Thinking of Christmas gifts for friends and family is never easy, but shopping for the home cooks and chefs can be especially tricky. Do you pick a gadget? A pantry staple? To take the guesswork out of it, I reached out to 10 chefs across the UK and asked them to share the presents they genuinely love to give.
From clever tools that make weeknight cooking easier to thoughtful treats that feel truly luxurious, their suggestions offer plenty of inspiration for every type of foodie on your list. Additionally, they’re all at different price points.
Tom Hamblet, head chef at The Avenue, Lainston House and BBC MasterChef: The Professionals 2023 Champion, recommended giving the gift of cooking. He said: “Nothing brings people together quite like making delicious food, so I’d treat my friends and family to cooking classes. We have a cookery school here at Lainston House called Season, which is perfect for anyone looking to hone their skills or try something new. Experimental gifts are such a great way to learn, laugh and share great food with loved ones all at once.”
Another recommended gift is a handy kitchen item. Chris Baber, professional chef and key brand ambassador for HexClad, said: “For serious home cooks, HexClad’s Salt & Pepper Hexmill’s are always a winner. It looks great on the counter, and its 10 grind settings offer total control from a coarse grind for cacio e pepe to an ultra-fine consistency that evenly distributes flavour in sauces and marinades. I also love a handmade foodie gift. A batch of homemade biscotti, beautifully packaged, adds that personal touch that goes such a long way.” HexClad also has a range of incredible pots and pans, used by chefs like Gordon Ramsay.
Stuart Fox, head chef of the Amboseli Restaurant at The Reserve at Chester Zoo, said: “For a stocking filler, go for a Maldon Sea Salt selection. For gifts under £50, a decent chef’s knife is essential for at-home chefs. They’re better than supermarket-bought options as they allow for better precision when cutting fine ingredients. I would recommend the brand Victorinox for home cooking, it is very well priced and trusted by all professional chefs.”
For gifts under £100, the chef recommended a pasta machine. This allows cooks to truly showcase their skills at dinner parties. Stuart noted: “Make sure you purchase one which has the additional pasta cutter, as cutting pasta by hand isn’t as easy as it sounds. Having one of these in your kitchen will make that step simpler, and it’s the kind of item that’s perfect for a gift.”
A few chefs also recommended a digital thermometer, such as the Thermapen ONE, which ensures meat is always cooked precisely to the optimum temperature while maintaining its flavour and juiciness. It’s a great gift for those taking on turkey responsibilities over the Christmas holiday.
Benjamin Ferra y Castell, head chef at Pavyllon London, said: “I’d buy a portable espresso machine. My wife gave me one, and it’s become my daily lifesaver. In the kitchen, on the road, it’s perfect for anyone who loves good coffee and convenience. I now can’t stand another sad filter coffee.”
Another idea recommended was cooking books. There are plenty of options to choose from. Luca Mastrantoni, head chef at Ekstedt at The Yard, said: “Two gifts I’ll be sending this year are ‘The Nordic Cookbook’ by Magnus Nilsson, a beautiful and comprehensive collection that truly captures the essence of Nordic cuisine. Also, ‘Ikoyi: A Journey Through Bold Heat with Recipes’, by Jeremy Chan, is an inspiring book that celebrates creativity, flavour, and technique with a completely unique approach. Really great for anyone who enjoys experimenting in the kitchen.”
Kerth Gumbs, chef de cuisine at Fenchurch Restaurant and Rhubard Hospitality Collection, said: “I’m going to gift a cocktail starter kit of some sort with botanical mixers and a recipe guide this year. Cocktails are great fun to experiment with, and having some simple recipes on hand, along with the necessary ingredients, is perfect for creating well-balanced cocktails. It’s a great gift for people who love hosting too.”
Paul Bough, resident chef at STAUB and SWILLING, said: “A cast iron Cocotte is always at the top of my list for a truly special gift. It’s a timeless piece that brings people together, whether it’s a slow-cooked stew on a winter evening or a festive roast at the centre of the table. With a wide choice of colours, sizes and designs, there’s something to suit every cook and style of kitchen, and best of all, it’s a piece that can be cherished and passed down through generations. I also gift mini Cocottes as they add a touch of restaurant-style flair to everyday cooking.”
Dean Harper of Harper Fine Dining said: “If you’re buying for someone who actually enjoys cooking, go practical. A good precision knife, a reliable digital thermometer, or even a sous vide immersion circulator will get plenty of use and last for years. They’re tools that take your cooking up a level. For food lovers in general who might not necessarily benefit from specific kitchen rolls, you can’t go wrong with things they’ll use every day but wouldn’t necessarily buy for themselves. A really good olive oil, an aged balsamic, or a curated spice set are your safest options here. If you want to give something a little more personal, go for an experience. A cooking class voucher, meal-kit subscription, or online masterclass helps people build new skills and confidence, and you can pair it with a simple, well-made tool, like a whisk, bench scraper or small digital scale, so they can put what they learn straight into practice.”
For stocking fillers, consider smaller items, such as a delicious cheese or a bottle of olive oil. Gennaro Contaldo, known as one-half of the Two Greedy Italians with Antonio Carluccio, recommended something you may not have thought of. The chef said: “Parmigiano Reggiano PDO might not be the first thing people think of for a Christmas gift, but that’s what makes it so special. I love gifting it to friends and family because it’s authentic, high-quality and full of rich, nutty flavour. It transforms everyday meals into something memorable, from pasta and risotto to salads and snacks. It’s a thoughtful, versatile gift that celebrates great food and brings people together over the festive season.”
