2019 Holiday Gift Guide
For the discerning, fashionable foodie in your life.
Welcome to the Gluten Free Mollie D 2019 Holiday Gift Guide! For those that love to cook, bake, shop, and give, I have gift ideas for everyone and anyone on your list. All items are clickable links and organized alphabetically in each section. Enjoy!
Happy shopping!
Cookbooks
Titles that we turn to time and again for dinners and desserts. All of these books have a permanent spot on our bookshelf and would be wonderful gifts.
Back Pocket Pasta by Colu Henry
Cravings: Recipes for all of the food you want to eat by Chrissy Teigen
Cravings: Hungry for More by Chrissy Teigen
Dinner: Changing the Game by Melissa Clark
Dinner for Everyone by Mark Bittman
Half Baked Harvest Cookbook by Tieghan Gerard
Half Baked Harvest Super Simple by Tieghan Gerard
Milk Street: Tuesday Nights by Christopher Kimball
Myers+Chang At Home by Joanne Chang and Karen Akunowicz
Ottolenghi Simple by Yotam Ottolenghi
Small Victories by Julia Turshen
Smitten Kitchen Every Day by Deb Perelman
Stir-Frying to the Sky’s Edge by Grace Young
The Nacho Manifesto by Jack Campbell
The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook by Deb Perelman
Weeknight Gluten Free by Kristine Kidd
What’s Gaby Cooking by Gaby Dalkin
Where Cooking Begins by Carla Lalli Music
Baking-specific Titles:
I have baked multiple recipes from each of these books and cannot recommend them enough! Love these titles. Just a note: the dessert sections from several of the cookbooks above are terrific, too.
Baking: From My Home to Yours by Dorie Greenspan
The Cookie Book by Rebecca Firth
Dorie’s Cookies by Dorie Greenspan
Martha Stewart’s Cookie Perfection by Martha Stewart
The Vanilla Bean Baking Book by Sarah Kieffer
The Vintage Baker by Jessie Sheehan
Gluten Free Gift Baskets
You know what would make a great gift? A basket filled with wonderful gluten free goodies (add a cookbook, too)! Here is a selection of my must-buy gluten free snacks as well as a few pantry essentials. Gather a few of these and you’re sure to make someone very happy. And yes, I’m recommending including high-quality butter in a gift basket. And Cheetos. Happy Holidays!
Aleia’s Gluten Free Panko Crumbs - hands-down the best GF panko. We keep several containers in our cupboard at all times. Perfect for making crispy chicken, baked scallops, fried fish, various meatballs, and more. Plus, I love toasting it in olive oil on the stovetop, then sprinkling it over my scrambled eggs for breakfast.
California Olive Ranch Olive Oil - our everyday cooking oil.
Cape Cod Potato Chips, Original Kettle-Cooked- classically delicious potato chips. All flavors are gluten free.
Cheetos Crunchy Cheese-flavored Snacks - they’re gluten free! Who doesn’t love these? I happily admit to enjoying them a few times each year.
Cup4Cup Gluten Free Flour - my go-to for all baking (and cooking) as it’s the perfect one-to-one substitute. Use it for all recipes calling for regular flour; works like a charm.
Feel Good Foods Gluten Free Vegetable Dumplings - the best last-minute dinner, easy snack, appetizer, or all of the above! These veggie dumplings (chicken and pork available, too) are super-easy to prepare and are ridiculously good. A great gift for you, your friends, and the freezer (where we always keep a couple boxes).
Guittard Bittersweet Baking Bars and Wafers - my preferred brand of chocolate for all baking. It’s incredible.
Hippeas Organic Chickpea Puffs - delicious and cruncy, these are made from chickpea flour and offer a little protein while you snack. And eat the entire bag.
Jovial Foods Organic Gluten Free Brown Rice Italian Pasta - our favorite gluten free pasta that cooks perfectly in all pasta recipes. All shapes available including farfalle, spaghetti, elbows, and more! This brand also features excellent chickpeas, beans, olive oil, and gluten free flour that we use regularly.
Kerrygold Pure Irish Butter, Unsalted - my usual for all baking.
KIND Bars - quick and easy snacks that I keep in my desk at work. Also great for protein while hiking. Many flavors available.
King Arthur Flour Measure for Measure Gluten Free Flour - another excellent 1:1 ratio flour that’s a terrific substitute for all of your favorite non-GF recipes.
Kettle Brand Potato Chips Sour Cream and Onion - perfect potato chips. Many flavors available.
Lesser Evil Paleo Puffs “No Cheese” Cheesiness- crunchy, cheesy snacks that are actually vegan. Ridiculously good.
Lesser Evil Grain Free Egg White Curls, Egg and Cheese flavor - surprisingly great. Don’t let the name steer you away.
Mary’s Gone Crackers Real Thin Crackers - perfect for cheese platters, a dip assortment, or just a snack.
Plugra Unsalted Butter - my golden butter for baking. This is European-style butter and has a higher fat content. Buy the salted version for spreading on toast or biscuits.
Siete Foods Cassava Flour Tortilla Chips - delicious grain-free chips for dip, salsa, guacamole, and more.
Tate’s Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies - perfect crispy cookies to keep on hand when you can’t bother to bake. Excellent with ice cream.
Vermont Smoke and Cure Meat Sticks - perfect for on-the-go snacking or a protein-filled snack at home.
Zeia Foods Gluten Free Pizza Crust - an awesome GF crust (made in NH!) for making quick pizzas at home, any time! We prefer to pre-bake the crusts a little before adding the toppings, which allows the crust to get crispy and extra-delicious.
Check out Mollie’s Market for even more of my favorite snacks and kitchen pantry essentials!
Restaurant Gift Cards
All restaurants below offer gluten free options and/or menus. I have visited all of them multiple times and highly recommend each one. As always, please notify your server of any dietary restrictions prior to ordering. Always trust your gut!
THE BRISTOL AT THE FOUR SEASONS HOTEL, BOSTON
DAVIO’S NORTHERN ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE
LOVE AT FIRST BITE THAI KITCHEN AND BAR
MERITAGE AT BOSTON HARBOR HOTEL
OAK LONG BAR AND KITCHEN AT FAIRMONT COPLEY PLAZA BOSTON
ROWES WHARF SEA GRILLE AT BOSTON HARBOR HOTEL
THE STONES COMMON HOUSE AND KITCHEN
And if you need even more restaurant recommendations….
Check out my entire Boston guide, here!
Checking out Southern Maine? Click here!
Visiting NYC? Volume 1. Volume 2. Volume 3.
And maybe Las Vegas? Click here!
Home + Clothing + Accessories
Beyond the cooking and baking and dining, who wouldn’t love a beautiful scarf, incredible hand soap, or…
Aesop Aromatique Hand Wash - who wouldn’t love luxury hand soap? Their classic style is always next to our sinks; the exfoliation option is a permanent fixture in our kitchen.
Anthropologie Headbands - I am so glad headbands are back in style! I wear them frequently for work since they seem to elevate almost any outfit and the options are endless. The variety at Anthropologie is awesome.
Crate and Barrel Low Bistro Bowl -These bowls are part of our everyday dish collection and I use them for serving fish and veggies or a large portion of pasta. Versatile and classic, they always make dinner look great.
Cuyana leather handbags and small accessories - the motto of this brand is “fewer, better things” and I love how low-key chic all of their bags and accessories are - and they can be monogrammed! I have the zip-top leather tote and it’s awesome for a (big) work bag, but would be excellent for travel too.
Cuyana scarf - beyond leather goods, this brand also has incredible clothing and accessories. Their scarves make beautiful gifts.
Diptyque candles - a holiday season favorite. I love that these candles come in so many scents! And sizes. I keep a small collection of them on my coffee table; they look cute even when not in use!
Dudley Stephens fleece - my favorite weekend uniform through the winter includes one of these ultra-soft fleece tops (my favorite style is the Park Slope as well as the Brighton Boatneck). They’re warm, washable, and available in too many colors (you’ll start a collection). Plus, this is a female-founded small business that manufactures their products out of sustainable yarn right in Brooklyn. Feel good about supporting this wonderful, small business.
Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer - a luxury item for sure, but this is the best hairdryer I have ever owned. Works like a charm. And allows me to dry my hair far faster which is key during the winter!
J.Crew Snap Collar Sherpa Sweatshirt - another great fleece for wearing while watching TV, running errands, or just hanging out. It’s roomy and comfy and cozy.
J. Crew Tippi Sweater - this sweater is my workweek “workhorse” because they are perfect for the office - and everywhere else. Plenty of colors and they last! I have had mine for several years and they are great season after season. A lovely gift!
J.Crew Dreamy Pajama Jogger Pant - couldn’t resist including these ultra-comfy “comfy pants,” which I now wear every evening. The fit is loose, the pants are soft, and I think I need them in a second color. Highly recommend these joggers for lounging all season long.
Loopy iPhone case - I believed the hype and ordered one of these cases recently and now I can confidently say that they are awesome. Available in plenty of designs for many versions of iPhone, I love that I’m supporting another small business with my purchase.
Lululemon Vinyasa Scarf - my go-to scarves all fall/winter/spring. They are made out of “Rulu fabric” which is super-soft and the extra-long length allows you to wear it in a multitude of ways. I have them in a few different colors because they’re just that versatile. Plus, they keep you really warm!
Sh*t That I Knit Hats and Mittens - support another small business which was started in Boston! These hats and mittens (and more) are hand-knit in Lima, Peru and come in a fun variety of styles and colors. A set of these is definitely on my wish list.
Sferra Celine Throw - my favorite cotton blankets for watching TV. They’re not too thick so you can still cozy up while wearing all of the fleece. I love the variety of colors; they look great on the back of the couch!
Superga Sneakers - my weekend/everyday canvas sneakers that get comfier with every wear. No socks required, a great price, and truly go with every outfit no matter the season. Great for a commute, too.
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen - After hearing rave reviews about this brand for months, I finally purchased this product (a best-selling “makeup gripping” primer) at the beginning of the summer to be more dutiful about sunscreen application, especially on my face. Low and behold I am hooked! It’s not greasy or filmy and feels great on your skin. I add it after my morning skincare routine every day and before my makeup. It even adds a nice, light shimmer if you’re going makeup-free (which I do frequently in the summer). Remember, sun protection is important- no matter the weather!
S’well Bottle - my favorite way to stay stylishly hydrated! I keep a couple of these on my desk at work and make sure they’re always filled. I love the vast array of designs, shapes, and sizes. How could you pick just one?
S’well Sport Cap - my newest water bottle accessory! I try to drink plenty of water throughout the day and this sport cap makes it even easier to quickly take a sip (every few minutes). Fits on all of their regular/standard water bottles.
Veja Sneakers - my leather weekend sneakers that are environmentally friendly. Very comfortable after breaking them in and joyfully go with everything. I love the variety of styles and colors available.
‘Tis the Season for Giving Back
Please consider making a gift to one of these wonderful organizations this holiday season.
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Massachusetts General Hospital
MSPCA Angell Animal Medical Center
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
Happy Holidays!
Thank you for being a part of this wonderful community. :)
Mollie
Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links. If you purchase a product, then we may earn an affiliate commission. There is no additional cost to you.