Curious foodies and aspiring home chefs are some of the most fun people to shop for around the holidays and so many other celebrations!
And there are almost infinite options when it comes to outfitting a kitchen.
Seriously, there are so many cool gadgets, cookware, and appliances out there to complete just about any task.
Since many of my friends and family enjoy cooking, I approach the holiday season by buying a few options to have on hand, just in case I realize there is someone I might have forgotten to buy a gift for in a time of near panic.
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Please tell me I am not the only person this has happened to!
In fact, I even like to keep one or two on hand throughout the year for birthdays, weddings, graduations, anniversaries, and other gift-giving events and holidays that might sneak up on me.
As much as I love my friends and family, I only have so much money to spend on gifts, and I’m sure many of you are in the same humble boat.
To keep your account balance in order, here are some of my favorite fun and unique foodie gifts, all of which you can find for under $100.
These selections have proven to be major sensations among my family and friends… and some I have loved receiving as presents of my own.
Let’s go shopping on a budget now!
7 Best Foodie Gifts Under $100
1. Deep Fryer
A deep fryer is definitely one of those gadgets everyone would love to own for their home, but can’t quite justify buying for themselves.
That’s where you come in, Santa Claus!
A deep fryer is certainly not an essential item to have and use on a daily basis, but it’s so much fun for someone who enjoys playing in the kitchen and hosting casual gatherings.
T-Fal EZ Clean Deep Fryer FR8000
Not to mention, the recipient would have it just in time for the big game later in the winter, which means excellent homemade hot wings, potato fries, jalapeno poppers!
And it’s great year-round for making hand pies, empanadas, hush puppies, corn dogs, and so much more.
Not only is cooking with a deep fryer safer than filling a big pot with oil on the stovetop, the cleanup is a lot easier, too.
Gone are the days of oil splatter all over your stove!
One of our favorite models is the T-Fal EZ Clean Deep Fryer FR8000, featuring a large, single basket with a 2.6-pound food capacity to 3.5 liters of oil.
The fryer is designed with your safety as a top priority, featuring a locking lid, large viewing window, cool-touch handles, a breakaway magnetic cord, and an automatic shut-off.
It also features an automatic oil filtration and drainage system for you to store clean, reusable oil in a separate sealed container.
All of the removable parts, except for the heating element, can be cleaned in the dishwasher.
Take a look at our full review of this particular model, or read more advice from Foodal on buying a top-rated deep fryer here.
And when you’re ready to make your purchase of the T-Fal EZ Clean Deep Fryer FR8000, head to Amazon or Wayfair.
2. Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
A good piece of cast iron is always a welcome gift, especially in the form of a Dutch oven.
The Lodge company makes some of the best cast iron products available, and many users love them for the fact that their products are made with high-quality and durable materials.
If you are buying a Dutch oven as a gift to have on hand, the Lodge 6-Quart Essential Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven is an excellent choice, since you may not know what type of stovetop it’ll be used on.
Lodge 6-Quart Essential Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven, Indigo
This enameled material can be used on gas, electric, ceramic, and induction cooktops, and it’s even safe in the oven up to 500°F – even higher if you cook in the oven without the lid.
If you aren’t familiar with them, Dutch ovens are the ultimate kitchen cookware when it comes to making stews, braising, and slow cooking. Unlike most other forms of cookware, you can go from softening veggies or searing meat on the stovetop straight to your oven for low and slow cooking.
Cast iron is one of the best materials around when it comes to heat retention. If you want to learn more about cast iron, check out this guide to buying and caring for cast iron pieces.
Lodge 6-Quart Essential Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven, Oyster White
Available in quite a few different colors, choosing a piece from the Lodge line of enameled cast iron Dutch ovens is a great way to present your buddy with a personalized gift idea they will use constantly, without blowing your budget.
Consider a bright and bold finish like Island Spice Red for someone with a colorful sense of design and décor. If you are searching for a friend with a more modern, minimalist palate, you can choose colors like Oyster White or Midnight Chrome.
Check current colors and prices now on Amazon.
3. Gratin Dish
Timeless and versatile, a gorgeous gratin dish is a shape of bakeware that often goes overlooked in many kitchens.
But we see the charm and practicality of it, especially when giving this as a gift to avid home cooks and bakers!
I’m personally recommending this design, because I received it from my oh-so-gracious mother-in-law one year, and it is truly one of the best gifts I’ve received – and it remains in constant use in my own kitchen!
Made In Oval Gratin Dish, Red Rim
There are only a few things better than bakeware that not only bakes well, but also looks pretty when serving your guests.
I use mine to bake everything, from assorted casseroles to scallops to apple crisp for dessert.
You’ll love the Made In Oval 2.4-quart Gratin Dish, made in France with a centuries-old porcelain recipe.
The material creates a naturally non-stick surface, and it promotes even heating. This gratin dish is safe to use in both the microwave and oven, and can withstand temperatures up to 650°F.
It’s also thermal shock resistant, so it can endure sudden changes in extreme temperature differences without any damage. You’ll be able to safely transfer it from the freezer to the oven to the dinner table!
Check color options and prices directly from Made In, as well as from Amazon.
4. Grill Tools Set
Do you have an inner circle of pals or relatives who won’t stop thinking and talking about grilling, even in the dead of winter? Maybe you have a dad that grills no matter what, even during a blistering blizzard?
We have just the gift to keep the coals of their excitement burning hot!
And when the ice finally starts to melt and the buds begin to bloom, they won’t be able to wait to run outside and use their new toys.
Cuisinart 20-piece Deluxe Grill Set CGS-5020
A multi-tool grill set makes an excellent gift for the grill masters in your life, because this is another indulgence that people may not buy for themselves.
If you notice that they are still using the same rusty grilling tools season after season, the Cuisinart 20-piece Deluxe Grill Set CGS-5020 will be an update they need and deserve!
This sleek and practical stainless steel set includes a chef’s spatula, grill tongs, silicone basting brush, four pairs of corn holders, five skewers, a cleaning brush with replacement brush head, and a digital temperature fork.
Every tool is perfectly organized in the aluminum case that comes included with the purchase. There’s no need to wrap it – just stick a big bow on top of the gorgeous case!
Find the set now on Amazon, BBQ Guys, and Wayfair.
5. Hot Pot
Is there a certain someone you have in mind who loves hosting intimate dinner parties?
Buy them a hot pot!
The perfect vessel for a truly fun and interactive dinner experience, an electric hot pot brings a popular restaurant concept to the comfort of one’s own home.
Everyone gets to gather around the same table over a warm and aromatic broth as you cook, chat, eat, and laugh together.
Aroma Housewares Dual-Sided Shabu-Shabu Hot Pot ASP-610
The Aroma Housewares Dual-Sided Shabu-Shabu Hot Pot ASP-610 features two built-in compartments in the stainless steel body. This design offers the delicious convenience of being able to serve two flavors of broth in the same pot.
The 12-inch total diameter and 5-quart total capacity of the body is an ideal size for family meals and communal gatherings.
There is an adjustable power dial to control the heat level, from low to high.
The body of the pot can detach from the heating base for easy cleanup. Both the body and the glass lid are safe to clean in the dishwasher.
Be prepared for your first hot pot invite once you offer this gift – you’ll want to collaborate on broth flavors, and to discuss all the different ingredients to cook in them!
Discover all buying options now from Amazon and Wayfair.
6. Molcajete
A naturally beautiful – yet totally practical – kitchen tool, buying a friend or family member their own molcajete is a special act of appreciation for your foodie!
Traditionally hand-carved from porous volcanic rock, A Mexican molcajete is similar in style and design to a mortar. It is used along with a tejolote, a pestle-style tool.
Molcajetes are popular for crushing and grinding spices by hand, as well as preparing various salsas and guacamole. The uniquely rough, textured surface of the stone proves to be an efficient grinding surface.
Cuitáxi Original Molcajete Bowl and Pestle
The Cuitáxi Original Molcajete Bowl will make the best gift if you know someone who enjoys making their own salsas and guacamole completely from scratch.
It is about 8 inches in diameter and stands about 4.5 inches tall. Volcanic rock material is heavy, so the bowl will weigh roughly 7 or 8 pounds. Because the tool is handmade, the measurements and weight will slightly vary.
It comes included with one pestle, as well as a tortilla warmer.
If you are purchasing this particular model, make sure you tell your excited recipient to carefully read the cleaning and care instructions that come included with the purchase – a molcajete needs to be cured and seasoned prior to the first use!
You can make your purchase on Amazon now.
7. Spiralizer
Spiralizers are not just a trend or fad, and with good reason!
With this handy tool, you can turn a wide variety of vegetables into ribbons that can be used in place of noodles, in a salad, in stir fry, or to make curly fries.
There are so many options to create low-carb recipes, perfect for any of your health-conscious friends or family members looking for an exciting new way to prepare nutrient-dense food.
Paderno World Cuisine 6-Blade Spiralizer A4982806
With the Paderno World Cuisine 6-Blade Spiralizer A4982806, you can give your giftee an entire world of prep choices!
There are six different stainless steel blade attachments: two differently sized slicers, a shredder blade, a chipper blade, a wavy blade, and an angel hair blade.
This spiralizer has a very narrow corer, meaning very little of the vegetable is wasted. And with four mounts, it stays firmly secured on top of your workspace.
You can disassemble and wash this tool by hand, or place any of the pieces on the top rack of the dishwasher for easy cleanup.
One of the best dishes I’ve seen with the spiralizer is sauteed zucchini noodles topped with poached eggs. Isn’t that an incredible breakfast idea?
Purchase this Paderno model from Amazon now.
If you want to consider other brands, you can also read Foodal’s Spiralizer Guide for further information about these great products.
Even More Ideas…
If you’re still on the hunt for some more fantastic presents, check out a few of the other guides we’ve put together on Foodal.
Don’t miss our guide to the best gifts for those who think they hate to cook. And for the bookworm, you’ll love our collection of favorite food reads and cookbooks.
If they love a good cocktail, maybe get them some accessories for their home bar, or gift them a few of our non-alcoholic recommendations.
Another fun route would be to put together a gift basket full of smaller kitchen tools.
As you can see, there are almost endless gift options available for the foodies in your life!
What are some presents not mentioned here that you would give your friends and family members who can never spend too much time in the kitchen? Leave a comment below – we would love to know your suggestions!
We can’t help ourselves… we have so many other amazing kitchen gadgets, gear, and tools to recommend as gifts! Here are some unique choices from our standalone reviews we think your friends and family would love to receive:
© Ask the Experts, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. See our TOS for more details. Uncredited photos via Shutterstock. Product photos via Amazon. Originally published on December 11, 2014. Last updated on December 10, 2023. With additional writing and editing by Nikki Cervone.
About Chelsea Miller
Chelsea Miller, born and raised in Portland, Oregon, graduated from the University of Oregon where she discovered both her love of football and cooking great food. She's the founder of the food blog "A Duck's Oven" and began writing for Foodal in 2014.
Great list! I would love to receive any of those items as a gift. I think the Spiralizer, Deep fryer and cast iron dutch oven are absolute must haves.
The lodge dishware is definitely on my list this christmas. It’s so nice looking! And really a steal at that price. I’ve seen lots of good reviews. I am excited to have a new piece in my collection 🙂
I would absolutely love that dutch oven. I think it is beautiful and a must have in the kitchen since it is such a versatile piece. I just might get one as a little gift to myself. There is nothing better than brand new cookware 🙂
You have some great foodie gift items listed here. My favorite is the enameled cast iron Dutch oven. I am really hoping that Santa, or my husband, leaves one under my tree this year. We do a lot of cast iron cooking, but I feel like the enameled one might be a little bit easier to clean. 🙂
If only Santa would send me that DeLonghi Dual Zone 3-Pound-Capacity Deep Fryer, i’ d be grateful, happy, and awesomely content, i love my potatoes and i love deep frying them like almost every day :).
We used to have a deep fryer. I don’t know what has happened to it now. We also have our george Forman grill packed up some where. It does get a lot of fat from the hamburgers we cook. I just hate the part where I have to clean it because I find it an awkward shape to try and clean.
Kitchen gifts are always great when you don’t know what to get someone. I got the cast iron 5 quart pot last year in a beautiful light blue. At first I thought that I wouldn’t use it over but it turns out I use it all the time. It is such a great product for making soups or sauces. The color also brightens up my kitchen.
My one complaint is that it is so heavy, especially when it is filled with soup. It also can be a pain to clean in my small sink. Other then that you can’t go wrong with this!
This is great! All the recommendations are simply amazing! Out of all the goodies on the list, it was the deep fryer which really piqued my interest. It’s a great gift for someone who has a taste for fried foods. I was a bit surprised that a blender is not on the list, because personally, it’s great in preparation for summer. They’ll be able to appreciate it more, because they’ll have what they need for the next season.
I’d like to keep the spiral thingy for myself, thank you very much. That thing is great. So fun and interesting.
The grilling utensils are just beautiful. My husband would really love them. They look like they are great quality and so pretty too. Very nice.
Heck, I like everything on this list. Hopefully, somebody’s been naughty, so I can keep their gifts for myself. Ha ha.
I refuse to buy anything else from cuisinart, my cheap little cuisinart mixer broke after four uses, and never mixed right. other than that, this list is on point. I’ve always wanted a Dutch Oven, I just might add it to my wishlist and covertly send a link to a friend.
My boyfriend and I have been trying to get into cooking for at least a year now. It’s a healthier and cheaper than what we usually do (Chipotle. all the time). Problem is, we’re both lay-people in the cooking field so we get bored with the stuff we already know and grow discouraged. I’ve been looking for some versatile tools to use to get us started, and this post is perfect! I am going to get that dutch oven and grill set (we’ve got an awesome grill but a pretty lame grill set) for sure. Maybe I’ll even buy them as gifts =). Thanks for putting this up!
I got my mother a deep fryer a few years back, but she has been wanting some more cookware. And that enamel ironcast set looks like it could be just what she needs. I also want to get her something for baking – do you have any good recommendations for that? Anyway let me go hit up Amazon real quick.