Gifts for Someone Who Likes to Cook: 60 Ideas Cooks Love

Hey there! I was curious about what kind of cooking-related gift under $100 people would love. So, carried out a pole, and guess what? I’ve compiled a list of their top picks above – and they’re all super practical and wallet-friendly!

The best gifts that people who love to cook asked for were knives, mortar, pestles, cutting boards with built-in juice groves, and cookbooks from professional chefs. Also requested were additional attachments for kitchen appliances, for example, a spiralizer.

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Knives

Victorinox Fibrox Chef’s Knife 

These Swiss knives are ergonomically designed with a non-slip grip.

These knives have various sizes available 5-inch, 7.5-inch, and 8-inch priced between $19 to $92.  They are the top seller on Amazon with over 6,160 customer reviews.

Tojiro has a huge range of chef’s knives in various sizes. Also available in this great brand are boning, slicing, Santoku, pairing, Japanese even starter knife sets. The prices vary depending on your choice.

Wusthof  I love my Wusthof knives – I was given a block of Wustof knives similar to the set below as a gift 15 years ago. German-made with a lifetime warranty. You will find Wusthof Classic Chef’s Knives sold singly or like mine in complete sets. Read the instructions – do not put it in the dishwasher because the handles will deteriorate before the knife itself…

Mortar and Pestles

Since this came in second in my poll of what gift a home chef would like, it had to make my gift list.

The uses for mortar and pestles are extensive. You can crush pills and medication into powder for easier digestion for adults, children, and pets. Just crush and hide in food or liquid.

For favorite recipes, you can also carry out the traditional crushing of herbs and spices. Nuts, seeds, and root herbs like ginger and garlic.

There are so many variations of the mortar and pestle, including wooden, bamboo, granite (smooth and unpolished), marble, stainless steel, and even porcelain.

There are sizes and colors to suit every home chef and kitchen decor.

The image below is my mortar and pestle, a heavy (really heavy) unpolished granite.

You can see one just like mine and many others in a wide range of prices starting at just a couple of dollars. Click the image below to go to Amazon to see one yourself.

Cast Iron Skillet

A must-have for any chef is a cast iron skillet. Cookware with a pre-seasoned surface that is the ultimate of non-stick surfaces. It duplicates the delicious browning and crispiness you get from outdoor cookware, and this fry pan will make meal preparation faster than ever.

Cook Books

Some awesomely beautiful hardcover books are out these days that can easily double as a talking piece on a coffee table. Beautiful cookbooks should be on display for inspiration and enjoyment for all.

Are they passionate about a particular style of cooking? Health or Diet-related, Italian, Japanese, Vegetarian, Vegan, Baked Goods, Artisan Bread, the list goes on and on.

A couple of best-sellers are listed below.

“The Flavor Bible: The Essential Guide to Culinary Creativity, Based on the Wisdom of America’s Most Imaginative Chefs”

Chrissy Teagan’s “Cravings: Recipes for All the Food You Want to Eat” and the all-new “Cravings: Hungry for More” are available in beautiful hardcover editions.

“The Shredded Chef” is all about looking great and being healthy by preparing and eating the real food you want.

Coffee Lover

This is the perfect coffee mug for people who need their drinks quickly this holiday season. The battery lasts long and can be recharged with just two hours of charging. As far as kitchen gift ideas go, this is a thoughtful gift. The coffee lover won’t have to worry about running out of power when your caffeine fix hits an all-time high!

Practical Gifts – Under $20

Chefs test kitchen tools in their kitchen with new recipes. It is the best way to speed up food preparation; your favorite home cook is no different. The good news is that my favorite foodie choices are the following.

Knife Sharpener

A compact knife sharpener with a non-slip base will stabilize the user while handling knives. Starting at around $10, you should find a quality piece that is safe to use.

Salt and Pepper Grinders

The manual salt and pepper grinders are the best, as the battery-operated ones cost too much money to run due to the batteries draining so quickly.

You will find a glass and stainless steel set for under $20. Alternatively, you may prefer to go down the wooden grinder route, but they will cost you more.

Plastic Wrap, Foil, Wax Paper Dispenser

Do you constantly fumble with plastic wrap, foil, or wax paper? If so, a dispenser might be a helpful addition to your kitchen.

Dispensers make it easy to grab a sheet of plastic wrap, foil, or wax paper without fighting with the roll. Plus, they help to keep your plastic wrap, foil, and wax paper organized and tidy.

There are a variety of dispensers on the market, so you can find one that fits your needs and your kitchen décor.

Whether you choose a wall-mounted dispenser or a kitchen counter model, you’ll appreciate the convenience of having your plastic wrap, foil, and wax paper at your fingertips. So, if you’re tired of struggling with messy rolls of plastic wrap, foil, or wax paper, consider investing in a dispenser. You’ll wonder how you ever got along without one!

Aprons

A cook can never have too many aprons on hand. Aprons that are stain-resistant, easy to wash, have long ties, a neck strap that can be adjusted, and a pocket or two in the front is handy.

They come in all types of materials, shapes, and sizes. A couple of suggestions are below.

• Professional bib aprons with a large pocket in the front
• Cotton for easy machine washing
• Plastic or disposable aprons are great for those messy or colored food preparation jobs – jams, sauces, and the like
• Plain, patterned, pretty, and commercial options are available

Soap

A little out of the ordinary! But there are some beautiful soaps available. I love the “Chefs Blend exfoliating Himalayan Pink Sale and Coffee goat milk soap.” it contains odor-neutralizing lemon and parsley while nourishing the hands.

Practical Gifts – Under $50

Stainless Steel Measuring Cups and Spoons

You should be able to find a good quality set of six measuring cups and spoons in 18/8 stainless steel. Excellent quality stainless steel is lightweight and easy to clean.

Suitable quality cups and spoons will give your cook an accurate measurement every time. You should be able to source a set for around $25. Click on the image below to see some at Amazon.

Knife Sharpener

Continuing with the knife sharpening gift for well under $50, you can find a traditional sharpening stone. The one I use has a non-slip bamboo base, two-sided grit, and an angle guide. It even came with a great book on how to use the stone effectively. See my knife sharpener at Amazon.

Non-Aerosol Oil Sprayer

In non-aerosol oil sprayers, you can use your favorite 100% oil. I am cutting out the need for aerosols and other oils that contain additives. I like the ones made from reusable bottles for my olive oil.

Also, you should choose one made of BPA-Free glass and stainless steel, not plastic. They are straightforward to use, clean, and refill.

You will find a great one for around $25 – $30. This one at Amazon is a great price.

Whipped Cream Dispenser

Whipped fresh cream is like to get when you eat out, unlike the throwaway whipped cream dispensers in supermarkets full of sugar and preservatives. You use fresh, natural cream, which can be stored in the refrigerator like throwaway ones.

If your cook is into home baking and desserts, they can decorate cakes and pies and make whipped cream for coffee, hot chocolate, iced milk drinks, milkshakes, and chai lattes. Not to mention topping ice cream, making mixed drinks, and infusions!

Spice Racks And Jars

Dedicated spice racks are a cook’s dream. Having everything at your fingertips and not digging through every cupboard to find what you want is fantastic.

The image below shows mine. I have the magnetic racks attached to the pantry wall, and the everyday spices are on the rotating spice holder in the bottom right of the image below. Click the image below to go to Amazon and find some fantastic, inexpensive options under $50.

Oven Mitts

These oven mitts are perfect for that big cookout or even heating your favorite meal on a cold day. Made with an extra long silicone handle so you have more room to work, these will save time and energy in the kitchen! Twelve different colors to suit any decor and for everyday use.

Practical Gifts – Under $100

Gourmet Gift Baskets

These gift baskets come in all shapes and sizes with many ingredients for your home cook.

Including oils, vinegar bottles, salts, herbs, exotic spices, and rubs. Prices vary greatly, but for under $100, you will find something fantastic.

Do It Yourself Gift Basket

If you know all the ingredients of the dishes they like to prepare, you can fill a basket with all their favorites yourself.

Alternatively, you could fill a basket with ingredients and a recipe card so they can try something new.

Knife Storage Bag

A great way to store and protect their cooking knives is a roll-up leather knife storage bag. They come with pockets and slots for knives of various sizes, scissors, and sharpening tools.

They usually have a handle and an adjustable shoulder carry strap when rolled up. Around $60 will buy a good quality leather bag.

Wooden Cutting Board

Apart from protecting your knives from damage while in storage, they also need protection. Wooden cutting boards are the number one choice, with a good quality plastic one coming a close second.

Cleaning and caring for both types of cutting boards need to be considered when choosing. For me, it is wood all the way.

As a cutting board is a personal choice, unless your cook advises you on what type they would like, you may want to steer clear of this particular gift.

Another consideration is the price, which is between $50 to $100 and is an extravagant gift for most. I wouldn’t want anyone to be disappointed!

Le Creuset

Give the gift of a gorgeous piece of Le Creuset. I found this massive list of affordable Le Creuset Gifts. There is something on it for everyone.

FUN GIFTS

Burger Press

Burger presses are such a handy kitchen tool. You prepare your ground beef, chicken, turkey, or other in the normal way, including all your flavors.

Measure the size you require for each burger insert and simply press down, and your ground beef is shaped into the perfect burger.

These burgers can also be frozen for later use; all you need to do is separate the burgers with parchment paper. You can even buy this paper already cut into the burger size.

Personalized T-Shirt, Caps, Mugs, Tea Cups, Glasses, Wooden Spoons – the list goes on!

There are many t-shirts around for the home chef. Lots around for a laugh. It just depends on whether your friend is into funny or not.

Herb Gardens

Grow fresh herbs year-round inside your home. They come in various shapes, sizes, and prices, starting under $100.

There are traditional garden setups if a sunny windowsill is available. But there are indoor hydroponic garden options and electric LED versions where the herbs grow in the water year-round.

IPad Stand

Ipad stands, or holders come in many shapes and sizes. The one below folds up and holds many different-sized devices, including E-readers.

It is a good choice for use in the kitchen as it is solid and easy to wipe over when it is time to clean up. Under $10 – great gift!

Blue Tooth Speaker

It is not always easy to watch television while trying to prepare food, so a waterproof Bluetooth speaker is handy. Then, the cook can listen to music, talkback, or even podcasts while preparing dishes.

A waterproof speaker will stay safe from damage in the kitchen environment, which can become messy and wet!

Electronic Gifts – Under $20

Digital Multifunction Kitchen and Food Scales

Look for a set of scales that are easy to use. It has a large display screen that can convert pounds to grams to mils and vice versa.

Apps

Applications with recipe books and recipe storage are available now. There are great ones for under $20.00. I use Paprika; family and friends also have it, and we share recipes easily.

Electronic Gifts – Under $50

Meat Thermometer

A meat thermometer can be used to measure various food preparation temperatures. For example, homebrew, bread, candy, and more. It should be easy to clean with a large display to read the temperature. Some are also available with a built-in magnet for easy storage.

Electric Knife Sharpener

As knives were the most requested gift, continuing with the sharpening idea makes sense to ensure maximum sharpness.

If you feel your friend would benefit from an electric instead of a manual sharpening tool, plenty are on the market starting under $50.

Some models also combine electric and manual sharpening in the same unit.

Electronic Gifts – Under $100

Air Fryer

A great addition to any kitchen from the makers of Instant Pot, this oven uses EvenCrisp Technology to cook food for a delicious and consistent result every time. Plus, the nonstick and dishwasher-safe basket makes it easy to clean up after cooking.

This handy gadget includes a free app with over 100 recipes to start cooking immediately! This is one of the best cooking gifts for your foodie friend and is the right size to prepare easy meals as it is not too big for a small kitchen.

Hand-Held Speed Stick Blender

There are many stick blenders with various sizes of motors and attachments. The one that always stands out for me is the KitchenAid 5-speed hand blender. It comes with interchangeable blade assemblies.

This allows the user to crush ice, puree soup, froth milk, whisk egg whites, whip cream, and prepare vinaigrettes and mayonnaise. With the chopping attachment inside the dedicated bowl, you can prepare herbs, nuts, cheese, and meat.

The 1-liter pitcher caters to making smoothies and baby puree. Prices vary from $115 down to $61.

Check out prices and a vast array of immersion hand blenders or stick blenders at Amazon.

Sous Vide Machine

WIFI sous-vide cooking cooker immersion circulator with preset recipes on the APP and thermal immersion is an excellent choice for someone who likes to cook dishes perfectly every time.

Outdoor Chef Gifts – Under $20

BBQ Non-Stick Cooking Mats

The cooking mats can be directly placed onto the grill; some leave the lines on the food as though you are cooking on the grill itself.

They are non-stick for healthy meal preparation. Stops a lot of mess on the BBQ, easy to clean some brands can even be put directly into the dishwasher.

Those who use these love them.

Cooking Gloves

Heat-resistant cooking gloves with a protective lining are great to use during BBQ grilling, deep-frying, campfire cooking, in pizza ovens, and meat smoking, even while using a fire pit. A good quality pair can certainly be picked up for under $20.

Grill Wire Brush

The perfect BBQ grill wire brush is made from stainless steel to scrub clean the grill grates. The brush can be easily rinsed and hung out to dry.

Outdoor BBQ Grill Light

These lights are generally made from plastic that withstands high heat from the BBQ. The heads of the lights usually sport very bright outdoor LED bulbs. The head needs to be able to rotate and have sturdy clamps to attach it to the BBQ.

A handy feature is a light that has a touch-sensitive on-off button.

Check out a vast range of BBQ grill lights; prices are well under $20.

Outdoor Chef Gifts – Under $50

BBQ Smoker

Maybe your chef wants to try something new and experiment with woodchip smoking.

BBQ smoking kits with flavored wood chips come in kits. These kits include steel smoker boxes, all-natural smoker chips, 12-inch tongs, a basting brush, a metal grill scrubber, a thermometer, and a kabob skewer.

Some of the flavors available include cherry, pecan, and applewood. You use the chips to add smoky flavors to vegetables, seafood, and meat.

BBQ Tools

Long-handled BBQ utensils make it easy to reach over hot grills. They also protect the hands and arms from the grill heat and fat splatter.

A good quality set will be made of stainless steel and can be washed in the dishwasher, and they will never go astray.

The set below comes with a handy storage case. So, the BBQ chef will always know where the tools are when they are ready to cook up a storm. Click the image to see it for yourself.

Pizza Stones

This rectangular pizza stone is perfect for oven baking and BBQ grilling and comes with a complimentary wooden peel. The stone is made from durable cordierite and measures 15 x 12 inches.

It’s large enough to accommodate even the most enormous pizzas and is sure to become a favorite kitchen tool. The included wooden peel is a valuable tool that makes transferring pizzas to and from the oven easy. Whether you’re looking for unique housewarming gifts or a birthday present, a pizza stone is sure to please.

Unusual Cooking Gifts

Tabletop BBQ

This grill is called a raclette! It has different cooking surfaces with an electric element through the middle to utilize the heat from above and below the elements. You can prepare anything on this grill that you would cook on any traditional surface.

I prepare well in advance, so I also enjoy the dinner.

The best part is that the chef prepares the food, and your guests cook their own. They add their choice of meats, vegetables, herbs, and sauces. It can be used as a fondue/grill in one.

Skewers are provided; you can also cook pancakes with sweet fondue or chocolate melted from below.

Something For The Kids – Under $20

Gifts For Beginner Cooks: Children need to be taught the value of healthy eating from a young age. So what better way than to introduce them to fresh, healthy ingredients and cooking at an early age?

Cook Books

“Kid Chef: The Foodie Kids Cookbook: Healthy Recipes and Culinary Skills for the New Cook in the Kitchen.” This particular book has not only recipes for the beginner but also contains facts about food.

It includes learning to stock a pantry, compile a grocery list, and safely use kitchen utensils and appliances.

There is even a teen cookbook called “The Healthy Teen Cookbook: Around the World in 80 Fantastic Recipes”.

Something For The Kids – Under $50

Pizza Cooking Sets for Young Kids

Let’s face it: we all love pizzas in one form or another. So why not teach our children the love of preparing their healthy options before falling prey to the insanely unhealthy takeaway version?

I love the “MasterChef Junior Pizza Cooking Set.” The five-piece set includes a pizza pan, wooden pizza board, recipe card, ladle, and plastic pizza cutter. Check it out for your beginner pastry chef at Amazon.

To Finish – Gifts for Someone Who Likes to Cook – 35+ Ideas Under $100

Whether you are looking for unusual cooking gifts, a housewarming gift, or general kitchen gifts for a friend or family member – with over 50 gift ideas outlined above, I hope that I have been able to give you some ideas for a gift for that special someone in your life who likes to cook.

Gift ideas for someone special…