2025 Best Modern Gifts for Cooks, Chefs, and the Culinary Curious

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Looking for thoughtful gift ideas for someone who loves to cook, host, or entertain? As the gathering season approaches, it’s the perfect moment to feed their passion and elevate everyday kitchen rituals. Each gift in this guide does just that with pieces that feel effortless in the hand, look beautiful on the table, and turn every prep, pour, and plate into a small moment of joy. Happy gathering! Happy gifting!

Photo: Courtesy of ferm LIVING

Plait Platter by ferm LIVING \ $125

Potluck parties can be an orchestration of moving parts, especially when it comes time to leave. Chances are you’ll forget your serving dish there anyway, so why not leave your host with a thoughtful gift on purpose instead? The Plait Platter from Ferm Living is something beautiful they can keep long after the evening ends. Resembling the lattice top of a pie, the interwoven ceramic strips feature subtle hand-shaped irregularities that add warmth and make each piece uniquely its own. Durable enough for everyday use yet refined in its craftsmanship, it evokes the charm of traditional basketwork in a modern, sculptural form. Generous in size, picture pastries on Christmas morning or appetizers on New Year’s Eve.

Photo: Courtesy of Good Liver

Tamago Pan by Good Liver \ $133

For the culinary curious, this handcrafted Tamago pan brings Japanese breakfast tradition home. Made by a family-owned Japanese manufacturer since 1792, its tin-plated copper heats evenly and gently, perfect for rolling flawless tamagoyaki. Choose square for a wide Kanto-style roll or rectangular for the layered Kansai classic. Durable, beautiful, and precise – this is a gift any home cook will treasure.

Photos: Courtesy of re_, Happy Organics, and Holcomb Studio

Avocado Oil by re_ \ $18

Avocado Beeswax Candle y Happy Organics \ $24

Dripless Oil Can by Holcomb Studio \ $80

For those who love a theme, here is California dreaming in a gift. Happy Organics Avocado Candle is hand-poured, 100% beeswax, and reusable as a balm or polish once the wick burns down. Perfect for high-heat cooking and packed with healthy fats, Avocado Oil from your local refillery or gourmet shop. Complete the set with the Dripless Oil Can designed by Holcomb Studio, featuring an elongated spout that ensures an even and steady pour. Made of stainless steel, oil will stay fresh and protected against light and debris. Simple, stylish, and totally California.

Photo: Courtesy of Stock

Oak Utensil Set by Cecilie Manz for Rig-Tig \ $92

Crafted in white oak, Cecilie Manz’s utensil series for Rig-Tig highlights the simple beauty of well-made, everyday tools. The place turner, porridge spoon, ratatouille spoon, taster stick, and tongs are elegant examples of simplicity and function. From making eggs in the morning to turning a filet of sole in the evening, each utensil is designed for real cooking at home. Bringing quiet joy to daily routines, the honest, sturdy, and thoughtfully-shaped series makes a wonderful gift for anyone who loves to cook and appreciates beauty in the objects they use every day.

Photo: Courtesy of Oddbird

Non-Alcoholic Wines by Oddbird \ $23 and up

No one should come empty handed to a dinner party. For decades, a bottle of wine has been the go-to effortless hostess gift. That said, more and more people have chosen to embrace a more sober lifestyle. Oddbird, a pioneering Swedish brand, is on a mission to redefine drinking culture by offering high-quality wines liberated from alcohol. Crafted using traditional methods, Oddbird’s wines begin with grapes carefully selected from renowned vineyards and aged for up to 12 months before the alcohol is gently removed. This meticulous process preserves full-bodied flavor and complexity, making them a premium choice for those seeking non-alcoholic options. Oddbird’s collection includes standout bottles such as:

GSM Non-Alcoholic Red Wine \ $25
An earthy, fruit-forward blend with jammy blackberries and dried cherries balanced by gentle acidity. Bold and juicy, it finishes with just enough tannins to bring you back for another sip. Made from Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Carignan grapes sourced from Saint-Chinian, France.
Blanc de Blancs Sparkling White Wine \ $23
A 100% Chardonnay sparkling wine aged in oak for 12 months for a mature, complex profile. Expect a honeyed nose, crisp fruit on the palate, rich velvety bubbles, and a creamy brioche finish.
Sparkling Orange \ $50
Oddbird’s newest offering – a crisp, refreshing sparkling orange with notes of ripe peaches, tangy citrus, and floral hints of jasmine and rose for a smooth, rounded tasting experience.

Photo: Courtesy of Georg Jensen

BERNADOTTE Toaster by Georg Jensen \ $229

Counter-worthy design is all about elevating the everyday, turning functional objects into pieces you’re proud to display. The sleek, mirror-polished stainless steel BERNADOTTE Toaster does exactly that, showcasing the iconic grooved lines of the Bernadotte collection. Crafted as part of Georg Jensen’s elevated range of small kitchen appliances, it blends form and function seamlessly. This 2-slice toaster offers seven browning levels, along with reheat, cancel, and defrost functions, all guided by an LED indicator. A removable crumb tray ensures easy cleaning, while an adjustable cord keeps countertops tidy.

Photo: Courtesy of MoMA

Striped Canisters (Set of 4) by Dusen Dusen \ $72 (sale)

From Dusen Dusen, these metal storage canisters are too cheerful to hide in a kitchen cabinet. Bold stripes and vivid colors make it perfect for storing dry goods – from rice and beans to tea bags. The lid, topped with a handy ball, makes opening a breeze. Fill it with homemade cookies or treats, and it instantly becomes a playful, thoughtful gift, with no gift wrap ending up in the landfill.

Photo: Courtesy of MoMA

Nana Serving Tray by MoMA \ $45

Serve drinks or snacks in style with the Nana Serving Tray. Its minty, minimalist round design and practical handle make it effortless to carry from kitchen to guests, while powder-coated stainless steel keeps it durable and chic. It’s also perfect for gathering everyday items like olive oil and spices into one stylish, organized spot.

Photo: Courtesy of Amazon

Lello 4080 Musso Lussino Ice Cream Maker by Musso \ $800

The Italian-made Musso Lussino frozen dessert maker delivers fresh, restaurant-quality frozen treats in minutes, taking all the guesswork out of ice cream, sorbet, gelato, frozen yogurt, and more. Fully automatic and powered by a 100-watt motor, it features a simple timer-controlled process: add your ingredients, press two buttons, and enjoy up to 1.5 quarts of perfectly churned dessert in about 30 minutes. Unlike machines that require pre-frozen bowls, the Musso Lussino is ready for back-to-back batches, shutting off automatically if the mixture becomes too firm. With its stainless-steel housing, bowl, and paddle, it’s as effortless to clean as it is elegant on the counter.

Photos: Courtesy of Emile Henry and re_

Vinegar Pot by Emile Henry \ $158

Red Wine Vinegar by re_ \ $8

Homemade vinegar is having a renaissance, and the handcrafted Emile Henry Vinegar Pot – made of ceramic in Marcingy, France since 1850 – makes cultivating authentic flavors easier than ever. Simply pour in leftover wine, add a bit of “mother” vinegar, and let the natural fermentation process work its magic; within weeks, you’ll have bright, complex vinegar ready to tap from the built-in spigot without disturbing the culture. Beyond vinegar, this beautifully designed vessel invites experimentation with kombucha, kimchi brine, and other living flavors – an elegant, design-forward tool for curious cooks looking to elevate their everyday pantry.

Photo: Courtesy of FRAMA

Ground Corkscrew by Michael Antrobus for FRAMA \ $95

Copenhagen’s FRAMA brings effortless design to the home bar with the Ground Corkscrew. Crafted from a single length of brushed stainless steel, its sculptural twist offers a natural, ergonomic grip for seamless uncorking. Inspired by precision industrial tools, this tactile, functional piece by Michael Antrobus blends timeless craftsmanship with FRAMA’s signature aesthetic, creating a beautiful object designed to become a future heirloom.

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