Bake their day (sorry!) with our edit of the best baking gifts for everyone from experts to amateurs
Whether our interest is piqued as we watch amateur bakers try to perfect a Victorian sponge in the Bake Off tent (and immediately attempt to recreate) or decide to try our hand at banana bread in lockdown, baking is all the rage right now. But for bakers who take the art of mixing, folding, piping, and decorating seriously, once they've been bitten by the baking bug, it’s a lifelong love affair.
After all, in the hierarchy of hobbies, it’s a pretty great one to pursue – there aren’t many other pastimes that you can say results in gooey brownies, a crisp sourdough or the perfect scone for afternoon tea. It is, however the kind of activity where you need the right equipment – from baking wares to inspiring recipe books and all the measuring utensils (eyeballing quantities when it comes to baking spells disaster). So if you have a baker in your life that you’re looking to spoil for an upcoming birthday/anniversary/Mother’s Day/just because, the good news is, there are plenty of baking gift ideas that will make them swoon.
For those more recent converts to the baking world who are still trying their hand at new delicacies, Nadya Hussain's recipe book with mouthwatering treats like ginger and almond florentines will go down a treat, as would a 3-month subscription to try out new baking ideas via Not On The Highstreet. For a lavish gift that any baker would want to receive, might we suggest this retro Smeg stand mixer – with capabilities to beat, whisk and knead, it’s a piece of equipment they’ll use for years to come - plus it's a 1950's design makes for a super stylish addition to their kitchen countertop.
Even if they’ve been baking since way before it was cool, and have all the basic equipment (and then some) our edit of the best baking gifts will have something to surprise them. Whether it’s a quirky baking gift, like these cat measuring cups or an upgrade on their current bakeware with this stylish gold bundt tin, we guarantee you'll find something to make their day. And with these new baking gifts at hand, we predict a show of their gratitude towards you in the form of an endless stream of cookies, breads and cakes - yes please.
Baking gifts for her
Le Creuset Non-Stick Heart Springform Cake Tin, £30, John Lewis
As any baker worth their salt would know, you get bakeware and then you get bakeware – and Le Creuset is the undisputed best. Made of heavy gauge carbon steel, this cake tin won’t stick and allows for even baking so they’re guaranteed a perfect result every time; plus the heart shape is just too cute not to buy.
Don't miss these John Lewis discount codes when you place your order.
Best baking gifts: baking books
How To Raise A Loaf And Fall In Love With Sourdough Cookbook, £12.99, Oliver Bonas
Making your own sourdough might be an overwhelming thought for even the most accomplished of bakers, but this book makes the key techniques of this traditional baking easy to understand. And once they do, it’ll also advise what lames, bannetons, brushes and stones to invest in if they want to start getting fancy.
We've got some Oliver Bonas discount codes that could make your order cheaper.
Baking gifts for men
Smeg SMF02BLUK Stand Mixer, £399, Amazon
If your loved one takes their baking seriously, a stand mixer is must-have. It’s quite a splash-the-cash kind of gift, but with settings to whip, knead and whisk at 10 different speeds, it just means their output of delicious baked goods will increase – which is a win win. Plus, it’s stylish enough for them to display proudly on their kitchen counter even when not in use.
Baking gifts Amazon
Previous Great British Bake Off winner, Nadiya Hussain's bestselling baking book is just the gift to inspire even more mouthwatering recipes from the baking afficainaodo in your life. With treats like Ginger & Almond Florentines and a Sharing Chocolate Fondant inside, we'd suggest sticking around to trial the finished products.
Best stylish baking gift
Phoebe Cake Stand, £42, Anthropologie
Give them somewhere to show off their next cake creation, with this seriously stylish hand-blown, colorful cake stand from Anthropologie. It’ll make their indulgent treats look just as good as they taste.
Baking gifts Amazon
The Hummingbird Bakery Cookbook, £11.81, Amazon
The Hummingbird Bakery in London is something of an institution and with this recipe book the baker in your life can soon be churning out their in demand cupcakes (there are 15 different recipes) and red velvet cake. These indulgent recipes are the perfect gift for any baker with an insatiable sweet tooth.
Best baking gift for moms
Trudy Blockprint Patchwork Apron, £28, Anthropologie
This cotton apron is designed with two contrasting motifs derived from centuries-old woodblock techniques. We love the chic design and it’s perfect for keeping their clothes flour and splatter free – whilst looking stylish.
Baking gifts for teenager
Kaye Blegvad Cat Measuring Cups, £26, Anthropologie
In an artist collaboration with Kaye Blegvad, this set of four measuring cups from Anthropologie is as cute and quirky as baking gifts come. Besides making a baker's job immeasurably (geddit?) easier, they’ll also be sure to put a smile on their face every time they pull them out of the drawer.
Quirky baking gifts
Baking Day In The Kitchen Art Print, from £16, Fy!
If the baker in your life really does have all the equipment they could ever knead (sorry!), we can bet they don’t have a stylish baking print for their delicious smelling home. In a variety of sizes, you can choose whether to gift this colourful print as framed or unframed.
Funky baking gifts
Nordic Ware Non-Stick Swirl Bundt Pan, £50, John Lewis
Admittedly most people don’t see the actual bakeware used to create the perfect bundt/cake/cookies, but the baker will – and this super stylish gold-finished bundt tin is as elegant as it is functional. Made of heavy cast aluminium with full premium non-stick coating for even baking, it’ll give intricate sharp detail to this show-stopping bake.
Best baking gift set
Aurora Measuring Spoons, £12, Anthropologie
These pastel stoneware measuring spoons are about as chic as baking equipment comes. Perfect for getting quantities just right no matter what they're baking, they’re also dishwasher safe – magic words to every baker's ears.
Baking gifts for tweens
The Baker Notebook, £19.99, Papier
A trusty place for any baker to scribble big ideas, little reminders and anything that inspires their next delicious bake, this notebook makes a great gift. Personalise it with their name on the front, and send it straight to their door so they can start planning what delicious treat to bake next.
Best baking gift subscription
Three Month Baking Club Subscription, £39, Not on the High Street
A gift that keeps on giving, this monthly delivery will put a smile on their face as they discover what new recipe they’ll be trying for the month. Each box contains all the dry ingredients, packed separately in the right quantities so it’s ideal for beginners. Past recipes have included Blueberry & Cashew Squares and Custard Creams – all of which we will happily taste test.
Personalised baking gifts
Personalised Name Wooden Recipe Box, £40, Not on the High Street
Even if they tend to find most of their recipes on Instagram or Pinterest these days, this personalized recipe box will still make a great gift; it gives them somewhere to store all their favourite ideas that they can find easily without having to sort through a million screenshots.
Baking gifts for her
Aphorism Blue Wavy Polish Baker Dish, £8.99
It's hard to believe this stylish baking dish is under £10 - and they'll never suspect it. Ornately finished, it can go straight from the oven to the table as they serve up mouthwatering bakes - and sraight from there into the dishwasher. Ideal.
