Foodie Anti-Haul | Holiday Gift Edition

Every year, I give and receive a litany of food and kitchen-themed gifts. There are so many cool gadgets, books, and food items that come out throughout the year, and by the time the holidays roll around, I have a long list of things to buy. This year, I spent a lot of time thinking about what I REALLY needed and what I wanted to get my friends. Surprisingly, the list of things I won’t be buying is SO MUCH LONGER than the list of things I will. So I decided to put together my own anti-haul (credit to Kimberly Clark for the concept.) I’m sure some of these items can make great gifts for your friends or family, but in my case, these are the things I’m not interested in. Take a look, and let me know what kitchen items you’ll be passing on this holiday season!

1. Overhyped Kitchen Appliances

Am I the only person bewildered by the popularity of small kitchen appliances? From pressure cookers to fryers, there are thousands of machines that fit perfectly on your countertop and will cook your food with a push of a button. Personally, I do not need to cook things faster or slower, and I really don’t need another appliance in my house. I’ll be skipping these this year.

2. Celebrity Dinnerware

You know exactly what I’m talking about. It’s the 10-piece set from *insert celebrity chef here, * and it’s only here for the holidays! I already have stuff to eat off of, so I don’t see myself buying this. It’s fine to get new dinnerware when you need it, but think about how wasteful this can be. Will you keep all your old dinnerware, or are you going to throw it all away? Perhaps reconsider this one if what you already have is fine.

3. Pre-made Gift Baskets

Wicker baskets filled with chocolate, tea, coffee, cheese, meats, or anything your foodie-heart desires, are not on my list this year. While I know this is a simple way to impress people, it’s really wasteful. Most of the time, the packaging isn’t recyclable, and it takes FOREVER for people to use everything. If you want to get someone a basket full of fun food items, then just get all the stuff and put it in a basket. That way, you can add your own personal touch to a gift. I highly recommend making your own baskets (I do this almost every year). You can cut down on waste and cost by doing this. Besides, it makes people feel really special.

4. Weird Sets

This goes hand-in-hand with the last one. For some reason, I always end up with a box of hot sauces from a Secret Santa gift exchange. And of course, this stuff sits in the back of my cupboard until I decide to give it away to someone else. I mean, if I see a set of tea that I think someone will like, then sure I might get it. But most of the time, these things are just weird, and people don’t end up using them.

5. Gimmicky Kitchen Gadgets

There are so many weird and gimmicky things that top those “10 Gifts for Foodies” lists. This year, it seems that beer dispensers are especially popular gifts. I’m sure that lots of work went into making these products, but why can’t we just pour the beer into a glass? Save your money. Don’t buy the weird gimmicks. Just think about how long you see a person using something before you buy it for them.

6. Fondue Pots

Unless you have frequent dinner parties, I do not see the point of this. I always see fondue pots as a suggested holiday gift for a foodie, but I don’t know a single person who would use one. Fondue can be fun, but it is so much effort–especially for the cleanup. Just go out for fondue instead!

7. DIY Kits

I’ve seen plenty of DIY fermentation or mochi kits on Christmas lists this year. These can be good for people who really want to try their hand at making new things. But please don’t buy these things as a stab in the dark at what someone wants. Maybe just start asking people for their Christmas lists before you buy them something that might stay in a closet for six months.

8. Oddly Specific Containers

Why do I need a container just for lemons? Why do I need one for avocados? Why is it always shaped EXACTLY like the thing it’s storing? I genuinely don’t get these things. Nothing says “Merry Christmas” like a tiny plastic container made exclusively for half a grapefruit.

9. Fancier Versions of Things I Already Own

“I know you already have a cutting board, but I got you a fancy one that’s super heavy, and it’s monogrammed!” I understand it’s the thought that counts, but I will not be buying or gifting anybody a fancy anything. I get by just fine with the stuff I already have, and I assume my friends do the same. Save your marble rolling pins for someone else.

10. Stuff I Can Make at Home

My all-time favorite gift to give anyone is baked goods. Each year, I receive a bunch of requests to “make that thing you brought to that one thing.” I’m totally down to bake stuff, but I know there are ways to cut corners on this one, i.e., buying pre-made baked goods. If you genuinely do not have the time, I get it. But if you have the time and energy to bake someone a gift, then absolutely go for it. The best presents are ones that come from the heart, and what says “I love you” more than something homemade?