentle alarm, light, with calming background sounds to help you settle down for a snooze.
Cozies
The best jammies — For the kiddos, you can’t get better than Dodo Banana pajamas. They’re 100% organic cotton and ethically sourced. I’m partial to the mushroom print! For the grown ups, check out the washable silk Lunya pajamas sold in a pretty line-up of colors (they have sets for men, too).
Linen bedding — It was high time I replaced our bedding this year and I chose linen everything from this brand. They have simple neutrals and very charming gingham sheets and duvets.
Just the right robe — This is a cozy, lightweight robe that comes in a range of hues (I’m keen on that clover color). Good for your girlfriends and your favorite guy, too,
Scrumptious sweater — I was gifted one of these truly magical cocoon sweaters for Christmas last year and have racked up endless hours basking in its comfort. The cardigan comes in two lengths, which are both fabulous. It’s a pricey number, so keep an eye out for their sales. Quince has some pretty good dupes if you’re looking for something more budget-friendly.
Cashmere travel wrap — Another cozy item recommended by a globe trotting friend.
Books for Cooks
My local bookstore closed up shop in February and delightfully reopened last month. It’s a reminder of what a treasure small bookstores are. The books below are mostly linked to Omnivore Books, which specializes in cookbooks, but your own local bookstore may stock them as well.
Cooking in Real Life, Lidey Heuck (Lidey was Ina’s right-hand gal and her book looks like it measures up to the master)
Seafood Simple, by Eric Ripert (If your want to sharpen your seafood skills, you’ll be in good hands here)
Ever-Green Vietnamese, by Andrea Nguyen (a vegetarian offering from my favorite author on Vietnamese cooking)
Mastering the Art of Plant-Based Cooking, by Joe Yonan (I love everything this guy does)
The Curated Board, by Bebe Carmenino (If you love a snack board like I do, this one’s for you. Full of colorful inspo)
Classic German Cooking, by Luisa Weiss (A deep dive into German cooking that goes well beyond the basics)
Soups, Salads, Sandwiches, by Matty Matheson (By the talented chef and big-hearted character from the TV hit The Bear. Crave-worthy recipes abound)
Love is a Pink Cake, by Clare Ptak (an inspired baking book by a Chez Panisse alum and the talent behind London’s famous Violet Bakery. Gorgeous photos, too)
Sweet Tooth, by Sarah Fennel (The first book by a social media star with a sense of humor and drool-worthy recipes)
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