It's that time of year to start thinking about what to get your friends and loved ones for the holidays!
Whether you're shopping for a Herbie, a traveler, home cook, or minimalist, here are some ideas on what to buy!
I'll begin with a bang:
*Annual Meal Plan Premium Memberships* will be back for Cyber Monday (that's this coming Monday, December 1st)! ONE DAY ONLY!
Signup for the FREE newsletter for details! We will not be offering this deal again.
As an annual premium member, you also get access to our special meal plan Facebook group where you can interact with other 450+ members! It's great for keeping you on track and extra support!
For the herbie (or foodie) in your life:
Gift them the Happy Herbivore collection ;)
The Happy Herbivore Guide to Plant-Based Living (also available as an audible book!)
Happy Herbivore Holidays & Gatherings (NEW!)
If you live in the U.S., Amazon is the best deal (or support your local bookstore). For my international friends, go to The Book Depository (free worldwide shipping!).
For the home cook:
Here's what I use and 100% recommend...
Food Processors
I have both a Cuisinart mini food processor and a Cuisinart 7-cup food processor. While I managed to live without both for a year when I was living in the Caribbean (I relied on my blender or chopping skills), having them both back in my kitchen has made all the difference — they save me so much time! If you can only get one, go for the big guy!
Pressure Cooker
About two years ago, a friend of mine talked me into buying an electric pressure cooker. BEST INVESTMENT EVER. I use my Cuisinart Electric Pressure Cookerevery. single. day. It's great in the summer — no hot stove required! And it really makes my life easier when I'm doing batch cooking since it uses an outlet (thereby creating more cooking space on the stove! Woo!).
I use my PC mainly to cook beans and potatoes, both of which we eat a lot of. I was buying canned beans before for ease, so switching to dry beans made the PC pay for itself in a matter of weeks. (I'm forgetful and don't have the patience to soak and cook beans for hours and hours, but the pressure makes beans a 15-minute reality!). If you've been following my travel updates on Facebook, this is what I've been using to make my oatmeal and tofu scramble in my hotel room!
Rice Cooker
I bought my Panasonic Rice Cooker several years ago, and it's still going strong. Unfortunately, the one I have is discontinued, but there are plenty of other rice cookers out there that are just as good. I recommend spending a little extra and getting one with a special brown rice setting (like this one, also from Panasonic) as I find the run of the mill rice cookers can't really handle brown rice without a special setting.
Knives
I'm a big believer in investing in a good knife. Not only will it change your entire kitchen experience, but your fingers will also thank you! (See Scott's post on How Cheap Knives Endanger Your Digits). Nothing beats a Wusthof Classic, but the more affordable Victorinox Chef's Knife is also fantastic.
Microplane:I love my microplane zester — It's my favorite kitchen accessory! Necessary? No. Worth the purchase? YES. ($10.75)
Cutting Boards
Scott actually made my cutting boards, but if you're on the market for some new ones, I would recommend bamboo cutting boards. They're eco-friendly!
Bowls, Measuring Cups & Spoons
I just bought these two sets from Joseph Joseph and I'm in love with them! Not only are they colorful and pretty to look at, they're also minimalist (see how nicely the sit in each other for storage?).
The Joseph Joseph Nest Compact Food Preparation Set includes 1/6, 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, and 1 cup measuring cups, a 1/2-liter bowl, sieve, 3-liter colander and a 4-1/2-liter mixing bowl.
The 7-piece Joseph Joseph Elevate Carousel Set includes a spaghetti server, slotted spoon, ladle, slotted turner, solid spoon, flexible turner and rotating storage stand.
Cookware Set: I use Emerilware, Emeril's line of kitchen pots and pans. It's a splurge, but worth every penny! I also use this high-quality non-stick skillet for a few token dishes. I have a flat double nonstick broiler as well for pancakes. More great gift ideas for the cook.
I'm also in love with parchment paper and silicon cookware: mats, muffin cups, and beyond!
For the traveler:
Vegan in Europe has everything you need to know for your next European vacation:
- Specific restaurant recommendations (including “locals only” restaurants you won’t find on HappyCow, including gluten-free and raw options
- Detailed information about what to expect food-wise in each country
- Expert tips for what to pack for your trip and what to buy in Europe!
- Comprehensive overview of “accidentally vegan” traditional fare you should try
- Language tips (including key vocabulary and phrases) for every language
- Details of what beers and wines are vegan in each country
- Cautionary warnings for the all cultural quirks you need to be aware of
- And much more!
For the minimalist:
The Minimalist Monday Book series (Zen Home, Zen Life, Zen Productivity)
Gift Cards (I always gift grocery stores gift cards)
Charitable donations in their name
Food :)
Happy shopping!
