The 2025 Gift Guide

Every item in this guide has earned its place in my kitchen. These are the tools I reach for, the cookbooks I cook from, the pantry staples I buy on repeat, and the gifts I've happily given to the people I love. If you're looking for something thoughtful for the home cook in your life—or simply need a little inspiration for your own wish list—I hope you find something you love.

Global Fish Spatula — or any high-quality fish spatula. After many not-so-subtle hints, Frank got me this fish spatula for my birthday, and it has become our most-used kitchen utensil since. We use it for fish, but we also use it for everythinggggg else. All other spatulas have been found useless now. This one is just superior.

Katie’s Frozen Pizza — As a STL girl who misses STL pizza, no one was more excited than me when Katie’s announced their frozen line of pizzas would be available in Targets nationwide. And even though I already have 4 or 5 in my freezer right now, I’d still be over the moon to receive one of these for Christmas. Nothing says I love you like pizza.

Thermapen® ONE — This might sound crazy, but the Thermapen was one of my favorite gifts we received from our wedding registry. I’ve used my fair share of meat thermometers in the past, and I can confidently say this one puts those to shame. It also comes in several fun colors, so you can get one that matches your gift recipient’s vibe.

The Wishbone Kitchen Cookbook by Meredith Hayden — Who hasn’t fallen in love with Meredith Hayden this year?! She’s our modern day Martha Stewart. Gift her cookbook to the person in your life who loves to host. I can promise that Meredith will give them inspiration for their next dinner party.

Something From Nothing by Alison Roman — I pre-ordered Alison Roman’s newest cookbook, Something From Nothing, and I have zero regrets. This pantry-staple cookbook is filled with feel-good, cozy recipes that will get all of us through the coming winter. Her recipes are simple and timeless, making this a great choice for home cooks of all levels.

Bonne Maman — I think high quality pantry items make perfect stocking stuffers, which is why Bonne Maman is making this list. The Raspberry Preserves and Four Fruits are my current favorites, but you have endless options to choose from.

Bodega Glasses — Alright, another wedding registry gift I love. These 7-ounce bodega glasses fit perfectly in your hand, and they remind me of the glasses at one of my favorite breakfast spots in Denver, Two Hands. They’re perfect for juice or wine, and they’re honestly just fun.

Mortar and Pestle — Every kitchen should have a mortar and pestle. It doesn’t have to be this one. Better yet, thrift one! But there’s nothing cuter than gifting a mortar and pestle with a jar of fennel seeds. How adorable!

Graza Olive Oil — A Cooking With Maddie gift guide isn’t complete without Graza Olive Oil, and this year, Graza’s added another classic to its line-up — “Frizzle”— a high heat cooking oil. And because I love you, I even have a discount code for you. Use code COOKINGWITHMADDIE to get $5 off your order.

Kilner Butter Churner — I am having a blast making my own butter, and it’s all thanks to the Kilner. Gift this, plus some high-quality heavy whipping cream and Maldon flaky salt, and your friend or family member will have everything they need to make the most fabulous butter.

Zatar from Penzeys Spices — I love Penzeys Spices. Honestly, you can get anything from Penzeys, and it’s a perfect gift. But this year, we’ve been obsessed with their Zatar. We use this popular Middle Eastern spice blend to top our hummus, and it’s been an absolute game changer.

Justine Cooks by Justine Doiron — Justine!! Our STL girl! Gift this cookbook to the person in your life who’s trying to eat less meat. Almost all of Justine’s recipes are plant-forward, meaning most are vegetarian or easily adaptable. And even as a meat-eater myself, I find I’m consistently grabbing Justine Cooks because of her creative flavor combinations.

Peugeot Paris Pepper Mill — My sweet, sweet brother gifted me this pepper mill after listening to me complain about my old one not holding enough peppercorns, and a complaint has not slipped my mouth since switching to the Peugeot. Not only does it hold a ton of peppercorns, but it also has 6 different settings, so the grind is completely customized. Pair this with a jar of whole peppercorns, and you have the perfect gift.

Rancho Gordo Heirloom Beans — There’s something about Rancho Gordo that’s special. Whenever I come across them, I immediately stock up. Their variety and quality is incredible, and when I cook them, I genuinely have a smile on my face. I love their Christmas Lima Beans and their Cranberry Beans.

By Heart by Hailee Catalano — I am having so much fun cooking out of Hailee Catalano’s debut cookbook. Not only does her charm and expertise come through the recipes, but the book also provides a healthy mix of tradition and new ideas.

Björn’s Raw Traditional Honey — Another high quality pantry staple. I love Björn’s flavored honeys, especially their lavender whipped and sweet & spicy, but you can’t go wrong with traditional. This Colorado honey company never misses.