Holiday Gift Guide 2017

Happy Sunday! Now that the holidays are officially under way, I thought it would be fun to browse the inter-webs for the latest and greatest gifts for the cooks and wannabe cooks (or really anybody who just loves a great gift) on your list. Last year I wrote up a gift guide (see post here) and decided I might as well do a 2017 version. Wherever and whatever you plan to do this holiday, I hope it’s filled with whatever makes you happiest. Happy Holidays.

1 – Click and Grow Indoor Smart Fresh Garden Kit

I have a galley kitchen which I like, but it’s windowless, which makes keeping plants alive pretty difficult. This fun gift solves that problem and I’m actually thinking of getting one for myself. I enjoy using fresh herbs all year-long and would love to be able to keep them at the ready in my kitchen. The ‘grow light’ ensures your plants get the optimal amount of light necessary and the smaller size allows you to place it anywhere. Click HERE to buy.

2- Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking

My mom gifted me this book last Christmas, but it’s so good that I’m throwing it in for 2017. Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat goes by the philosophy that “by mastering the use of just four elements—Salt, which enhances flavor; Fat, which delivers flavor and generates texture; Acid, which balances flavor; and Heat, which ultimately determines the texture of food—anything you cook will be delicious.” It’s engrossing, as not only is it filled with recipes, but also the ‘why’ these four elements work and ‘how’ they transform food. The salt section alone was so informative that it was worth the price of the book. Click to buy HERE.

3- Kombucha Brewing Kit

Kombucha has been all the rage for several years now, but it’s still in fashion and tastes as delicious as ever. Become your own Kombucha brewer with this home kit. It contains everything you need to get started and included ingredients are 100% organic. How fun! Click here to SHOP.

4 – Avocado Huggers

Ok this is just genius. If you follow my Instagram account  you know I love avocado and that I use a half of one practically every day in my morning smoothie. The other half gets thrown in the fridge, either wrapped in plastic wrap – (pit intact, as it keeps avocado green by the way) or placed in a plastic baggie. These avocado huggers are the perfect waste-free solution and so cute. These would make a great stocking stuffer for the avocado-lovers on your list and the price point is so reasonable. Click HERE to buy.

5 – Mini Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer

Know someone who is short on counter space but just dying for a Kitchen Aid mixer? This ‘mini’ version may fit the bill. It is just as powerful as the full-size version, but 20% smaller and 25% lighter. The cherry red version pictured above simply screams the holidays. Make the baker in your life VERY happy this year. Click HERE to buy.

6 – Stoneware and Cracked Glass Coasters

Stoneware, glass and colored glazes blend together to create these functional and beautiful coasters. Wrap with a beautiful bow and you’re all set. Makes a great hostess gift as well! Throw in some fun wine or champagne glasses if you want and you’re set! Click HERE to shop.

7 – Brass Inlay Cheese Board

Who doesn’t love cheese? And to display it in such a pretty fashion? Clean lines, beautiful marble and three minimal brass inlays make for a simple and useful gift. Great for displaying fruits, nuts and various delicacies. Click HERE to shop.

8 – Dobra Highball Glass

The holidays are all about sharing in the festivities together with friends and family. Give these glasses to your favorite cocktail mixologist for a beautiful and unique twist on a traditional highball glass. Thin gold rim and ombre glow on the bottom of the glass makes for elegant showstoppers. Click HERE to buy.

9 – Umbria Collimartani Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Olive Oil you ask? Why, yes. I use olive oil practically everyday when cooking or making homemade salad dressings and the good stuff isn’t cheap making it a great holiday gift. But the key word here is ‘everyday.’ This olive oil is not an everyday olive oil which makes it special and perfect for a holiday gift. Hailing from the Umbrian hillside, this oil is more intensely flavored and works well with vegetables, sauces, bruschetta, meat and poultry dishes. Click HERE to buy.

10 – Embossed Baking Dish

Handmade in Portugal, this beautiful baking dish is embossed with a design that reminds me of hearts, perfect for that special someone. Click HERE to shop.

11 – Cinnamon Salt

I want this! A combination of coarse and fine sea salt, Ceylon cinnamon and orange peel powder this spice mix works perfectly with roasted carrots, sweet potatoes, squash and more. Oh! And don’t forget popcorn. Click HERE to shop and check out the other spice mixes they have. They all sound delicious.

12 – Tovolo Sphere Ice Molds

Who doesn’t want something this beautiful in their glass? Forget square or rectangular, these sphere ice cubes are guaranteed to get the party started. Click HERE to shop.

13 – Unicorn Sprinkles Sugar Shaker

This is just too fun not to share. I imagine kids would just love to shake sprinkles onto a batch of fresh cookies with this unicorn shaker. As stated, ‘for lovers of unicorns and baking.’ What’s not to love? Click HERE to shop.

14 – Lace Embossed Rolling Pin

An absolutely lovely rolling pin that is beautiful and unique for any baker. The delicate, lace pattern adds a gorgeous pattern to anything that’s rolled. Click HERE to shop.

15 – Kitchen Apron

Perfect for any home chef, this utilitarian-style apron has pockets for all your essentials – kitchen tools, pen and paper and even a cell phone – for all those drool-worthy food shots. Striped design is classic and works for anyone. Click HERE to shop.

16 – Recycled Glass Pitcher

In Mexico, margaritas are served in pitchers like these. Made from recycled Coca-Cola bottles, this glass pitcher is both beautiful and functional. Great gift idea? Throw in some margarita mix, fresh limes and a citrus juicer and you’ve got the perfect gift for all your margarita-loving friends. Click HERE to shop.

17 – Copper Leaves Tin Candle

This candle was given to me by my cousin this year and it’s one of my favorite fall/winter candle scents. A mix of chestnuts, cinnamon, coconut and even a faint fireplace smell, I love lighting it after a meal with a glass of wine. The cute tin makes it an easy gift. Click HERE to shop.

18 – Cocktail Vinegars from Shrub District

Looking for something unique for your favorite mixologist? This Holiday Shrub set is perfect. Don’t know what a shrub even is? “Before refrigeration, farmers used vinegar to preserve excess fruit during harvest. Wait a bit, then add some sugar and you’ve got “shrub.” Like the word alcohol itself, the term “shrub” originated in the Middle East.” This set contains three holiday favorites – Cranberry Juniper, Ginger and Blueberry Basil which would make super unique and tasty seasonal cocktails. Click HERE to buy.

19 – Chef’s Knife

Every chef needs a good knife and this one has rave reviews. I use my chef’s knife for so many things while in the kitchen it’s not even funny. If you want to go big, pick up this knife for your loved one. Coming in at just under 13″ it’s sturdy enough to give you some power but light in weight to make chopping a breeze. The added dimples are perfect for slicing through sticky things (like potatoes) that often get stuck on the blade. Click HERE to shop.

20 – Metallic Straw Set

Because life is meant to be fun, these metallic straws make for an easy stocking stuffer. Get rid of the plastic while you’re at it. Click HERE to buy.

21 – 10-Piece Wok Set

I have a wok and I love it. I actually need to purchase a better one. Mine was a cheap-o score. It works fine for what it is, but I think it’s time for an upgrade. My favorite way to cook up veggies, cauliflower fried rice or a delicious stir-fry, wok’s rock. This 10-piece set includes a 14″ wok, steaming and tempura racks, spatulas, chopsticks and more. Click HERE to shop.

22 – Maple Butter

Who doesn’t love the taste of maple? Made from 100% Real Maple Syrup, Parker’s Maple Butter sounds like heaven on a spoon. This creamy spread is recommended on fruit slices, oatmeal, toast, waffles, yogurt, ice cream – you name it. Sounds absolutely divine and is a unique present to give around the holidays. Click HERE to shop.

23 – Salad Spoons

I love large serving spoons and use them all the time. These, by World Market, are lovely with their etched design that lends a little boho flair. Crafted of mango wood, the aqua “waves” add color and fun to these beautiful spoons. Click HERE to buy.

24 – Chirpy Top Wine Pourer

Know someone who loves birds, loves wine and just loves a little bit of fun? These wine pourers are so cute! I have one and love it.  A hidden whistle makes the bird “chirp” while you pour. Makes the perfect hostess gift or stocking stuffer. Available in a multitude of colors. Click HERE to shop.

25 – 64 oz. Growler

Even though I’m clearly a whine-o, I can’t leave the beer lovers off this list. Perfect gift for the tailgating, camping, beer enthusiast in your life. Double wall insulation keeps beer as cold as when it’s first poured and large size allows for more than a couple people to enjoy some icy carbonated goodness. Click HERE to shop.

Well, that’s it. Whew. I start this list with much excitement and by the end of it, I’m like, MAN THAT WAS A LOT OF WORK! Kind of like Christmas shopping! Ha! Hope you enjoyed my holiday gift ideas for 2017. Handy links ensure you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your couch, so have fun doing a little browsing today and Happy Holidays!