Six Great Gift Ideas for Foodies, Food Bloggers & Kitchen Goddesses

From practical to whimsical, here are six thoughtful gifts sure to please the kitchen maven in your life.















Jessie Steele Retro Aprons are bringing sexy back to the kitchen. I'm drooling over them all, so I can't decide if I like the Retro Cherries, Classy Black and White, or the Brown Polka Dot Apron. She even makes a Children's Apron.

Will Write for Food: The Complete Guide to Writing Cookbooks, Restaurant Reviews, Articles, Memoir, Fiction and More. This is one of two food writing books that my darling husband surprised me with for the early Christmas we did at my parents' house. I was totally charmed that he thought enough of my hobby to find such an interesting and specific book. It is easy to read and looks really useful.

The Recipe Writer's Handbook. Ditto above, only this one is for folks like myself who like to produce original recipes through experimentation, elbow grease, and luck (and on good days, I also like to think a little talent and experience).

The Art of Simple Food by Alice Waters of Chez Panisse. I made the gingersnap cookies from this book that took food blogs by storm and they were fantastic. Foodies everywhere respect Alice Waters, and this is her homage to the simple, classical recipes that form the backbone of a solid kitchen repertoire.

Misto Gourmet Brushed Aluminum Olive Oil Sprayer. A kitchen staple that I somehow dont have. Sleek and functional. Adds to health in two ways: use less oil and still get a decent coat for sautes, and replace that creepy spray Pam.

This year's hot foodie item seems to be the Russian Matryoshkas Doll measuring cups. I spotted these about a month ago and thought about buying them for my best friend, who is Russian. I waited too long and now they seem to be sold out everywhere in the US (But Europeans are in luck, there are a few Euro distributors who still have them). You can see them (and get on the waiting list) from Anthropologie and Fred Flare. The cheapest price I found was from Cool Stuff Express but they are sold out for 2009.