Gift Guide #1: For the Home Cook

I'm not really much of a shopper - online purchasing excluded, of course - and I'm definitely not keen on shopping malls, busy parking lots or massive crowds. So, when it comes to holiday shopping, I prefer to stick to as few stores as possible and purchase worthwhile, quality items. For me, this often means I venture out to my local Chapters/Indigo stores.

Those who know me well know it's my favourite store. In fact, almost once a week the boys and I head there after school for hot chocolates from Starbucks, and to browse magazines, look at books, and pick up new reading supplies. I'm such a frequent visitor that if I go during the day when the kids are at school, one of the long-time cashiers almost always says to me "No boys with you today?" I love it. 

I also love holiday gift guides, and instead of mentioning the same products that might be on the must-buy list of every food blogger going, I thought I would keep my suggestions to one store. One Canadian store, that is. If you have a home cook on your list, or are a home cook and don't know what to ask for this year, I think you might appreciate some of the above suggestions. 

I recently had the good fortune to connect with someone representing Indigo. When she heard about my gift guides (there will be 3 in total - one for the party enthusiast on December 10th and one for kids/tweens on December 17) she kindly offered to give away two books to one lucky reader. Please see below the links for details and happy shopping!

 

1. Wooden Apple Timer ($12.50): This rustic timer will make a sweet addition to any kitchen. 

2. Luscious Pear Jam Jar ($29.50): For those who love to preserve, this gorgeous jam jar is ideal for sharing, and showing off, pretty homemade goods. 

3. My Berlin Kitchen ($28.50): I adored this food memoir, and if you haven't read it I think you might too. 

4. Big Black Book of Recipes ($30): Despite the fact that I blog about recipes, I also keep stacks of handwritten ones in a book to pass along to my children someday. 

5. Canvas Text Bread Basket ($14.50): What a pretty way to serve fresh cut bread at your next dinner party. 

6. Red Sierra Fondue Set ($79.50): Recently, I've seen four magazine articles dedicated to cheesy fondues. I think they're trying to make a comeback - again. 

7. Stripe Bowl ($10): I would have no problem eating my morning oatmeal out of this pretty striped bowl. 

8. Barefoot Contessa Foolproof ($40): You can never go wrong with Ina. Every recipe is well tested and tasty, and her books are worth collecting. 

9. The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook ($35): I'm almost ready to declare this the best cookbook that came across my desk this year.

10. Classic "All Out Of" Pad ($7.50): I have this and use it every week. It looks pretty on the fridge and allows me to check off the items I run out of as I finish them off. 

11. Large Farmhouse Cutting Board ($26.50): I would use this to serve cheeses and pretty bite-sized desserts. It's too pretty for chopping on it. 

12. Mulling Spices ($10): I adore the smell of mulled wine (and don't mind drinking it either) and think this would make a lovely hostess gift. 

13. Homemade Cookie Stamp ($16.50): In my opinion, I've saved the best for last. This "homemade" cookie stamp is too adorable for words. 

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Update: Congratulations to Johanna! You are the lucky winner!

Now for the giveaway! Chapters/Indigo has kindly offered to send one reader the following books:

A Country Cook's Kitchen by Alison Walker

Now Eat This! Italian by Rocco Dispirito

In order to enter, please leave a comment telling me which item from my gift guide would most likely make your wish list this year. 

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Disclaimer: I was not compensated in any way for this post and the preferences and picks shared are strictly personal.  

 

 

 

Comments

[Aimee @ Simple Bites]

I think I need that cookie stamp!

Gosh, I also need to pencil in some me time at my local Indigo (it's huge!). I miss those browsing days.

[The Orchard]

Oooh! Great giveaway! I would choose the book by Ina! I don't have any of hers!

Thanks!

[Meredith]

I'm itching to get the Smitten Kitchen cookbook. It's on my list this year! Thanks!

[Dawn]

So hard to choose! I'd say the fondue set. Or My Berlin Kitchen. Or the cutting board - I'd cover it with fancy cheeses. :)

[Andrea Thompson]

Smitten kitten cookbook! Although I also adore the little wooden apple timer

[Julie]

LOVE all your picks! Especially the cookie stamp! I may need to go shopping...

[Deidre]

Mmmm--- pretty easy -- the Smitten Kitchen cookbook! Thanks for the chance to win (too bad one of the books isn't the Smitten Kitchen!)

[ColleenB.]

I'd have to pick that large farmhouse cutting board. I absolutely love that
Thank you for this opportunity
ColleenB.

[Lea]

I love the large farmhouse cutting board, and the Text Bread Bowl. Thanks for the chance

[Lorianne]

Definitely Barefoot Contessa Foolproof Cookbook! I love Ina!

[Heather]

My Berlin Kitchen sounds interesting! Thanks for the chance to win the giveaway.

[Viki]

Homemade cookie stamp, great list!

[Meaghan]

My first time on your blog and what a great first experience! The cookie stamp is too cute - I love it! Also, I agree with you about Ina's books; I am a huge fan too and this book is actually the only item on my Christmas list. Although this cookie stamp has officially been added...

[Johanna Calamusa]

The cookie stamp. Love it

[Hollie Palmer]

I love the big black book of recipes. It sure beets my throw-together, notebook.

[Hawi Moore]

Lovely