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If you know a cook then you’ll want to be sure to know about these great classic holiday gift ideas for cooks. Cooks are always on the lookout to add to their kitchens and their supplies of tools.

The biggest “tip” to buying a great holiday gift for a cook is knowing what type of cooking they like to do — and giving them a gift that compliments this type of cooking. If they love to barbecue, then give them a barbecue cookbook or barbecue sauces. Or if they love to bake, some new baking pans could be ideal. There are so many things you can do in the kitchen that knowing exactly what type of cooking they do is very helpful.

Cookbooks are one of the most popular gifts you can give a cook. It seems like new cookbooks come out daily — that’s because they do! You can find wonderful cookbooks on every topic quite easily at your local bookstore. Cooks are addicted to cookbooks and will appreciate the gift of a cookbook. Try the Top Chef Cookbook for something original — or a regionally themed cookbook for popular favorites.

Cooking magazine subscriptions are also a great gift idea and are very reasonably priced. Even if your cook subscribes, this gift could extend their cooking subscription — something they would appreciate. Cooking magazines are a great way to learn new techniques and read interviews with the hottest innovators in cooking.

Cooking tools are an ideal gift for every cook. You can find large cooking tools or tiny tools. Try a classic cast iron frying pan — something cooks simply lust after. Or even a rolling pin and some cookie cutters in fun shapes. Tools last a long time but passionate cooks often wear their favorite tools out much quicker than the typical cook will. New tools are an ideal choice.

The Christmas season is coming upon us quickly.  Of course that means the dreadful Christmas shopping season is also upon us.  In recent years I have become very much an Internet shopper, and the few times I do make it out to the store are generally in October or early-November.  I am absolutely not a black-Friday shopper!

So what do I buy for Christmas gifts? It really crosses the board from jewelry to knick-knacks (for those who already have everything known to man).  A couple years ago though my mom said she would just like a subscription to a couple of her favorite magazines.  They were cooking magazines that she loved having around the house.

To help you with your magazine needs, I’ve rounded up a few good cooking/family magazines that can be had for under $20.

• Cooking Light specialized in including light cuisine recipes.  Their typical magazine is loaded with both recipes and pictures.  Often they will include food and nutrition news, and regular fitness, health and beauty articles.
• Bon Appetit targets hands-on cooks who love spending time in the kitchen, as well as readers who love to travel and dine out.  There are articles to meet the experience level of all cooks including experienced cooks and kitchen newbies.
• Better Homes and Gardens is the old standard.  I distinctly remember my mom reading this magazine when I was in grade school (a long time ago). BHG has everything family/food/cooking related!
• Family Circle is truly a quick and easy read, loaded with easy recipes, health tips, decorating tips and more.  Family Circle is the down home style read that is pleasant to have around the house.
• Southern Living is definitely geared to satisfy southerners.  However, I think that it is actually a good read even for those of outside of the deep south. Southern Living almost always has great articles about travel, homes, gardening, and generally living in the south.
• Country Living does not present itself necessarily as a cooking magazine. It is however a great magazine for those in to the country living motif.  You will find great articles covering topics as diverse as food, decorating, gardening, entertaining, and even travel.
• Gourmet in my opinion, is definitely an upscale Bon Appetit. It is a great read, and upon having to choose between the two, I’d subscribe to both!

You should note that there are food and cooking magazines for nearly every niche you might want to find.  The seven magazines I listed are just my favorite in the sub-$20 price range (most are under $15).