Cooking Lover gifts on a budget
Finding the perfect gift for the foodie in your life doesn’t have to drain your wallet. Whether you’re shopping for a passionate home cook, an aspiring chef, or someone who simply loves spending time in the kitchen, these thoughtfully curated gift ideas will delight any cooking enthusiast without breaking the bank.
Why Thoughtful Kitchen Gifts Matter
The best cooking gifts aren’t necessarily the most expensive – they’re the ones that inspire creativity, make tasks easier, or introduce new flavours and techniques. From specialty spices to innovative kitchen tools, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of affordable options that will be genuinely appreciated by any culinary enthusiast.
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Free Printables near bottom of blog.
Gifts Under £20
These budget-friendly gifts pack a punch, offering quality and thoughtfulness at an accessible price point.
All these gifts are under 20 quid at time of publishing, if you are reading this as an old post they might have gone up in price!!!
1. Specialty Spice Collections
Transform everyday meals with exotic flavours from around the world. A curated spice set introduces new cuisines and encourages culinary experimentation.
Why it works: Spices have a long shelf life, take up minimal space, and can completely transform home cooking. They’re perfect for someone who loves to experiment with different cuisines.
Our recommendation: SpiceMasters offers unique collections like their Asian Cuisine Set featuring Thai 7 Spice, Malay Curry, and Massaman Curry – three authentic blends that inspire creative cooking.
Price point: Under £20
2. Mini Herb Garden Kit
Give the gift of fresh herbs year-round with an all-in-one growing kit. Perfect for windowsill gardens, these kits typically include everything needed: pots, soil, and seeds for popular herbs like basil, thyme, chives, and parsley.
Why it works: Fresh herbs elevate any dish, and growing them is satisfying and economical. This gift keeps on giving as herbs can be harvested multiple times.
Pro tip: Multiple sowings throughout the year ensure a continuous supply of fresh flavours.
Price point: Around £15-18
3. Artisan Infused Olive Oil Set
A collection of premium infused extra virgin olive oils adds gourmet flair to everyday cooking. Look for sets featuring flavours like:
- Basil Infused
- Chilli Infused
- Garlic Infused
- Lemon Infused
- Black Truffle Infused
Why it works: These oils add instant complexity to dishes – drizzle over pasta, use for bread dipping, or finish grilled vegetables. Small bottles are perfect for sampling without overwhelming the recipient.
Gift presentation: Comes in attractive 50ml bottles that look beautiful on a kitchen shelf.
Price point: £15-20 for a 5-bottle set
4. DIY Cheese Making Kit
For the adventurous cook, a cheese making kit opens up an entire world of culinary possibilities. Quality kits enable making of mozzarella, halloumi, mascarpone, goat’s cheese, and ricotta at home.
Why it works: This is an experience gift that provides hours of hands-on fun plus delicious results. It’s perfect for someone who loves learning new cooking techniques.
Skill level: Beginner-friendly with clear instructions included.
Price point: Under £20
Gifts Under £10
All these gifts are under a tenner at time of publishing, if you are reading this as an old post they might have gone up in price!!!
5. Foodie Trivia Game
Perfect for dinner party entertainment, foodie trivia games celebrate culinary knowledge with questions about cooking techniques, ingredient origins, international cuisines, and food history.
Why it works: It’s social, educational, and portable – ideal for bringing to gatherings or enjoying with family.
Price point: Around £8-10
6. Artisan Sourdough Starter
An established, active sourdough starter is a gateway to artisan bread baking at home. Some sellers offer century-old organic cultures with proven track records.
Why it works: Sourdough baking is both trendy and timeless. A mature starter eliminates the weeks-long process of developing one from scratch.
Includes: Feeding instructions and bread recipes.
Price point: Under £10
7. Professional Silicone Spatula Set
Quality silicone spatulas are kitchen essentials that even experienced cooks can always use more of. Look for sets with:
- Heat resistance up to 250°C
- Non-stick compatibility
- Ergonomic handles
- Multiple sizes
Why it works: These workhorse tools are used daily in any kitchen. Bright colours add a cheerful pop to utensil holders.
Price point: £8-10 for a 5-piece set
8. Oil Infuser Bottle
Enable custom oil creation with a glass infuser bottle. Home cooks can create their own flavoured oils using fresh herbs, dried chillies, or garlic.
Why it works: It’s both practical and creative, allowing personalisation of ingredients. Borosilicate glass looks elegant and is heat-resistant.
Perfect for: Making chilli oil, garlic oil, or herb-infused olive oil.
Price point: Around £8
9. Microplane Zester/Grater
This professional-quality tool is a kitchen game-changer for:
- Zesting citrus fruits
- Grating hard cheeses (Parmesan, Pecorino)
- Fresh nutmeg and cinnamon
- Ginger and garlic
- Chocolate
Why it works: The razor-sharp teeth create perfect, delicate shreds that release maximum flavour. It’s a tool professional chefs swear by.
Price point: Under £10
10. Small Cast Iron Skillet
A mini cast iron pan (around 12.5cm) is surprisingly versatile for:
- Individual portions
- Desserts (brownies, cookies)
- Cornbread
- Baked eggs
- Melted cheese dishes
Why it works: Pre-seasoned skillets are ready to use immediately. Cast iron’s heat retention creates perfect crusts and even cooking.
Price point: £8-10
11. Personalised Wine & Nibbles Board
A customised wooden board with slots for wine glasses and sections for cheese, crackers, and charcuterie makes entertaining elegant and effortless.
Why it works: Personalisation adds sentimental value, and the practical design keeps glasses stable while freeing hands for snacking.
Perfect for: Hosts who love entertaining.
Price point: Around £10
12. Authentic Curry Kit
Restaurant-quality curry kits contain authentic whole spices, garlic-ginger paste, and detailed recipes for making genuine Indian curries at home.
Why it works: Takes the guesswork out of complex spice blends while teaching authentic cooking techniques. Great for expanding culinary horizons.
Typically includes: Multiple servings and recipe cards.
Price point: Under £10
Gifts Under £5
Prove that great gifts don’t need big budgets with these charming options.
All these gifts are under a fiver at time of publishing, if you are reading this as an old post they might have gone up in price!!!
13. Novelty Cookie Cutters
From classic shapes to quirky designs, unique cookie cutters inspire baking creativity. Etsy offers endless options including digestive biscuit cutters, themed shapes, and personalised designs.
Why it works: Even experienced bakers appreciate fresh shapes. Perfect for seasonal baking or themed parties.
Price point: £3-5
14. Cooking-Themed Pin Badge
A cute pin badge featuring cooking motifs (chef bears, mixing bowls, utensils) adds personality to aprons, chef jackets, or bags.
Why it works: Small, personal, and easily customisable through sites like Zazzle.
Price point: Around £4
15. Reusable Beeswax Food Wraps
Eco-friendly, handmade beeswax wraps are sustainable alternatives to cling film. Available in various sizes and attractive prints.
Why it works: Combines practicality with environmental consciousness. Natural antibacterial properties keep food fresh.
Uses: Covering bowls, wrapping cheese, sandwiches, or vegetables.
Price point: £4-5 per wrap
DIY gifts
Create bespoke gifts that money can’t buy with these thoughtful homemade options.
These are gifts that you can put together yourself and create a truely unique present that needen’t cost a fortune.
16. Custom Recipe Book
Compile favourite family recipes, secret techniques, or restaurant recreations in a beautiful book. Options include:
- Printed booklets with photos
- Handwritten scrapbook-style compilation
- Pre-made blank recipe book with dividers
Personal touches: Include stories behind recipes, cooking tips, or family photos.
Estimated cost: £5-15 depending on approach
Get a book like this from GoodTuesday to write in your recipes.
17. Personalised Spice Blend
Create signature spice mixes in attractive jars:
- BBQ rub
- Italian herb blend
- Cajun seasoning
- Chai spice mix
- Everything bagel seasoning
Presentation tips: Use small glass jars (available on Etsy), create custom labels with ingredients and usage suggestions, and add ribbon or twine.
Estimated cost: £5-10 for jars plus spices
Here are some small jars I found on Etsy.
Additional Gift Ideas by Category
For the Baker
- Quality cooling rack
- Pastry brush set
- Dough scraper
- Measuring spoon set
- Piping bag and tips
For the Griller
- BBQ spice rubs
- Grill cleaning brush
- Marinade injector
- Cedar planks for smoking
- Heat-resistant gloves
For the Tea/Coffee Lover
- Speciality tea sampler
- Coffee beans from single origins
- Milk frother
- Infuser bottle
- Reusable coffee filter
For the Organised Cook
- Magnetic spice tins
- Drawer organisers
- Measuring cup set
- Kitchen timer
- Recipe card holder
Free Printable for Foodies
Here’s a set of 3 printables that include some very quick recipe idea to cook, a weekly meal planner, and a favourite recipe planner, All A4 size and all free to download from here.
How to Choose the Perfect Cooking Gift
Consider these factors when selecting a gift:
1. Their Cooking Style
- Do they follow recipes precisely or improvise?
- Do they prefer baking or savoury cooking?
- Are they adventurous with new cuisines?
2. Kitchen Space
- Small kitchen? Opt for compact items or consumables
- Large kitchen? Consider sets or larger tools
3. Skill Level
- Beginners appreciate basics and recipe guidance
- Experienced cooks enjoy specialty ingredients and advanced tools
4. Personal Preferences
- Sustainability-minded? Choose eco-friendly options
- Health-conscious? Select organic or health-focused items
- Entertainment lovers? Pick items for hosting
Gift Presentation Ideas
Elevate even budget gifts with thoughtful presentation:
- Basket approach: Combine several small items (spices, herbs, a spatula) in a small basket lined with tea towels
- Recipe card: Include a recipe that uses the gift (oil infuser with a salad dressing recipe, spice blend with a curry recipe)
- Kitchen towel wrap: Wrap gifts in useful kitchen towels secured with twine
- Mason jar layers: Layer dry ingredients for a recipe in an attractive jar with recipe attached
- Personalised card: Explain why you chose this specific gift for them
The best gifts for cooking enthusiasts aren’t about spending the most money – they’re about showing you understand and appreciate their passion. Whether you choose artisan olive oils, practical kitchen tools, or create a custom spice blend, your thoughtfulness will shine through.
Remember: a £5 gift presented with care and selected with the recipient’s interests in mind will mean more than an expensive, generic item. Happy gifting!
FAQs About Cooking Gifts
Q: What’s the most universally appreciated cooking gift? A: Quality olive oil or specialty spices work for nearly everyone who cooks, regardless of skill level.
Q: Are kitchen gadgets good gifts? A: Yes, but choose carefully. Stick to versatile, frequently-used items rather than single-purpose gadgets that may collect dust.
Q: How can I make a cheap gift feel more expensive? A: Presentation is key. Beautiful wrapping, a thoughtful card explaining your choice, and pairing with a recipe create a premium feel.
Q: Should I avoid ingredients if I don’t know dietary restrictions? A: When in doubt, choose tools over ingredients, or opt for versatile items like olive oil that work across most diets.
Q: What’s a good gift for someone who “has everything”? A: Consumables (spices, oils, specialty ingredients) or experiences (cooking class voucher, food tour) are perfect since they don’t add clutter.
