Gifts for people who love to cook in Canada

Knives: buy one or let them choose

A knife is a personal gift. The Ichigo Ichie gyuto is a good first Japanese knife, but Japanese steel is harder and more brittle than German steel. No dishwasher, no bones, no glass boards. If the cook leaves knives in a sink full of dishes, buy something else.

Two safer routes. The HORL sharpener keeps a fixed angle, so a cook who never learned whetstones gets a sharp edge on the knives they already own. A Knifewear gift card lets them pick their own knife or book a knife skills class, though a small card will not cover a knife.

Bread bakers and busy cooks

A weekend bread baker will use the Emile Henry cloche for a crisp crust, or the de Buyer set for baguettes, if it fits their oven. Add the Chef'n scrapers; they cost almost nothing and get used every bake.

A parent cooking every night needs speed more than projects. Make It Fast has 100 dinners with 30 minutes of work or less, though it is written for American groceries. The engraved board and the family cookbook suit a grandparent who cooks for everyone.

Toronto classes and timing

The Chef Upstairs and Viva Tastings are both in Toronto. The Chef Upstairs emails its code soon after purchase and runs weeknight classes; Viva Tastings is for two people. Neither suits someone outside the GTA.

Order physical gifts early in November. The engraved board is made to order, and the Ooni is a heavy box that suits a spring or summer birthday better than a snowed-in December.

Mistakes to avoid

Buying a knife for a cook who already has a favourite one is the classic miss; a sharpener or a gift card is safer. Another is a single-use gadget that joins a drawer full of them. Small pantry gifts, like the Kozlik maple mustard, are cheap enough to add to anything and always get eaten. Shipping across provinces slows down in December, so allow an extra week.

Questions people ask

What do you buy a cook who has everything?

Buy an ingredient or a consumable they will use up, or an upgrade to a tool they use daily. A Fly By Jing chili crisp set, Brightland oil and vinegar or Ottolenghi spices get used and do not take cupboard space. A cooking class is another good choice for someone with a full kitchen, as long as it is in their city.

Is a knife a good gift for a cook?

Yes, if you know how they treat knives. A Japanese blade like the Ichigo Ichie gyuto rewards careful hand-washing and a wooden board, and chips if abused. Someone who uses a dishwasher or cuts through bone is better served by a sharpener like the HORL 3 Pro, which improves the knives they already own.

What is a good cooking gift under $50?

The Burlap & Barrel cacio e pepe blend, Rancho Gordo chili sampler, Baking Steel dough container, Lodge 13 x 9 baking dish and Sourdough Mate jar all come in under or near $50. In the UK, the Endo Shoji grater, Cole & Mason electric mill and Ottolenghi spice box fit the same budget.

Are cooking class gift cards worth it?

They are worth it for someone who lives near the school and has free evenings or a free day. Check the expiry and schedule first: School of Wok vouchers last 6 months, Otao Kitchen's last 3 years, and The Chef Upstairs runs weeknight classes only. Cozymeal cards never expire, but a small card may not cover a class for two.