The Joy of Gifting Cookbooks

Every year, I buy cookbooks to give as holiday gifts. They’re some of my favorite presents for people who love to cook. Filled with bright photography, mouthwatering recipes, and the author’s personal insights, they provide tons of inspiration in the kitchen, and I love to share that with others.

So many wonderful cookbooks are being published these days that you can find the perfect one for everyone on your list—from bakers to meal preppers and everyone in between. If you’re still looking for the right gift for the cook on your list, I’m sure you’ll find it here!

Disclosure: I earn a small commission on items purchased. I’ve included Amazon links below, but by all means, take this list and go support your local bookstore!

The Best Cookbooks to Gift in 2025

1. Simple Feel Good Food

The Best Gift for Busy Cooks

My latest cookbook, Simple Feel Good Food, is designed to help you easily create produce-packed meals. It features:

• Half “at-the-ready” recipes that can be made with simple ingredients.
• Half “in advance” recipes suitable for meal prepping.

All 125 recipes are packed with fresh vegetables—my definition of feel-good food!

2. Love & Lemons Every Day

The Best Gift for Vegetable Lovers

Love & Lemons Every Day is a comprehensive resource for vegetarian cooking. Organized by meal type, it features:

• Quick meal inspiration, like 5 easy pastas and 6 veggie scrambles.
• Reference charts, featuring a grid of 5-ingredient salad dressings and a vegetable roasting guide.

3. Dinner by Meera Sodha

The Best Gift for Weeknight Dinner Ideas

Meera Sodha’s Dinner includes over 100 delicious vegetarian recipes aimed at revitalizing weeknight meals, including tempting desserts!

4. Linger by Hetty McKinnon

The Best Gift for Salad Lovers

Hetty McKinnon’s Linger features vibrant salads that inspire creativity and seasonal cooking.

5. Good Things by Samin Nosrat

The Best Gift for Home Chefs

In Good Things, Samin Nosrat shares simple meals and cooking lessons perfect for home chefs. This book is a joy to read and cook from!

6. A Grain, A Bean, A Green by Gena Hamshaw

The Best Gift for Cooks on a Budget

This cookbook features affordable, nutritious meals based on basic ingredients—ideal for cooks of all skill levels.

7. Tahini Baby by Eden Grinshpan

The Best Gift for Those Who Love Bold Flavors

Eden Grinshpan’s Tahini Baby is a celebration of Middle Eastern cuisine, featuring casual yet elevated vegetarian recipes.

8. Sesame by Rachel Simons

The Best Gift for Tahini Lovers

Rachel Simons’ new cookbook includes 80 plant-forward recipes with a spotlight on the history of sesame.

Gift Ideas for Pasta and Vegan Cuisine

9. Six Seasons of Pasta by Joshua McFadden

The Best Gift for Pasta Lovers

This practical guide by James Beard award winner Joshua McFadden teaches you how to elevate pasta dishes with seasonal vegetables.

10. The Korean Vegan Homemade by Joanne Molinaro

The Best Gift for Storytelling Cooks

With a blend of recipes and personal stories, Joanne’s book offers creative vegan dishes that are sure to inspire and satisfy.

11. Lebanese Baking by Maureen Abood

The Best Gift for Home Bakers

With detailed guides and traditional recipes, Abood’s Lebanese Baking is perfect for any baker looking to explore Middle Eastern classics.

12. Sally’s Baking 101 by Sally McKenney

The Best Gift for Beginning Bakers

Sally McKenney’s new release is packed with essential recipes and insights for bakers at all levels.

FAQ

What’s the best cookbook for beginners?

Sally’s Baking 101 by Sally McKenney is highly recommended for those just starting out.

Are there cookbooks focused on vegetarian recipes?

Yes! Love & Lemons Every Day is a great option filled with vegetarian recipes.