If there is anything I pride myself in, it is my gift shopping. Maybe it’s the Libra in me. Or my strength as a listener. Perhaps it’s the fact that hard-to-gift individuals are part of my life. Whatever it is, gifting my loved ones is easy peasy.
My Thought Process
When deciding on what to get, I ask myself one question:
Have they ever mentioned something in the past that is “giftable?”
This is the easiest way out of your Christmas shopping rut. Think about your past conversations that you literally had since last Christmas and think hard.
Did they mention that they need a new pair of shoes?
Have they complained about not having a body pillow?
Do they really want to get a luxury massage, but cannot find themselves to pay for it?
Are they the type of person that really loves gift cards to their favorite stores?
These are key questions that will immediately help you brainstorm. Before you know it, you’ll have at least 3 potential gifts to give.
For this to work, you need to listen to your family and friends as well as remember your conversations. If you can’t recall anything right now, I suggest writing notes on your phone starting now. There is barely a month left before Christmas arrives!
Now, if you really cannot remember anything, don’t worry. Over the next few weeks starting today, I will be sharing gift guides! I cannot share gift guides for every type of human, but I will try to be as inclusive as possible.
Without further ado, here is our first installment of the 2020 Christmas Gift Shopping Guide! A list focusing on foodies, cooks, and zero-waste aspirants (food and cooking-wise):
10 Gifts for the Foodies, Cooks, and Zero-Waste Foodie Aspirants
For the ones who always have leftovers and need tupperware, but want to be eco-friendly (or not)
I love tupperware, but I do not like plastic. Mother Earth has been crying for help, so the least we could do is reduce our plastic waste. Why not start in the kitchen?
1. Zip Top Reusable Containers – They’re Dishwasher Safe!
As an owner of Zip Top Reusable Containers myself, these are super handy. I mainly use my Zip Tops to marinate meat as well as portioning meat for the week that I store in the freezer. The best thing about these, however, is their versatility outside the kitchen.
Need to store small toys? Put them in a Zip Top.
Need to store batteries? Put them in a Zip Top.
Need to store your pads and tampons? Put them in a Zip Top.
Whatever the use may be, Zip Top containers are sturdy enough to hold anything.
Get Zip Top Reusable Containers on Amazon for as low as $8.99 and as high $89.99
2. Set of Pyrex Glass Containers – Oven, Freezer, Dishwasher, and Microwave Safe
Pyrex is the G.O.A.T. That’s really all I have to say because until you have these in your home, you will see how much easier your life becomes. Plus, they have their own lids, which makes them perfect for meal prepping. They also don’t absorb any odors so this is just a win-win all around if you ask me.
Get 1 or a set of Pyrex containers on Amazon for as low as $10.99 or as high as $29.99
For the one who loves boba, but also the planet
3. Set of 2 Stainless Steel Boba Straw, 2 Regular Straws, Cleaning Brushes & Hard Cases
First, if you have never had boba, what are you doing?
Second, if you are still using plastic straws, what the hell are you doing?
If you are like me, I have boba at least 2 times a week on average. Per year, that would mean I have 104 servings of boba. Per serving is 1 straw. IMAGINE A PILE OF 104 PLASTIC STRAWS. That’s how much I would at least use in a single year. If that scares you, don’t fret – metal straws are here to save the day!
I’ve used bamboo, glass, and metal. I’ve found metal to be the most reliable and best to puncture. So whether you’re buying this for yourself, family member, or friend, these make for the perfect stocking stuffer.
Get a set of 2 Stainless Steel Boba Straws + 2 Regular Straws + Cleaning Brushes + Hard Cases for $6.99 on Amazon
For the one who likes to experiment with cooking
4. Sous Vide Precision Cooker that has an App!
If there is any cooking device that makes you feel like a scientist, it’s a sous vide (“sue-veed”) precision cooker. You can use it for anything: eggs, fish, lamb, vegetables, pork, and most everything else in between.
Although it seems super scientific, it’s very easy to use since there is no need for extra equipment. With the app, you also won’t have to guess about timing or temperature. Best of all, it’s very safe to use that even the newbiest of cooks can easily work with it.
Get the Anova Sous Vide Precision Cooker for $129 on Amazon.
For the aspiring foodtagraphers, food bloggers, and home cooks who want to take better photos
5. Instagram Ready Rainforest Bowls
If you follow our Instagram or have read our honest review on Rainforest Bowls, you know that we love these bowls! These upped our food photos so much that I find myself using these every day. I mean, aren’t they just beautiful?!
Personally, I recommend gifting the set of 4 art bowls (they have 16 styles to choose from). However, definitely explore their website for their numerous styles and variety sets!
Get a Set of 4 Art Bowls from Rainforest Bowls for $49.95 (50% off)
For the snacker who would appreciate this handy device
6. Rechargeable Mini Bag Sealer & Cutter
Ever since the world went on lockdown, I’ve been surrounding myself with more snacks like chips, seaweed, Boy Bawang, etc. There is a caveat to snacking though… How do you contain the freshness?!
I mean, I know there are snacks out there that have resealable packaging, but how often do you find yourself messing those up? I know I do. Which is why a rechargeable mini bag sealer and cutter not only makes for the perfect gift but will also be highly appreciated by that lovable snacker in your life.
Get a Rechargeable Mini Bag Sealer & Cutter for $16.99 on Amazon.
For the one who loves wine, cheese, and good socially distanced company
7. Charcuterie Board Set with Knives and Bowls
This is on our list because I was gifted a charcuterie board and I am obsessed. Whether I am in need of a self-care night, girl’s night, or a night with my man, this just elevates it. I don’t know what it is, but this makes whatever wine and cheese night you have more special.
It’s also a subtle flex on your company to have a designated board instead of your usual dinnerware. I mean, does this say fancy or what?
Get a Charcuterie Board Set for $54.99 on Amazon.
For the one who likes it hot and spicy
8. Hot Sauce Sampler
Traveling is a no-go during quarantine. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t bring international flavors into our own home and make it hot.
Whether your loved one is in dire need of traveling, needs a little more spice, or is tired of their usual hot sauce, a hot sauce sampler might just do the trick. This even seems like the perfect white elephant gift to me!
Get a World Hot Sauce Sampler Gift Set of 30 for $49.99 on Amazon.
For the one who loves eggs and nifty gadgets
9. Dash Rapid Egg Cooker
This may seem gimmicky. It may even seem unnecessary. I once thought these things about this egg cooker, but little did I know how useful it would be.
Think about it, how often do you over or under boil your eggs? How often do your eggs end up cracked while boiling? How often do you really need to use the bathroom while having to watch your egg boils in case they for some reason cause an explosion?
If any of these apply to whomever, this is amazing. Moreover, it’s cheap!
Get the Dash Rapid Egg Cooker for $19.99 on Amazon
For the Filipino Food Lovers
10. I Am a Filipino: And This Is How We Cook by Miguel Trinidad
To top off our list, we are ending with a Tamrah Lane favorite. We started our blog because we not only want to pay tribute to our Filipino culture but also reconnect with our Filipino identity. In doing so, we are trying to learn the Filipino way of cooking and this book serves as a great starting point.
Of course, Mama Tejada is our main source of knowledge, but for those who want to try out Filipino cooking at home, this is essential! Take our word for it.
Get the “I Am a Filipino: And This Is How We Cook” by Miguel Trinidad on Amazon for $20.49.
Editor’s Choice
The Always Pan by Our Place
At the time of this post, Our Place is having a super sale! You can buy the Always Pan for only $95 instead of $145 – a sweet deal indeed.
Need More Gift Ideas?
We have gift guides on Amazon!
Click here to check out more gifts for the foodies, home cooks, and zero-waste foodie aspirants in your life.
We will be posting more gift guides on Tamrah Lane.
Click here to see all our future gift guides.
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