It's getting to be that time again, so I thought I'd round up another compendium of gift ideas for that hard-to-buy-for person on your list, foodie or otherwise. These are a few my favorite books, trinkets, things I've coveted from the Sur la Table catalog, etc. If you have any additional ideas, please feel free to send them to me and I'll add them to the list!
First of all, gift baskets are always a fun and (relatively) easy choice. A themed gift basket, such as an Italian collection in a colander with towels, is a good choice. Another thought would be a wok filled with cooking utensils, Asian sauces and noodles, and a small stir-fry cookbook. Health food items are also good - try visiting Whole Foods or Sunflower for a great selection. I also favor the Trader Joe's gift basket. They sell basket-making kits and baskets, which make it super easy to pop in, pick up a basket and some shredded paper filler, and then just fill the basket right there in the store. They always have a great selection of cookies and candies for the holidays, and let us not forget their (cheap!) wine selection.
Cut down on the latte expenses of someone you (really, really) love and buy them their own espresso machine. Sur la Table and Williams-Sonoma both carry great machines from cheap to eye-poppingly pricey. Pod systems (such as Nespresso) are convenient, but it would be nice to include a few months' supply of pods along with your gift.
Everybody loves spoonulas, right? Just be sure you buy a good one, one which can withstand high temperatures and resists staining. As a matter of fact, all manner of wooden spoons and silicone spatulas make great stocking-stuffers, gift tags, and add-ons, and one can never have too many.
Sur la Table has a great selection of food-related ornaments, including very realistic chocolate dipped strawberries, and this fun variety of veggies. I only wish they had a potato one. Alas.
I love my old-fashioned fire brigade bucket, which I have converted into a utensil holder. I bought this one at Anthropologie years ago, and they have discontinued it; however, I was at World Market the other day and saw they had picked up a similar version, for around $20.
My favorite pepper mill can belong to your loved one for $25 at restaurant supply stores (or, for more money, at Sur la Table).
Melamine bowls are one of my favorite mixing bowls - they are inexpensive, lightweight, and have a rubber grip on the bottom for anchoring.
For a very special person, Jeni's Ice Creams always make a nice surprise. Last year I received a Jeni's gift card, which was a very thoughtful and useful gift - and it came with ice cream spoons! Jeni's ships anywhere in the US.
For the uber foodie, get the best possible magazine subscription, Art Culinaire
For books, last year's list is still relevant, while more great books are:
