People who love food are lovely to buy for, as long as you avoid the gadget that will live in a cupboard. The best gifts either improve something they cook every week or give them a treat they would not buy themselves.
The ideas below are sorted by the kind of food lover you are shopping for: the everyday cook, the baker, the coffee and tea devotee, and the person who simply loves a good snack. Check dietary needs and allergies before buying anything edible.
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Our three favourites
For the home cook
Good tools beat novelty kit every time.
For the serious cookA chef’s knife
A sharp, well-balanced knife makes every meal easier and is the single best upgrade for most kitchens. Ask them or look at their drawer first, since people like different sizes and weights.
Expect to pay £25–£50 in most UK shops.
For flavour huntersA set of whole spices in jars
A set of whole spices, such as cumin, cardamom and coriander seeds, gives a cook new flavours to toast and grind. Check use-by dates and that the jars are airtight.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
For the recipe collectorA cookbook from a favourite chef
A hardback cookbook with beautiful photography suits cooks who like to be inspired. Check their shelf first, and choose a cuisine they cook often.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
For the baker
For anyone with flour on their sleeves.
For the patient bakerA sourdough bread-making kit
A starter kit with a banneton, a lame and instructions gets a beginner going straight away. Check that it includes a starter or the instructions to make one.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
For pastry and pizzaA marble rolling pin
A heavy rolling pin rolls dough evenly and stays cool in warm kitchens. Check the length and make sure there is space to store it.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
For birthday bakersA cake decorating set
Piping bags, nozzles and a turntable make homemade cakes look professional. Check that it includes a clear guide, as a few nozzles take practice.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
For the coffee and tea person
Small rituals, done properly.
For the slow-morning drinkerA pour-over coffee dripper set
A dripper, filters and a server makes a clean cup of coffee without electricity. Check that it comes with filters, and that the dripper suits the jug included.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
For the curious tea drinkerA loose-leaf tea sampler
A box of small pouches lets them try black, green, oolong and herbal blends without committing to a large bag. Check they have a strainer or infuser, and add one if not.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
For watching tea unfurlA glass teapot with infuser
A heat-proof glass pot shows the colour of the tea as it brews and suits blooming teas. Check the capacity and whether it is hob or microwave safe.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
For the one who loves a treat
For grazers, hosts and sweet-toothed friends.
For hostsA cheese board and knife set
A slate or wooden board with knives makes any plate of cheese look inviting. Check the size so it fits a fridge shelf or kitchen drawer.
Expect to pay £25–£50 in most UK shops.
For the heat seekerA hot sauce tasting set
A small set of sauces of different strengths is fun for anyone who puts chilli on everything. Check that the heat levels are labelled and that they enjoy spicy food.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
For learning something newA cookery class voucher
A voucher for a pasta, sushi or bread class gives them an afternoon out and a skill to keep. Check the venue is within reach and the expiry date.
Expect to pay £50–£100 in most UK shops.
Good to know
Allergies and diets
Check allergies, vegetarian or halal preferences and any dietary needs before buying food or drink, and read the label on any ingredients.
FAQ: questions people ask
What do you buy a food lover who has everything?
Consumables and experiences work best: a rare spice set, a cookery class, a tasting box or a really good olive oil. They add to the enjoyment without cluttering a full kitchen.
What are good gifts for someone who loves to bake?
A banneton, a cake decorating set, a marble rolling pin or a good baking book are popular. Check what they already own, as bakers often have a well-stocked cupboard.
What is a good cheap gift for a foodie?
A jar of good honey, a loose-leaf tea, a small hot sauce or a bar of single-origin chocolate costs very little and feels thoughtful. Add a handwritten note for a personal touch.
Are knives a good gift?
Yes, for keen cooks, though it helps to know their preferences. A chef’s knife is usually safe, but a gift voucher from a kitchen shop lets them choose their own.
Is a cookery class a good present?
It is a great one for someone who enjoys learning. Check the date flexibility, the venue’s location and whether the voucher covers ingredients, and consider buying two places so you can go together.
