Holiday Gift Guide
I think every blog I’m subscribed to has emailed me their Holiday Gift Guide. Well, I figure I’ll hop on that bandwagon and share some gift ideas for under $50. Actually, only two near $50 and the rest are under $20!
- On my Resources page is a list of my favorite cookbooks that I use All. The. Time.
- Nordic Ware pans – the sheet pans, the 9×13”, the bread loaf pan, muffin pan, and the 8” or 9” pans that come with plastic lids. I love these pans because they don’t chip or rust with long-term use. Also, they have little bitty ones that fit in the toaster oven.
- Pyrex or other glass bowls – I’m trying to use less disposable plastic and these bowls are great for storing leftovers and for meal prep. My only complaint is the lids seem to grow legs and wander off.
- Trader Joe’s canvas totes – I think they were $2.99 each and I’ve gotten much better at remembering to take them with me grocery shopping. I even got one to use as a knitting bag!
- Silicone spatulas in a variety of sizes – I like the ones that are like spoons, the little ones for getting into small containers, and the ones with a corner for getting the last bit of food from jars.
- Glass jars with lids – I’m a Mason jar addict! I use the 4 cup size for homemade nut milks. I use the smaller ones for dressings and sauces, cut up fruits, leftover storage, and meal prep.
- A good cutting board – I prefer one that can go in the dishwasher and doesn’t slide around on the counter. I would suggest one large enough for cutting lots of veggies but small enough to fit in the dishwasher.
- Kitchen scissors – These are good for opening packages, cutting herbs into bits, and I probably use mine most for getting tofu out of that shrink wrap.
- Wooden spoons – I think I got a bag of assorted ones made of bamboo for around $6. They’ve lasted forever and don’t scratch up pans.
- Metal and plastic spatulas – probably the one I used most is meant for cooking fish. I use metal ones with cast iron pans and cookware that won’t get scratched up. Plastic is best for the more delicate pans.
- A decent pan – I have the ones from GreenPan but I’ve heard others that are recommended.
- Cast iron pans – I have a variety of sizes by Lodge. They are pretty affordable and widely available.
- Dutch oven – Again, I have one from Lodge. I use it all the time for soups. (Okay, this one is slightly over $50)
- Silicone oven mitts – I suggest 2 of these for lifting heavy pans out of the oven. I like that they are super-easy to clean and liquids don’t seep in to burn your hands.
- A good knife – Knives are kind of personal as to what feels natural to someone, but if someone is just starting out, I like one with about a 6 inch blade. The ones by Oxo are decent as is the chef’s knife by Mercer. These are closer to $40.
- Reusable silicone straws – my kids love these! I love that I don’t have to remember to buy straws and that they are safer than metal ones.
- Flour sack dish towels – so far I use them for pressing tofu and eggplant, and making nut milks. But they could be great if you are trying to cut out paper towels.
- Compost bucket – I have a stainless steel one that gets filled constantly with all the fruit and veggie peels, cores, tea bags, etc.
- Mixing bowls – glass or stainless steel (or both!)
- Measuring cups and spoons – I don’t think you can have too many of these!
- Cookie scoops – I use them mostly for making energy balls, but also cookies and batters.
Bonus Ideas:
- Gift card to Penzey’s – nearly everyone loves spices! I’ve slowly built of a spice collection and Penzey’s spices are great!
- Gift card to a grocery store – Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Sprouts, Aldi, Earth Fare… whichever store is near the recipient.
- Instant Pot accessories – extra silicone rings, another pot, mini cheese cake pan, a bread pan, a mini bundt pan… the possibilities are endless if the recipient already has an Instant Pot.
- Misfits Market box – I’m enjoying the winter ones and all the new fruits and veggies that we’re getting to try for the first time ever.
If you have other awesome gift ideas, please leave them in the comments below!
