The gift-giving season is here, whether you feel ready or not. If you need inspiration for food-loving friends, here are a handful of thoughtful, practical stocking stuffer ideas for cooks, bakers, and anyone who loves eating well. These picks are small enough to tuck into a stocking, useful in the kitchen, and a little unexpected—perfect for the culinary-minded people on your list.
Wine pump — A simple vacuum or pressure pump is one of those tiny tools that makes a big difference after a party. It removes air from an opened bottle, keeping the wine fresher for days so less wine ends up down the drain. Packaged pumps make an elegant and useful stocking stuffer for wine lovers who enjoy entertaining.
Chobs — These handy little knobs lift one side of a cutting board so you can flip and use the other side without grabbing a second board. Fewer dishes, less mess, and a smarter way to extend a favorite cutting board’s life. Practical, inexpensive, and great for cooks who appreciate small conveniences.
Pie bird — For pie lovers, a traditional pie bird (a small venting funnel placed in the center of a pie) is a charming, retro accessory. It’s functional and nostalgic—perfect for someone who bakes frequently but might not want a large, expensive cookware gift. Small, classic, and useful season after season.
FEED-style wine bag — A reusable fabric wine bag makes a nice presentation and can feel more meaningful than simple wrapping. Some brands that sell these bags also support charitable causes, donating meals or funding for school lunches with each purchase. A quality cotton or burlap-style bag is an attractive, eco-friendly stocking stuffer for thoughtful giftees.
Bonne Maman preserves — Small jars of premium jam or preserves are ideal for stuffing into stockings. Choose a few interesting flavors—fig, apricot-raspberry, or other seasonal varieties—to give someone a taste they might not buy for themselves. These preserve jars are the kind of little treat that makes holiday mornings sweeter.
Funky tools from specialty brands — Brands that make clever, well-designed kitchen tools are great sources for stocking stuffers. Look for bendable spatulas that scoop and chop, inventive garlic presses, or other compact gadgets that add convenience. Many of these items come in sturdy retail boxes that are ready to tuck into a stocking or gift bag.
Triple Peanut and Chocolate Chip Cookies
From BHG Special Interest Publication Holiday Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate peanut butter cups, chopped
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup peanuts
Preparation:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the softened butter, shortening, and peanut butter until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the bowl, then add the brown sugar and granulated sugar and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add the baking soda, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each. Stir in the vanilla extract. With the mixer on low, gradually add the flour until the dough comes together. Fold in the chopped mini peanut butter cups, chocolate chips, and peanuts so they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Using a tablespoon-sized scoop or spoon, drop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between cookies. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. A warm cookie with molten peanut butter filling can be tempting, but letting them rest briefly prevents burns and helps the centers set properly.
