Chef's Tools

An aspiring chef can only do so much given the tools he or she has. Make sure your Foodie has all the tools they need to make delicious meals.  Look for essentials like cutting boards and knives, or get adventurous with mandolins and food mills to encourage new creations. Go to Williams Sonoma at the Natick Mall or shop online at their website to find all the tools a chef would ever dream of.

Williams Sonoma. 1245 Worcester Street, Natick, MA. 508-655-2191. Mon-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 12pm-6pm.

Photo: Flickr/Dinner Series

Small Appliances

Even the biggest Foodie will admit they need some help preparing their meals. This is where appliances come in to save the day, and the right machine can make the difference between an everyday meal and a memorable experience. Check out the Kitchen Collection at the Wrentham Outlets for everything from coffee makers to blenders. Your Foodie will enjoy the fruits of their labors and maybe will ask you to try their new creations.

Kitchen Collection. One Premium Outlets Boulevard, Suite 580, Wrentham, MA. 508-384-6206. Mon-Sat 10:00am-9:00pm, Sun 10:00am-6:00pm. 

Photo: Flickr/Chris Kelly

Cookware

Old pots and pans that get everyday use can wear down quickly. Any Foodie would appreciate durable cookware they can put to the test, like nonstick skillets and sets made of stainless steel. Head to the Kitchen Place at the Solomon Pond Mall to see the selection yourself or shop online at their website to get a wider range of options.

The Kitchen Place. 601 Donald Lynch Boulevard, Marlboro, MA. 508-485-5665. Mon-Sat 10:00am-9:00 pm, Sun 11am-6am.

Photo: Flickr/Dinner Series

Cook Books

Introducing new recipes to a Foodie is a surefire way to peak their interest and creates an excuse for them to invite you over for dinner. Cook books offer original meal ideas and fresh takes on old classics. It’s truly the gift that keeps on giving all year long. Find a wide variety of book stores at Barnes and Noble in Lincoln Plaza or any local bookstore near you!

Barnes and Noble. 541 D Lincoln Street Worcester, MA. 508-853-2236. Mon-Sat 9:00am-10:00pm, Sun 10:00am-8pm. 

Photo: Flickr/Lori L. Stalteri

Cooking Lessons

Whether giving to a beginner looking to learn the basics or an expert itching to refine their skills, cooking lessons are enjoyable for all types of foodies. The Culinary Underground offers group classes or private sessions for all ages and experiences with recipes for holiday parties or specialty pasta sauces, just to name a couple. Join the lesson yourself and see who’s better in the kitchen!

Culinary Underground. 21 Turnpike Road Southborough, MA. 508-904-6589. Lesson Times Vary.

Winery Tours and Tastings

Nothing is paired better with food than a good glass on wine, but you don’t have to send your Foodie to France, Italy, or even California to enjoy wine from a winery. Central MA is home to Nashoba Valley Winery, where you can enjoy one of their daily tastings or weekend tours for a reasonable price. Get tickets as a stocking stuffer!

Nashoba Valley Winery. 100 Wattaquadock Hill Road Bolton, Massachusetts. 978-779-5521. Wine Tastings Mon-Sun 10:00am-4:30pm, Tours Sat-Sun 11:00am-4:00pm. 

Brewery Beer

If your Foodie prefers to drink beer with their food, then the Berkshire Brewing Company is the place to find a selection of classical and seasonal brews. Pick up some bottles and cans of popular pale ales or lagers and be the hit of your holiday party. Merchandise like glasses and t-shirts are also available online.

Berkshire Brewing Company. 5 Boulder Pkwy, Oxford, MA. 508-731-0458.    

Baked Goods

Hosting a holiday party can be stressful, especially for Foodies looking to serve the perfect meal. Take some pressure off them by giving the gift of a desert from Bean Counter Bakery. Pick up some cupcakes, fruit tarts, or specialty cakes that will put their mind at ease and cement your status of expert gift giver.

Bean Counter Bakery. 113 Highland Street Worcester, MA. 508-754-3125. Open 7 Days a Week. 

Cannoli

Another sweet treat is the cannoli, a delectable Italian pastry that can be a pain to make. Let your Foodie skip the tedious baking process by giving them a box full of treats from Wholly Cannoli. Their options include the Dynamite Stick, Peanut Butter Landmine, and Cherry Bombs.

Wholly Cannoli. 490 Grafton Street, Worcester, MA. 508-753-0224. Mon-Wed 7am-7pm, Thurs-Sat 7am-9pm, Sun 7am-7pm.

Chocolates

Everyone, especially Foodies, love chocolates. Some of the best are made by Lindt, and you can go to the Shoppes at Blackstone Valley to pick out a variety to give as a gift. They are perfect for those who enjoy chocolate that melt in your mouth good.

Lindt. One Premium Outlets Boulevard, Wrentham, MA. 508-384-0666. Mon-Sat 9am-9pm, Sun 10am-7pm.

Photo: Flickr/viZZual.com

WOO Card

The WOO Card is perfect for those who want to discover the best that Worcester has to offer. Foodies will enjoy the numerous restaurants that accept the WOO Card. As an added bonus they never expire! Get one online to give as a gift.

Click here for more information.

Restaurant Gift Card

Foodies like to go out to eat and try a variety of restaurants. The Phantom Gourmet Gift Card is the perfect gift for Foodies as it allows them to enjoy several restaurants in the Worcester Area. Get one online or at one of ten local malls. Best of all they can’t say you gave them something they didn’t enjoy!

Click here for details.

Fruit Basket

Some Foodies crave chocolate and others crave delicious fruit. If you have a fruit lover on your holiday list, look no further than Edible Arrangements. They offer Fresh fruit arrangements and gourmet chocolate dipped fruit made-to-order, for pick-up and delivery 7 days a week.

Edible Arrangements. 691 Grafton St, Worcester, MA. 508-797-9200.