National Gift Organization

Do you have a cook in your family?  While cooking is not my passion, I do enjoy it.  And there is nothing like a new gadget or a new recipe to get me inspired to spend some more time in the kitchen.  Gifts for the kitchen are quite common for wedding and bridal shower gifts, but they also make good gifts for all occasions, especially for a person who enjoys the art of cooking.

Of course there are the universal gifts of cookware and cake pans.  These are good choices for someone starting their own home, but even the experienced cook will welcome a new pot or pan.  Cookware can be quite expensive, but bake-ware can be more affordable.  Silicone bake-ware is the latest “thing” in baking.  It’s colorful, durable and easy to use.

Another common idea is a cookbook.  You may think your favorite cook has more cookbooks than a library has books, but good cooks love to get new recipes.  Does your cook have a favorite chef or cooking show?  Consider purchasing a cookbook by that celebrity.  A practical, but unique gift would be a cookbook stand.  These stands allow the cook to prop up their cookbook for easy referral.  These stands can be very decorative as well as functional.

Cooks can never have too many gadgets.  Cooking accessories come in all shapes and sizes and can be found in all kinds of stores.  Ideas would be cutting boards, whisks, aprons, juicers, spreaders, trivets, towels – the list goes on and on.  Knives always seem to be in short supply in a kitchen – the favorite ones are always in the dishwasher.  Good quality, sharp knives are worth their weight in gold to a cook.

Does your favorite cook like to use natural ingredients?  Consider a gift of potted herbs.  Fresh herbs can make a cook’s dish extra special.  And most herbs are pretty easy to grow in pots that can be kept indoors or out.  If that seems a bit too difficult, consider giving a supply of spices.  Spices don’t last forever, so a good cook will welcome some new jars to update his/her supply.

Don’t forget the young cooks in your life.  Many kids are quite interested in what goes on in the kitchen, and they are more apt to try nutritious foods if they help to make them themselves.  There are many cookbooks available that are just for kids, as well as cookware and utensils sized just right for smaller hands.  Don’t forget the aprons for these little ones!