With Christmas around the corner, it’s time to start buying the perfect Christmas stocking filler. They don’t have to be filled with socks and sweets, especially for food lovers. Whether new to the kitchen or a seasoned home cook, it can feel like buying the perfect stocking filler is impossible. But fear not, we’ve curated our top 10 list of stocking fillers every food lover secretly wants. They’re purposeful, affordable, and are clever kitchen additions that deliver value far beyond the wrapping paper.
10 Stocking fillers that wow
1. Mini zester / Microplane
One of the most used tools in professional kitchens, the microplane is any cook’s secret weapon. A versatile tool that helps you add zing and punch to any dish, whether it’s savoury or sweet – not to mention its compact design, slotting easily into any drawer, spoon holder, or hook (and, of course, Christmas stocking). Gift your food lover this tool that elevates a dish’s flavour with zero effort.
2. Herb scissors
While showing off some honed knife skills is a time-honoured tradition with cooks and chefs alike, there isn’t always the time to practise, or start intricately slicing (especially after a long day at work). The next best thing: herb scissors. No chopping board needed. Herbs are kept neat, fresh and unbruised. Gift this convenient tool to make your food lovers’ herb and garnishing game that much more impressive.
3. Reusable baking liners / Silicone mats
Every baker’s dream is reusable baking liners, also known as silicone mats. They’re eco-friendly, non-stick, and multipurpose (not just for baking cookies, but roasting or drying savoury elements, too). Not to mention, they’re ideal for beginners learning baking techniques and sheet-pan cooking.
4. Flavoured salts
Every food lover knows about salt – and where to get their Maldon sea salt fix. Instead of filling their stocking with something they can buy themselves, opt for flavoured salts. They’re useful for a variety of dishes, bring interesting and new flavours to their kitchen, and are made to fit inside any old stocking. For a local/gourmet twist, think along the lines of the artisanal salts and seasoning gifts featured in Food & Home’s gift guide.
5. Mini digital thermometer
An essential tool in the kitchen (not only for baking), but digital thermometers also help cooks serve beautifully roasted, poached, and fried meats (without a sign of any dryness), not to mention signalling when cakes are just baked through, or caramels are at the right stage before the next step in the recipe. They’re small and compact, but their versatility really packs a punch.
6. Small-batch olive oil or infused oils
What better stocking filler to gift a foodie than oil? Used in both sweet and savoury dishes, oils, whether small-batch olive oil or infused oils, are such a revered ingredient in the pantry. They help turn the heat up in frying pans so you get the perfect amount of browning, or add a velvety-smooth mouthfeel to salad dressings with a little punch of flavour. The best part? Many oil bottles come in mini sizes, or as trios – the perfect size for a Christmas stocking. Head over to Food & Home’s gift guide to check out what oils would suit your foodie’s taste.
7. Silicone spatula
Another gem of a kitchen tool, silicone spatulas far outperform any other regular spatulas. The silicone makes them heat-resistant and pliable – allowing your foodie friend to whip up a batch of piping hot fudge, or help them scrape every last drop of their drool-worthy Christmas gravy from the pot. Whether you think they would prefer a regular-sized or mini version, they’ll definitely be pleased with this stocking filler.
8. Spice rub or rub trio
This is a no-brainer: a fuss-free flavour discovery, perfect for filling stockings. Whether your foodie loves a good braai blend, shawarma spice, or a unique dukkha blend, you can never go wrong with gifting spices. The best part? Many brands prepare taster packs, mini versions of their regular sizes, and trios of their most popular spice rubs and blends, making this gift idea easy pickings. Our gift guide has a few fantastic options for spice rubs and blends. Make sure to check it out.
9. Garlic press
What better gift to give than a garlic press? No garlicky fingers or papercuts from peeling and mincing. Garlic pressers are lifetime tools that can be used to press more than garlic (anything small and squishy is viable). Not to mention how it bulks up a Christmas stocking, making you look like the best gifter ever.
10. Bench scraper
It’s become quite the trendy tool as of late, and for good reason. Bench scrapers aren’t just used by old-school bakers and pastry chefs, but more recently, by any chef. They are amazingly versatile and come in many shapes, sizes, and designs. Metal ones are great for working with heavy doughs, and moving around prep work (like that kilo of onions you’ve just sliced and have to transfer from the chopping board to the pot). Silicone or soft plastic scrapers are pliable and perfect for working with lighter foods, like buttercreams, folding cake batters, or transferring whipped cream.
These gifts are small in size but big in kitchen joy. They’re ideal for the seasoned cook (who needs a few upgrades) and the beginner still building their toolkit. This list is proof that good things really do come in stocking-sized packages.
