2016 Holiday Gift Guide

Hey there! I decided to do a holiday gift guide this year, because let’s face it. Sometimes shopping for someone can be overwhelming, and we need a little inspiration! So, without further ado, here are some ideas for that special person in your life.

1. Nordic Ware Baker’s Half Sheet W/ Lid

   I can’t tell you how many of these I own… It is definitely more than 5, and with the lid that fits snugly on top, you can not only bake your cookies, but transport them safely too! The sheet bakes cookies evenly, and is a dream to work with. I will not use any other baking sheet. If I must, I get super cranky when I don’t have my Nordic Ware. This size pictured is a standard large baking sheet. They have quarter sheets with lids too that also come in very handy.

   

2. Silpat Silicone Baking Mat

   Once I heard about these, my mind was blown. You know how some cookie recipes require you to grease the baking sheet before you place your raw cookie down on them before baking? With these, you don’t have to worry about any of that mess, and gain the time back that would require you to grease the sheet. These act like parchment paper on steroids, and I swear, your cookies will never burn again. Again, I own about 4 of these, and they come in handy for more than just cookies too. Sick of losing that beloved crispy potato edge to the pan? Use this for any roasted veggies, and that will never happen again. If you don’t want to fork over the dough for the OG Silpat, they have cheaper options available.

   

3. Silicone Muffin/Cupcake Baking Pan

   I resisted these for awhile for absolutely no good reason, because after I got one, I was in HEAVEN. I don’t use it for cupcakes OR muffins though, I use it for fritattas! This works so unbelievably well, it’s like magic. Regular muffin tins, no matter how much you spray them, the eggs will ALWAYS stick. It’s the protein that they contain. I still would advise spraying the pans just for insurance, but they pop out beautifully, and you’ve got breakfast covered for the week!

   

4. Olive Oil Mister

   Speaking of spraying things, this is amazing, and your eco-friendly heart can rest assured that you’re not contributing any CFC’s to the atmosphere! This is the tool that I use the most in my kitchen besides the stove. Actually, my old one (not this brand) broke, not from defect, but probably from over-use! It gets an even coat of olive oil, allowing you greater control over how much olive oil you use in your dishes.

   

5. Weekender Growler Bag From Stone Brewing

   Since you’re reading this, chances are you’re either a beer nerd, or know a beer nerd. Craft beer heads can be very particular about what beers they drink and what merchandise they choose. Please, for the love of god, stay away from those wooden growler/bottle carriers. They look cool, but that’s about it. They’re not very practical, and will be used for decoration more than anything else. Buying growlers themselves is also a gamble, because at least in California, breweries still won’t fill anyone else’s but their own. I’m very particular about whose growler I buy, especially now-a-days because I have too many to house. We have a shelf that’s been filled up for a long time.
   
   This, however, is pure gold. It goes out with us every time we visit breweries, and fits the standard growlers, and the fancy bulbous ones featured in the photo. The craft beer nerd in your life will <3 you. Did I mention it has a special pouch for a cold pack, so your beers stay cold? WINNING!

   

6. Vitamix Professional 500 Series Blender

   This beautiful product ties for the olive oil mister as the most used kitchen accessory in my house. I bought mine 3 years ago, have used it just about every day since then, and it hasn’t skipped a beat. It makes THE BEST margaritas, and the smoothest smoothies. There’s no chunky frozen slush here. This produces restaurant-grade super smooth frosty margaritas, smoothies, soups, shakes, nut milk, you name it. Hell, blend steamed cauliflower and almond milk together with a little salt, and you’ll think you’re eating the most luscious cream soup ever. I like this particular model because it has the soup/dessert/smoothie setting, so you can essentially set it and it will give you the optimal result you’re after.

   

7. Emile Henry Pizza Stone

   I got this pizza stone about 2 months ago, and I can’t stop making pizza! It’s amazing. Doesn’t stick, AND it doubles as a serving tray which can withstand the abuse of a pizza cutting blade. A pizza peel and semolina flour round out the pizza cooking experience. You can even become a pizza dough expert with this book. Each one of these products, especially the book, I’ve used extensively in my kitchen, and have become my go-to pizza making tools. I will not steer you wrong!

   

8. Spiegelau IPA Glasses

   Remember what I said about craft beer peeps being incredibly picky? They are. They like proper glassware. Available in 2-packs and 6-packs, this is THE industry standard for craft beer IPA glasses. If you have a hop head in your life, snoop around their glassware cabinet. If they don’t have these glasses, I’m 100% sure they would love them. Remember, there are custom etching places out there too! Just sayin’!

   

9. Large Live Edge Knife Rack

   Bump up the style in your kitchen with this totally awesome knife rack from Grainhaus! It’s made of salvaged black walnut wood, and uses extremely powerful rare earth magnets to keep your cutlery clean, in perpetual arms reach, all while looking insanely beautiful. The photo below is the actual one in my kitchen, and I simply can’t live without it. It’s beauty and function in a perfect little package! Grainhaus produces other amazing salvaged wood items as well. Etsy for the win!

   

I hope this gift guide gives you some inspiration for the people in your life! Happy Holidays, and happy shopping everyone!

Love,

*Disclaimer: I am an Amazon affiliate, and any purchases you make from the links above, I get a small portion of the sale. I don’t get paid to keep The Devil Wears Parsley running, and any money I make goes straight to hosting costs and all the supplies to make awesome recipes and photographs happen. Thanks for your support!