When it comes to holiday gift giving, it truly is the thought that counts, but some thoughts are better than others. If you don’t know someone all that well, or tend to panic shop this time of year, you may be tempted to buy them a gift that’s rooted in their most prominent interest. It’s a good idea in theory, but it doesn’t play out so well in the practice.
I don’t know what the foodie in your life wants for Christmas, but I know what they don’t want, because I asked a whole bunch of them on Twitter (read all the replies and retweets here), and they (including Padma Lakshmi) sure had a lot to say. Of course, no two food lovers are the same, and you know your friend or family member better than I do. If they have requested something on this list, or you know they would love it, then get it for them! I’m not the boss of Christmas.
As food writer Naomi Tomkey pointed out in her reply, if someone is really into something, they already own the most obvious tools and accessories that pertain to that interest. This is why I don’t buy my printmaker sister art supplies, or my veterinarian parents pets—they already have all they need.
Similarly, most food-focused people (be they professional chefs, serious home cooks, or cocktail enthusiasts) already have most, if not all, of the gear, gadgets, cookbooks, and ingredients they need or want. Here are the things you should not buy for the food-obsessed on your list, unless they’ve been quite naughty.
