Gifts for someone new who loves cooking, under $25

For someone new who comes alive in the kitchen. Seven Valentine's gifts, each chosen because it belongs in their hands, and each with a plain reason they'll feel it was picked for them.

These are Amazon links. If you buy through one, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Nobody pays to appear here and commission rates are not an input to how these are ranked.

Chosen from gifts shoppers rated 4.3 out of 5 or better when we found them. Prices as of Nov 2, 2026. Prices and availability may change.

Our top pick

Chronicle Books

From Crook to Cook: Platinum Recipes from Tha Boss Dogg's Kitchen (Snoop Dogg Cookbook, Celebrity Cookbook with Soul Food Recipes)

Why we think this fits: 50 soul food recipes straight from Snoop's own kitchen, from baked mac and cheese to fried bologna sandwiches
What makes it special: 50 recipes straight from Snoop Dogg's own collection, covering soul food classics like baked mac and cheese

See it in someone's hands

$17.03~~was $24.95 —~~ Save 32%

See it on Amazon →

Caravel Gourmet

Caravel Gourmet Natural Sea Salt Sampler, Pure Finishing, 0.5 oz x 6 Salts | Gourmet cooking gift, variety pack from around the world, 6 imported salts, rich taste

Why we think this fits: six different finishing salts to experiment with, from himalayan pink to cyprus flake
What makes it special: six natural sea salts in portable containers, packed in a reusable tin with a digital recipe book included

See it in someone's hands

$21.99

See it on Amazon →

Why we think this fits: blank pages waiting for the recipes they'll want to hold onto for years
What makes it special: hardcover journal with 120 recipe pages, kitchen conversions, dividers, and a pencil included

See it in someone's hands

See it on Amazon →

Thunder Bay Press

Harry Potter Crochet - Harry Potter and Dobby Amigurumi - Yarn, Safety Eyes, Crochet Hook and Instructional Booklet - Craft Gift for Harry Potter Fans (Crochet Kits)

What makes it special: comes with yarn, safety eyes, a crochet hook and an instructional booklet, everything needed to start

See it in someone's hands

$13.15~~was $24.99 —~~ Save 47%

See it on Amazon →

Three more worth a look

Ranked below the four above, still chosen for the same person.

Jettryran

Romantic Anniversary Birthday Gifts for Men Women from Husband Wife BF GF | Sunflower Gifts for New Bonus Mom Daughter Mother in Law Velentine Days Gifts Crochet Flower Handmade l Love You Gift ldeas

What makes it special: a crocheted bear holding a sunflower bouquet that never fades, with a card tucked right into its arms

$12.99

See it on Amazon →

Jovivi

Jovivi 3pcs Antique Copper Metal Bookmark Beading Bookmarks | Handmade 7 Chakra Healing Crystals Book Maker Tree of Life Tumbled Gemstones & Swirl & Leaf Bead

What makes it special: each set includes three bookmarks with tumbled gemstone beads, packaged in a velvet pouch and gift box

$14.99

See it on Amazon →

Hamiggaa

Hamiggaa Explosion DIY Gift Set, Exploding Love Box for Couples, Sentimental Gift for Wedding, Birthday Party, Boyfriend, Girlfriend, Scrapbook Style Photo Album, Memory Box

What makes it special: a DIY exploding gift box with a scrapbook-style photo album built in for keeping memories

See it in someone's hands

$7.99

See it on Amazon →

Not quite right?