The 30 Best Gifts Under $100, Including a Few of Our Tested Favorites

Fellow Clara French Press

Orig. $99 $85 at Amazon $100 at Williams-Sonoma $99 at Nordstrom

If you have a friend who considers themselves a coffee connoisseur, they’re probably pretty passionate about a few things: their favorite roast and their preferred brewing method. Those who love a good French press have probably already wish-listed this vessel from Fellow, commonly recognized as one of the best in the industry (we included it in our list of the best French presses). The insulated carafe and easy-pour spout make doling out piping hot coffee a breeze, while the modern, sleek look makes it a pleasure to keep on the countertop. 

West Elm Kaloh Stoneware Pasta Bowl Sets

$52 at West Elm

Pasta bowls are excellent for the obvious—holding pasta, that is—but they’re also dishware essentials for anyone who likes to pile their plate high with saucy stews, crisp salads, or an indulgent cobbler and ice cream. They’re a must in any home cook’s kitchen. Snag this set from West Elm, which earned a spot on our list of the best pasta bowls thanks to its timeless minimalistic design. Each colorway has a matte exterior and high-gloss interior that quietly contrasts for a stylish and enticing look. 

Material Table Knives

$90 at Materialkitchen.com

There’s an old wive’s tale that claims knives are a gift laden with bad karma — but we don’t abide by that, especially when the set of blades you’re gifting is as sleek and beautiful as this set from Material Kitchen. Named the best modern knives on our list of the best steak knives, these knives are truly as functional as they are stylish.

During our tests, we were impressed with their precise and dishwasher-safe blades and matte stain-resistant handles that suit any modern dining room table setting. Best of all, each set of four comes with a wooden knife block you can orient vertically or horizontally for accessible storage. 

Via Carota Martini Set

View on Drinkviacarota.com

A night out is great, but a cozy winter’s night in with an expertly slung cocktail is even better. Gift your happy hour partner everything they need to shake up the perfect espresso martini with this set from the famed NYC trattoria Via Carota. It includes two 375-milliliter bottles — one with a premixed espresso martini, one with a signature martini — as well as a pair of hand-made crystal Nick and Nora martini glasses that sip beautifully. 

Fly By Jing 'Tis the Seasoning Gift Box

View on Flybyjing.com

If someone on your gift list loves ratcheting up the Scoville scale every time they whip up a new dish, this Fly By Jing seasoning set is for them. It’s packed with all the best hit-makers from the AAPI-founded brand, including their umami-rich Zhong sauce, tastebud-tingling Mala spice mix, and signature Sichuan chili crisp (aka the iconic pantry staple that put them on the map).

The Spice House Chicago Heritage Deluxe Collection

$80 at Nordstrom View on Thespicehouse.com $85 at Crate & Barrel

The key to a great gift often lies in snagging your recipient something they normally wouldn’t splurge on for themselves. This bespoke set of cooking spices fits the bill for your favorite home cook, offering them a chance to enliven their signature dishes with eight of The Spice House’s best blends.

Inside the chic gift box, they’ll find flavor-packed picks like Central Street Old World Seasoning (a blend of 30 spices), Taylor Street Garlic & Herb (laden with garlic, butter, and romano cheese), Milwaukee Avenue Smokehouse Rub (a smoky-sweet blend of marjoram, garlic, and paprika), and more. 

Rubirosa Pasta Sampler, Sauce & Olive Oil Gift Set

View on Rubirosanyc.shop

Carbs are a universal love language, making them an apt gift for occasions ranging from Christmas and Hannukah to new jobs and milestone birthdays. This charming gift set from Rubirosa (the old-school Italian joint in the heart of NYC’s SoHo neighborhood) offers a creative twist on the classic holiday popcorn tin — only instead of flavored kernels, it’s filled with three different pasta shapes.

There are also two jars of pasta sauce (one vodka, one marinara) and the restaurant’s signature olive oil, so your giftee can carb load like a local, even if they’re miles from Mulberry Street.  

East Fork Candle in Quiet North

View on Eastfork.com

The sense of smell is one of the best ways to evoke a feeling or sense of place, making it a great holiday gift for anyone with a soft spot for nostalgia. This candle from pottery brand East Fork calls to mind snowy days spent fireside, with notes of leather, jasmine, tonka bean, and sandalwood for a scent that is festive without being too on the nose.

The candle is poured into one of the brand's signature two-toned ceramic vessels and burns clean, so your giftee can reuse the ceramic cup to stash salt near the stove or corral festive cocktail picks on the bar cart. 

Farmhouse Pottery Pantry Candlesticks

$65 at Food52 $65 at West Elm View on Farmhousepottery.com

Your favorite host may have the meal on lock, but have they mastered creating a magical ambiance? If not, these Farmhouse Pottery candlesticks — which were a standout on our list of the best candle holders — will help get them most of the way there. Available in staggered heights and three different wood stains, these provincial pieces are ideal for any homeowner who counts Joanna Gaines as their spirit animal. They’re a bit on the pricier side, but if you can pick up two to three, you’ll help your giftee create a dining scene worthy of such a splurge. 

Lodge Dutch Oven

Orig. $113 $65 at Amazon $100 at Williams-Sonoma Orig. $78 $65 at Walmart

The holiday season often means cooking for a crowd, so it’s your favorite host’s time to shine. Ensure they’re up to the task by gifting them a versatile Dutch oven to carry them through all the seasonal stews and roasts on their menu. This Lodge cast iron Dutch oven is as versatile as it gets, helping home cooks tackle everything from a honey-glazed ham to a hearty stew.

Even better, this design happens to be one of our go-to's for bread bakers, earning a covetable spot on our list of the best bread cloches thanks to its versatile shape and effective pre-seasoned, nonstick surface. Translation: Whatever they’re baking or making this holiday season, this piece will become their new go-to.  

Big Night Condiment Queen Box

View on Bignightbk.com

We all have that friend who adds a little spice to our lives, enlivening everything from a raucous night out to a “low key” hang at home with their engaging — and sometimes wild — personality. If their tastebuds require just as much excitement from their meals, this gift box from Big Night is sure to deliver.

Inside are five unique condiments from the Brooklyn-based shop, including Onino Chili Crisp, Yuzu Marmalade, Cabi Dashi Soy Sauce, Matcha Milk Jam, and Bungkus Bagus Spicy Fried Garlic Chilies. These unique picks will enliven everything from a bowl of ramen to a plate of Al Pastor tacos for a meal that’s as fiery as they are. 

Chamberlain Coffee Matcha Variety Pack

View on Chamberlaincoffee.com

We can think of no better gift than that of a steady flow of caffeine, no matter what the form. This petite set of matcha powders from Chamberlain Coffee will keep your favorite matcha lover juiced up for at least a few weeks (or more, if you choose to subscribe to a monthly supply). Each of the three flavors (Original, Mango, and Vanilla) is made from 100% organic Japanese green tea, providing a sip that is packed with antioxidants and will power them through that 3 p.m. slump without the sudden caffeine crash. 

Brightland The Luminous Capsule

$88 at Brightland.co

Quality olive oil and vinegar are a pantry staple in any food-focused home, and no one does it better than Brightland. Each one of their bespoke olive oils focuses on heirloom ingredients and thoughtful farming practices for a drizzle that stands out from the pack.

For the gift recipient who loves to inject their meals with robust flavor, there’s the Luminous Capsule, which teams the brand’s signature Awake olive oil (cold-pressed from early-harvest Arbequina olives) with a double-fermented Champagne vinegar and orange blossom honey. 

Great Jones Hot Dish

View on Greatjonesgoods.com $90 at West Elm $90 at Urban Outfitters

Serveware that can go from oven to table is a hosting essential, but stylish picks aren’t always easy to find. Enter this Great Jones baking dish, which features a retro-inspired mid-century modern pattern around the base for an added touch of funk. Each Great Jones dish — which took top honors on our list of best casserole dishes — is made from durable ceramic and is oven- and dishwasher-safe, so they can spend less time in the kitchen cleaning post-meal.

During our tests, this casserole dish performed especially well on lasagna, delivering perfectly crispy edges that would make Nonna swoon. 

Emile Henry Oil Cruet

$50 at Amazon $57 at Food52 $57 at Sur La Table

Certain accessories can upgrade the way we function and live within our kitchens, and they’re items that every home cook should be treated to on occasion. One such piece? A luxe olive oil cruet. Sure, your friend could drizzle straight from the bottle, but where’s the fun (or beauty) in that? Instead, invite them to pour their favorite EVOO from this classic ceramic cruet from Emile Henry, which has an easy-flow, anti-drip spout that will have them dressing salads and topping pizza like a true pro. 

clevr Superlatte Variety Kit

$65 at Amazon View on Clevrblends.com

We all know someone who can turn any moment into an opportunity for wellness. From a brisk morning walk to sneak in 10,000 steps to a mid-day meditation, they’re always looking for a way to stride confidently toward their best selves. This trio of latte blends from health-focused company Clevr Brands is the ideal way to show them you appreciate their holistic efforts.

Each of the three powdered blends — Matcha Superlatte, Sleeptime Superlatte, and Chai Superlatte — is taste-tested by baristas and formulated with health-conscious sippers in mind, using clean and responsibility-sourced ingredients that’ll power them up (or wind them down).  

Fredericks and Mae Large Plastic Cutting Board

$40 at Nordstrom $40 at Food52 View on Hawkinsnewyork.com

It’s rare to find useful kitchen pieces that feel special and stylish, so it’s always a good idea to snap them up (and gift them) when you can. Such is the case with this gorgeous modern cutting board from Fredericks & Mae. Made with a confetti-like flecked pattern and available in a slew of bold hues (think yellow, blue, green, and multi), it’s constructed of durable food-grade plastic so it’s as functional as it is fancy. Your favorite home chef can use it to prep their signature stew or serve up a meat and cheese spread during your next book club meeting. 

Rishi Black Tea Gift Set

View on Rishi-tea.com

If your recipient isn’t into the grassy, umami flavor of matcha, gift them this luxury tea set from Rishi instead. They’ll be able to lean into the relaxing ritual of a steaming cuppa with help from an airy glass teapot and four blends of loose-leaf tea (Earl Grey, Golden Yunnan, Masala Chai, and Lemon Ginger). It’s the ideal gift for anyone on your list who already has an established tea habit or could use the encouragement to indulge in a little R&R. 

Cuisinart Electric Fondue Pot

$80 at Amazon $80 at Williams-Sonoma $80 at Walmart

Some people just thrive during a certain time of year, and their kitchens should be able to keep up with all their seasonal adventures. While that may mean investing in an ice cream maker for the summer lovers out there, it looks more like splurging on a great fondue set for the winter fans. If this sounds like someone on your holiday gifting list, consider sneaking this electric fondue set from Cuisinart under the tree for them.

This pick won top honors on our list of the best fondue pots, and for good reason — the temperature dial and electric heat were a cinch to use, and it was powerful enough to keep cheese and chocolate at the perfect gooey temperature. It even comes with eight fondue forks, so it’s ready to feed a crowd. 

Momofuku Sweet & Spicy Pack

View on Momofuku.com

If your fellow food-loving friend has always wanted to dine at one of David Chang’s iconic Momofuku restaurants, this gift is the next best thing to snagging them a reservation. It’s packed with items that perfectly encapsulate the dining destination’s signature sweet-meets-spicy appeal, including their Chili Crunch, Sweet & Spicy Noodles, and Chili Crunch Hot Honey. To balance things out, there are even three unique chocolate bars formulated in collaboration with Raaka Chocolate, with flavors ranging from White Chocolate Crispy Rice to Miso Potato Chip (yes, please). 

Caraway Baking Sheet

$55 at Amazon $45 at Target $55 at Nordstrom

The holidays and baking go hand-in-hand, so we wouldn’t be surprised if your family pastry chef already has a list of sweet treats they’re hoping to bake. To make the process all the more easy on them, snag this nonstick cookie sheet from Caraway. It was named to our list of the best cookie sheets thanks to numerous best-in-category features, like sturdy stainless steel side handles, a PTFE- & PFOA-free non-stick coating that withstands up to 550°F, and deep sides that keep the contents on the pan, not the kitchen floor.

Choose from one of the brand’s signature shades, like rich navy, happy coral, or holiday-ready evergreen, for a piece that coordinates with their kitchen beautifully. 

Material Full Glass Set

View on Materialkitchen.com $65 at Saks Fifth Avenue View on Zola

We’re all about nostalgia around the holidays, but if Mom’s Christmas dinner tablescape hasn’t changed since you were a child, it might be time to help her along. This set of glasses from Material Kitchen is elegant and timeless, with a wispy glass body that rests beautifully in hand — and looks even better on the dining room table. We were impressed during our tests. In our Material Glassware review, we noted how much we loved the subtle but sophisticated range of colors that are offered in the collection. 

Want to go the extra mile with your gift? Snag your recipient the lilac set and Material Kitchen will donate 100% of proceeds from the sale to Apex for Youth. 

P.F. Candle Co P.F. Candle Co Limited Winter Classics Bundle

View on Pfcandleco.com

What’s better than one delicious-smelling holiday candle? Three, of course. This gift set from P.F. Candle Co. is perfect for a friend who is always on the hunt for their next signature scent. Each fragrance in this Limited Winter Classics Candle Bundle is ideal for a cozy holiday get-together. Mistletoe Special has notes of Douglas fir, eucalyptus, pine, and cedar, and Red Nutmeg and Peppercorn will compliment whatever is on the menu.

Even better, none of P.F. Candle Co.’s fragrances are too overpowering, so they can be burned as a kitchen candle throughout dinner or a cocktail party without overwhelming guests. 

Bodum Bistro Electric Milk Frother

Orig. $83 $62 at Amazon $61 at Wayfair $25 at Walmart

A milk frother may feel like an offbeat gift, but it’s a great way to upgrade the routine of your partner or friend who can’t start their morning without a steaming latte. This Bodum electric design takes the guesswork out of frothing regular and nut milk, with a nonstick interior that won’t hang onto any bubbly remnants.

In our test of the best milk frothers, Bodum’s frother earned rave reviews for its performance in making both hot and cold foam, as well as a milkshake-like hot chocolate that was as indulgent as it sounds. 

Saltverk Salt Gift Box

$45 at Amazon $55 at Food52 View on Saltverk.com

You may not be able to spoil your partner with a snowy winter escape this year, but this set of sea salts from Saltverk is the next best thing to a trip to Iceland. Each of the three salts in the bundle (pure sea salt, lava salt, and birch smoked salt) is sustainably hand-harvested in the Westfjords region of Iceland, providing the perfect pop of flavor and crunch to everything from chocolate chip cookies to steamed fish. Our bet? They’ll become a staple in their pantry in no time. 

Hario V60 Buono Drip Kettle

Orig. $67 $50 at Amazon $60 at Food52 $66 at Sur La Table

The best kettles can double as decor, offering up a quaint, decorative moment atop the stove any time they’re not in use. The tea connoisseur in your life will love this Hario kettle for its good looks, petite size, and superior functionality, which earned it a spot on our list of the best gooseneck kettles. The unique shape of the spout helps users to pour steaming water more slowly and steadily, allowing them to extract maximum flavor from loose-leaf tea or coffee grounds. 

This Little Goat Chili Crunch Collection

View on Thislittlegoat.com

The next time you need a great host gift in a pinch, look no further than this crunchy collection from This Little Goat, a globally-inspired line of sauces, spices, and chili crunches founded by Food & Wine Best New Chef Stephanie Izard. Each of the three flavors (Original, Chili Lime, and Spicy Chili) combines heat-packed chilis with crispy masa chips for a textural addition to cheese boards, appetizer spreads, and dips alike. Keep the gift set together or separate the jars as part of DIY food gift baskets.  

Cuisinart Vertical Waffle Maker

$60 at Amazon $60 at Walmart $60 at Crate & Barrel

Breakfast lovers, rejoice! This handy waffle maker will help your loved one churn out crispy Belgian waffles that rival even the best brunch buffet out there. Cuisinart’s unique vertical waffle maker earned near-perfect ratings during our tests of the best waffle makers, delivering an even cook with just the right amount of browning and taking up minimal counter real estate.

Earn yourself a brunch invite by pairing this gadget with all the ingredients needed for crispy waffles and a quality bottle of maple syrup so they can indulge in a short stack right away. 

Milk Bar Mini Peppermint Bark Snap Tin

View on Milkbarstore.com

Food gifts are ideal for the home chef in your life but they’re also a great option for people you’re not all that close with, like a coworker or teacher. This beautifully bundled tin from the famed New York City bakery Milk Bar looks thoughtful and considered and — best of all — you won’t have to lift a finger (well, maybe just to click “add to cart”).

Inside they’ll find one of the bakery’s bestselling treats, Peppermint Bark, which is way beyond your average confection, with layers of pretzels, peppermint, caramel, and a dark chocolate wafer all encased in a sweet white chocolate shell. 

Equator Coffees x Chemex Starter Kit

$68 at Equatorcoffees.com

On the hunt for an all-in-one gift for your coffee-loving friend? This Chemex starter set is just that. Ideal for established and new java lovers alike, it comes complete with a classic Chemex brewer (big enough to fit 8 cups of coffee), plus filters and a bag of Equator Coffee’s award-winning Mocha Java blend, flavored with notes of dark chocolate, almond, and berry. Want to up the ante even more with your gift? Include one of our favorite coffee mugs as a present to perk up their morning routine.