What do you get for the person who has everything??? We don’t know, nor do we care… BUT we did make a list of our favorite gifts to get for that special hospitality friend, co-worker, or literally just yourself....
It's a long list, so let's get straight to it:
Part 1 - Tools of the Trade
The 8" Steelport Chef Knife - $400
First off, for your favorite knife wielding chef you must check out the Steelport Chef Knife. Forged from a single solid piece of American Carbon Steel from blade tip to end cap, these knives are incredibly balanced and built to last. They better deserve it though, at $400 it’s quite a gift.
Green Chartreuse - $135
If you’re stumped shopping for your favorite bartender, a bottle of Green Chartreuse is always a great gift. This is our favorite “distilled by monks using a 400 year old recipe” liqueur. Check the bank balance before you go shopping, these bottles are becoming harder to find now that they’ve slowed down production.
A Chef Apron from Artifact - $48 - $95
For FOH (honestly also BOH and Bar) the Chef Aprons from Artifact make fantastic gifts. They are gorgeously designed and durable as hell, and affordable! Depending on the options, many of them are under $50.
Part 2 - Books to Make You Better
Chef Wise - $20
Chef Wise - great for chefs that need inspiration, it’s chock full of wisdom from all over the world. Covering topics both inside and outside of the kitchen, if its worth learning about working in or owning a restaurant - this book covers it.
The Professional Chef 10th Addition - $95
The Professional Chef 10th Addition - recent revisions from the Culinary Institute of America include a more plant forward focus for a sustainable future. Complete with hundreds of recipes and four-color photographs throughout, this is the essential reference for any aspiring chef, culinary student, or cooking enthusiast.
The Flavor Bible, Wine Bible or Beer Bible - $25 - $40
The Flavor Bible, Wine Bible or Beer Bible - all staples of any enthusiast’s shelf. Well everyone except liquor enthusiasts, which I guess based on the Green Chartreuse gift is probably just the actual bible.
Part 3 - Then There's Always Socks
The Targeted Compression Performance Calf Sock - $20
The Targeted Compression Performance Calf Socks from Bombas are amazing, designed to keep you cool, dry and improve blood flow while you are on your feet.
Nordic Socks - $40 for 5 pairs
For those of you in cooler climates, the cotton or wool socks from Nordic Socks are a literal heaven for your feet. Figuratively speaking. But also, Biblically.
Part 4 - Shoes, Oh My God, Shoes...
Merrell’s Jungle Moc Leather Comp Toe Work Shoe - $130
Merrell’s Jungle Moc Leather Comp Toe Work Shoe is waterproof, breathable, and built to keep your feet comfy and firmly planted underneath you, and is even treated to keep foot odor at bay.
New Balance Fresh Foam x 840f - $145
New Balance Fresh Foam x 840f is by many accounts one of the most comfy shoes for working on your feet all day. Not bad looking either, but at $144 these ones are a bit pricier.
Keens PTC Oxford - $120
Keens PTC Oxford is a more classy looking option, and a bit more affordable too. Water and slip resistant all while being ethically sourced and consciously made.
Part 5 - Oh and Shirts
The Daffodil Unbranded Tee - $48
Ably Apparel makes a Daffodil Unbranded Tee that is super comfy and made with anti-stain material.
The Simone Button-Up Blouse - $220
For a more professional look check out Numi’s The Simone Button-Up Blouse, it’s stain resistant to wine and coffee, as well as being machine washable.
Labfresh Non-Iron Stretch Button-Up - $80 - $115
Labfresh carries a non-iron stretch button up that is sweat resistant, liquid and oder repellant.
6AM Work Shirts - $70-$90
Lastly from our favorite work-tip sharing shirt promoter; 6AM work shirts make ultra comfortable, form fitting, and spill resistant button-ups. They are built using two types of fabrics to keep you cool, dry and looking sharp for an affordable price!
Whatever you end up doing this holiday, treat yourself well first. For some of us, giving is both a way to feel good and to show someone else how important they are...
Happy Holidays from Poached. 🙂
Disclaimer: The products mentioned in the above article are not part of a paid promotion. They were selected independently based on their quality, performance, and relevance to the topic. The inclusion of these items is solely for informational purposes, and the recommendations are unbiased, with no compensation or sponsorship influencing their placement in the article. We're not saying we wouldn't do a paid promotion... we just didn't do one here. (Now give us money!)
