Have a foodie in the family? A baking best friend? Check out the best gifts for chefs with recommendations from the pros.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
Learn more.
We’re going to take a wild guess: The serious home chef in your life is already elbows deep in holiday meal planning. Christmas prep is a mighty task, and it never hurts to show your thanks with thoughtful gifts for chefs that say “I appreciate you.”
We tapped our editors to find the best gifts for chefs. From top-of-the-line knives to the best kitchen items for perfecting their craft, these are the tools and appliances our pros swear by. Not only will they take your loved one’s skills to the next level, they deliver on delicious rewards.
Looking for more foodie-inspired gifts? We have gifts for bakers, bread aficionados, cheese board masters and cake queens, too.
NICOLE DOSTER FOR TASTE OF HOME
For the Serious Chef
Zwilling J.A. Henckels Four Star Knife Set
A chef is nothing without the best knife set, and this three-piece set from Zwilling won us over in our tests. Our tester loved the knives’ light feel and balanced weight that still delivered exceptional sharpness.
“You know how prepping ingredients usually feels like a chore? Now I look forward to it because I have such a nice knife that slides through celery, peppers, potatoes, broccoli florets, roast chicken and steak like butter,” says self-described knife snob, Nicole Doster. “With just a little pressure, the Zwilling knife chops harder ingredients too, like super fibrous sweet potato. I even retired my beloved Ergochef chef’s knife that I thought you’d have to rip from my cold dead hands in favor of the new Zwilling.”
On Sale
For the Playful Chef
Red the Crab
Sticky messes scurry away when this cute crab lives on their countertops! This editor-adored tool holder turns any ordinary kitchen into a whimsical oceanside set. Simply attach it to the top or side of a sauté pan or saucier and rest your spoon in his ready claws. Your giftee will get a chuckle every time they use him—and enjoy mess-free counters, to boot!
For the Slow Roller
Tumbler Original Rolling Knife Sharpener
The Tumbler knife sharpener is a great gift for anyone who invests in top-tier chef’s tools. It functions as a two-piece device that lets anyone sharpen knifes to a precise, professional-grade edge. One piece is a hardwood block with magnetic sides with different slopes, which hold your knife in place at the exact right angle. The other piece is a hardwood cylinder with two textured discs on each side for sharpening.
“There’s something wonderfully meditative about repetitive motion that doesn’t require any sort of thinking whatsoever,” says reviewer Allison T.S. Robicelli in her review of the knife sharpener. “I didn’t have to worry about whether or not I was holding the knife correctly, grinding at just the right angle or getting full coverage across the blade.”
For the Short on Space
Alva Cookware Neat 5-Piece Nesting Set
Alva cookware is a great option for anyone who wants to streamline their cookware and maximize storage space. Each Neat pan is made of recycled aluminum and includes a ceramic coating free from PFAS, PTFE, PFOA and other harmful chemicals. The set also comes with a 10-year limited warranty.
“Right away, I was impressed with just how slick the nonstick coating is,” says Katie in her review. “I’ve tested my fair share of ceramic cookware, and Alva holds its own with viral brands like Caraway, GreenPan and Our Place. Even now, roughly three months after I started using the pans, they’re all still gloriously nonstick.”
On Sale
VIA MERCHANT
For the Pizza Partier
HexClad Pizza Steel
Perfectly cooked pizza? Coming right up! This baking steel is the secret to restaurant-quality pies at home. Not only does it crisp up the bottoms of savory pies, but it also works for adding crunch to anything and everything you’d use an air fryer for.
“I’ve been testing the HexClad pizza steel in my home kitchen since March 2024,” says tester Katie in her review. “After over a year of use, it still looks brand new and has become my go-to bakeware for roasting veggies, crisping meats, browning fries and, of course, cooking pizza.”
ANNAMARIE HIGLEY/TASTE OF HOME
For the Hands-On One
KitchenAid Handheld Mixer
Whether they’re a baker, chef or simply enjoy the occasional treat, a mixer is an essential kitchen tool. The KitchenAid cordless hand mixer can easily whip up cookies, cake batters or creams in minutes—without an outlet! It’s small enough to store in a kitchen cabinet, and because it’s cordless, it’s less clunky to operate. We love this option for a kitchen that’s tight on breathing room.
ANNAMARIE HIGLEY FOR TASTE OF HOME
For the Flavor Seeker
Olive Oil Subscription
Of all the great subscription boxes out there, Kosterina stands out as one of the best for foodies. With this olive oil delivery service (which we reviewed!), your favorite host receives their choice of extra virgin olive oil every month. Opt for a single bottle of organic olive oil made from olives grown in Greece or go with the flavored trio, which includes garlic, spicy red pepper and Greek herb and lemon.
On Sale
For the Frequent Flipper
Ceramic Cookware Set
Even chefs need to upgrade or refresh their cookware now and again. Consider a pretty ceramic set from Caraway. These nonstick pans are a breeze to clean (pair them with these newly launched nonstick steamers for the ultimate gift package). Plus, they easily go from stovetop to oven (and withstand high temps—up to 550ºF). Oh, and did we mention they come in 10 gorgeous hues? Talk about the best gifts for chefs and home cooks!
For the Cutting Edge Chef
Misen Chef's Knife
Not only did the Misen Chef’s knife win our Test Kitchen’s seal of approval as one of the best Chef’s knife, our Deputy Affiliate eCommerce Editor, Megan Wood, swears by this knife, too. It boasts pro-grade AUS-10 Japanese Steel that stays sharper for longer. Plus, it comes in four stunning colors guaranteed to wow the cook in your life.
For the Sweet Tooth
Nielsen-Massey Pure Vanilla Extract
What food gift would our Prep Kitchen Manager, Catherine Ward want to receive? Nielsen-Massey vanilla extract. “A bottle of their Madagascar vanilla and vanilla bean paste would be a really nice, indulgent gift,” she says. Quality vanilla extracts are often pricey, so they make great gifts for baker friends. And be sure to check out the brand’s other extracts like almond, lemon, orange and peppermint for specialty bakes.
For the Cheese Head
Rotary Cheese Grater
Cooking should be fun. You know what isn’t fun? Grating cheese. Your friend will thank you the next time they make mac and cheese using this handy rotary cheese grater. Not only is it faster than a box grater, but it’s also fun to use—and it works for more than just cheese! Of all the options we’ve tested, this one is our favorite.
“Over the course of a few weeks, I used this tool to grate a number of foods, including several types of cheese, carrots and cucumbers,” says Deputy Shopping Editor Katie Bandurski. “I was awed at the speed! This thing really transforms an entire block of cheese or carrot into thin, cut pieces in mere seconds.”
On Sale
For a Quick Cleanup
Silpat Baking Mat
A Silpat silicone baking mat is one of the best gifts for chefs. (Not to mention it’s one of the most affordable options). It’s so nonstick, food practically glides off on its own. It’s a thoughtful present, too, because it helps cooks spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying their craft. Cookie bakers can always use one!
On Sale
For the All-In-One Chef
Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro
Want to splurge on the chef in your life? They’re guarenteed to love the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro. This all-in-one smart oven is a kitchen workhorse with 13 settings ranging from roast to air fry to dehydrate and more.
“I have had this oven since May 2022 and use it nearly every single day—often multiple times a day,” says tester Nicole Doster. “I am not kidding, apart from Christmas baking (which requires an abnormal amount of oven space), this air fryer has replaced my oven in every way.”
KATIE BANDURSKI FOR TASTE OF HOME
For the Countdown Chef
Oliviers & Co. Advent Calendar
We’re partial to Advent calendars at Taste of Home. There’s just something about opening a door each day that brings back the childhood whimsy of the holidays! We’ve tested dozens of calendars over the years, but the Oliviers & Co countdown is our favorite for foodies.
“I didn’t quite know what to expect with the Oliviers & Co countdown, but it ended up being one of my favorites,” said Katie. “The packaging is truly so beautiful, I felt as if I had been transported to France. There’s never a lack of sweets around the holidays, so I love that this food Advent calendar also includes savory (and gourmet) ingredients like olive oil and vinegar. It’s a great way to try the products before committing to a full-size bottle.” Read about the other food Advent calendars that we love!
For the Pepper Person
Pepper Cannon
Normal hobby cooks don’t exactly need a $200 pepper grinder. But chefs and serious home cooks will find the Mannkitchen Pepper Cannon to be perfectly suited to any persnickety pepper task. This professional-grade, heavy-duty grinder has an output that’s 10 times faster than traditional grinders. Plus, it offers a wide range of grind sizes, from cracked peppercorns to ultra-fine pepper dust. I’ve used mine for two years and despite countless cranks and drops (oops!), it’s still going strong.
For the Fancy Pants
Red Wine Glasses
It doesn’t get more elegant than these pure Cabernet wine glasses. Featuring hand-blown glass made in Germany, these glasses are a high quality yet affordable pick that shows you care about how they drink their vino. Make it an extra thoughtful wine gift by pairing it with their favorite bottle. Cheers!
For the Fiery Friend
Kitchen Torch
A culinary blow torch is just the level of extra that your loved one will appreciate. Wondering what they’ll do with it? Think: caramelized creme brulee, swirly, toasty meringue on a baked Alaska, or a perfectly roasted marshmallow for s’mores (no campfire necessary!).
For the Historian
Recipes by Mail Subscription
When I heard about a Recipes by Mail subscription—especially as a history lover and food subscription box fan—I just had to subscribe. The service sends a reprint of a handwritten recipe from historical figures like George Washington, Emily Dickinson and Rosa Parks each month. These arrive alongside a transcribed copy of the recipe, ensuring each step is easy to read. It’s the perfect marriage of history and food, making it a fun gift for anyone interested in historical cooking.
For the Clutterbug
Magnetic Knife Rack
Frequently used knives stay within arm’s reach with a wall-mounted magnetic knife rack. This acacia wood rack looks great in any kitchen and is much easier to keep clean than any knife block. Storing knives upright like this is an ideal way for chefs to show off their culinary prowess and keep their tools in great shape.
For the Guac Fan
Molcajete
True guacamole lovers understand the appeal of using a molcajete when making the holy grail of chip dips. Grinding your vegetables and spices by hand with a pestle—as opposed to simply chopping the ingredients and combining—releases more flavor, making guacamole inherently more delicious. Plus, similar to how a cast-iron pan builds up seasoning with use, a molcajete retains flavor every time you use it. So, the more guacamole they make, the better!
A molcajete is just one of the several Mexican cooking tools that deserve a spot in their kitchen.
On Sale
For the Blender
Ninja Detect Duo
Ask our editors about the best blenders, and Ninja tops the list. Specifically the Ninja Detect Duo, to be exact. The three-tier blade is completely removable, even mid-blend while nut butter blends together completely smooth. Trust us, it’s a chef’s dream blender!
“This blender was a joy to use. I love how the canister locks into place, and the quick-release button on the lid is fuss-free, unlike many of the others we tested,” notes former product tester Sheri Kaz. The best part is that it’s completely budget-friendly, ringing up at just about half the price of the cheapest Vitamix.
For the Temperature Babysitter
Instant Read Thermometer
They’ll never guess if their meat or bakes are at the right temperature ever again. An instant-read thermometer is a must for checking food safe temps fast. You’ll find our cooks and stylists using the Thermapen over and over again to make sure their creations are delicious, beautiful and ready to sample. File it under gifts for the griller and chefs alike.
On Sale
For the Space-Saver
Mueller Vegetable Chopper
Why purchase three separate tools when prep is complete with an all-in-one gadget? This 12-blade dicer and mandoline slicer preps onions for salsas, zucchini for zoodle recipes, and potatoes for au gratin potatoes, plus so much more. It also includes a catch tray so chefs can easily prep veggies and toss them straight into the pot. If you want to buy it separately, here’s our list of the best mandoline slicers, tested by our pros.
For the Dumpling Darling
Authentic Bamboo Steamer
A bamboo steamer basket is the perfect gift for people that love dumplings, gyoza and potstickers, whether they want to make them from scratch or indulge in the best store-bought varieties. However, gyoza and dumplings aren’t the only thing you can make with it: Vegetables, fish and poultry are all a perfect fit for the steamer basket.
On Sale
For the Ramen Muncher
Shiitake Mushroom Oil
For Asian-inspired dishes, you can never have too much umami. This fancy shiitake mushroom oil adds so much POW to Asian-inspired dishes. But that’s not all—it goes amazingly well in soups, salad dressings, on eggs, you name it. If you or your loved one is a fan of umami flavor, this is like liquid gold. I always have a bottle on my counter, ready to slather anything in delicious mushroom-y flavor.
KATIE BANDURSKI FOR TASTE OF HOME
For the Cutting-Edge Fan
NFL Chef's Knife
Never underestimate the value of a quality knife as one of the best Christmas gift ideas for him. This editor-loved Hedley & Bennet NFL knife shows appreciation for his team while still performing best in its class. Plus, it comes from the brand that makes one of the best knife sets we’ve tried, so it can cut through even the thickest Porterhouse steak.
For the Taste of Home Fan
Taste of Home 30 Minute Cookbook
A cookbook is truly the gift that keeps on giving, and the Taste of Home 30 Minute Cookbook is one every chef should keep in their kitchen for easy meal time inspiration. The chef in your life will be thrilled to finally have a cookbook on hand that doesn’t require hours of preparation. All they need is ingredients and 30 minutes to spare and voila! Yummy snacks, dinner and dessert in minutes. It’s basically the next best thing to having a Taste of Home expert in their kitchen.
For the Messy Chef
Professional Apron
Cooking is a messy business. Help the chef in your life keep their area clean with a well-fitting apron. These durable aprons are designed by chefs, so you know they’re made to last. Just take it from Taste of Home Editor (and serious baker), Lisa Kaminski, who loves that Hedley & Bennett aprons are fully adjustable and boast plenty of pockets.
On Sale
For the Hands-Off Chef
Sous Vide Cooker
If they haven’t tried it yet, sous vide is the cooking method they’re missing out on. It makes it practically impossible to overcook food, and it’s not nearly as daunting as it seems! Give your favorite chefs this Breville sous vide for the holidays, and a perfectly cooked steak will never be too far away.
In comparison to other sous vide cookers that can measure up to 16-inches tall, this tool is much smaller, clocking in at 11 inches, which means your loved one won’t have to worry about it taking up too much drawer space. If they love this sous vide (we know they will), consider getting them one of these other smart kitchen gadgets next year.
EMILY WAY FOR TASTE OF HOME
For the Flavor King
Truff Hot Sauce and Oil Set
There are few easier ways to elevate a dish than with truffle oil. This gift set from Truff—one of the big names in truffle oil—features black truffle oil, white truffle sauce and black truffle hot sauce. I gifted this set to my husband, and he puts the sauces on everything. A little dab of the white truffle sauce on scrambled eggs is heavenly, and the black truffle sauce goes well in recipes and on avocado toast. It’s our favorite way to bring a little flavor boost to any meal—just make sure your giftee already likes truffles, since it can be a polarizing taste in the food community!
SHERI KAZ FOR TASTE OF HOME
For the Apartment Dweller
Microgreens Growing Kit
If a home cook doesn’t have a ton of space to spare, an indoor garden is a way for them to enjoy the health benefits of fresh microgreens. “With the Gardyn, I don’t need to worry about having a convenient wall outlet or tons of space: You don’t need to plug it in and it’s a compact size,” says Product Tester Sheri Kaz. “The convenience of an all-in-one kit (plus 20 seed pads) makes it a user-friendly way to grow microgreens without soil. The space-saving design is perfect for the kitchen counter and adds a colorful dimension to your home.”
For the Frequent Stander
Cozy Clogs
If they’re often cooking, they probably need a good pair of standing shoes. These unisex clogs from Snibbs come in an assortment of colors and sizes. They offer a nonslip sole, plus EVA cushioned support. They’re also waterproof, so there’s no need to panic over spilled milk.
For the Fruit Fan
Wüsthof Classic Paring Knife
Don’t let the chef in your life settle for flimsy little paring knives. Instead gift them a good one, like this paring knife from Wüsthof. They’ll quickly learn why the pross with these small knives constantly. They’re a must for small prep tasks—everything from peeling apples to chopping nuts to mincing garlic. It’s one of our most-loved Amazon kitchen finds.
For the Breadmaker
OXO Baking Scale
We’d be surprised if your friend or family member doesn’t already have a food scale in their kitchen, because it makes all the difference for baked goods like homemade bread and pie crust. This OXO food scale has an intuitive design and nonslip feet, so they won’t have to worry about nudging the scale on the floor as they flurry about the kitchen.
For the Cheese Head
Murray’s Cheese Explorer's Club
Who can say no to a cheese of the month club? Murray’s Cheese Explorer’s Club offers bold, outside-the-box cheeses from domestic and global cheesemakers. Each box brings a little something new to charcuterie boards or snack time. Whether you’re gifting as a thoughtful multi-month surprise for your favorite cheese lover or setting up the subscription for yourself, expect Murray’s to wow you with its quality and customer service.
“I got three herby Vermont Creamery Goat Cheeses in the first box of the month. The second month’s box had more variety: Murray’s Gemma Di Langa, Meredith Dairy Sheep and Goat Cheese and Alisios,” says Caroline of her three-month subscription.
On Sale
For the Take and Baker
Oven-Safe Ceramic Containers
If they’re always looking for storage solutions that still look lovely, gift them this set of meal prep containers from Caraway. These ceramic meal prep containers aren’t just for packing lunch, though. They’re also oven-safe, which makes them perfect for small portions of brownies and other baked goods!
For the Flattener
Marble Rolling Pin
A beautiful rolling pin is a thoughtful gift for someone who loves to bake—because it’s not always necessary to splurge on a rolling pin, but it sure is worth it! We’ve found that marble rolling pins are especially helpful when you’re rolling out chilled cookie dough and tougher bread doughs, or just when you need some extra elbow grease.
This marble rolling pin even comes with a stand, so your loved one can keep it on display in their kitchen. Pair it with a marble cutting board to match and they’ll have a stylish setup that shows off their affinity for baking. It’s the ultimate gift for pie bakers.
For the Frequent Chopper
Oversized Cutting Board
When it comes to cutting boards, bigger is better. This oversized board is 23 by 14-inches—huge! That gives chefs plenty of space for chopping all sorts of veggies or carving up a chicken. Another reason we love this board: It has a groove around the perimeter to catch any liquid, so the counter stays clean.
For the Salt Lover
Salt Pig
A funny name for an incredibly useful countertop gizmo, though one even foodies may not already have. A salt pig is an open container that allows you to grab a pinch of salt whenever you need it without rummaging in the pantry. This ceramic container keeps salt free of clumps and at the ready. It’s adored by one of our editors and makes a great gift for the foodie in your life.
For the Epicurean
Winc Wine Subscription
Wine is such a big part of the culinary arts. It can be paired with any dish and even plays an important role as an ingredient. Make sure your favorite chef is never without a bottle for their next recipe by signing them up for a wine subscription, like Winc’s wine club. This service delivers bottles that suit your tastes right to your door. Not into wine? Consider these other subscription boxes for cooks and bakers.
For the One With Aches and Pains
Fulton Standing Mat
They may not splurge on this Fulton standing mat themselves, but that’s what gifting is for! Each mat comes with a generous layer of cork that keeps feet and knees from fatiguing during long stints in the kitchen. Give the gift of a pain-free baking session—it’s the gift that keeps on giving. Plus, the Fulton was named our most supportive kitchen mat.
For the Oyster Indulger
Oyster Shucking Knife & Holder
Even if you enjoy eating oysters, shucking them is another thing entirely. Your favorite oyster-loving chef can safely and securely open up even the most stubborn shellfish with this shucking knife and holder set. The tiny, sharp tip of the knife easily slides into shells, while the silicone holder ensures there’s no slipping. They’ll be serving up oysters Rockefeller in no time!
On Sale
For the Pizza Maker
Ooni Koda 16
Baking isn’t always sweet! For the pizza lover, look no further than the Koda 16 outdoor pizza oven. This gas-powered outdoor pizza oven reaches up to 950 degrees and is designed for large pizzas, meats, fish and vegetables. Want to learn more about these fun appliances? Read our review of the pizza oven.
For the Flavor Savorer
Smoking Gun
While foods like ribs and barbecue sauce are already delicious on their own, they’re almost always even more delicious when smoked. That extra element of flavor in a dish takes food from “meh” to mind blowing! But adding liquid smoke isn’t the only way to do it—using a smoking gun is a much more fun option.
This smoking gun from Breville enables home chefs to smoke their favorite foods with ease, and doubles as an impressive party trick, too. Home bartenders can even use this tool to give any one of these drinks with tequila an extra kick. For more options, you can check out our picks for the best cocktail smokers of the year, too.
For the Flashy Chef
Steel Lined Copper Bowls
Made from durable copper, these steel-lined nesting bowls resist corrosion and look darn good doing it. With an assortment of three sizes, chefs can whip up multi-step dishes with ease and flair. Plus, the pretty, shining exterior is bound to draw oohs and ahhs during their next dinner party.
On Sale
For the Pasta-Obsessed
KitchenAid Gourmet Pasta Press Attachment
Almost every serious cook has tried their hand at making homemade pasta. If not, it’s definitely on their cooking bucket list! Help your foodie friends check off this to-do with a pasta maker that rolls and cuts pasta. Because it’s a KitchenAid mixer attachment, it’s easy to store and doesn’t require any extra outlets. Read our full review here!
For the High-Capacity Cooker
HexClad Dutch Oven
If you really want to treat a foodie friend, pick up a Dutch oven as one of the best gifts for chefs. A Dutch oven is a must-have for braising and bone stock, and the 5-quart Dutch oven from HexClad is durable, nonstick and incredibly sleek. These cookware essentials are ideal for dinner, soups, bread and best of all, dessert.
“I’ve used the HexClad Dutch Oven for two and a half years now, and it’s still a heavily used piece of cookware in my kitchen, says tester Katie in her HexClad review. “It’s my go-to vessel for baking bread, simmering soups, mixing one-pot meals, boiling water for pasta and any other large-capacity tasks.”
For the Noodle Nut
Momofuku Home Cooking Essentials
For fans of tingly, umami flavor, there’s truly nothing better than a bowl of Momofuku noodles. Their bestseller pack comes with a full package of each available flavor, plus soy sauce, two types of Korean barbecue sauce and two jars of their classic chili crisp for a delightful crunch. It’s an excellent pick for college students, new parents or even folks who just really love noodles.
For the Budding Bread Baker
Nordic Ware Simply Sourdough Bread Baking Kit
Never baked sourdough before? Don’t worry—Nordic Ware’s all-inclusive sourdough baking kit has everything needed for crafting bakery-quality loaves. It’s the perfect present for bread newbies!
“This kit has all the tools you need to start your sourdough journey,” says tester Mary. “From a glass jar for starter with a temp strip and tracker band, to a Danish dough whisk and a baking pan with a domed lid, this kit has all the bread-baking essentials in one convenient package.”
For the Wagyu Enthusiast
Snake River Farms Wagyu Gift Box
Wagyu beef has an unmatched texture with unique marbling and great flavor. Give the gift of a premium cut of grass-fed beef from Boise, Idaho. The Snake River Farms Gift of Gold box is the ultimate treat for meat lovers. It includes American Wagyu filet mignons, ribeyes and top sirloin steaks. Read our full Snake River Farms review.
FAQ
What gifts to give a chef?
Obviously, the above list is a great resource for chef-focused gifts, but there’s more to it than picking blindly from a list and calling it a day. Ultimately, a gift is an exchange between the giver and the receiver, so a personalized touch is a good idea to keep in mind. However, it’s also important to understand that the culinary world is vast and not all gifts suit chefs of differing skill levels. The kinds of gifts a chef wants or needs may be shaped by the foods they cook (a pastry chef, for instance, has very different needs from a grill master), what pieces of gear they already have and use regularly and personal preference. As a last resort, you can ask your chef recipient what they need or want and go from there.
Are chefs big drinkers?
While pop culture portrays chefs and people in the culinary world as big drinkers, we would caution against buying alcohol as a chef’s gift for several reasons. First of all, drinking is a pretty personal thing—some people don’t do it at all—so assuming you can just buy a bottle of liquor for someone may be a misstep. Furthermore, there are so many pitfalls to buying alcohol for someone, especially if you’re not keen on their preferences. You could accidentally get them something they despise. Lastly, unless you already know for certain that your gift recipient likes a certain kind of alcohol and that they’d appreciate it, it lacks the finesse of a personal touch. Ultimately, alcohol can make a good gift in the right circumstances—you just have to make absolutely sure the circumstances are right.
What does a chef always need?
This varies from chef to chef, but food ingredients are likely what they go through the most—especially frequently used spices. While that’s not a guaranteed win of a gift, it’s a great place to start. If you know a chef who is a BBQ maven, getting them a set of dry rubs could be a big winner that shows you’ve been paying attention. Similarly, buying someone finishing salt could be a smart move unless they’ve just restocked their cabinets and now they have an extra container and nowhere to store it. Just be cautious and think critically before picking anything up (and pay attention to their dietary requirements, as that’s another possible pitfall).
What do chefs keep in their pockets?
Smaller tools—like thermometers, spatulas, measuring cups, notebooks (and pens), sharpies (for labeling foods for later), timers, scissors—are all things a chef might keep in their pockets. But if you know a chef who doesn’t have a good apron with pockets to put those devices, that might make a great gift. Similarly, you can keep an eye on the tools a chef uses most often to better understand what they might need in the future, giving you another gifting route you can take.
