gifts for someone who loves to cook

Kitchen Gifts for Someone Who Likes to Cook (All Under $100)

ByMichelle

Finding the perfect gift for someone who loves to cook can feel overwhelming especially if you want something useful, fun, and under $100. To help, I asked home cooks what they really wanted. The top requests? Quality knives, versatile tools, specialty cookware, and items that make cooking more enjoyable.

Whether you’re shopping for a beginner, a seasoned foodie, or that friend who always hosts dinner parties, this list is packed with practical, budget-friendly kitchen gift ideas they’ll actually use.

gifts for someone who loves to cook

This website contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read our disclaimer.

Tips for Choosing the Right Cooking Gift

  • Think about their cooking style: Are they into baking, grilling, healthy eating, or gourmet meals?
  • Go for things they’ll use often: Choose items that won’t just sit in a drawer.
  • Size matters: Small kitchens need compact tools; bigger gadgets are great for cooks with more counter space.
  • Add a personal touch: Custom engraving or their favorite color can make a practical gift feel special.

Kitchen Essentials – Under $100

Knives

A good chef’s knife is the heart of any kitchen. It makes cooking faster, safer, and more enjoyable.

Victorinox Fibrox Chef’s Knife

(affiliate)

  • Why it’s great: Swiss-made, ergonomic non-slip handle, razor-sharp edge.
  • Price: $19–$92 depending on size.
  • Perfect for: Everyday use by beginners and pros.

Tojiro Chef’s Knives

(affiliate)

  • Why it’s great: Japanese craftsmanship with exceptional sharpness. Available in chef’s, Santoku, boning, and slicing styles.
  • Price: Varies, usually $50–$100.
  • Perfect for: Precision-loving cooks.

Wüsthof Classic Chef’s Knife

(affiliate)

  • Why it’s great: German-made, lifetime warranty, perfectly balanced.
  • Price: Around $100.
  • Perfect for: Serious home chefs.

Tip: Hand wash only dishwashers damage the handles.

Mortar & Pestle

(affiliate)

A timeless tool for grinding herbs, spices, nuts, seeds, and garlic. Also handy for crushing pills for kids or pets.

  • Options: Granite, marble, wood, bamboo, stainless steel, porcelain.
  • Price: From $10 to $60.
  • Perfect for: Flavor enthusiasts and traditional cooks.

Cast Iron Skillet

(affiliate)

Pre-seasoned for a natural non-stick surface, excellent for searing, roasting, baking, and frying.

  • Price: $20–$60.
  • Perfect for: Anyone who loves rustic, hearty meals.

Magnetic Knife Strip

(affiliate)

Keeps knives organized, easy to grab, and off the counter. Saves drawer space and prevents blade damage. Perfect for small kitchens or cooks who like a clean, professional look.

  • Price: $18–$25.

Cookbooks

Inspiration in hardcover form beautiful enough to display.

  • Ideas:
    • The Flavor Bible – Culinary creativity guide.
    • Chrissy Teigen’s Cravings series.
    • The Shredded Chef – Healthy, protein-rich meals.
  • Price: $20–$40.
  • Perfect for: Recipe collectors and foodies.

Practical Gifts – Under $20

Knife Sharpener (Compact)

(affiliate)

Keeps blades razor-sharp for safer, easier cutting.

  • Price: From $10.
  • Perfect for: Anyone with kitchen knives.

Salt & Pepper Grinder Set

(affiliate)

Manual sets save on batteries and deliver fresh flavor.

  • Price: $15–$20.

Plastic Wrap/Foil/Wax Paper Dispenser

(affiliate)

Keeps rolls neat and accessible.

  • Price: $15–$25.

Aprons

(affiliate)

Look for adjustable neck straps, pockets, and stain-resistant fabric.

  • Price: $10–$25.

Specialty Soaps for Cooks

(affiliate)

I also like Dr. Bronner’s – organic sugar soap (affiliate) (Lavender, 24 Ounce) made with organic oils, sugar and shikakai powder.

  • Price: $8–$25.

Baking Tools – Under $50

Adjustable Rolling Pin

A baker’s best friend for rolling dough to the perfect thickness. Interchangeable rings make it easy to achieve uniform cookies, pastries, and pizza bases every time.

Price: $15-$20.

Silicone Baking Mats

(affiliate)

Reusable non-stick mats that replace parchment paper. Ideal for cookies, roasted veggies, or candy making—plus they’re eco-friendly and easy to clean.

  • Price: $12-$20.

Practical Gifts – Under $50

Stainless Steel Measuring Cups & Spoons

(affiliate)

Durable, accurate, and easy to clean.

  • Price: Around $25.

Sharpening Stone

(affiliate)

For the hands-on knife sharpener.

  • Price: $30–$40.

Non-Aerosol Oil Sprayer

(affiliate)

Use pure oils without additives.

  • Price: $25–$30.

Whipped Cream Dispenser

(affiliate)

Make fresh, preservative-free whipped cream.

  • Price: $30–$45.

Spice Rack & Jars

(affiliate)

Keeps spices organized and accessible.

  • Price: $20–$50.

Oven Mitts (Extra Long)

(affiliate)

Silicone-coated for heat protection.

  • Price: $15–$25.

Practical Gifts – Under $100

Gourmet Olive Oil Sampler

(affiliate)

A selection of premium flavored oils garlic, chili, lemon, and herb blends ideal for dipping bread, drizzling over pasta, or finishing salads.

  • Price: $25–$40.

Exotic Spice Collection

(affiliate)

Curated spices from around the world think smoked paprika, saffron, za’atar, and sumac. Perfect for adventurous cooks who love trying new recipes.

  • Price: $30–$45.

Gourmet Gift Basket

(affiliate)

Filled with oils, vinegars, spices, and salts.

  • Price: $50–$100.

DIY Gift Basket

Customize with favorite ingredients and recipes.

Knife Storage Bag

(affiliate)

Leather roll-up with pockets for knives and tools.

  • Price: Around $60.

Wooden Cutting Board

(affiliate)

Durable and knife-friendly.

  • Price: $50–$100.

Le Creuset Gifts

(affiliate)

Small but beautiful pieces under $100.

Fun Kitchen Gifts

Burger Press

(affiliate)

Shapes perfect patties every time.

  • Price: $15–$25.

Personalized Kitchen Items

(affiliate)

T-shirts, mugs, wooden spoons with custom designs.

Indoor Herb Garden Kit

(affiliate)

Grow fresh herbs year-round.

  • Price: $30–$80.

Tortilla Press

(affiliate)

Fresh, homemade tortillas for tacos, wraps, and quesadillas. Sturdy cast iron or aluminum models flatten dough evenly for perfect results every time.

Price: Under $25-$40.

Mini Waffle Maker

(affiliate)

Compact, quick-heating, and fun. Makes personal-sized waffles for breakfast, desserts, or even savory creations like hashbrown waffles.

Price: Under $10-$15.

Compact Ice Cream Maker

(affiliate)

Create small batches of fresh, preservative-free ice cream, sorbet, or frozen yogurt in minutes. Great for households without space for large appliances.

Price: Under $30-50.

iPad Stand

(affiliate)

Keeps recipes visible and hands-free.

  • Price: Under $20.

Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

(affiliate)

Listen to music or podcasts while cooking.

  • Price: $25–$50.

Electronic Kitchen Gifts

Digital Kitchen Scale

(affiliate)

Converts grams, pounds, and milliliters.

  • Price: $15–$25.

Recipe Apps Subscription

Paprika is a great choice for storing and sharing recipes.

Meat Thermometer

(affiliate)

For perfectly cooked meats, bread, and candy.

  • Price: $20–$40.

Electric Knife Sharpener

(affiliate)

Fast and easy blade maintenance.

  • Price: $40–$50.

Air Fryer

(affiliate)

Compact model for crispy, healthy cooking.

  • Price: $60–$100.

Immersion Blender

(affiliate)

Purees, whisks, and chops with interchangeable blades.

  • Price: $60–$80.

Sous Vide Machine

(affiliate)

Restaurant-quality precision cooking.

  • Price: $80–$100.

Outdoor Chef Gifts

Under $20

  • BBQ Non-Stick Cooking Mats
  • Heat-Resistant Gloves
  • Grill Wire Brush
  • BBQ Grill Light

Under $50

  • BBQ Smoker Kit with flavored wood chips.
  • Long-Handled BBQ Tool Set.
  • Pizza Stone with Wooden Peel.

Unusual Cooking Gifts

Tabletop Raclette Grill

(affiliate)

Guests cook their own meats, veggies, or even sweet treats.

  • Price: $70–$100.

Gifts for Kids Who Love to Cook

Under $20

  • Kid Chef: The Foodie Kids Cookbook – Includes skills, recipes, and food facts.

Under $50

  • MasterChef Junior Pizza Cooking Set.

Final Thoughts

Whether you choose a timeless kitchen essential, a fun gadget, or a unique foodie experience, the best cooking gifts are those that fit the person’s style and inspire them to spend more happy hours in the kitchen. With this list of ideas under $100, you can shop confidently for any occasion and know your gift will get plenty of use.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *