We happen to know a little something about food lovers. If the Mom in your life is a foodie like us (and you!), check out our Mother’s Day gift guide for the best present at any price point.
Digital Cooking Scale
A digital scale is a can’t-miss-gift for anyone who loves to cook from global recipes. You can find great scales online or at your local big-box store with a range of functions, but we like to keep it simple. If your scale weighs in pounds and grams with an easy to find tare button (to reset the display to zero), you don’t need too many frills. If Mom’s kitchen space is limited (or she likes to cook when traveling—and yes, some of us do that!)), you might look for a scale that can be folded into a more compact shape. Or, if she already has a regular scale and she’s really into coffee, baking, fermenting, or cheese-making, look for a micro-scale that measures in milligrams. You can find great scales of any type for under $30.
Dutch Oven
A heavy, sturdy Dutch oven is a workhorse in the kitchen, and your mom may have put off buying one for herself, since they can be very expensive. Used for braises, stews, soups, and big batches of whatever comfort food she makes best, they make a great gift. These days, you can find reliable and minimal Dutch ovens for under $100, though you can certainly splurge if you would like. Look to classic cast iron brands or store-brand pots for less expensive options and the big names like Staub for something flashier. They come in a wide range of sizes, but a 7 quart is universally useful.
Your Favorites
You obviously know something about food, so why not share your favorites with Mom? Pack a little basket with some of your must-have condiments, snacks, candies, wines, even hand tools—anything you can think of. Bonus points if it’s a new flavor or cuisine she hasn’t tried yet! It will be a double gift, since moms all love a little extra peek at who you are.
Vintage Kitchenware
Do you had a Mod Mom? Check out vintage stores, estate sales, Etsy, and other online markets to scope out favorite kitchen collectibles. From beautiful glassware and silver serving utensils to everyday functional pieces, there’s something for everyone. With colorful patterns and quality craftmanship, brands like Pyrex, Fire King, and Glasbake have held up since the mid-century and can be used daily or placed on a shelf for a decorative display. You can find plates, glasses, casserole dishes, sugar bowls—virtually anything, so look for something your mom might love. Collectors can spend a pretty penny for their favorite pieces (hundreds, if not thousands), but you can find cool and useful pieces for anywhere from $30 to $250.
Feed Mom’s passion for all things food and wine at a hands-on class taught by CIA chef instructors. Located on our three U.S. campuses—Hyde Park, NY; Napa, CA; and San Antonio, TX—these classes cover everything from basic knife skills to sushi, with lots of pastries, plant-forward cooking, and global flavors in between. The 5 hour classes run most days of the week and range from $150 – $250 per person.
