Still Stumped? Three Great Gift Ideas for Someone on Your List

Still struggling to find something thoughtful for someone on your list? Here are three great gift ideas that will work for just about anyone. First, the Hydro Flask. Theirs was the first all-insulated bottle on the market, and I am a huge fan of this Northwest company based in Bend, Oregon. Why? Because once you fill it, hot stays hot and cold stays cold. Fill it with hot cocoa, take it to Mt. Hood, and leave it in your frozen car. After you get done skiing all day, that cocoa will still be hot. Or leave it in the sun, in 103 degree heat for several hours, and there will still be plenty of ice. No condensation, and no heat transfer, and because they are made of 18/8 stainless steel, you won’t get flavor transfer either. Several retailers that carry Hydro Flask products are REI, Whole Foods, Sportsman’s Warehouse and New Seasons Market. Or, to really personalize your gift, you can go on the Hydro Flask website and build your own bottle. Be sure to take a look at all of their products. They also make vacuum insulated pints and growlers, perfect for your favorite beer drinker, as well as nifty thermos-type food flasks. I forgot to tell Santa I wanted one of their new Flex Caps, so it looks like I will be doing some more online ordering after Christmas.

Another great gift is the Fagor Lux Multicooker. This little guy does it all. Yes, it is a crockpot, and yes, it is a pressure-cooker, but it also lets you brown, simmer, sauté, keep warm, and time delay. Still not sold? It also makes rice, RISOTTO (yes, risotto!) and yogurt. And, best of all, it is a cinch to clean up. (I should work for Fagor.) This was my #1, most wanted item on my Christmas list last year. I wanted one so much that I took husband in tow to the cooking store to make sure he got the exact right one. A year later, I can honestly say that it was a great choice. Rice and risotto come out perfect, and if you are trying to make dinner in a hurry, anything you pressure cook comes out like you worked at it all day. I love that you can sauté and brown right in the same pot and then add the rest of the ingredients to finish cooking. This thing is amazing. You can buy one at Sur La Table, Bed Bath and Beyond, or off Amazon. Someone in your life needs one of these. Maybe it’s you.

Finally, the WellnessMat. Anyone who spends long hours on their feet would love one of these. If you spend a lot of time in the kitchen, they are great. They have special designs, colors, and sizes you can order specifically to fit the floor plan of your kitchen. Or, if you want to buy something from a retailer, you can buy anti-fatigue gel mats at Costco and Bed Bath and Beyond. Someone you love will be very grateful.

And if you happen to be a guest at some time this holiday season, think about bringing coffee as a hostess gift. Bonus points if you happen to know the hosts’ favorite variety. People receive many bottles of wine this time of year, but coffee is an equally nice gesture.

Hopefully, one of these ideas will help you find something for someone you are stumped about. I am quite sincerely enthusiastic about all three products and am not receiving any sort of compensation to say so. Finish that shopping, stay merry, and enjoy this wonderful time with your friends and family.