MAIN Party Ideas Gift Ideas Gift Ideas for Cooks

Know someone who loves to cook?

Whether they're aspiring cooks - or skilled gourmet chefs who have everything - gift giving for birthdays or around the holidays can be a cinch.

Gifts for cooks have become so popular that most can be found in either gourmet shops, houseware specialty or department stores and, of course, at online shops featuring kitchen equipment and appliances.

Anyone with an interest in cooking will always love receiving the basic necessities that can always be put to good use, like pots and pans, potholders, measuring cups, mixing bowls, whisks, wooden spoons, ladles, spatulas, paring knives or vegetable peelers.

For new cooks, choose classic cookbooks like The Joy of Cooking or The Betty Crocker Cookbook that offer a broad overview of techniques from meat roasts to mousse. If money is no object, also consider a high end food processor, quality chef knives, or a top-shelf copper pot and pan sets that are built to last a lifetime.

If they love baking, consider oven mitts, cookie sheets ad cookie cutters, baking pans, or go for the specialty items you know they'll love to use - like spring-form pans, cake decorating kits, professional cake mixers or bread making machines.

Do they love to barbecue? Weekend warriors always like to experiment with new sauce mixes or recipe cookbooks and often new need aprons, tongs, and serving equipment. Around the holidays, most of these items can be found all wrapped up in prepackaged in specialty gift baskets that also serve as great housewarming gifts.

For the little chef, look for play kitchen sets or other toys that make cooking and baking great fun for kids. Also surf the Web for kids-size chefs hats and coats that you can even monogram with their names or initials.

Still stuck for ideas?

A gift card to a specialty gourmet shop is a win-win since the giftee can pick out exactly what they want or need. Although it's usually not recommended to buy food items for cooks, a gift certificate to a local gourmet grocer or Whole Foods supermarket will always be much appreciated.

And what about cooking classes? Many cooking schools offer gift cards for classes that are also a great way to spend quality time with a friend or loved one when you sign up to go with them ...

And, who knows? You might even love learning a few tricks of the trade yourself ...

Have fun!

also see in Gift Ideas -> Wine Lover Gift Ideas

More tips & advice about gifts for chefs & cooks around the Web:

Gifts for the Crafty Cook: 20 Cool Kitchen Gadget - Check out the latest in modern cookware, equipment and gadgets in an illustrated slideshow.

Bon Appetit Gift Guides - Take it from the experts at Bon Appetit Magazine, with the latest story articles on cooking gear and equipment that get editors excited, and incidentally make great gifts for any home cook on your list.