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    32 Gifts For Anyone Who Prefers Reading Cookbooks Over Novels

    The food lover in your life will absolutely ~eat up~ these 16 cookbooks — yes, there's even a Disney Parks one — and the kitchen tools to go with them.

    Hey! While we’re doing our best to make sure the products we feature will arrive in time for Christmas, shipping times are tricky and can vary depending on where you live, which product you purchase, and more. Shop early and be sure to double check the retailers’ websites for shipping information to ensure that your gift will arrive in time for the 25th!

    1. The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook, because you once overheard them say they could eat Dole Whip for every meal (same, tbh). Oh, and now they won't feel bad about going straight for the ears on their Mickey Pretzels, since they'll be in the comfort of their own kitchen. 

    The dark blue Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook cover featuring the castle from the Magic Kingdom in the background
    Adams Media

    Author Ashley Craft actually grew up in Anaheim and spent time as an intern at Disney World. Needless to say, she is an expert when it comes to all things Disneyland and Disney World, and her book includes very Disney-esque recipes, like Matterhorn Macaroons and LeFou's Brew.

    Amazon shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with 2-day shipping, non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).

    Bookshop shipping info: To ensure delivery by Christmas, place orders using expedited shipping no later than Dec. 18 (see all of Bookshop's holiday shipping info here). 

    Get it from Amazon for $11.99 or Bookshop (to support local businesses) for $20.45.

    2. And some ridiculously beautiful Porter Seal-Tight glass containers that'll even make their leftovers seem as dreamy as a visit to the Happiest Place on Earth itself. Those pastels! 😍

    glass bowls with silicone wraps in different colors and sizes on a shelf
    two of the containers filled with food next to a pair of chopsticks
    Amazon

    The jars are BPA-free as well as microwave- and dishwasher-safe.

    BuzzFeed Shopping contributor Rachel Dunkel says: "Before working from home became the norm, I would use these handy jars to bring my lunch almost every day. They're perfect for things like fruit, salad, or something saucy — stuff you really don't want to get squished *and* want to ensure doesn't leak into your bag. *But* I have found that I use them just as much at home full-time! They are of course great for leftovers, but also for prepped ingredients for the week. Shedded cheese, prepped chicken, and chopped veggies usually live in these, ready to be utilized for a quick lunch or snack. They clean *super* well — I even have the cream color and it recovered from storing beets! 10/10 from me."

    Shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with 2-day shipping, non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).

    Get them from Amazon for $19.50+ each (available in two sizes and five colors).

    3. From Crook to Cook: Platinum Recipes from Tha Boss Dogg's Kitchen, which, yes, was written by everyone's rapper turned culinary icon (and Martha's bestie), Snoop! Not only is this book an absolute blast (there's an entire section called "OG Munchies Cereal Roundup"), it's also chockfull of crowd-pleasers like Billionaire's Bacon and Go Shorty, It's Your Birthday Cake. 

    the green From Crook to Cook cookbook featuring a photo of Snoop Dogg holding a bowl of mac and cheese
    Chronicle Books

    Snoop Dogg might be best known for his platinum albums and music awards, but in more recent years, he's also made a name for himself in the culinary world, having worked on several TV shows with Martha Stewart. He also launched Snoop Cali Red in partnership with 19 Crimes wine, and don't worry — his book does indeed include a recipe for OG Gin and Juice. 

    Shipping info: To ensure delivery by Christmas, place orders using expedited shipping no later than Dec. 18 (see all of Bookshop's holiday shipping info here). 

    Get it from Bookshop for $23.20.

    4. Plus, a "Bacon Bin" shaped like a cute little piggy for storing the delicious grease left over from their Billionaire's Bacon. Instead of pouring it down the drain (and clogging their pipes 😬), they can keep it in this handy cup for future cooking purposes. 

    the red bacon bin on a colorful background
    bacon grease being poured into the red bacon bin, which is next to a plate of bacon
    Amazon

    Plus, it comes with a handy strainer so they can easily discard any stray bits of bacon.

    It's made by small biz Talisman Designs, which creates helpful products to make cooking at home a little easier. Store it on your counter or in the fridge, or even freeze it to easily pop out the solidified grease.

    Promising review: "This thing is awesome. Big enough to hold plenty of grease without taking up a ton of space. I keep mine in the butter compartment of my fridge next to the butter. I poured the grease right from the pan, still very hot right into it and popped the lid on and put it in the fridge. Next time I needed some grease I scooped some out with a spoon, no muss no fuss. Much better than the glass jar I was using. My only warning is if you get it out when people are visiting keep an eye on it. It's so cute and so good at its job everyone will want one. This is an awesome gift idea. The little box it comes in is so cute with its little piggie face sticking out. Anyone who cooks with grease will love this." —John Dollard

    Shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with 2-day shipping, non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).

    Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in two sizes).

    5. Korean American, a book filled with *gorgeous* photos and ingenious recipes inspired by the dishes this Korean American food writer grew up eating in Atlanta (think Gochugaru Shrimp and Grits and Caramelized-Kimchi Baked Potatoes). 

    the green Korean American cookbook cover featuring a plate filled with chicken
    Clarkson Potter

    Eric Kim is a New York Times food and cooking staff writer who also appears in their cooking videos. His book is as much a cookbook as it is a love letter to his mother, Jean, whose own cooking played a major role in developing these recipes.

    Amazon shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with 2-day shipping, non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).

    Get it from Amazon for $27.99.

    6. And a mini rice cooker so they can tackle the entire "Rice Cuisine" section with perfectly cooked grains every time. They'll wanna bust it out for every meal once they see how easy it is to use (it's really cute, too!). 

    the white rice cooker filled with rice on a kitchen counter
    Amazon

    According to the manufacturer, this little machine will have hot rice on the table in less than 20 minutes! Plus, it's got PFOA-free nonstick coating and includes a rice measuring cup, serving spatula, and recipe book.

    Promising review: "I wasn't expecting much for such a low-priced appliance. I'm glad I gambled on it — what a surprise that this cute little rice cooker performs exactly as it's advertised. It cooks rice perfectly, keeps it warm for as long as you want, and cleanup is a breeze!!!! It's so little that at first you can't believe it could make so much. Definitely get this if you're cooking for one or two." —Julie S.

    Shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with 1-day shipping, non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).

    Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in eight colors).

    7. Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Volume I, because what cookbook collection is complete without a copy of Julia Child's classic masterpiece? It contains 524 of Julia's painstakingly tested recipes, and what it lacks in colorful photography, it makes up for in charming, illustrated instructions. Bon appétit!

    the green Mastering the Art of French Cooking cover with red lettering
    Knopf

    Julia Child, Louisette Bertholle, and Simone Beck's iconic book has been a staple of home cooks and professional chefs alike for over 60 years, and includes such beloved recipes as Boeuf Bourguignon and, of course, MANY ways of preparing chicken!

    Amazon shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with 1-day shipping, non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).

    Bookshop shipping info: To ensure delivery by Christmas, place orders using expedited shipping no later than Dec. 18 (see all of Bookshop's holiday shipping info here). 

    Get it from Amazon for $28.49+ (available in hardcover or paperback) or Bookshop (to support local businesses) for $32.55+ (available in hardcover, paperback, or a two-book boxed set featuring the classic Volume One and its sequel). 

    8. And Brightland's Duo olive oil set to instantly elevate their delicious cooking to Julia's level. Oh, and the beautiful bottles will look *great* in their kitchen. This set includes Brightland's popular Awake and Alive olive oils.

    the duo olive oil set on a kitchen counter
    Brightland

    Brightland is a WOC-owned small business that sources olives for their oils from a family-run farm in California. 

    Promising review: "I have yet to find another olive oil with better flavor than Brightland Co. I find myself making meals specifically just to use this lovely olive oil. It is a total game-changer. Say goodbye to that nasty bitter flavor that comes with most commercial oils, and hello to an explosion of flavors, and spice. (Surprisingly spicy!) Ordering and shipping are always a breeze, you can also easily adjust the subscription to suit your needs. I’m so happy to have found this product, it honestly makes everything taste better." —Jen

    Shipping info: 3-business day or 1-business day options are available at checkout for an additional cost. For Dec. 23 delivery, customers must place orders by: 12 p.m. ET on Dec. 19 for 3-business day shipping and 12 p.m. ET on Dec. 21 for 1-business day shipping. See all of Brightland's shipping info here

    Get it from Brightland for $74. For gifts, you can also add a personalized message at checkout. 

    9. The Air Fryer Cookbook for anyone who gets bored of eating the same thing every night, since it includes a whopping 600 recipes! And best of all, they'll be enjoying their crispy-crunchy delights in way less time than using a traditional oven. 

    the Air Fryer Cookbook cover featuring assorted air-fried foods like doughnuts, chicken, and churros
    Jenson William

    This book was written by Jenson William for air fryer novices and pros alike, and includes tasty recipes like Greek Chicken Gyros and Zucchini Parmesan Chips.

    Amazon shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with 2-day shipping, non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).

    Bookshop shipping info: To ensure delivery by Christmas, place orders using expedited shipping no later than Dec. 18 (see all of Bookshop's holiday shipping info here). 

    Get it from Amazon for $10.90+ or Bookshop (to support local businesses) for $13.33+ (available in paperback or hardcover from both retailers). 

    10. Plus, an 11-in-1 Instant Pot Duo Crisp with a special air fryer lid that'll basically replace every appliance in their kitchen *and* save them time, whether they're crisping up some chicken tenders or simmering a hearty stew. 

    the black and silver instant pot next to a bowl of brussels sprouts and a plate of ribs
    overhead shot of a plate of chicken wings cooked in the instant pot
    Amazon

    It's got air frying, roasting, baking, dehydrating, pressure cooking, slow cooking — *takes breath* — steaming, sautéeing, sterilizing, warming, rice cooking, and yogurt making functions! 

    Promising review: "This has changed my life! The air fryer is SO MUCH more efficient than my old air fryer. I was able to get rid of my rice cooker, crock pot, and air fryer. The Sous Vide mode is a game changer in making perfect medium rare meats. You can throw meat in there frozen and it comes out super tender and never dry. Just BUY IT!!!!" —susie v clewellclancy

    Another promising review: "What else can you say about this product? It will replace three appliances that I use on a regular basis — rice cooker, air fryer, and pressure cooker. That's important to me because at this point kitchen space is at a premium. The packaging is great, the instructions are very clear and well written and it works very well. The first use was to make chicken bone broth using the pressure cooker feature. It worked flawlessly. Two-hour cook time. It takes 10 minutes prep, 30 minutes to cool off. Three hours later I had homemade bone broth in the refrigerator. And the whole house didn't smell for 24 hours like it would with an open pot method. Anyway, the instant pot is a huge kitchen innovation IMO. Just get one, and use it." —Josh Brainard 

    Shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with 2-day shipping, non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).

    Get it from Amazon for $138.95+ (available in two sizes, colors, and models). 

    11. Black Food, a celebration of the food and people of the African Diaspora with curated recipes from over 100 Black luminaries. They'll learn how to make a treasure trove of delectable dishes, like JJ Johnson's Jollof Rice with Beans; Nina Compton's Lentil, Okra, and Coconut Stew; and Cheryl Day's Peach Hand Pies.

    the Black Food cookbook with colorful block lettering on a black background
    4 Color Books

    Black Food was edited by James Beard Award winner Bryant Terry, a vegan chef, four-time cookbook author, and food justice activist. 

    Amazon shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with 1-day shipping, non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).

    Bookshop shipping info: To ensure delivery by Christmas, place orders using expedited shipping no later than Dec. 18 (see all of Bookshop's holiday shipping info here). 

    Get it from Amazon for $24.49 or Bookshop (to support local businesses) for $37.20.

    12. And a pre-seasoned Lodge cast-iron skillet, which Bryant Terry himself calls his must-have kitchen skillet — and for good reason. Cast iron offers great heat retention, so this skillet is more than capable of keeping their favorite comfort dishes piping hot — plus, it can be used on the stove and in the oven, or even over a grill or fire!

    BuzzFeeder's photo of baked pasta in a cast iron pan
    reviewer holding up the black cast iron pan
    Britt Ross / BuzzFeed, www.amazon.com

    I've had my Lodge skillet for maybe seven years now, and I love it just as much today as the first day I got it. Nothing — and I mean NOTHING — is better when it comes to achieving the perfect golden brown pancake, crackly-skinned fish, and crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside baked pasta (see photo above!). Contrary to popular belief, it's incredibly easy to care for, and as long as you don't let it rust it'll last you FOR-EV-ER. I'm already planning on baking some cornbread in it for Thanksgiving!

    Promising review: "Best pan I've ever had. I can’t believe I just found this gem! I have been using nonstick pans for years and decided to try something with less chemical on it. This Lodge cast-iron skillet looks like it will last for centuries! It can easily go from stove to oven, even to my outdoor grill. The seasoning part seemed daunting at first, but once a nice protective layer is built up, cleaning just means an easy rinse with water and drying with heat." —Amazonian

    Shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with 1-day shipping, non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).

    Get a 10.25-inch skillet from Amazon for $19.90 (also available in eight other sizes and in 10 styles). 

    13. The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook to give to the Quidditch enthusiast on your list who also happens to love making *magic* happen in the kitchen. It contains over 150 recipes inspired by foods and characters from the books — Treacle Tart or Kreacher's French Onion Soup, anyone? 

    the black and purple Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook cover with a cauldron on it
    Adams Media

    Even the cooking witch Mrs. Weasley herself would be impressed by these fanciful treats!

    Amazon shipping info: Available on Amazon Prime with 2-day shipping, non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).

    Bookshop shipping info: To ensure delivery by Christmas, place orders using expedited shipping no later than Dec. 18 (see all of Bookshop's holiday shipping info here). 

    Get it from Amazon for $9.99 or Bookshop (to support local businesses) for $18.55.

    Editor's note: BuzzFeed does not support discriminatory or hateful speech in any form. We stand by the LGBTQ+ community and all fans who found a home in the Harry Potter series and will work to provide a safe space for fans. If you, like us, feel impassioned about trans rights, learn more or donate here.

    14. And a gorgeous, compact Beast blender that'll make them feel like a culinary ~wizard~ as they effortlessly blitz up ice while making their morning smoothies. 

    the gray blender filled with an orange smoothie and a hand holding a smaller blending vessel with an attached carry handle
    gif of someone turning on the blender to make a smoothie
    Amazon

    P.S. The blending bowl also doubles as a portable thermos and comes with a screw-on drinking lid and carry cap.

    I got this blender over the summer, and wow, as someone who had firmly decided I was an "I don't need a blender" person, I quickly changed my mind after the first use. For starters, it's not as large as those super industrial-strength blenders, and it's so aesthetically-pleasing that I have it out on my counter at all times. Plus, it couldn't be easier to use — just fill the bowl with your ingredients, pulse, and in a matter of ~moments~ you'll have a perfectly uniform blend of whatever you're trying to blitz. I first tried it out on a smoothie made with frozen bananas and peaches (see it in action on TikTok here!), and it pulverized the icy fruit like a champ. Best of all? It's a total breeze to clean, which, if I'm being honest, was probably the biggest factor in my having waited so long to add a blender to my kitchen arsenal. I can't recommend it enough, 15/10, no notes. 

    Shipping info: Items typically arrive within 5 days (see Amazon's full shipping information here).

    Get it from Amazon for $195 (available in gray or white).

    15. Italian American for new takes on old-school classics so they can feel like they're dining at their favorite red sauce joint on nights when they're eating in. Even their tradition-loving nonna won't be able to resist dishes like Spicy Crab Panzanella and Farfalle with White Vodka Sauce.

    the red Italian American cookbook featuring a dish of rolled lasagna on the cover