Gift Ideas for the Gluten-Free Foodie

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? Perhaps you’re still compiling a holiday Wish-List, comprised of things you’d most like to have?

Or perhaps you’re wondering what to give that special someone, who happens to love good food and spending quality time in the kitchen?

Either way, I’ve got you covered.

In the spirit of supporting your digestive health through optimal nutrition, I’m sharing my absolute favorite Gift Ideas for the foodie in your life (gluten-free or not) – and yes, that person could be YOU!

 

Small Kitchen Appliances

For years already, my guiding principle has been “It’s better to buy well than often.”

Even though small kitchen appliances are often the priciest category, the items I’ve included here are absolutely worth the investment. Ultimately, you’re really investing in yourself – and I’m sure you’re totally worth every penny!

Then there’s this: when you choose the one thing that is most important to you (and you choose well) – you won’t be disappointed.

This is why a Vitamix, or Blendtec blender are always at the top of my list. (If you’re lucky enough to already own one, you know what I mean).

Yes it’s expensive, but these two models are known to out-perform every other blender on the market. That alone makes it the perfect gift for that special someone (maybe you?) who enjoys making homemade soups and smoothies, and grinding their own flour. (Disclaimer:  I’m not affiliated with any of the products I’m recommending).

Speaking of smoothies, freshly made juice is also extremely popular these days. My favorite is the Hurom Slow Juicer – but I would consider Breville’s Juice Fountain as a close runner-up.

As with everything, there are pros and cons.

On the plus side, the Hurom Slow Juicer retains more of the enzymes and minerals, and extra juice will easily keep in the fridge for 24 hours or so, without loosing all it’s nutrients. However, this juicer also requires extra prep time for cutting up all your vegetables into smaller pieces so they’ll fit through the feed tube.

So if time is of the essence (and you know the recipient is less likely to use the juicer if more work is involved) keep in mind that the Breville Juicer requires minimal prep work. (A whole cucumber or apple will easily fit inside the tube, which makes for a super-quick juicing experience).

On the down side, this also means you need to drink your juice right away, since it will oxidize much more quickly.

For the tea lover in your family – consider the Breville Tea Maker.

I’ve owned one of these for a couple of years and use it daily. It makes the perfect cup of tea every time, whether black tea, green, or oolong – automatically adjusting the water temperature and the steep time, according to your preference.

 

Gadgets & Things

I’m often a sucker for kitchen gadgets that promise to make every small kitchen tasks easier. Then again, some of these kitchen tools are a lot more useful than others.

(How many gadgets have you purchased – with good intentions – that ended up stashed in a drawer?)

That said, here are a few “must haves” for the cook in your family, beginning with good quality knives, since the right cutting utensils will make every kitchen task easier, from slicing tomatoes or gluten-free bread, to cutting up meat or boning a chicken.

If you don’t already own a good knife set, this is a must!

Fresh lemons add a wonderful zest to any dish, and squeezing your own juice from lemons is a snap, with a lemon squeezer. I’m recommending this one because it’s made of stainless steel instead of plastic.

Speaking of which, there’s absolutely no comparison to the processed juice in one of those little lemon-shaped squeeze bottles!

And trust me – the less plastic in your home, the better of you will be – but that’s a whole other discussion!

Also, don’t overlook owning a mandoline. This simple kitchen gadget is indispensible for grating lemons and chocolate – and it also makes a great stocking stuffer!

I also love these eco-friendly glass drinking straws from Glass Dharma – for the kid in you! Personally, I can’t think of a better way to brighten up a smoothie.

Lastly, a new addition to my kitchen this year has been a spiralizer – perfect for making incredible noodles out of any vegetable you can imagine, in lieu of regular pasta. (The foodie on your list will LOVE this!)

 

Cookbooks & More

Sometimes there’s nothing better than a good cookbook!

This year, I introduced several new books to my cooking library, including “Two Mom’s In the Raw” by Shari Leiditch. If you’re looking for a book that offers a little bit of everything – in other words, both vegan or meat-filled dishes, with an emphasis on good health – this is a great place to start.

For the vegetarian or vegan, “My New Roots” by Sarah Britton absolutely wowed me with it’s gorgeous, mouth-watering photos and seasonal fare. Lastly, I’m a huge fan of Kelly Broznya’s cookbook collection (yes, ALL of them) – especially her most recent “Easy Paleo Meals” and “Paleo Chocolate Lovers Cookbook.”

A quick disclaimer, in case you’re wondering: I do not subscribe to the idea of a particular diet being IDEAL for everyone on the planet, since we’re all so unique – both from a physical standpoint and also personality-wise.

For additional cookbook recommendations, be sure to check out my Pinterest page.

 

Consider a Gift Basket

A gift basket can be so much fun to put together! And since the possibilities are seemingly endless, it’s the perfect way to create a customized gift.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Over-the-top Gluten-Free Bonanza

This is a particularly welcome idea for the gluten-free foodie who’s just recently been diagnosed, the idea being to fill a large basket with just about anything you can think of that is gluten-free, and allergen-safe for the recipient.

Another approach is to choose a theme. For Italian, line your basket with a checkered cloth, and fill it with items for a gluten-free Italian feast – pasta (I like Tinkyada, or Quinoa brands), or perhaps a hand-held spiralizer, bottled Marinara Sauce, tapenade, and maybe some gluten-free macaroons or chocolates for dessert. Be sure to include some non-food extras like a spaghetti fork, or metal strainer.

• Tea Time

For the tea or coffee lover, you could fill a napkin-lined basket with a selection of loose tea or tea bags, or exotic coffee, along with your best homemade cookies. Be sure to include a tea strainer, and perhaps a couple of mugs. Let your imagination lead the way!

NOTE: Make certain the teas are actually gluten-free, since some of the more complex flavors and ingredients could be suspect. This article from The Food Babe will tell you everything you need to know.

• For the Smoothie Lover

Similar to a tea basket, this one can be filled with all things related to juicing and smoothies – glass jars with lids, a selection of stainless steel or glass straws, and perhaps a good quality protein powder (I highly recommend that your choice of protein powder be gluten and dairy-free).

For the smoothie novice, be sure to include a cookbook, or two, such as this.

To make those smoothies even more enticing and nutritious, why not include some unique superfoods? (Maca powder is a personal another fave and great for balancing hormones, by the way).

 

• For the Bath

While I’m not suggesting that bath products are edible, I do want to gently remind you that gluten is very sneaky and appears in everything from toiletries to cosmetics.

In other words – buyer beware! I share some of my favorite brands for cleansers and body lotions on my Pinterest page for some of the cleanest, safest products around.

So that’s it.

Hopefully you’ve come away with more than enough ideas for everyone on your gift list – including yourself.