The Best Gifts for Home Cooks According to a Restaurant Worker
This feature is part of The Kitchn’s Gift Edit, our editor-curated collection of gift ideas. Need more inspiration? Check out all our guides here.
If you’ve ever seen The Bear, you know there are major differences between the rush of restaurant service and making weeknight meals at home. And yet, it doesn’t matter if you’re cooking in a high-end restaurant kitchen or whipping up dinner after a long day at work: Putting care and effort into what you cook and eat can turn any boring plate of food into an incredible culinary experience. That’s one of the reasons why I work in hospitality — and a big part of why I think you should buy a gift for the home cook in your life this holiday season.
It doesn’t have to be something super expensive, either. Just treating them to a memorable meal — or better yet, a gift that helps them make one at home — is perfect for those friends or family members who love to cook. A gift for the home chef in your life, whether they’re learning how to scramble eggs or perfecting their bouillabaisse recipe, not only develops, but encourages the kitchen skills and culinary curiosity that leads to cooking great food by making time spent in the kitchen more engaging — and improving the final result.