I like presents that are practical, unique, beautiful, and don’t cost more than $100—MAX. I am also not recommending specific brands/products here, unless I really, really personally adore them and have used them deeply. But the most important thing is to suit the gift to the recipient. This requires some study and attention to your intended recipient’s habits, preferences, and expressed wishes—as any girlfriend will tell you. The time spent listening and understanding is the REAL present.
A really good knife.
A good chef will always have good knives, but some may be missing one or two specific types, or have an aging one that needs replacement. Also, there are always new models coming out, that—like an interesting man—are exotic, beautiful, and practical. This can be an expensive gift, and some might quibble with the political correctness of giving sharp objects as a present, but this is the single most important tool to a chef.
Silicone anything—spatula, oven mitt, baking sheet.
Silicone is relatively new to the cooking market, and it’s revolutionary, amazing, inexpensive, slip-resistant/nonstick, and waterproof. This material also looks great—perfect for your design freaks that want their kitchen tools to be sexy as well as functional.
Rice cooker.
As an Asian-American who was raised on rice, I created disbelief among my friends by not buying a rice cooker until recently. I was retro to the extreme, thinking that what was good enough for my mom—a pot—was good enough for me. Not. Get your friend one and see how it totally removes any anxiety or even thought from cooking any type of rice (or other grains!). This can also be an expensive present, but cheaper models can do the job as well.
Complete a set of pots/pans.
Anyone who cooks usually prefers or trusts a specific brand or brands. These lines can be very expensive to buy as a set, so many cooks start out buying one or two, and build their collection over time. My favorite American line is All-Clad, although the most complete set I have is Fissler, bought in Austria and carried back to the U.S. (I’ve never seen these for sale in the U.S.)
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