10 Gifts for Gardeners Who Love to Cook

I’d like to preface this list by saying that I LOVE homemade gifts—jams/jellies, herb mixes, fresh baked cookies—you know what I mean, but I also know that sometimes you prefer buy a gift. Maybe you don’t enjoy baking or crafting, or maybe you ran out of time. Whatever the reason, ♥ THIS LIST IS FOR YOU!

All of the items listed below are things that I’ve accumulated over the years as friends and family have asked me “what do you want for Christmas?” That’s always the hardest question for me because I live pretty simply, and have always made do with what I have. Over the years though, I learned that offering suggestions actually helped my loved ones feel less stressed over the holidays. It actually made them feel good to get me something I would use.

Usually the things I come up with are small luxuries—little items that I didn’t include in my budget because they didn’t seem like necessities. This new outlook has really helped me brainstorm some useful and thoughtful kitchen garden gifts over the years. Of course, your garden buddy will probably host a garden party and you’ll reap the delicious benefits! Haha 😉

10 gift ideas for the gardeners who love to cook

*None of these items were gifted by companies or sponsored. I just wanted to share some of my favorite things for garden to table enjoyment!

1〉 Dehydrator

I use my beloved dehydrator for sooooo many things. We dehydrated our apricot harvest to make dried fruit snacks, and lemon peels for seasoning. I dehydrate basil for winter storage. Herbs, flowers, fruit, and sundried tomatoes—-it really is the ultimate kitchen tool for a gardener. Now, you can spend over $250 on a dehydrator if you would like (this one by Excalibur has fantastic reviews), but my family gave me this very reasonably priced dehydrator from NESCO for Christmas one year and it has done a fabulous job!

2〉 Spiralizer

This year I’ve been making my own version of zoodles called “tromboodles.” Zoodles are spiralized zucchini and tromboodles are spiralized tromboncino squash. Either way, there’s nothing that does the job of a spiralizer, and it’s the perfect gift for someone who gardens and finds themselves swimming in zucchini, carrots, beets. radishes….you name it. My spiralizer helps me eat more vegetables by making my meals look beautiful and take less time to prepare. We love this spiralizer that comes with many different attachments:

*The exact model that we have is no longer available but this one is very similar.

3〉 Fermentation Kit

As a self professed fermentation newbie, I am really pleased with my newest purchase. In the past, I tried to get away without using any special fermentation equipment, but it was hard and I was never happy with the results. After talking to others regarding their experiences and reading online reviews, I decided to purchase my own set of Masontops to get more into fermenting next year.  I think one of the biggest issues facing fermentation newbies is all the things that can go wrong. Investing in some equipment can help take the guesswork out, so the process goes more smoothly.

4〉 Air dry rack

So maybe you don’t think your garden friend would make use of a dehydrator, or maybe there’s no counter space….either way, this awesome rack for air drying herbs and flowers would also make a great gift! PS: I actually have my eye on this because I don’t have one yet! Haha.

5〉 Ice cream maker

I know you are probably thinking ‘what does ice cream have to do with gardening?’ Well, once you can make your own ice cream, the options for infusing herbs, flowers, and fruits into delectable homemade ice creams and sorbets is endless! Are you drooling yet? Think homemade lavender ice cream, apricot and thyme, or lime sorbet! We currently have the oldest of the two models below and we LOVE it. I make homemade ice cream all the time, including my favorite base recipe for Vanilla Bean Ice Cream.

6〉 Pasta Maker

Being a gardener, the majority of my quick meals involve pasta and throwing in whatever herbs and veggies I have growing in the garden. A pasta maker has helped me incorporate herbs more easily into my pastas AND you can freeze it for meals that literally cook in minutes!

PS: include my recipe for Homemade Fresh Pasta with the gift!

7〉 Tea Infuser

Would it surprise you to learn that many gardeners are tea drinkers? That’s because many of us have fresh herbs right outside our doors or in the kitchen. It’s always useful to have a good tea infuser in your drawer so it’s ready for a fresh, hot cup!

8〉 Salad Spinner

Have you ever tried to wash and dry homegrown lettuce without a salad spinner? That used to be me. I probably wasted countless paper towels trying to get my salad adequately dry and also bruised some of it in the process. This salad spinner allows me to throw together a salad in minutes without wasting any paper towels or getting water all over my counter as I try to shake my lettuce dry. I also use my salad spinner to prep basil for making pesto and so much more!

9〉 Large Salad Bowl

I never thought I would love eating salad. It wasn’t until I started growing my own lettuces, kale, and mixed greens that I started making large salads to go with dinner.  It’s such a joy to throw whatever is growing in the garden into a large salad bowl that’s beautiful, rustic, and makes you feel like you are eating in a 5-star restaurant. Get that gardener in your life a gorgeous salad bowl to honor their harvests!

10〉 A Gorgeous Tart Pan

I got this lovely Le Creuset tart pan for Christmas a couple years ago, and I use it for everything from garden herb frittatas, rustic sweet potato casseroles, and beautiful fruit desserts (topped with homemade ice cream of course). Food just tastes better when it is presented well. I’m sure the gardener in your life would love to host a garden party and whip up a dish in this elegant pan.

What’s the best garden-to-table gift you ever received? Leave a comment below↓