2018 Cookbook Gift Guide
This is my favorite gift guide for anyone who loves food. It’s a curated list of the cookbooks I use and trust—many new releases from 2018 (some available for preorder when I compiled this), and a few favorites I return to again and again. These books are full of reliable recipes, approachable techniques, and often personal stories that make reading them feel like catching up with a friend. I read cookbooks like novels, and these are the ones I recommend giving to cooks of all levels.
The list includes a mix of approachable weeknight-focused volumes, beautiful entertaining books, and deeper, technique-driven tomes. I’ve included authors and titles that bring a range of flavors, dietary approaches, and sensibilities so there’s something for everyone on your list.
The cookbooks I recommend:
- The Pretty Dish
- Pull Up A Chair by Tiffani Thiessen
- Skinnytaste One and Done by Gina Homolka
- Cook Like a Pro by Ina Garten
- The Minimalist Kitchen by Melissa Coleman
- Carla Hall’s Soul Food by Carla Hall
- Everyday Dorie by Dorie Greenspan
- Let’s Stay In by Ashley Rodriguez
- Pretty Simple Cooking by A Couple Cooks
- Eat What You Love by Danielle Walker
- Now and Again by Julia Turshen
- Dinner For Everyone by Mark Bittman
- Whiskey in a Teacup by Reese Witherspoon
- What’s Gaby Cooking by Gaby Dalkin
- Cravings Hungry For More by Chrissy Teigen
- Nourishing Superfood Bowls by Lindsay Cotter
- A Common Table by Cynthia Chen McTernan
- Seriously Delish by me
Each of these books brings something different—beautiful photography, inventive weeknight dinners, classic comfort food, baking treasures, or creative healthy options. They work as thoughtful gifts on their own or paired with a small kitchen item or a selection of pantry treats.
Alongside cookbooks, I also put together a list of foodie gifts I’ve given and received—items that travel well, feel special, and delight both hosts and holiday recipients. Many of these are great paired with a cookbook for a themed present, or on their own as thoughtful treats for a neighbor, friend, or family member. These are items I’ve actually purchased or received and would happily give again.
2018 Foodie Gift Guide
- DeLallo Foods Gift Sets — Well-curated kits for cheese boards or Italian pantry staples, perfect for entertaining.
- Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding — A classic dessert that ships beautifully and makes a memorable family gift.
- Jeni’s Ice Cream — An indulgent frozen treat; consider a multi-pint pack or membership if you want to splurge.
- American Spoon Gift Sets — Thoughtful preserves and artisanal jars that elevate a simple gift.
- Fustini’s Oils and Vinegars — High-quality flavored oils and vinegars that change everyday cooking for the better.
- Saltopia Salt Gift Sets — Unique finishing salts in a variety of flavors—great for cooks who like to experiment.
- Tom’s Mom’s Cookies — Exceptional cookies that make a cozy, homemade-feeling gift.
- Williams Sonoma Hot Chocolate — A luxurious hot cocoa that’s a perennial favorite for holiday gifting.
- DeLallo Pandoro Cake — A sweet, brioche-like cake that’s delicious on its own or transformed into French toast or bread pudding.
- Williams Sonoma Marshmallows — Gourmet marshmallows that are perfect for hostess gifts or stocking stuffers.
- See’s Peppermints — A classic holiday confection that many people adore.
- Levain Bakery Cookies — Legendary cookies worth sending for a truly special treat.
- Salt and Straw Ice Cream — Seasonal flavors and beautifully packaged pints that make memorable gifts.
- Milk Bar Cookies — A variety of creative cookies; favorites include the chewy cornflake and signature birthday treats.
- Williams Sonoma Peppermint Bark — A classic seasonal sweet that’s always a hit.
- Harry & David Royal Riviera Pears — Exceptional pears that stand out among fruit gifts for their sweetness and texture.
These suggestions work well for hosts, neighbors, coworkers, and family members. Pair a cookbook with one of the smaller items for a balanced, personal present—book plus specialty ingredients or a sweet treat makes a thoughtful combo.
[This is not a sponsored post. Items mentioned were purchased by me or gifted by friends and family. A few affiliate links were included in the original post.]