What are Some of the Best Gifts for Chefs?
No matter if they work professionally in a kitchen, bakery, fine dining establishment, or just love to cook at home, chefs deserve thoughtful gifts too. Whether it’s their birthday, a special occasion, or a holiday, getting the best gifts for chefs can be a little tricky sometimes. After all, you want to make sure you know exactly what kind of tool, utensil, or brand they prefer as most chefs are very particular. Alternatively, you can choose to get them something that helps them relax after a long day/night in the kitchen, or a way to continue perfecting their kitchen skills.
Regardless of what gift you decide on, we know the chef in your life is going to appreciate it because it’s a thoughtful present that’s coming from someone who is close to them—you! If you’re stumped about what to get a chef that you know, you’ve come to the right place because we have all kinds of options including:
Tips for ensuring you get the right gift
The best gifts for chefs that will upgrade their home kitchen
Gifts that allow them to relax and unwind after a hectic week
Tips for getting the perfect gift for a chef
Keeping a few things in mind will help you get a chef a gift they’re going to love
If you know a chef, follow these simple suggestions to ensure you’re getting a gift that they can really use.
When it comes to shopping for a chef, you may feel a little overwhelmed at first. There are all kinds of items out there that they’d love to get, so how are you supposed to choose?
Consider their interests. While they are a chef, do they really want or need something for their home kitchen? Chances are that yes, they’d love to have a new gadget or appliance, but maybe they really want something related to their other interests or hobbies? Does the chef you know also like to take hikes in the woods, attend lectures, or have a favorite sports team? You could also get them gifts that relate to those interests outside of cooking as well. Unless they specify that they’d love some cooking items this year, keep their other interests in mind as you shop for a gift.
What is something they may not buy for themselves? Lots of chefs have their eye on something expensive or that they’ve always wanted to have in their kitchen (think pizza oven or a set of new pans) but they just haven’t purchased it for themselves yet. While you don’t need to break the bank getting them a gift, consider something they’ve perhaps mentioned in the past and see if that’s what you can give them.
Combine a few gifts/interests. Does a chef you know enjoy a particular type of cooking, such as French, Italian, or Thai? Then consider getting them a combination gift like a book about the style of cooking, as well as something unique to the culture, such as French serving china or a pasta maker for Italian food. This would make a very memorable gift because you’re combining something they love about cooking, but also giving them an extra glimpse into the food and culture of that style of cooking.
Best gifts for chefs—for any occasion!
Here are our favorite gifts for the chef in your life.
1. Gift card from Perfect Gift
You can’t go wrong with a gift card that’s personalized
Sometimes you want to make sure your gift is a hit with the recipient, and one of the best ways to do that is with a gift card. People love receiving gift cards for all kinds of occasions, and most actually would love to get one—96% of folks feel that they’re just as good as a physical gift! And when you purchase one from Perfect Gift, there are two ways you can send a gift card to a chef. Go with PerfectGift+ and the recipient can choose from hundreds of different merchants, and decide where they want to redeem the balance. This gives them the ultimate freedom to choose exactly what they want! Whether it’s a massage, a restaurant, or a particular store, giving the recipient the balance and allowing them to choose would make a great gift.
You could also opt to go with a personalized Visa gift card that allows you to include an image and a message, making a very memorable gift for a chef in your life. Perfect Gift can print the customized card the same day as the order (Mon-Sat before 4pm), so the recipient can have the gift card even sooner! You just can’t beat that turnaround time, making this option the perfect gift every time.
2. Olive oil set
All chefs would love a fantastic set of high quality olive oil
Chefs of all kinds of cuisines love to use the versatile olive oil in a variety of dishes.
One of the best oils that stands out from the crowd and that chefs like to use in all kinds of meals is extra virgin olive oil. This type of oil has a higher smoke point, allowing for high heat cooking without the smoke. Chefs can saute and fry all kinds of proteins and vegetables in this oil, and it also is known to enhance the flavor of lots of food as well. A high quality olive oil set would be not only appreciated by a chef, but they’re sure to put it to good use in a hurry!
A great choice is a set from the Olive Press, which features a taste of Sonoma for $80 and three different types of oil. In this set you’ll receive:
Basil parmesan dipping oil perfect for enjoying with bread or crudites
White truffle olive oil that can be used to enhance the flavor of fish or poultry, or sprinkled over fruits and veggies
Arbequina extra virgin olive oil that can be used in all kinds of frying or sauteing recipes or to garnish on salads along with vinegar
3. Foot massager
For a chef that’s on their feet all day, a massager is the perfect gift
Chefs are on their feet a lot at work, so help keep them feeling their best with a wonderful foot massager. Image courtesy of Walmart.
You’ll find most chefs right at home in a busy kitchen, and long hours on their feet are just a part of the job. Not only do they need to make sure they’re wearing comfortable, supportive shoes, but that they’re treating their feet to a little love as well. A foot massager would make a fantastic gift for a chef to use on their days off, or after a particularly long shift. This foot massager features heat, to help relax tired feet as well as 8 shiatsu rollers to gently massage feet. You can also take the foot cover off, and this massager can be used on the neck, back, thighs, and legs for an all over massage or heating pad. This would be an especially thoughtful gift if the chef you know needs to improve circulation in their feet and legs, or they’re dealing with plantar fasciitis.
4. Wine pairing dinner
Find a local restaurant or winery that offers food pairing to enjoy with wine
Wine can enhance and compliment all kinds of food, so why not take the chef out to a one of a kind experience?
There are all kinds of restaurants and wineries that offer wine pairing dinners, which allow diners to enjoy a curated menu of food, perfectly paired with wine. Chefs spend their time cooking for others, so having the chance to go out and enjoy a meal cooked for them is sure to be a hit. All you need to do is find a restaurant or a winery in your area that offers a wine pairing dinner. The purveyors typically charge a prix fixe for these events, so you can purchase the tickets in advance on a day they’re available, and then attend the event with them!
There will be a few courses of food and wines that are selected to enhance and complement the textures and flavors of the food, not compete with it. Bonus points if you can find a restaurant that’s using seasonal ingredients that are locally sourced!
5. Online chef master class
Chefs always can learn more and strengthen their skill sets
Allow the chef in your life to learn from world-renowned celebrity chefs. Image courtesy of Masterclass.
There’s always something new to be learned when you’re a chef, whether it’s mastering a cutting technique, or learning more in depth knowledge about pastries, baking, or Mexican cuisine, you can learn from the best with a subscription to Masterclass. From just $120 (billed each year), a chef can have unlimited access and learn from the greats like:
Gordon Ramsey
Thomas Keller
Wolfgang Puck
Alice Waters
Apollonia Poilane
This would make a fantastic gift for any chef who really wants to keep expanding their skillsets and learn some new cuisines in the process. The best part is that they can go at their own pace, and watch the videos when it’s convenient for them.
6. Spice rack system
Because it’s always a good idea to be organized in the kitchen
Having a way to organize the spice rack would make a great gift for a chef. Image courtesy of Wayfair.
Every chef needs a spot to store their seasonings, but not every kitchen comes equipped with built-in storage options. Having your spice jars in random spots also makes it hard to find exactly what you’re looking for, which is why we suggest picking up this handy, and easy to install, pull out spice rack organizer. This rack comes already mounted on a pro glide system that makes it easy to pull in and out of a cabinet. It comes in four sizes as well, so you’re sure to get a rack that actually fits. The ⅛” thick polymer tray securely locks into place, so you don’t have to worry about spills or small items falling over. Make it easy for the chef in your life reach all of their favorite spices!
7. Cutting board/charcuterie board
A chef could always use a good cutting board
John Boos boards are some of the most popular cutting boards and preferred by all kinds of chefs for their home kitchens. Image courtesy of John Boos Boards.
If there’s a chef in your life, perhaps it’s about time to replace their cutting board. If your friend or family member has mentioned this, then consider making their day with a new John Boos Board. These cutting boards are sought after by chefs everywhere, as they’re made from high quality maple, cherry, or walnut trees in all kinds of lengths, widths, and shapes. John Boos boards can last for years to come when they’re cared for properly, and can be used for cutting everyday items, as well as displaying charcuterie to guests.
8. Personalized kitchen towels
One of the best gifts for chefs is a little something to adorn their kitchen with! Image courtesy of Personalization Mall.
And finally, a cute gift that any chef would appreciate are personalized items they use every day in the kitchen. You can never have too many towels and oven mitts, so why not make them extra special with a little customization? Choose either to include their name, or their chef name to each item, or include their initials instead. Either way, you have a thoughtful gift that will definitely get a lot of use from a chef!
Which of these gifts will you give to the chef in your life?
If you have someone who likes to cook, you probably want to get them something that they not only want, but they’ll actually use in the kitchen. Chefs always have their favorites, which is why we recommend making sure you’re getting the item they want by confirming with them. Alternatively, you can still get them something cooking-adjacent and surprise them with something unique. Whichever gift you choose on our list, the chef in your life is sure to appreciate it!
