Gifts for Food Lovers 2014

We can just call this my wish list, because it’s full of things I’d love to receive (or that I already have and love). But if you have a friend or family member who is a food lover and you’re stumped on what to give him/her this holiday season, I have some ideas for you that are sure to be winners! Read on…

1. Spiceologist Spice Block

Founded by chef Pete Taylor and fellow blogger Heather Scholten of Farmgirl Gourmet, Spiceologist meets all your seasoning needs. There are rubs and spices, yes, but the star is the Spiceologist Block–the most gorgeous way to not only display your spice collection, but also keep your spices handy so you will use them often! I was lucky enough to receive one from Sabra–thanks, guys!–and I LOVE it. It fits in beautifully in any kitchen and holds just the right amount of spice so you never have to worry about it getting old and stale before you use it up. AND, if you want to really personalize it, you can create a block with your own hand-selected assortment of spices. Score!

2. Cupcake Pan and Measuring Spoons Necklace

Those who have met me in person have probably seen me wearing this necklace from Penelope’s Porch. It’s sort of become my signature piece and it’s always a conversation starter. I’ve had mine for four years now and it’s still beautiful. PLUS it’s made by an Etsy shop owner, so you’re supporting a small business with your purchase.

3. Dumplings Around The World Tote Bag

I met Diana Kuan at the Tourism Australia luncheon I attended in 2013 and was delighted to discover her fabulous food blog. When she embarked upon her next endeavor–Plate & Pencil, merging her backgrounds in food and design–I was overjoyed! Adorable food-themed tote bags, wine bags, and cards that are perfect for anyone in your life! This tote bag in particular from  Plate & Pencil is high on my list because not only is it food-themed, but it’s sort of bigger than that. Her dumplings around the world theme makes me so happy with its universality. We have so much in common.

4. Dorie Greenspan’s Baking Chez Moi: Recipes from My Paris Home to Your Home Anywhere

I love, love, love Dorie Greenspan! I met her at the CookieBar NYC pop-up shop in February 2011 and she was just so warm and wonderful–and her cookies rocked! She has a new offering this year that I am seriously salivating over–Baking Chez Moi: Recipes from My Paris Home to Your Home Anywhere (affiliate link). I already have Baking: From My Home to Yours (affiliate link), which I refer to often, and Around My French Table: More Than 300 Recipes from My Home to Yours (affiliate link), but I really think I need another Dorie Greenspan cookbook on my shelf. And your loved ones do, too. It definitely won’t disappoint!

5. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream Pint Club

You already know I adore Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream from my recent giveaway post. But it bears repeating: Jeni’s is a gourmet indulgence and makes the perfect present. The Pint Club is the gift that keeps on giving: 4 shipments of 3 pints of Jeni’s to ensure the recipient’s enjoyment throughout the year. Or order it for yourself. I won’t tell.

6. Anolon Advanced Bronze Cookware

Most of my cookware consists of Le Creuset enameled cast iron, but I received this Anolon Advanced Bronze 3 1/2-quart Covered Chef’s Casserole this past summer, as a Big Harvest Potluck attendee, and I have grown to LOVE it. Very versatile and the size is perfect for most everyday cooking for my family of 4. Nothing sticks to it AND it’s oven-safe to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s become an essential piece in my kitchen.

There are so many more that I could list! But you know what? My super favorite gifts for food lovers? Those are the homemade sort, coming straight from the heart. Whatever you decide, may your holiday season be full of joy!