Top 5 Foodie Gifts

Monogrammed Steak Brand: Read JS Review | Buy It ($39.95; shown as 3)

The egotistical barbequer on your list will go ape over this — I know I did, and I bought it for myself. You might want to rethink gifting this to anyone predisposed to frathouse antics, however. Just thinking out loud here.

Sha Ra Ku Mono Knives: Read JS Review | Buy It ($70 and up; shown as 1)

Knives aren’t just perfect gifts for bitter divorcees anymore; people who actually cook like knives, too! All kidding aside, though, Sha Ra Ku Mono is super exclusive to Seattle Cutlery, which will give you major points in the “wow, you had to special order this for me?” category. Just make sure to stay on the right side of the person you’re buying for…

Baker’s Edge: Read JS Review | Buy It ($34; shown as 4)

The baker in your life will adore this, as will any hardcore brownie lovers/hardcore Midol users. I mean, chocolate. Brownies. Hello.

1080 Recipes: Read JS Review | Buy It ($27.95; shown as 2)

The more I cook out of this book, the worst shape it gets in — but, in my opinion, a well-soiled cookbook is the best kind to have. Once you get past the intimidating size of the book, it’s pretty much smooth sailing to Spanish comfort food heaven.

Foodpairing + Your Imagination: Read JS Review (shown as 5)

You know there’s that person who you’ve done every sort of food basket for; the Harry & David fruit basket, that tasty but questionable “summer sausage” and processed cheese, the cheap drugstore chocolate sampler. How about this year, you take a little initiative, grace them with a little thought and put Foodpairing to use? They’ll be utterly appreciative and you will look like a rockstar. Trust me.