The shopping season is upon us once again! I know some people love to shop and others dread it, but however you feel, you are likely to need to purchase some gifts this season. This can be a great way to introduce a friend or family member to your healthy eating ways without being too pushy. Most people love useful tools, good cookbooks, meaningful self-help books and good quality chocolate. Here are a few of my favorite must-haves:
Practical Paleo by Diane Sanfilippo. The original is awesome, but she re-wrote the book in 2017 and it’s also wonderful. Give either one to that friend who wants to venture into “food as medicine,” but doesn’t know where to start.
Whole 30 Book: This is where it all began. With this book, you get all the basics on the program.
Whole 30 Daily Guide: I love this day to day guide. It gives you something to look forward to and focus on each day of your Whole 30. Whether it’s your first or your tenth, this journal style book is a wealth of encouragment.
Whole 30 Cookbooks – Whole 30 Slow Cooker, Whole 30 Fast and Easy, Whole 30 Friends and Family: No matter your cooking preference- slow cooker or quick and easy – there is a cookbook for you!
Food Freedom Forever – This book is for anyone who has any issues surrounding food. Which honestly, I think is most of us. We learn about the concept of “worth it,” which will be a huge help through a Whole 30, but then especially afterward. Can’t recommend this one enough.
Lodge pre-seasoned Cast Iron pans – Not only are these pans heavy duty, non-stick enough for most things (not pancakes!), very inexpensive, but they will only get better with use and age. You can pass these down to your children or grandchildren. I have my grandmother’s cast iron pans and not only are they wonderful to cook with, but I think of her every time I use them.
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Le Creuset dutch oven – A true classic and a wonderful gift. You only need one good dutch oven and this is a good one. I received this one as a wedding gift almost 20 years ago and it’s still good as new. Comes in a rainbow of colors so you can customize this gift to the recipient’s kitchen or personality.
Instant read thermometer – A useful and fun gadget. If you don’t want to overcook your meat or serve it raw, you need one of these. Those who enjoy barbecuing or grilling especially love these.
Mini Cuisinart Food Processor/Chopper – Useful for so many things – chopping, grinding, blending – and so much easier to get out and clean than a big food processor. I use mine almost daily. And it’s small so doesn’t take up much counter or cabinet space.
Bench Scraper – Use this when making pastry, cookies, cutting, cleaning your counter after messy cooking projects…so many uses. Makes a perfect stocking stuffer. Get the stainless steel one because it will last forever!
Microplane grater – Grating hard cheeses, citrus zesting, finely grating onions or garlic – so many uses. If you like to cook, you need one of these. Another great stocking stuffer.
Baking Sheets with Wire Racks – Another indispensable kitchen tool. I have four of these and use them daily. They may not stay shiny and clean after years of use, but they will last forever.
Good Quality Chocolate – Alter Eco Salted Caramel Truffles (yum!) are my favorites – Needs no explanation!
A membership to Thrive Market – For $60, you or the recipient can save thousands every year on all the healthy pantry staples you need to stick to your diet. And for every new membership, Thrive gives a membership to a family in need. Win, win!
A box from one of the many, many subscription services: Stitch Fix, TrendSend, etc. – Who doesn’t like getting a box of clothes and accessories delivered to their door? This is a great gift for someone who likes to be stylish, but doesn’t have the time to shop. After all, we’re in the kitchen a lot and that takes time!