If the wives, moms, or Grandmas in your life enjoy cooking or baking check out this fun collection of Foodie Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day! From new and used equipment, utensils, cook books, and farmer’s Market finds, this article will help you find the perfect gift!
It may seem strange that, if your Mom cooks every day of the week, a cooking-related Mother’s Day gift will be appreciated. And while it’s true that you couldn’t expect the most enthusiastic of responses if you wrap up a frying pan and give it to her this month, there are other gifts that help make life easier or are just pretty to look at and a pleasure to use.
Nowadays, cooking has a different purpose than it did back in the day. Although it basically involves preparing a meal and feeding others, it is now less of a function and more of a hobby to those who enjoy it and like to experiment with ingredients and flavors.
Of course you can take Mom out to her favorite restaurant as a nice treat. Or even get fancy and booking a fun cooking class together. But if you want to put together a nice foodie gift, check out some of my suggestions below!
Novelty Bakeware and Silicone Spoons
To those who love baking, the invention of silicone bakeware was monumental. Gone are the metal muffin trays of before, which clatter in untidy piles in the cupboard and take many minutes of oiling and then scraping out finished cakes – with some crumbly casualties.
The new bendy baking trays are easier to clean and they are flexible so that finished cakes can be lifted out easily even without greasing. They are also available in novelty shapes – hearts for example, to produce cupcakes and muffins for any occasion. They confidently withstand freezing, the microwave and a hot oven.
As well as baking materials, silicone cooking spoons and spatulas are also available. Produced in a range of colors, these spoons are incredibly useful to any cook in the family, not just Mom. Made from tough silicone, they are heatproof (depending on the individual manufacturer), which means the end of it will not melt into your Bolognese sauce.
You can find some in fun colors or even ones that have fun sayings such as this 3 pc Spatula Set. I always see these kind of things at the little boutiques in town or even TJ Maxx or Marshall’s usually has some fun options!
Their squeegee like texture also lends itself to scraping every last drop of pasta sauce from the pan or cake mixture from the mixing bowl (sorry kids). This is one gadget Mom will find she can’t do without, and they are reasonably priced at around $10 each. One word of warning – just a passing nick from a sharp knife can tear the silicone so make sure that knives are kept separate from the spoons and that they are not used for scraping food out of sharp tin cans!
New, Old, and Second Hand Cook Books Can be Thoughtful Gifts
If Mom loves food then a pile of old and possibly no longer in print cook books can provide a treasure trove of culinary ideas. Older, second hand books are cheaper, rarer, may even have notes scribbled alongside recipes from the previous owner, and the recipes within can invoke a sense of nostalgia.
Check out my fellow food blogger and friend Cheri’s cookbooks Hey, Can I Get That Recipe and if mom likes to cook on the griddle check out her I Love my Blackstone Griddle cookbook!
Meal Planner
Another great choice if your mom is organized or would like to be….is a meal planner! My friend Sarah is great at this and even has some cute ones for Purchase on Amazon! It is great because it has a grocery chopping list on one side, and then a space to write it what you want to make for the week.
Check out this paperback Meal Planner here from the GleasonCo!
Aprons, Oven Mitts, Kitchen Towels
You can easily find some beautiful aprons or ones with funny sayings if you think she will actually wear an apron!
Another favorite for me is some new kitchen towels! Actually I have more than a normal person for taking photos but I feel that everyone loves a new pretty set for Spring that will brighten up her kitchen.
You can also find cute oven mitts in bright seasonal colors and make Oven Mitt Gifts, too!
Farmers Market Finds
If your town has a Farmer’s Market, considerate supporting some of your local entrepenuaers with items such as dip seasoning packets, specialty infused olive oils, hot sauces, salsas. And what about fresh bread? I know sourdough is popular right now! Grab a load with a nice bottle of dipping oil and you’re all set! Our hometown Market even has homemade pasta, pierogi, and a sausage guy! So something a little different is always a nice gift.
Cutting Boards
Some other items that would make nice gifts for Mom that you may be able to find at the Farmer’s Market (or many stores) are cutting boards! Regular ones, bread ones, and round or fancy ones for charcuterie boards!
Seasonings
If your Mom likes to explore a bit in your cooking or baking adventures, considerate sticking her up on some fresh seasonings or dried herbs. If she likes to BBQ or cook outside like me, how about some new BBQ Rubs or sauces?
Wooden Spoons
You can often find unique wooden spoons at the market as well handmade with love! Wooden spoons are great kitchen utensils and will last forever!
Kitchen Gadgets that make great Foodie Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day
Food Processor or Blender
A food processor is a time-saving device for chopping or making doughs, and essential for purees, pestos, soups, or applesauce. Since most things can easily be processed in batches, and food processors are often used to grind a small quantity of nuts or chop some veggies, three cups is enough for most casual cooks.
Toaster Oven or Air Fryer
For someone who has a little bit of counter space to spare, especially those living alone, the toaster oven or an Air Fryer is a great gift. It’s ideal for toasting sandwiches or heating frozen French fries, but also works to make small quantities of anything that can be done in the oven, from roasted peppers to cookies. It’s also a big energy-saver and doesn’t heat up the kitchen like an oven.
Cast Iron Pans or Non-stick Pans
I love my cast iron pans which are great for cooking over the campfire, in the grill, on the stove and in the oven! So if she doesn’t have one or could use a freshie….it’s a great option that will last for years and years to come!
Though some swear against it, non-stick is a lifesaver for students and young professionals who don’t have time to spend ten minutes scrubbing the gunk off a pan. The best option is something wide, but not so wide it won’t fit in the sink if the recipient doesn’t have a dishwasher. A lid is a plus, as well.
Knives and Sharpener
Nothing is more frustrating in the kitchen than a dull knife, and many cooks (young and experienced) try to get by with something cheap without realizing how important a decent knife is to the experience. There are tons of nice Knife Sets for reasonable prices. Even better, throw in a sharpening stone or steel – it will keep the knife sharp and make the chef feel like a real pro.
Large Utensils Set
This is another item that isn’t very expensive, but many people tend to skimp on. A utensil set that includes at the least a large serving/mixing spoon, a ladle, a pasta fork, and a spatula is indispensable. One that comes with its own canister is even better for cluttered drawers. Most people never go treat themselves to new ones and are still rocking their wedding shower gifts!
And if you are looking for some recipes that Mom or Grandma will love, check out my Mother’s Day Recipes and Activities post!
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