2024 Holiday Gift Guide
Starting from the top lefthand corner, Avid Armor Chamber Vacuum Sealer, Po Chai Pills, Hasmi Mug, and Ravioli Board.
A holiday gift guide for all types of cooks and all types of budgets.
Last year, I curated a shopping list filled with fun and practical kitchen gadgets designed for cooks of all skill levels and budgets. It was such a hit—and such a joy to create—that I decided to do it again this year!
What makes this list special is that every single item is something I actually own and use regularly. These aren't random suggestions or trendy gimmicks—I take pride in recommending tools that genuinely bring value, ease, or a little extra joy to your cooking experience.
The kitchen is a place for creativity, connection, and, of course, delicious meals. The gadgets on this list reflect that spirit and are suitable for a range of home chefs, from beginners to seasoned pros. Whether you're shopping for yourself or a fellow food lover, I’m confident you’ll find something here that fits the bill. Note, the “***” represent the level of expensive for each gift.
Avid Armor Vacuum Chamber Sealer (***)
Let’s start with the most splurge-worthy item on this year’s gift guide: the Avid Armor Vacuum Chamber Sealer. I first fell in love with chamber vacuums in culinary school, where I discovered their precision and versatility. After years of wanting one, I finally made the leap—and it completely transformed how I cook and prep meals.
Unlike standard vacuum sealers, it effortlessly seals liquids without compromising the seal, offering better protection against freezer burn and oxidation. It’s also gentle enough for delicate items like berries yet powerful enough for sous vide cooking. A true game-changer for any kitchen!
Ravioli Board or Corzetti Stamp (**)
This gift is perfect for the cook who loves making homemade pasta and wants to take it to the next level with stunning designs for ravioli or corzetti. Imagine the delight of dinner guests as they marvel at the intricate patterns on each piece of pasta—it’s a true showstopper! I’m especially fond of the custom boards and stamps available on Etsy, which add a unique, artisanal touch to any pasta-making adventure.
Ravioli board by Trupasta.
Bird’s Beak Pairing Knife (**)
We all know someone with an impressive knife collection—but I bet they don’t have this unique paring knife! Ideal for peeling artichokes, trimming garnishes, or tournéeing potatoes (a culinary students worst nightmare), it’s the perfect tool for tackling those tricky kitchen tasks. A must-have for any avid cook looking to up their precision game. Made In makes exceptional pans and knives.
My husband and I have been using Hasami porcelain for years, and they’ve become our go-to mugs for daily coffee. These mugs are not only beautifully designed and expertly crafted but also incredibly practical—they stack neatly, saving tons of space in our cabinets.
Hasami mugs can be purchased through reputable retailers like Jinen.
I recently discovered a stunning set of oyster plates at an antique store, and they’re a perfect addition to any serving dish collection. It’ll transport your dining companions to a Parisian bistro. If you’re unable to thrift a set, I would absolutely purchase one from Maisonette.
Beautifully painted oyster plates from Maisonette add a perfect, whimsical touch to any table scape.
If you’ve ever shared a meal with me, whether at home or on vacation, you’ve likely seen me pull out a bottle of Po Chai Pills to offer after a heavy meal. These are the same herbal pills my grandmother gave me as a child whenever I had an upset stomach. A staple in Chinese medicine for centuries, Po Chai Pills are packed with natural ingredients that support digestion, immune health, and gastrointestinal balance. Trust me—they’re a lifesaver for easing discomfort or battling GERD after an indulgent feast! They make a fabulous stocking stuffer!
Looking for the perfect gift for a lively host? A porron is a traditional Catalonian drinking vessel designed for sharing wine without the need for individual glasses. Just fill it up and pass it around—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! It reminds me of my college days and the infamous slap-the-bag tradition, but with a much more sophisticated twist.
Courtesy of Serious Eats.
There isn’t a week that goes by without me reaching for my Chinese soup spoons. They’re the perfect utensil for savoring soups, soupy noodles, or soupy rice like congee. I especially love these hand-painted ones from Wing On Wo & Co. – they add a special touch to everyday meals.
The variety of colors and patterns from Wing On Wo & Co is astonishing. I especially love the more traditional design using the Chinese characters.
This is one of those kitchen gadgets you don’t realize you need—until Thanksgiving rolls around and you’re faced with pushing ten pounds of cooked potatoes through a tamis. It’s the secret to achieving an ultra-smooth texture for anything, from velvety tomato sauces to Joel Robuchon-style pomme purée. I adore OXO’s products because they are designed to be ergonomic and long-lasting.
Courtesy of OXO.
Spode Ceramics (***)
Call me easily influenced, but as soon as I spotted these plates on the Wishbone Kitchen feed, I was sold. Spode is a very old English company that has been producing ceramics for centuries. I couldn’t resist picking up a few designs, including the Golden Retriever ones (naturally), along with pheasants and other classic American game motifs. They make such elegant statement pieces for any table scape, especially during the holidays and serve as unique collectibles. With plenty of patterns to choose from, like toile and blue Italian, there’s something for every style.
Available through multiple retailers including Neiman Marcus.
I recently bought this stunning brass kitchen clock from Rejuvenation, and I’m absolutely smitten! These days, we often overlook having a clock in the kitchen, relying instead on our phones or smart home devices while we cook. But honestly, a clock in the kitchen is such a game-changer—it makes checking the time effortlessly convenient.
This model is called the Mr. Edwards Clock.