I can’t believe it’s already “the most wonderful time of the year.” Thanksgiving was here and gone quickly, and it seems like Christmas and Hanukkah are approaching even more quickly. If you’re fretting over what to buy that special foodie in your life, have no fear. I’ve created a Twelve Fantastic Foodie Gifts list fitting every price range.

Dear Parents: I know you read this, so feel free to use this as your own personal guideline. 🙂

Stocking Stuffers ($)

1) Stainless Steel Drinking Straws [Reuseit ~ $9.95]

This set of 4 straws is perfect for the smoothie sipper who’s looking to go green! Functional and less fragile than their glass counterparts, these have a sleek appearance and can be cleaned in the dishwasher with your silverware. I have my own set, and they’ve been perfect for my smoothies and mixed drinks.

2) Zyliss Julienne Peeler [Amazon ~ $8.05 sale; $9.99 list]

If, like me, you want to attempt your own raw, zucchini “pasta” but are ambivalent toward purchasing a spiralizer, this tool is perfect. I can’t personally vouch for it, but of the reviews I’ve read, this peeler appears to be the most economical and efficient and will be the one I purchase.

3) Kitchen Timer [Urban Outfitters ~ $8.00]

For God’s sake, it’s a penguin, and penguins are adorable. Timers are perfect for easily distracted cooks/bakers who constantly rely on their significant other to watch the clock. Not that I would know anything about that.

4) Colorful Prep Bowls [Crate & Barrel, ~ $5.95 sale; $8.95 original]

These inexpensive melamine bowls are as cute as they are functional. This 4-pack is perfect for pre-measuring spices or for a variety of different condiments.

Low-to-Mid Range ($$)

5) Cuisinart® Smart Stick® Hand Blender [Bed Bath & Beyond ~ $34.99]

If your foodie lacks space for another bulky gadget, this immersion blender is a must-have. We’ve had ours for a few years, and it’s marvelous for puréeing soups (right in the pot) or for single-serve smoothies. Cleanup is a breeze, too.

6) Gourmet Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar [$29.95 & up]

What foodie doesn’t love olive oil and balsamic vinegar? With so many special flavors (some of my favorites are tuscan herb olive oil, blood orange olive oil, and a pomegranate balsamic), the options are limitless. Many specialty stores (such as Olivella in Mobile, AL) offer gift baskets and sampler packs of their top sellers. Oil & Vinegar, with locations throughout the U.S., offers gift packs as well.

7) Mikasa Cheers Glassware [Dillard’s ~ $39.99]

Whimsical glasses for the foodie-by-day, bartender-by-night. Mark and I own several different sets. The etched patterns are fun, and the glasses hold up well. In almost 5 years of regular use, we’ve broken only one.

8) Cook’s 5-Quart Dutch Oven [JCPenney ~ $40 clearance; $60 original]

Much like the immersion blender featured above, this sturdy, versatile pot has become a mainstay in our kitchen. Cook’s is the budget-friendly answer to Le Creuset. The enamel coated cast iron is perfect for soups and stews, and ours has held up nicely with frequent use.

Upper Range to High End ($$$)

9) Breville® Juice Fountain® Plus [Bed Bath & Beyond ~ $149.99]

Foodies have known the benefits of juicing for years now, particularly after the film, “Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead” came out. While masticating juicers are usually better, this Breville centrifugal model was highlighted in the film and has been recommended by many as an affordable choice for beginners. It’s the one I want for myself.

10) KitchenAid® 5-Quart Artisan™ Stand Mixer [Bed Bath & Beyond ~ $349.99]

A foodie’s dream and worth the investment. These mixers are built to last, and they come in practically every color under the sun. I can’t live without mine; they just make baking a breeze!

11) Wüsthof Precision Chef’s Knife [Williams-Sonoma ~ $199.95]

Every foodie needs a chef knife. This Wüsthof knife has a contemporary look, while the high-carbon stainless steel blade and double-bolster design make for a sturdy construction. Your foodie can chop till his/her heart is content.

12) Calphalon Tri Ply Copper Cookware [Macy’s ~ $449.99 sale; $499.99 list]

Copper cookware is both beautiful and functional. This set has an aluminum core, stainless interior, and brushed copper exterior, which allow for ultimate conductivity and precision in cooking the simplest and most complex dishes. Calphalon also offers a lifetime warranty.