11 Kitchen Gift Ideas For the Masterchef in Your Life

So you’re shopping for someone who knows their way around the kitchen. Lucky you, they’ve probably made you delicious dinners on more than one occasion. And, now that it’s your time to spoil them, you’re determined to show them that you recognize and appreciate their efforts and passion for cooking—we get it. This is where we come in handy with a list of kitchen gift ideas that they'll surely love. Whether you’re buying for a novice baker or an Ina Garten-level chef, one of these kitchen gifts is bound to be a success. 

Will you be the one to finally get them an electric kettle? Or maybe the chicest cooking pan? A culinary class from their favorite chef? Whatever the wants and needs might be, these are the best gifts for chefs from California-based brands.

The Best Kitchen Gifts To Buy Now

1. A Cookbook from Now Serving L.A.

One can never have too many cookbooks, and that’s especially true for people who actually spend time in the kitchen. What’s the best place to find cool cookbooks you ask? Well, nothing beats the collection at Now Serving L.A. From a book on edible flowers to one on savory baking recipes—the books at this Los Angeles-based online store are cooking gifts bound to excite any chef.

2. Soft Hue Appetizer Plate Set from Poketo

Poketo has a cool gift for all kinds of interests, and cooks are no exception. The beautiful appetizer plate set of four will add a touch of elegance to any table and make your masterchef friend’s already delicious concoctions look even more appealing. Elegant and versatile, this kitchen gift idea will impress anyone with a thing for beautiful serving platters.

3. The Always Pan from Our Place

The Always Pan, from Culver City-based brand Our Place, broke the Internet when it was first introduced, and your foodie friend has definitely heard about it. A true do-it-all wonder designed to replace eight traditional pieces of cookware, the Always Pan is the best kitchen gadget gift for a chef in the know. Choose from nine available colors and watch your friend’s face as they open up their precious prezzie—we can already smell the delicious meal they’ll cook for you with this kitchen gift. 

4. A specialized Culinary Class from MasterClass

Not to say that your already-great-cook-of-a-friend’s skills need any upkeep, but learning from the world’s leading experts should be a welcomed gift for chefs of any level. Specialized culinary classes—from Italian to Middle Eastern—are abundant on MasterClass. And, if you make the right choice, this could be one of the best kitchen gifts for a chef in the making.

5. Olive Oil in Hand Painted Ceramic Vase from Otherwild

Does your foodie friend already have everything they might possibly need? Get them an over-the-top kitchen gift like Galantino extra virgin olive oil in a hand-painted ceramic vase. While the olive oil is top quality, the spotted vase is definitely more about aesthetics than practicality—but that’s what design is all about. Plus, it can be totally repurposed to store something else further down the line.

6. Confetti Peach Tray from Jungalow

We love everything interior designer Justina Blakeney touches, and her Confetti Peach Trays are no exception. Made by women in small cooperatives across rural areas of Rwanda, this stylish kitchen gift will add a touch of boho-chic elegance to any counter; just imagine all the different ways it can be styled!

7. The Pour-Over Kit from Fellow

The Pour-Over Kit from Fellow contains everything you need to start brewing your own coffee at home. An awesome kitchen gift idea for a caffeine aficionado, this set will make any handcrafted cup of coffee at home taste extra delicious. Did we mention it’s also incredibly sleek in design? Seriously, even if they don’t end up using the kit all too much (which is impossible), this kitchen gift will take any countertop to the next level in the looks department alone.

8. Mendocino Stoneware Cake Stand from Pottery Barn

Do you believe that the person you’re shopping for makes absolute works of art that should be displayed on a pedestal? Get them the Mendocino Stoneware Cake Stand from Pottery Barn—the closest thing to a pedestal that is respected in the kitchen. Who knows, maybe you’ll soon eat the most delicious slice of cake from said stand not too long after. 

9. Cutting Board With Phone Stand and Knife Sharpener from Mark and Graham

Not feeling like any of the gifts mentioned so far feel special enough? Opt for a personalized kitchen gift and get your cuisinier a monogrammed personalized wood cutting board from Mark and Graham. They have many different styles available on their website, but this one with a phone stand and knife sharpener just has that extra wow factor. How come all food stands don’t have a phone stand? It’s genius!

10. Wüsthof Classic 12-Piece Knife Block Set from Williams Sonoma

A trustee all-purpose knife is a kitchen essential you just can't replace, no matter how battered it might get. But maybe, just maybe, the Wüsthof Classic 12-Piece Block Set from Williams Sonoma might convince you otherwise. A knife set is one of the best gifts for cooks because you literally can never have too many, especially ones that are as high quality as the ones in this set.

11. A Chef’s Apron from Hedley and Bennett

Just because someone’s not cooking for paying customers in a kitchen at a restaurant, doesn’t mean that they deserve to feel like any less of a chef. And, what’s a chef without their apron? Los Angeles-based Hedley and Bennett has a large collection of aprons of different styles and colors, and they make for one of the best gifts for cooks because they inspire creativity and confidence in the kitchen. Not sure which apron you should get? Take the online quiz and you’ll have the three best options that match your chef’s interests!

Which one of these best gifts for chefs would you have liked to receive most?