# Yet another gift guide (for foodies)
Right, much like everyone else on the internet, I’ve whipped up a little foodie/kitchen gift guide for you (forgive me, you probably don’t need another one, but I had GREAT fun creating it)… this list is by no means exhaustive, but there’s some cute ideas nonetheless…
Shopping can’t directly improve our lives, but connecting with others through gifts can… so, I hope you find this list useful, or maybe just interesting to peruse, and I’d be delighted to hear your suggestions too.
Comment below, and we can curate a comprehensive wish list for kitchen fans, such FUN!
To kick things off..
Some ARTY, useful bits…
Mainly breakfast calendar - I’m useless at keeping track of… anything. I don’t find diaries work that well for me, but a calendar with a ‘monthly view’ like this is a game changer. I can see a whole month at a time and track things much more easily. The wizard behind this masterpiece is food stylist and illustrator, Emma Cantlay, I LOVE her style, and her insight into seasonal, fresh produce from month to month.
A recipe journal is always welcome IMO - and this one is super cute!
A spot of YUM
Nova Bakehouse biscuit selection - I absolutely love Sarah’s style and the ethos of her bakery in Leeds - she’s been producing a festive biscuit selection for the past 4 or 5 years and they never disappoint, they’re full of comfort and joy… if you know someone who likes biscuits, these are special!
Pump street chocolate (anything/everything from this place)
I love Pump Street’s chocolate - it tastes super sophisticated. Some of their festive specials this year look phenomenal - panettone chocolate? YES PLEASE!
Coffee fans
Volcano coffee (my latest coffee find and I’m obsessed - TRY THEM!)
Moka pots are another of my obsessions… and this one needs no introduction - have you ever seen anything more beautiful? (maybe your child or dog, but this is a close second, right?).
Candles - they remove foodie smells and make you feel Zen.
Jo Malone (a quick candle story) – I was gifted a pomegranate JM candle (about ten years ago*) and only just lit it - don’t judge – it seemed too precious to light. I’m not entirely sure what made me behave so frivolously this week - desperation maybe - anyway, it smells unbelievable PLUS, it seems to burn down quite slowly. So, yes, they’re pricey but I’m thinking this might be offset by their slow burn rate – price per burn = good. Also loving their ‘townhouse’ range – the container sells it.
*It turns out JM candles age rather like fine wine - smells just as good after 10 years maturing, I genuinely thought it would be rancid after all that time.
Some kitchen essentials (my faves)
Microplane Zester – honestly one of my most cherished devices
A digital thermometer - I’m specifically coveting this Thermapen one - I can’t cope in the kitchen without stabbing things to check if they are cooked.
A decent knife
All day goods - Every day knife This brand are just incredible (read more about them here), and their knifes look fantastic - I don’t have one but I’ve had my eye on them for a while!
Victorinox (also heard great things about Victorinox knives, sharp, not too expensive, pretty colours if that’s your jam - WIN)
I’d suggest: One Santoku Knife, one paring Knife, one bread/pastry knife - that should have you covered!
Books (this is a hard one as it’s so personal I think, but a few I’d recommend)
James Morton’s book ‘Brilliant Bread’ is an oldie but an excellent introduction to bread - fun fact, it’s where my Bake Off journey started!!
Letitia Clark has a BEAUTIFUL range of books rammed with excellent recipes, mainly Italian inspired, and savoury and sweet - they also serve as perfect coffee table books with gorgeous covers and photography throughout.
Julius Roberts’ - love this guy, love this book, savoury and sweet, delicious, honest grub.
I’m also going to take this opportunity to outsource to Ed Smith, he has produced a comprehensive list of (recipe/food associated) book ideas from 2024, read it HERE.
Misc extras:
Gift a newsletter subscription
My current fave - All day cake
CROCS - I’ve told you before, they’re a no brainer for kitchen comfort!
Tea towels/apron/oven gloves - I particularly like Sophie Allport’s range
A MUG - always goes down extremely well, Wrendale’s Hannah Dale animal designs are ADORABLE. There are also loads of incredibly talented people producing beautiful, hand-crafted ceramics across the world - Google around and find your fave!
Foodie Hampers - ‘ON THE TABLE’ have some great looking bundles!
All things Kitchen aid… and Le Creuset - pricey, yes, but if your budget allows, items from either of these companies will go down EXTREMELY well with people who love their kitchens.
and possibly the greatest gifts? Homemade anything - toffee’s, truffles, biscuits, granola, jars of preserves/nut butter/salted caramel/praline pastes - the world’s your oyster. Turn your kitchen into Santas grotto and get baking!
I could keep adding to this list, I’m sure I’ve forgotten things, but I’m going to leave it here for now - partly because Substack is shouting at me (it says I’m approaching the email length limit for this article). We absolutely MUST share suggestions though - I’d be SO interested to hear some of your kitchen/baking/foodie dream pressie thoughts - pop your ideas below and we’ll share the fun. OOOO, I feel FESTIVE!
Love, Love, Love and festive hugs!
Steph X X X