How to Choose a Gift for a Cook

Gift giving can stump even the most generous person. If you are getting a gift for a cook or chef, it's a great idea to get them something cooking related. Narrow down your choices and keep an open mind. By figuring out what they don't have and considering what they need, you can make sure that your gift is unique and memorable.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Narrowing Down Your Choices

1
Talk to them about things they're missing. To avoid making your intentions obvious, start the conversation with small talk, and then ask questions about their kitchen. Actively listen to them and take special note of any frustration that they have because of missing equipment. For instance, they could complain about a lack of cutting boards, knives, or other kitchen equipment. All of these things could help you create a mental list of stuff that they may need.
- Ask them about missing kitchen equipment by saying, "How's work going? Is everything going smooth? Is your kitchen missing anything?"
2
Find newer models and upgrade their existing gear. While cooks may have more cooking equipment than the average person, it doesn't mean that all their equipment is in perfect condition. Take note of any dull knives, warped cutting boards, or broken dishware. If the cook has a personal knife set but an old and haggard case, consider buying them a higher quality carrying case. Survey the quality of their current gear and see if you can find better quality alternatives.
- Other things that you could upgrade include new pots and pans made of a better material, a more advanced slow cooker, or high-quality leather oven mitts.^{[1]XResearch source}
- Pots and pans can be made from a vast variety of materials including cast iron, copper, and carbon steel. Consider getting one of these more expensive variations for an impressive gift.^{[2]XTrustworthy SourceConsumer ReportsNonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testingGo to source}
Advertisement
3
Look in their kitchen for broken or old equipment. Purchasing a gift for a cook is as easy as giving them a visit for dinner. Suggest a potluck or social gathering so that you can all participate in cooking together. Take a mental inventory of their kitchen and items that may be missing.
- To ask for a potluck you can say something like, "I was wondering if you'd be interested in a potluck at your house. Since you're the cook, I figured you'd have all the stuff we'd need to heat up and prepare the food."
- Sometimes a knife set or pan set will have a piece missing because it broke or was lost. This is an excellent opportunity to complete their set.
4
Consider getting them a gift card. If you're totally unsure of what to get your cook friend, you can get them a gift card so that they can get the cookware that they need. Find cookware shops around where they live or get them a gift card that they can use online. You can also look for restaurant gift cards that they can use to get a free meal and give them a break from the kitchen. Think of the types of food that they like and purchase a gift card for a restaurant that they enjoy.
- When getting a gift card it's always good to write an accompanying note.
- Some of the best cookware shops include Fante's in Philadelphia, The Chopping Block in Chicago, A Cook's Companion in Brooklyn, and Hardisty's in Santa Rosa.^{[3]XResearch source}
5
Ask them what they would like. If you don't need to keep your gift a surprise, asking them is the most direct way to understand what they want. Give them a call on the phone or ask them in person. The recipient may not even want you to get them anything cooking related, so be prepared for anything.
- You can ask by saying, "Hey, your birthday is coming up. What do you want for it?"
Advertisement

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Getting Something Unique

1
Consider getting them a dehydrator. A dehydrator is a great gift because many chefs and cooks don't have one.^{[4]XResearch source} A dehydrator uses low temperatures to extract the water from fruits, vegetables, and meat to give you a dried version of the food.^{[5]XResearch source}
- A dehydrator can cost anywhere from $30 to over $400.
- Brands of dehydrators include Nesco, Waring, and Presto.
- You can create beef jerky and kale chips with a dehydrator.^{[6]XResearch source}
2
Search for equipment that can make cooking easier. There are smaller gadgets that are unique but can help cooks speed up the process of typical tasks like peeling potatoes or cutting a specific vegetable. Other tools can integrate with technology, such as a kitchen thermometer that can attach to your smartphone. Many of these gadgets can be found online or at cooking ware stores.^{[7]XResearch source}
- Other tools include a clip on strainer, bag sealers, or special vegetable slicers.^{[8]XResearch source}
3
Purchase an expensive ingredient. Certain ingredients are a dream for many cooks but are far too costly to buy regularly. Consider purchasing one of these expensive or rare ingredients for the cook you have in mind. Examples include white Italian truffles, wagyu beef, and caviar.^{[9]XResearch source}
- Only specialty gourmet food stores sell some of the more expensive ingredients.^{[10]XResearch source}
4
Look into purchasing exotic spices. Certain spices such as turmeric and saffron are expensive and sometimes hard to get. Look for specialty spice stores in your area or search online for businesses that carry them. Other spices that you can look for include fresh cinnamon, cardamom, and clove.^{[11]XResearch source}
- The most expensive Spanish saffron costs around $20 for 2 grams.^{[12]XResearch source}
5
Consider getting them a rare wine. If the cook that you are buying a gift for drinks, then you should think about getting them a rare or expensive bottle of wine. Visit a specialty wine or liquor shop in your area and look for wine that would be appropriate for the occasion.
- Great gift wines include the 2010 Chappellet Signature Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2010 Château Faizeau Montagne Saint-Emilion, and the 2009 Kenneth Volk Mourvedre.^{[13]XResearch source}
Advertisement

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Purchasing the Gift

Once you have an idea of the things that you want to get the cook, write or type down a list so that you can organize your thoughts. Do research on each gift and determine what falls within your budget. Try to stay within an appropriate price range depending on your relationship with the cook. For instance, if they are in your immediate family or a significant other, you may want to spend more money than if the cook was an acquaintance.
Talk to people that are close to the cook and ask them what they are getting. Avoid duplicating gifts or getting them a different version of the same gift. Aim to get something unique and meaningful. Think of things that you've talked about and purchase something that can relate to your experiences.
3
Allow enough time for shipping when ordering online. If you purchase your gift online, you'll want to make sure that you give your order enough time to ship and arrive at your house. Beware of the holiday season, as often things can sell out or get delayed. Give yourself ample time before you give the gift to compensate for any unexpected delays.
- The average order to delivery time during the holidays is 6.7 days.^{[14]XResearch source}
Look online for physical store locations if you don't want to order the gift online or don't have enough time to wait for shipping. If you already have an idea of what kind of gift you want to get, give the store a call to make sure that they have the product in stock.
5
Get a gift receipt. When you purchase the gift, ask that you receive a gift receipt. A gift receipt will not display the price of the gift but will enable the receiver to return it. A gift receipt a great insurance plan in case they already have what you've gotten them or someone gets them the same gift.
- Ask the cashier by saying, "This is a gift for someone. Do you mind printing out a gift receipt?"
Advertisement