Gift Guide for the Home Cooks, Bakers & Food Bloggers

Christmas is right around the corner and I’ve gathered all of my favourite kitchen tools and accessories that would the perfect gift for any home baker and/or cook. I’ve owned almost all of these essential appliances ever since I got into cooking and baking, and I still continue to use and love them. I’ve also added some gifts that I think any food bloggers and food photographers would really appreciate. Click the bolded links or photos for more information. I hope you find this gift guide useful and enjoy!

Gifts for the Home Baker & Cooks

1. Vitamix / High Speed Blender ($400): Probably the most essential kitchen appliance to make everything and anything… from homemade nut butters and cream cheeses, to creamy smoothies, soups and cheesecakes. It’s an expensive investment but it’s better than buying multiple cheaper mediocre blenders and you’ll probably save $$$ in the long run.
2. Food Processor ($37-$164): Again, another essential for any kitchen. I own this large one, perfect for making big batches and working with dough like for scones, biscuits and gnocchi. As well, as this more affordable smaller one that is perfect for small batch recipes, making energy balls, bean dips, cutting up vegetables or grounding up nuts/seeds.
3. Food Scale ($16): A cheap but super useful appliance to make baking more precise. I always weigh the ingredients for baking- especially for things like breads, loafs, cookies, brownies, blondies, muffins and cinnamon rolls because one persons 1 cup can differ to another persons 1 cup depending on how they measure it.
4. Cookie Baking Tray ($22): Did you know the colour of your baking tray can effect the browning of your cookies? Yep, darker coloured baking trays burn the cookies faster while white/pale baking trays can sometimes prevent them from browning at all. Thats why I always stick to a mid-tone baking tray and really love these ones. Consistent results and even baking every time.
5. Cookie Scooper ($15): Okay. This is something I don’t yet own but REALLY want and really think anyone should have *purchasing one for myself as I type this*. I usually weigh my cookie dough for even portions but having one of these would help- like a lot.
6. Reusable Silicon Baking Mat ($17): When I can, I always opt to use baking mats as long as it doesn’t affect what I’m baking. It saves money and reduces waste.
7. KitchenAid Stand Mixer ($200): For any serious baker. My mom uses this every single day for her baking needs. From meringues, cookies, creams, pie crusts, cakes, granola and more. Oh, and you can also use it for savoury things like mashed potatoes, guacamole, potato salads and yeast breads.
8. KitchenAid Electric Hand Mixer ($30): A more affordable option to the Kitchenaid Stand Mixer. I personally use this one more often for things like aquafaba, coconut whip cream and for cookies.
9. Belgian Waffle Maker ($40): A more affordable kitchen appliance that I think anyone would really appreciate and love! I mean c’mon, who doesn’t love a good waffle?
10. Air Fryer ($100): This one had to be on the list. I LOVE air fryers, and I think anyone would love it too. It’s basically a mini fast oven that also can “fry” things with limited to no oil. You can do so much with air fryers: crispy tofu, caramelized bananas and fruits, “fried” candied sweet potatoes, cauliflower wings… you can even make cookies and gnocchi!
11. Instant Pot ($120): Another one that had to be on this list. I think everyone owns an instant pot nowadays, but incase you don’t… trust me it’s life changing. You can make things like soup, chili and mashed potatoes but did you know… you can also make yogurt and desserts?! I don’t have any recipes on the blog yet but… that needs to change.
12. Tofu Press ($22): If you have any friends/family that love eating or using tofu- this one is for them. Perfect to make crispy tofu, desserts and more without stacking random things on top to press the liquid out.
13. Milk Frother/Warmer ($36): Who doesn’t love warm n’ frothy drinks?
14. Matcha Whisk + Set ($40): For matcha lovers, if they don’t have a matcha whisk yet… this set would the perfect gift. Making matcha with a whisk is so therapeutic and IMO more tasty then just making it in a blender.
15. Silicon Reusable Food Bags ($12): I think these are just so so useful and handy to have. I rarely use plastic bags anymore because these are so durable and last VERY long. Love ’em!

Gifts For Food Bloggers/Food Photographers

• Canon Rebel T6i EF-S 18-55mm IS STM Lens ($650): This is the camera I’ve used (and still use) to take all my photos and videos. I’ve used this camera for over 5 years and I LOVE IT. For a DSLR and its capabilities, it’s on the cheaper end. Defiantly still an investment but such a great starter camera for any food blogger/photographer.
• Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens ($125): This is the only lens I use for photos. I love it. It’s amazing and so affordable.
• K&F Concept Tripod ($140): An affordable AND durable tripod with an arm head for the perfect overhead shots. I’ve been looking for one for so long and this is by far the best affordable tripod I’ve come across.
• Launch Your Blog Biz ($297): When I first decided I wanted to take food blogging seriously, I literally had no idea what I was doing or how I was going to make it work. I was scared and had no direction. This course REALLY laid it out for me: how take blogging seriously, to setting up e-mailing lists, to the methods of actually making money from different streams and more… they really gave me the push to get on the right track. It’s an investment for sure, but trust me- it pays back.
• Pinterest Avalanche Course ($200): Okay you guys. This is the course I took that has really helped my blog grow in page views. My goal was to get accepted to Mediavine before 2020 and I actually was accepted early November… thank you Lauren and Alex. They REALLY helped me understand how Pinterest works and how to use it most effectively. Plus, they constantly tweak their courses so it’s up to date. Honestly, I wish I bought their courses way earlier on- it would have saved me so much more time that I could have been spending making content.

Extra Stocking Stuffer Ideas

• Bada Bean Bada Boom Fava Bean Snacks: You guys… these snacks are THE best crunchy snacks like ever. I would totally be happy with getting 10 packages of these as a christmas gift (no joke). Plus, they came out with a couple new flavours and they are AMAZING.
• Alter Eco Chocolate: My absolute favourite chocolate to bake with and eat on its own.
• Go Macro Protein Bars: Probably my all time favourite plant based protein bar. Plus, they have so many flavours to choose from!

And that’s a wrap! I hope you find some gift ideas for your friends, family and of course yourself. Happy Holidays!

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