Holiday Gifts for Food Lovers

What to gift the food lover—a question that can prove to be quite a conundrum. Luckily, our editors took up the project and deliver with their top holiday picks for the culinary connoisseur.

If a splurge is in order and a KitchenAid is absent, the 5-quart stand mixer now comes in a handsome espresso finish.

Price: $399

Shop: KitchenAid

Silver and crystal snowflakes shine in centerpieces.

Price: $60 to $100 each

Shop: Orange Howell

Cast iron lends sturdy elegance.

Price: $150

Shop: Areaware

The subtle border makes these plates perfect for the holidays—or any day.

Price: $72/4-piece set

Shop: NotNeutral

Price: $195/set of 6

Shop: MoMA Store

Pretty in pearl: Capiz dessert plates inlaid with seasonal scenes.

Price: $28/4-piece set

Shop: Bambeco

Nambe's two-tiered black granite Rocks server gives food a little lift.

Price: $200

Shop: Nambé

Cute, hefty table accent from Swedish glassmaker Kosta Boda; limited edition figurine.

Price: $100

Shop: Kosta Boda

You can always count on Jonathan Adler for fun, showy pieces. His porcelain peacock bowl has retro gold accent.

Price: $128

Shop: Jonathan Adler

Because some creatures will still be stirring.

Price: $15 each

Shop: Orbix

No more stuck-on-the-bottom cakes: Fat Daddio's aluminum removable-bottom pans.

Price: $18

Shop: Global Sugar Art

Coarse-grained sugar crystals make a crunchier cookie.

Price: $5.50-$8 each

Shop: Williams-Sonoma

Garlands and flowers ring this adorable stoneware rolling pin.

Price: $18

Shop: Anthropologie

The spouts on Loveramics' porcelain Tripod bowls double as handles.

Price: $25 to $89 individually

Shop: Cookworks

Slab-sized, won't-go-sliding-away cutting board in indestructible teak.

Price: $84

Shop: Proteak

One set of click-on handles fits every pan and lid in Cristel's gorgeous line, newly imported from France.

Price: $270/pan and lid, $35-$55/handles

Shop: Kitchen Universe

OXO's update on the old-school hand mixer has flawlessly smooth gears. It's a pleasure to use.

Price: $20

Shop: OXO

Love the elliptical handles on this sturdy enameled cast-iron Dutch oven.

Price: $130

Shop: Artland Inc.

The secret weapon in every healthy cook's kitchen: an easy-to-use digital scale.

Price: $25

Shop: EatSmart Products

Wüsthof's starter set includes shears and three knives.

Price: $150

Shop: Williams-Sonoma

Cookmarks: For those of us who still roll Gutenberg style. Pair them with one of our Best General Cookbooks.

Price: $10/set of 4

Shop: Chef Tools

Hook the ends together, and a coaster-sized silicone square springs open to form a bloom-shaped trivet.

Price: $42/set of 3 includes red, peach, and black

Shop: Generate Design

Infuse some style into teatime courtesy of MoMA's metal mesh tea strainer.

Price: $30

Shop: MoMA Store

Bring a little mixology home with Prepara's cute kit. Freeze plain or with fruit and fruit juices.

Price: $10/set of 4

Shop: Prepara

For the rabbit on your list. Available in four colors.

Price: $10

Shop: Joseph Joseph

Festive and fragrant, ordering a Lindsay Olives wreath is sure to become a holiday tradition. For a beautiful first impression, fix the wreath to the entryway door and scents of fragrant bay and eucalyptus will great guests as they are welcomed into your home. Proceeds from each sale benefit Meals on Wheels.

Price: $35/16-inch, $30/12-inch

Shop: Lindsay Olives

Deck the halls with… hoagies? This isn’t the only interesting tree trimming item you will find at Ornaments to Remember. Purchase any ornament designed after a food lover’s favorite nosh and the company will donate the proceeds to benefit The Learning Community.

Price: $38

Shop: Ornaments to Remember

The perfect gift for the decorator on your list, these placemats are just the thing to give a slightly festive touch to any table. The intricate floral design and vibrant red will provide a definite pop wherever they are displayed.

Price: $6

Shop: Kikkerland

Each holiday collection box holds a set of four darling chocolates that are too cute to eat, but too delicious to resist. Grab a box to bring to the host of the annual neighborhood stroll, tuck them in a stocking, or give them as a teacher’s gift. We won’t tell if you hide an extra pack away for a special holiday treat to share with Santa.

Price: $11/4-piece box

Shop: Moonstruck Chocolatier 

Are there any retro fabulous friends on your holiday list this year? If so, these mid-century mod placemats are the perfect gift. Offered in a variety of colors and patterns (shown here in Retro Romp) there will be a mat to match any motif.

Price: $10/each

Shop: Swizzlestix

There is nothing like the smell of cedar in the wintertime. Spread warmth and tidings of cheer with each monogrammed cedar-scented candle you give. Word of warning: Just make sure you don’t give the wrong initial. That could spell disaster.

Price: $10/each

Shop: Illume

Unexpected guests abound this time of year. A  dish of sweets is just the thing to have on hand for those “pleasant surprises.” Whether giving or receiving this charming star-shaped dish, it will shine throughout the season.

Price: $30

Shop: Halls

The nifty silicone trim on this blade cuts down on the need to stop and scrape the bowl.

Price: $30

Shop: Amazon.com