If you have a special person in your life who is a chef, chances are you’ll be giving them a gift at some point. Whether it’s their birthday, a holiday, or just to say ‘thank you,’ you’ll likely find yourself searching for the best gifts for chefs to get some ideas. To help remove some of the guesswork, we have curated a list of the best gifts for chefs we could find. All of the gifts below are available on Amazon or Etsy, and all are under $50. Find the perfect present for the chef in your life with our top finds below.
Best Gifts for Chefs
| Gift Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen Gadgets | - Often enhance efficiency in the kitchen. - Can be unique or innovative. - Can solve specific problems. |
- Chef might already own it. - Can be seen as gimmicky or unnecessary. - May require storage space. |
| Cooking Supplies | - Essentials that chefs always need. - Offers a wide range, from utensils to pans. - Can upgrade their tools. |
- Chef may be particular about brands/types. - May duplicate existing items. |
| Food Gifts | - Lets chefs experiment with new ingredients. - Can be gourmet or exotic. - Usually consumable and won't clutter. |
- Shelf-life considerations. - Dietary restrictions or preferences. |
| Kitchen Towels | - Useful for cleaning and handling hot items. - Can add a decorative touch. - Often needed and appreciated. |
- They can get stained easily. - Material might not be suitable for all tasks. |
| Food Storage | - Helps in organizing the kitchen. - Can preserve food's freshness. - Range of sizes and types available. |
- Might not fit in the kitchen. - Chef might have specific storage preferences. - Can take up space. |
| Aprons | - Protects clothing. - Can be personalized. - Offers a range of styles and materials. |
- Chef may already have a favorite. - Sizing can be an issue. - Material may not be durable. |
Lavatools Javelin Digital Instant Read Food Thermometer
Lavatools is a small business based in California that makes high-end precision kitchen measurement tools. The Javelin food thermometer offers 3-4 second readings at all cooking temperatures for the most accurate read every time. It is said to be easy to use and store, and it comes in a variety of colors.
Lavatools Javelin Digital Instant Read Food Thermometer
Rubbermaid 14-Piece Brilliance Food Storage Containers with Lids
More than 50,000 customers on Amazon rave about this Rubbermaid food storage set. You get 7 pieces of different-sized airtight and leak-resistant Rubbermaid containers with their matching lids and they’re microwave and dishwasher safe.
Rubbermaid 14-Piece Brilliance Food Storage Containers with Lids
Caron & Doucet – Cutting Board & Butcher Block Conditioning Oil & Wood Finishing Wax
Your chef friend likely keeps their cutting boards nice and clean. This kit by Caron & Doucet will help keep their wooden and bamboo cutting boards looking and working their best for years. The oil and wax are both vegan and coconut-oil based, containing no mineral oil.
Caron & Doucet – Cutting Board & Butcher Block Conditioning Oil & Wood Finishing Wax
Prepara Eco Herb Savor Pod
This BPA-free herb pod claims to extend the life of herbs up to three times longer. It features a sturdy, clear shell that protects the contents from getting crushed by other items in the refrigerator. It is easy to clean and store, and was awarded the “Kitchen Hero” tag by Readers Digest.
Kaffe Electric Coffee and Herb Grinder
Kaffe’s stainless steel grinder can be used for coffee, of course, but it also can be used for grinding nuts, spices, dried foods, and more. It is compact, quiet, and comes with a very handy cleaning brush.
Kaffe Electric Coffee and Herb Grinder
Mueller Heavy Duty Deep Colander
Every cook or chef needs a colander (or five) and this one claims to be among the best. It is made from heavy-duty, dishwasher-safe plastic and is extra deep for straining large pots of pasta, large fruits and vegetables, and more.
Mueller Heavy Duty Deep Colander for Draining Pasta, Lettuce, Vegetables and Fruit
Personalized Canvas Apron
Get your favorite chef a gift they’ll love – a heavy-duty, personalized apron. This apron is made from durable canvas to stand up to all kinds of cooking adventures. You can have it personalized with initials or a name with several fonts and color options.
Gusto’s Original Barbecue RUBS of the STATES BBQ Sampler Gift Set
If you know a chef who loves to grill, this is a fantastic gift idea. You receive 5 sample sized dry rubs from 5 different parts of the US. They’ll have fun trying the different rubs and choosing their favorite.
Gusto’s Original Barbecue RUBS of the STATES BBQ Sampler Gift Set
Kitchen Conversions Custom Cutting Board
This cutting board is not only beautiful, it’s got common kitchen conversions engraved into the wood! You can also have a name engraved on the board. It comes in three sizes and three different wood colors.
Kitchen Conversions Custom Cutting Board
Utopia 100% Cotton Reusable Cleaning Kitchen Towels
A 12 pack of reusable kitchen towels is a great, practical gift for chefs. You can never have too many towels, and the fact that they are reusable makes them environmentally friendly as well.
Utopia 100% Cotton Reusable Cleaning Kitchen Towels
Herb Stripper and Spice Leaf Stripper
This herb and spice leaf stripper is hand hammered from repurposed / recycled solid copper sheets. It features different sized holes to fit a variety of herbs and spices: a large hole for larger plants like kale, a small hole for rosemary and thyme, and all the in-between sizes. Copper has natural anti-microbial properties, too, so this handy tool will remain clean and useable for many years.
Herb Stripper and Spice Leaf Stripper
DMT 8-in. DuoSharp Double-Sided Diamond Whetstone
This lightweight double-sided knife sharpener features a fine diamond side it says will hone any blade or chisel to a razor-sharp edge, and a coarse diamond side for restoring neglected edges. This knife sharpener is made in the USA and has over 2,000 positive reviews.
DMT 8-in. DuoSharp Double-Sided Diamond Whetstone
EVERPRIDE Chef Knife Bag
If you noticed your chef friend’s knife bag looking a little beat up, treat them to a new one like this one from Everpride. It can hold 20 chef knives plus extra utensils and is made from durable, heavy-duty polyester fabric.
Kollea Refillable Cooking Torch
This highly-rated refillable butane torch is a great gift for any chef or baker, and it’s under $25! It features a continuous flame, safety lock, and works with any brand of butane gas canister.
Kollea Refillable Cooking Torch
Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager with Heat
Chefs’ backs always hurt. Give the chef in your life some much-needed relief in the form of a neck and back massager. It has three adjustable intensity levels and heat for a relaxing, therapeutic massage after a long day.
Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager with Heat
Things to Consider When Buying Gifts for Chefs
Buying gifts for chefs, especially when it’s for their professional needs, can be quite the challenge. Chefs, by nature of their work, have very specific preferences and needs. But worry not! By following a few essential pointers, you can make the right purchase, ensuring that your gift is both useful and cherished.
- Research the Brand: Not all kitchen brands are created equal. Familiarize yourself with the top brands in the culinary world. Trusted brands often equate to better quality, and every chef appreciates quality.
- Avoiding Duplicates: Chefs often already have some tools in their collection. Sneak a peek into their kitchen or ask them subtly about their wish list to ensure you’re not gifting a duplicate.
- Consider Durability: When gifting something functional, prioritize items that will withstand the daily grind of a professional kitchen. Stainless steel, cast iron, or heavy-duty silicone are materials often preferred by pros.
- Presentation Matters: Even if you’re gifting something practical, presentation can make a difference. Consider the packaging, and maybe include a handwritten note to add a personal touch.
- Stay Updated with Trends: The culinary world is evolving. From smart kitchen gadgets to sustainable cookware, being updated with the latest trends can give you an edge in choosing a memorable gift.
To summarize:
- Stick to trusted brands.
- Avoid giving duplicate items.
- Prioritize durable materials.
- Never underestimate the power of good presentation.
- Stay updated with the latest in culinary trends.
Lastly, remember that it’s the thought that counts. A gift given with genuine thoughtfulness and care, even if it’s simple, will always be cherished. So, trust your instincts and happy shopping!
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Images: Amazon, Etsy
This article, "Gifts for Chefs: Sizzling Selections for the Cook on Your List" was first published on Small Business Trends