Gifts for the Foodie, Home Cook & Entertainer

In true Ambitious Kitchen fashion, we had to dedicate one of our gift guides to foodies, home cooks and entertainers! This guide is amazing for friends and family who may have moved recently, newlyweds, or just people who love to cook, bake, or host.

We curated the best of the best in home and kitchen gadgets, plus some of our fav cookbooks, decor, and small appliances. Many of them are staples in my home and kitchen that I use all the time, so you know we’ve got the goods in here. Warm someone’s house, and heart, this holiday season!

Remember to check out all of our amazing gift guides here!

1. Our Place Always Pan: The AK team is obsessed with their Our Place pans, which are nonstick, versatile, and full of fun features like a spoon rest and steamer basket. So many beautiful colors to choose from. A best seller for a reason!
2. Air Fryer: Everyone’s air frying these days! This sleek air fryer has a small counter footprint and makes super crispy food with up to 85% less oil than deep frying.
3. Smeg Toaster: Everyone’s in love with Smeg’s appliances. This midcentury style toaster comes in lots of fun colors that will add a pop to any kitchen.
4. Acacia Glass Jar & Lids: Gorgeous wood-topped jars with tight silicone seals to keep cookies, sugar, flour, pasta and knick nacks tightly sealed. These add a warm touch to any pantry or countertop. Tack on these labels for perfect organization.
5. Pie Dish: Possibly the prettiest pie dish ever?? Bakers will cherish this French-inspired, oven-safe dish forever.
6. Wine Chiller: Wine lovers, rejoice! This vacuum-sealed canister keeps bottles of wine or bubbly cold for hours. Which color are you getting?
7. Bose Bluetooth Speakers: Great things come in small packages, like this compact, water-resistant speaker. It’s also got bluetooth and a built-in mic that allows you to take calls!
8. Caraway Home Cookware Set: This beautiful set is a special gift for any home cook — especially newlyweds or new homeowners. Coated with ceramic, so they’re free of chemicals, and they come with holders to keep every pot, pan and lid organized in your cabinets.
9. Material Kitchen Knives + Stand: I’ve been using Material Kitchen knives for a few years now and they’re still as amazing as when I got them. These Japanese stainless steel knives are not only gorgeous but are also amazingly sharp and long-lasting! Perfect for the home chef in your life. Use the code ‘AMBITIOUS’ for 15% off your order during the month of December!
10. White Cake Stand with Lid: This pretty stand is perfect for decorated cakes, banana breads, cookies, muffins and more. Select white or a soft gray.
11. Gold & Wood Measuring Cups: These pretty measuring cups are a little rustic, a little glam and they’ll make baking feel extra special.
12. How Sweet Eats Everyday Dinners Cookbook: This best-selling cookbook from my friend Jessica of How Sweet Eats is jam-packed with healthy & flavorful dinner ideas that come together fast without sacrificing flavor or presentation. Ideas for meal prepping, slow cookers and plant-based recipes included!
13. Electric Tea Kettle: Modern and streamlined for your stylish friend whose kitchen you always admire. This kettle comes in 3 gorgeous neutral colors that will go well in any space.
14. Booker Candlestick Set of 4: Chic & timeless black candle holders add height and interest to a dining room table or mantel. These fit standard candlesticks and will go with any color candle!
15. White Baking Dish with Lid: A classic casserole dish for all those winter pasta bakes, cornbreads and more!
16. Popcorn Machine: Perfect for movie nights and everyday snacking, this at-home popcorn maker brings theater-style popcorn to your home! Tony and I love ours and it’s perfect for kiddos.
17. Funny Oven Mitt: An oven mitt for the fun-loving cook who’s got that secret sauce.
18. Roomba iRobot Vacuum: This vacuum is LIFE-CHANGING. With just a touch of a button or voice command, it will clean your entire home any time you want (even daily!) Great for those with pets and dust allergies.
19. Customizable Cheese Board with Knives: Cheese lovers will be OBSESSED with this board that transforms from a triangle shape into a circular, tiered server. Customize it with their initials for an extra personal touch. These beautiful cheese knives would be an amazing addition, too!
20. Staub Dutch Oven: Foodies might cry over this stunning, timeless dutch oven. This durable pot comes in more than 10 colors and is perfect for stews, pasta and so much more.
21. Williams Sonoma French Press: Pick their favorite finish on this stunning French press that will brighten their mornings and make anyone who visits ask where it’s from.
22. Silverware Set: This minimal flatware set will stand the test of time. Which color’s your favorite — silver, copper or black? 
23. Pasta Maker: Adventurous cooks and novices will both love this Italian-made pasta maker. Adjust the thickness and width of the noodles to make all kinds of pasta. This one is even more affordable and the perfect gift!
24. Ultimate Nonstick Sheet Pan Set: Refresh their bakeware with this 6-piece set of nonstick baking pans. These champagne gold sheet pans, muffin tin, loaf pan, cake pan and cooling rack will make any recipe shine!
25. Cookbook & Tablet stand: Never know where to put your recipe while cooking? This rustic stand made of salvaged wood and antique brass accents holds your cookbook or tablet at just the right angle.
26. Wine Glasses: These sleek straight-edged glasses will add a beautiful and modern touch to the entertainer’s dinner table. They’re delicate AND dishwasher safe!
27. 5-Piece Spatula Set: Home bakers will swoon over these sturdy silicone spatulas. This 5-piece set includes a spatula, spoonula, mini spoonula, jar scraper and mini jar scraper.
28. Spectacular Spreads Cookbook: For your friend who’s always making cheeseboards and snack platters! Popular blogger The BakerMama’s best-selling cookbook is full of inspiration for easy-to-make spreads for any occasion.
29. Compact Electric Wine Opener: More wine, less stressing over uncorking the bottle! This electric wine opener will do all the work of cutting the foil and removing the cork.
30. Check Ya Energy Funny Doormat: Good vibes only in 2022! Your friend will get a kick out of this funny welcome mat.
31. Mixing Bowl Set: Simple nesting mixing bowls for batters, salads and fruits big and small. Store them snugly in your cabinets or set these display-worthy bowls right on the counter.
32. Anthropologie Dinner Plates: Up their dish game with these pretty dinner plates with a subtle copper finish. Handmade, dishwasher safe and microwaveable!
33. Belgian Waffle Maker: A super affordable waffle maker for the friend that hasn’t gotten around to getting one. It has a small profile and nonstick coating, making it perfect for single servings of sweet or savory waffles (or a whole batch for the fam!) We also love this mini waffle maker!
34. Bistro Tile Spoon Rest: This charming bistro-inspired spoon rest will keep stovetops and counters clean during long days of cooking and tasting.
35. Stasher Bag Set: The BEST reusable bags for snacks, cheeses, fruits and more. Eliminate single-use plastic waste with these durable dishwasher-safe bags that are perfect for taking to school or the office.

Click here to see the rest of our 2021 holiday gift guides!