How to Buy Gifts for a Cook

Though no two cooks are alike, most are rather particular with what enters their kitchen. It can be difficult to buy gifts for a cook as what will delight one person may insult another (think cookbook), or otherwise go unused. Use these tips to help you find the right gift for your cook.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Consider which type of cook you wish to buy gifts for. Some lean heavily towards baking, homestyle cooking, gourmet cooking or ethic cuisine. Note also his or her experience or interest in cooking education. These distinctions should help you narrow down the selection process and help avoid unwanted gifts.

2. Look to his favorite epicurean as a guideline to buy gifts for a cook. Whether it's Emeril or Dean & Deluca, knowing the cook's mentor will offer a variety of ideas, including cookbooks, cooking memberships and gear. For the cook that likes to do things her own way, or isn't a fan of gourmet fare, instead try a personalized gift such as an embossed apron or plaque.

3. Check out the brands that your cook uses in the kitchen for their culinary endeavors. Consider both consumables, such as spices, and non-consumables, such as gadgets, cookware and dishes. Select a gift card that will honor their favorite retailers if you're stuck for a gift idea.

4. Think baskets. Fresh produce or wines suitable for meal preparation make winning gifts. Fill a large basket full of locally grown fresh fruits or vegetables. Alternatively, obtain a gift certificate to either a local vendor or the World Market. Another option is to buy an attractive planter with fresh herbs she uses in the kitchen. Some herbs demand direct sun or do better outdoors, so select such a gift according to her ability to care for the plant.

5. Buy gifts for a cook that will make his time in the kitchen more productive or reduce grunt work. From worn kitchen knives to a dishwasher that fails to clean properly, a plethora of options are available. Recall if the cook complains about any of her kitchen fare deserving of retirement.

6. Opt for tech gifts for the modern cook. Some favored selections include a kitchen TV, a hand-held or portable PC for browsing recipes or a robot vacuum that will clean up the mess.

Tips & Warnings

• Note that some gift cards expire in one year or less, so read the fine print prior to selection.
• Cooking oils make a good choice for some practical cooks, saving them money.
• Small appliances should be bought with care with consideration of the cook's interest and how much room these occupy.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Surprise Friends Near and Far with Fresh Teleflora Flowers. Save 15% & Same-Day Delivery Available.

[rajgift]

on 1/8/2009 Such a cool articles...Thanks for sharing

[IdLikeToKnow]

on 11/23/2008 This is a good idea also for students going away for college. My ex-Husbands grandmother would always give us a gift basket similar to this at different holidays to help sustain our family, along with family recipies that she knew we loved. It also was a way to introduce my young son into his love of cooking.

[favefive]

on 8/24/2008 Great gift ideas for anyone who loves to cook!

[Pixie1976]

on 8/19/2008 This is great! tips if I ever have to buy a gift for a cook, but aren't we all cooks? This could make great gift ideas for your mom or anyone really.

[texaspeach63]

on 8/15/2008 These are super ideas!!! Thanks for the article!!!