The toys top chefs want for Christmas

Top U.S. culinary talents and industry professionals share what they’re hoping to snag on sale this holiday season, from must-have kitchen tools to indulgent splurges.
Chris Borges, Chef/Co-Owner of
Charmant,
New Orleans
According to Chef Chris, two pieces of indispensable kitchen equipment that he’s hoping to find on sale this holiday season are the Benriner Japanese Mandolin and the Vitamix Professional Blender.
The Benriner Japanese Mandolin is an essential tool for every chef, professional or at-home. A mandolin gives you uniform, razor-thin slices that a knife simply can’t do.
Benriner’s is top-notch, but the price of these has risen sharply in the last 10 years, and what you were able to purchase for less than $20 has now become over $30. 
But a potential Cyber Day deal could bring the price back down to what it used to be (or close to it). Benriner No. 64 Japanese Mandolin Second, a Vitamix professional blender. 
Once you use a Vitamix, it is virtually impossible to go back to any other brand of blender.  Unfortunately, the price tag for the best models can climb to over $500. 
But in the past, the Amazon Cyber Monday deal could shave $100-$150 off that price and allow for some big savings.
There’s a range of blenders depending on the bells and whistles you want. Vitamix Blenders.
 Nina Compton, Chef/Owner of
Compere Lapin, New Orleans
For Chef Nina Compton, her must-have item is the French Press Coffee Maker. “My morning ritual starts with making a cup of coffee in my French press, then drinking it in one of my grandmother’s mugs. There’s something about using a French press that automatically elevates your coffee. They run the gamut in prices, but they almost always go on sale for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.” 
 JD Eubanks, Chef
at Tujague’s,
New Orleans
Chef JD shared his top picks for thoughtful holiday gifts for both at-home cooks and aspiring bartenders. For the home chef, he recommends essentials that combine practicality and inspiration, starting with a high-quality chef’s knife, which he calls a must-have for efficient and safe food preparation at any skill level.
A digital instant-read meat thermometer is another favorite, ensuring perfectly cooked dishes and eliminating guesswork.
He also praises the Le Creuset or Lodge Dutch oven as a versatile, heirloom-quality piece ideal for soups, stews, and bread-making, while gourmet olive oils or spice gift sets can elevate everyday meals and inspire creativity in the kitchen. For precision lovers, a kitchen scale is indispensable for consistent baking and cooking results.
When it comes to gifts for the at-home bartender, Chef JD suggests a complete bartender kit with all the tools needed to craft professional-quality cocktails. A whiskey smoker or cocktail infusion kit makes for a unique and interactive present, encouraging experimentation with custom flavors. He also highlights personalized or uniquely designed glassware and large ice molds as simple upgrades that enhance the cocktail experience. A personalized bar rimming board rounds out his list, offering both practicality and a touch of custom charm.
 For stocking stuffers, Chef JD recommends small but impactful items like a Microplane zester/grater, quality paring knife, or mini silicone spatula set for versatile kitchen use. He also suggests fancy finishing salts or gourmet hot sauces as little luxuries home cooks will love, along with reusable food huggers or storage bags for an eco-friendly touch. For the bar enthusiast, cocktail picks or fun drink stirrers add festive flair and make every homemade drink feel a bit more special.
Avy Cohen, Co-owner and Founder of La Boulangerie Boul’Mich
For Avy Cohen, co-owner and founder of La Boulangerie Bou’Mich, culinary creativity and craftsmanship extend far beyond the bakery. His wishlist blends modern innovation with timeless technique – gifts that inspire both passion and precision in the kitchen.
 “The Ninja Air Fryer is one of the smartest gifts you can give a foodie this holiday season,” says Cohen. “It’s practical, modern, and lets you enjoy that golden, crispy texture everyone loves – but in a lighter, healthier way. It inspires creativity in the kitchen without the fuss, making it perfect for those who love flavor and innovation.” He also recommends the Jade Leaf Matcha Traditional Starter Kit. “The Matcha Starter Kit is more than a gift – it’s an experience. Preparing matcha is a mindful ritual that turns a simple drink into a beautiful moment of calm. It’s perfect for food lovers who appreciate tradition, aesthetics, and wellness.”
“In our kitchens, simple tools make the biggest difference,” Cohen adds. “A good silicone spatula is like an extension of a baker’s hand – it gives control, precision, and the perfect fold when working with doughs, creams, or delicate batters.
"It’s not just a utensil; it’s a key to craftsmanship.”
 Tamer Altillawi,
Owner of Sufrat
Mediterranean Grill
For Tamer Altillawi, owner of Sufrat Mediterranean Grill, precision and creativity in the kitchen are essential, whether he’s cooking professionally or at home. His Holiday Wishlist focuses on tools that deliver consistency, elevate technique, and inspire experimentation.
“For grilling at home, Stainless Steel Shish Kabob Skewers are a fantastic gift,” says Tamer. “They’re perfect for cooking meat or vegetables over charcoal, and they make the grilling experience easy, fun, and precise.” (Link: Stainless Steel Shish Kabob Skewers) Sous vide cooking is another technique Tamer is exc
ited about this season. “Sous vide allows you to seal food in an airtight bag and cook it in a precisely temperature-controlled water bath, delivering tenderness, consistency, and flavor that are hard to achieve any other way,” he explains.
Tamer hopes to grab the Sous Vide Cooker for himself this holiday season.  
For temperature control, Tamer relies on a Waterproof Digital Infrared Thermometer with Folding Thermocouple Probe. “It’s a must-have tool in any kitchen,” he says. “I use it constantly at home to make sure every dish is consistent and accurate.
"Precision is everything, and this tool ensures I get it right every time.”
(Link: Intp626X ProAccurate HACCP Waterproof Digital Infrared Thermometer with Folding Thermocouple Probe)