Let’s talk gifts, shall we?
This is the very FIRST holiday gift guide I have ever made! I almost can’t believe it, it is very overdue. These are my suggestions for the perfect holiday gift guide for foodies. I was very unsure of what to add and where to add it, so I decided to make two gift guides: one for Beginner Bakers and one for Experienced Bakers. We are going to start off with what you should be getting your friend or family that has recently found their love of baking and cooking. These are a few staples that I personally love and can’t imagine not having in the kitchen. So let’s dive in!
The Perfect Holiday Gift Guide For Foodies: Beginners
A few basics we all need: The Perfect Holiday Gift Guide For Foodies
A Zester: This is a tool that I think is very underrated, but much needed. If you are wanting to add hints of citrus to your dishes, you need this! It makes zesting so much easier, you get the perfect amount for the recipe and it’s one tool. Unlike a grate that maybe has a few different sizing options, this is made for zesting lemons and oranges for recipes.
Bamboo Rolling Pin: I needed to add this to my “must haves”, because you can’t live without a rolling pin. I use mine for all pastries, cookies and more. This bamboo one is much safer than the plastic ones and it’s really solid and smooth. It also add a great aesthetic to your kitchen.
Le Creuset Silicone Spatula: While creating the perfect holiday gift guide for foodies, I had to include this spatula set. The silicone spatula is not only solid, doesn’t slip off while stirring, but it is heat resistant. This is a game changer for anyone in the kitchen. I have used mine to stir boiling sugar, and it is perfection, so peeling or melting away!
Preparation and Measuring
Kitchen Scale: If you are feel like you want to take your baking to the next level, this kitchen scale is a MUST! I can’t live without mine and it makes measuring so easy and fast. It’s also very small, so it can be hidden in a draw until you need it again.
Storage Boxes: I really wasn’t aware as to how much I needed these until I was rummaging around my kitchen to find paper and plastic bags that were half empty. This organises your flours, sugar, baking soda, chocolate and so much more. Whats even better, I add labels to mine so I know what’s what and I can see from a glance how much I have left and what I need to restock.
Mason Cash Preparation Bowls: In an effort to stay away from plastic, I love these Mason Cash bowls. These make for very functional kitchen items, they are made from stone and dishwasher safe. They are beautiful to use in videos and just for your kitchen as well. They are very sturdy and don’t chip easily, so I would definitely recommend buying a set for your foodie friend.
Measuring spoon set: When you’re in the kitchen and wanting to quickly finish up a recipe, this really comes in handy. Once the spoon is level with the contents you need, you have the perfect amount and don’t need to worry about measuring anything. It’s a very useful tool and cost effective.
Small Appliances:
Smeg Hand Mixer: What would a holiday gift guide be without a Smeg Hand mixer! This is definitely on my wish list, and the only reason I haven’t taken the plunge is because I have a stand mixer. So if you know your friend or family member loves to bake, but can’t afford a mixer right now, this is perfect for them! It’s not too pricey but it will help a lot in creating amazing recipes.
Smeg Hand Blender: This tool is perfect for blending anything, from soups to ganache. I use mine all the time for cooking and baking and it’s a life saver. It’s a very handy tool and one that is very multi-purpose in the kitchen.
The perfect gift guide for foodies: Experienced
Kenwood Mixer: This Kenwood Chef XL mixer comes with a 6L bowl and multiple attachments for mixing. This is the one I currently own and it is a beauty! The machine is durable, it barely moves when mixing dough as well. This is truly an amazing investment for anyone who loves baking.
Digital Candy Thermometer and Chocolate: If you love making candy, tempered chocolate, this tool is for you! The thermometer is attached to the whisk, so as you stir you can measure the temperature. It makes baking so much easier and it is all in one tool.
Smeg Blender: This is the Smeg blender I have my eyes on, I had the older version and it was brilliant. They are very durable, easy to clean and can blend anything. They also have a very chic look to them! It’s currently on sale through the link above.
Silpat Mat: I was lucky enough to start using a silat mat while at pastry school, and it is a game changer! It is made for macarons and other delicate pastries, the non-stick base makes removal very easy well. Instead of using baking paper each time to bake or cook something one, this can be washed and used over and over again.
Krups Ice Cream Machine: Summer is here and that means ice cream! If you know someone that loves to make ice cream and needs an upgrade, this machine is a gem! It’s very affordable, easy to clean and churns out amazing, smooth ice cream/gelato!
Sugar Thermometer: If you re serious about making candy and toffee, this tool is a must have! It’s very precise, it provides accurate temperatures for caramels, toffee and sugar and it can withstand up to 200C.
Smeg Pasta Attachement: Even though this is a Smeg attachment, I suggested finding the right pasta attachment for your besties stand mixer. Making your own pasta is incredible and so relaxing as well. This is a worthy investment and you will never have store bought pasta again.
My cookbook!
I had to come in and add my cookbook to the mix. Whether you are a beginner or experienced baker, this is cookbook is definitely part of the perfect gift guide for foodies! The recipes are so easy to follow, they are delicious and gut healing as well. You can find the link to buy a copy on the side of the page- this will take you to different sellers and you can pick the one that best describes your location. If you’re in South Africa, I would suggest Loot. The book is currently on sale as well, so have fun!
