Welcome to my annual gift guide for cooking, kitchen, wellness, and more. You’ll see that most of these items link directly to brands and small retailers as a way to support businesses directly. I’ve also featured a number of brands with female founders, makers and doers. Lastly, I worked with a handful of these companies to offer discounts during some or all of the holiday season, so take advantage while you can. Enjoy!
Kitchen and Cooking Gear
Stylish and Sturdy Market Totes
I’ve had one of these great looking and totally practical market totes in heavy rotation for seven years and it’s as good as ever (mine is the Etta in medium). Even better? Company founder Jan Hammock is offering us 15 percent off using the code KATIE15.
When I spy this bowl in my cupboard it’s like a siren song to bake something. Mine is the Large Serving Bowl in that glossy brown, but every last color is fabulous. I also have the Vegetable Bowl, which is in daily rotation. They are not cheap, but well-made and built to last.
Earlywood is a brand I discovered recently for their thoughtfully crafted wares. Everything made in the US with an eye towards beauty, sustainability, and functionality. I own some of their pretty wooden utensils and covet their slender, chic rolling pin. They’re offering 10 percent off from Dec 1 to 5 using this link and the code KATIE10
Having just muscled my way through spatchcocking a turkey, I could have used a pair of seriously strong shears. These come from Global Kitchen, which has a cult following for its knives.
Yeti waterproof bags are perfect for packing up a snack or small lunch (ideal for the airplane). If they’re anything like other Yeti gear I’ve used, they’ll hold up well.
I use this baby daily. It’s designed for pour-over coffee, but works just as well for tea or instant noodles. I love that it boils in no time and has the option to keep the water hot (for my second cup of tea).
A friend was just talking about how she’s upped her cold weather meal prep game by making big batches of soup and freezing single-serve portions in these silicone trays. Genius!
My oven mitts are beyond repair and I’d love to replace them with a couple of these cuties in playful red or blue gingham. These linen ones also caught my eye.
Books for Cooks
One note: These all link to Amazon for ease, but consider supporting your local bookshop instead. Alternatively, order from Omnivore Books, which specializes in cookbooks and has a huge selection.
Nominated for a James Beard award (the “Academy Awards” of cookbooks), this bright beautiful book by Cara Mangini embodies how I want to cook and eat all the time. The recipes are inspired and uncomplicated. Her first book, Vegetable Butcher, is also worth a gander.
A went to a launch event for this cookbook and fell madly in love with both Dorie Greenspan and the idea espoused in this book…having a pretty cake on hand with which to welcome friends. The book is brimming with fabulous and fairly unfussy cakes. Just lovely!
Joshua McFadden’s first book, which centers on vegetables, is one of my top cookbooks of all time. This time he applies his genius to pasta. Count me in.
Just when I promised myself I wouldn’t buy another cookbook, I happened upon another beauty by Hetty Lui McKinnon and couldn’t resist. A vegetarian cookbook with so many inspired and unusual combinations that it’s hard to know where to start.
My kids introduced me to chef and social media phenom Meredith Hayden. She is delightful and so is her food. The young people seem to love her, so this could be a good one for your teen and 20-somethings.
The Instant Kitchen Meal Prep Cookbook
The Instant Pot, air fryer, and meal prepping are a triple threat for getting dinner done. They join forces in this smart, user-friendly book by Instant Pot expert Coco Morante (this is her seventh IP cookbook!). Worth noting: the book comes out in late December.
Secrets, Spells and Chocolates
A food-centric mystery for middle readers, this is written by pastry chef Marisa Churchill and is a fun one for young people who love chocolate and magic.
Last but not least, my own books: Best Lunchbox Ever, Rise & Shine, Prep!
Home and Entertaining
Crow Canyon Home is a go-to for well-made, great looking enamel ware. I’m partial to the splatter pattern and own a number of pieces, which are great for dining outdoors or giving a casual vibe to the table.
I pretty much love every last thing on the Flamingo Estate website, but was skeptical when my kids gifted me this Tomato Candle for Mother’s Day. Now? It will be on my wish list now and forever more. I love it.
These napkins by Dusen Dusen, a Brooklyn-based brand known for bold prints, are such a colorful way to dress up a table. They make me want to throw a dinner party.
When I saw this, available in a range of colors, I thought “Hi Gorgeous.” Would be great for displaying a cake, of course, but also for fruit or to set out little appetizers when company comes.
I’m crazy about these petite glass coupes, perfect for mocktails or cocktails or a petite glass of bubbly.
Health and Fitness
My kids tease me about the decades-old fanny pack I strap on for workouts and long walks. I’m ready to upgrade and have my eye on this one made in a range of color combos.
This falls into the “big ticket item” category of holiday giving. A week at wellness retreat Rancho La Puerta is as good as it gets in my book. I’ll be returning as a guest chef this year (dates coming soon) and can offer first time guests 20 percent off at the Ranch. Use the code RLP-PRP when booking directly with the reservation desk (800) 443-7565 for a 3, 4, or 7-night stay. Use my name for reference if asked!*
This cushy mat makes for a comfy workout. Since it’s foldable, it can also be easily stashed away once your workout is done. If you want something truly portable, I recently got this yoga mat for travel.
A stylish matching yoga set is one of those things I’m less likely to buy for myself, but welcome as a gift. This brand comes in a rainbow of colors (and everything is 30 percent off at the moment). My daughter Rosie also swears by Old Navy’s fitness gear (and having just run a marathon, she knows what’s up).
The Gift of Classes
A couple of yoga classes, a gym membership, or access to online programs might be just the thing for the right person. For online, my daughters favor Sculpt Society. I like the weight training classes on Peloton app (they offer a 30-day free trial) and the meditations/pilates classes on Melissa Wood Health.
Beauty and Skincare
I got a bottle of this serum spray in an event gift bag and immediately ordered a replacement once it ran out. It comes from female-owned clean beauty brand Iris and Romeo and feels like a spa in spritz form.
I’m super picky about sunscreen for my face (I hate that sticky feel and scent is everything), so when my friend Sarah (a gifted aesthetician) suggested Saint Jane, I went for it. It’s my favorite every day sunscreen with packaging pretty enough for gifting.
With the amount of cooking and dishes I do on the daily, I’m pretty hard on a manicure. Dazzle Dry is a quick-dry, long-lasting system that I discovered last year. I bought the kit and have been using it ever since (it doubles the time my manis last). Great colors, too.
My sources tell me this brand, founded by a French make up artist, is the “it girl” for lipstick. As someone forever seeking the perfect red lip, I’ve got my eye on their viral Plume line in the color En Feu.
I find an ice roller incredibly soothing for puffy eyes or when I’m hit with seasonal allergies. Keep this one stashed in your freezer so it’s icy cold.
Cozies
Jammies have been a staple under the tree since my kids were tiny and I’m always looking for fab new finds like these silky ones in fun colors (available in both long and short sets). I have a pair in hot pink!
How cute are these striped girlfriend socks by LA-based Le Bonne Shoppe? Lots of colors and made to last (unless they get lost in the dryer).
Splurge alert. Two gal pals swear by these versatile wraps, lovely for everyday use, travel, or to stay cozy and elegant when going sleeveless.
This style of Birks is trending and I’ve personally got my eye on the shearling-lined version. Available in a range of colors.
Tucking a hot water bottle between the sheets before bed is one of the best ways to stay warm and cozy. This one is made from recycled wool and darn cute.
Gifts and Services
Who Doesn’t Love Fresh Flowers!
My husband gifted me a monthly flower delivery this year, and it’s been such a treat to have a fresh bouquet on the regular. A number of services offer them, including FarmGirl Flowers.
For the “person who has everything” but needs help whipping it into shape, a gift card for a professional organizer could be just the thing. For my Bay Area friends, I recommend Camp Tidy, which offers a range of services. Treat yourself or a loved one who would appreciate the support.
Explore what’s on offer in where you live. Here is San Francisco, the classes at 18 Reasons are terrific and proceeds support nutrition and cooking education programs in the community. A win-win.
Little Things and Stocking Stuffers
This one had me at hello. Silly, but so cute.I always get carried away at this shop for all things spice. Their Umami Salt is good on everything.
These net shopping bags are awfully handy, since they crumple down to the size of your fist, but can stretch to accommodate a big bundle. Baggu bags are also a good bet.
Cute and casual, I’ve given these LOVE bracelets as gifts to all three of my kids and have one myself. It’s cute stacked with other jewelry or a watch.
Call me a princess, but my mornings smoothies just aren’t the same if I don’t sip them from a glass straw. They’re pretty and eco-friendly to boot!
A Few Small Essentials: These are ideal for filling stockings or giving for Hanukkah that I can’t live without: citrus juicer, microplane, metal tongs, a good whisk.
Good Things to Eat and Drink
I love the charming packaging of this tinned fish almost as much as what’s inside. Check out their domestic caviar, single tins, and the Starter Pack (hostess gift!). They’re offering 20% off site wide for Black Friday or use code MOMSKITCHEN10 for 10% off through December via this link.
Diaspora Co has a reputation for stellar spices and now have these beautiful tinned chai sets. Perfect for your tea loving friends.
The dietitian in me loves a single serve when it comes to treats and these chocolates from Tcho (made right here in San Francisco) are a perfect bite. The Toffee Time is my very favorite.
Fun fact: my first cookbook, a gift from my dad, was a baking book by Emily Luchetti. Now she’s bottling her talent in a line of gorgeous sauces and spreads. The Blood Orange Caramel is a great place to start.
Over the summer I stumbled upon this chimichurri and proceeded to put it on every last thing I pulled off the grill. It’s so delicious I can hardly believe it comes from a jar.
For the Dudes
(Any and all of these goodies may be just the thing for the ladies in your life, too.)
Since I’m the cook in the house, my hubby takes on the cocktails. A set like this one is a must, maybe with a fun cocktail book to go with.
You’ll find plenty of options for cornhole sets over on Etsy. This one comes with a carrying case, so you can bring it anywhere, from your backyard to a friend’s bbq.
These manage to be both comfy and cute, perfect for running around town on weekends or for long flights. They run small if you aks me, so consider that when “adding to cart”.
I love the line up of hats at Mollusk, a mom and pop surf shop founded in San Francisco with quality goods. They also make great sweaters, t-shirts, and so on.
Laguiole is a French brand that makes elegant looking cutlery and this carving set is no exception.
A Musical Memoir
A couple of memoirs for music lovers have come out this year, including this best seller by Ozzy Osbourne and another by storied DJ Mark Ronson.
Tickets to a Game
My guy is a superfan of all things sporty, so I’m sure would be thrilled to get a ticket or two under the tree. Pick your favorite team and see what’s on the calendar.
Pineider has been doing leather goods since the 1700s and I got a chance to visit their New York store a few months ago. Everything was beautifully made and can be personalized in-store.
*. May not be combined with other promotions. Not applicable on previous purchases. Exclusions apply. Fishwife reserves the right to modify or cancel this promotion at any time. Valid through 12/3-12/31/25.
*I receive a small percent of purchases made with this code.
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