“Gift giving doesn’t have to mean big expensive gestures and I am always of the mind that thought counts significantly more than monetary value,” writes Edd Kimber for our Journal.
“My gift guide this year is a list of things perfect for those that love to cook (and those that just love to hang out in the kitchen while someone else cooks for them). It is a mix of things from my own home and things I would also love to receive this festive season. And without a doubt they’d all be right at home in my new Uncommon Projects kitchen…
This Japanese bread knife is the absolute best, and I’ve tried a lot. Pair it with the beeswax bread bag for the family sourdough enthusiast.
£38 from Kitchen Provisions
A great stocking stuffer for the baker in your life, a beeswax bread bag is the only product I have used that actually helps extend the shelf life of your bread. When you roll the top the warmth of your hands will help seal the bag, giving it a slightly longer lease of life. I’ve had mine for years and it’s held up incredibly well. This version comes from London’s Jolene Bakery in a couple of beautifully vibrant colour choices.
£32 from Jolene
Every kitchen needs a little splash of colour and these butter knives, from London’s Allday Goods, are a fun accessory for any breakfast table. The handles come in a huge variety of colours and are all made from recycled plastic. They have also collaborated on knives with a huge range of brands, from Ottolenghi to Belazu, so you have a lot of options to choose from. The packaging is some of the best around, adding an extra element of fun when gifted.
£44 from Allday Goods
This is a little bit of a splurge but it is the Rolls-Royce of chopping boards. If you love to cook and you want to look after your knives these Japanese rubber boards are gentle on your blades, keeping them sharper for longer. They have similar anti-bacterial qualities as wood but with an anti-slip coating meaning they won’t slide around on your worktop.
£180 from Kitchen Provisions
Not every piece of serveware needs to be classic, or white. This beautiful, green splatterware platter could take centre stage at any dinner party.
£36 from Toast
As someone who finds most pepper mills either ugly or just not very functional this gorgeous industrial design from Service Projects is a win win.
£107 from Service Projects
These unglazed Japanese mugs are a long time favourite. The texture makes them a tactile choice and the muted colour of the clay is a very stylish look.
£28 from La Gent
My favourite London candle maker, this scent is perfect for those looking for a calming scent that is also perfect after cooking something particularly pungent. Inspired by the Onsens of Japan it is made with peppermint, eucalyptus and mandarin for a wonderfully complex and layered scent.
£26 from Earl of East
A favourite in many of Londons best restaurants these stainless steel coupes are perfect for dessert or even for filling with nibbles at your next dinner party.
£2.98 from Nisbets
Made by London food stylist and illustrator Emma Cantlay, this vibrant calendar that celebrates what’s in season each month. A lovely way to add a splash of personality to something often boring and mundane.
£21 from Mainly Breakfast
Vermouth has definitely had a resurgence in the last few years and Nito is one of the newer kids on the block. Their vermouth is made with Tempranillo and is infused with botanicals to make a bold and vibrant version. My favourite way to enjoy this is sipped slowly, on the rocks with a wedge of orange.
£32 from Nito
I am a big fan of eggnog. It’s a Christmas tipple I love to make and love to drink. For those looking for a vegan version this is the best I’ve tried and keep a bottle, or two, on hand every festive season. Made with a blend of golden rum, oat milk and spices, it is a wonderfully cosy Christmas tipple.
£20 from Black Lines
Onsuri is renowned for making some of the best olive oil in the world with some of the highest polyphenol levels available (this is what makes olives healthy). This duo of beautiful glass bottles is made in collaboration with Glassette and would be a delicious and very stylish addition to any kitchen.
£49.99 from Onsuri
One of my all time favourite chocolate makers, this selection of wintery bars would be a very welcome gift for any chocolate lover, myself included (if any of my family are reading this). This particular selection includes their spectacular cinnamon bun bar which is absolute heaven.
£20 from Pump Street
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