Spices can be a specialty gift for a food lover.
Buying a gift for a food lover can be a daunting task, not because you have so few options, but because you have so many. Whether it's giving the experience of food preparation, the tools to create the perfect dish or a glossy piece of food literature, the possibilities are virtually endless. If you find the task overwhelming, consider giving a gift card for your local gourmet food store.
Cookbooks
Many food lovers also enjoy cooking, and in this digital age when recipes are readily accessible over the Internet, the look and feel of a cookbook can be very appealing. Tailor your choice of cookbook to the recipient. If the food lover has recently become interested in a niche area of cooking, for example Thai or vegan food, buy a cookbook that reflects that. For an individual interested in the history and culture associated with food, choose a book that provides background and glossy photos in addition to recipes.
Kitchen Tools
For the food lover who is also an amateur chef, consider buying small appliances or cooking tools he does not already own. High-quality chopping knives, a container to keep fresh herbs, and large mixing bowls are all options. If you are unsure what would make a good gift, visit a specialty kitchen store and ask the staff for recommendations.
Cooking Classes
Food lovers still honing their cooking skills will love the opportunity to learn from seasoned chefs or to explore a new kind of cooking. Local culinary schools, gourmet food stores and even community centers in your area can all offer cooking classes that you can sign another individual up for. If the recipient is not someone you know well, ask her family member or close friend if a cooking class is something that could fit into her schedule.
Spices and Sauces
Spices and sauces are a safe bet for most food lovers. Generally spices are available in a variety of package sizes and flavors so your gift can be tailored to be large or small. Visit a local gourmet food store to purchase unique flavors that are not normally on the food lover's shelf, but take the time to ask yourself if an exotic flavor is something he will actually use. If you're unsure, buy the spice and include a recipe that features it with the gift.
Tags: food lover, gourmet food, because have, food store, gift food