Everyday Cookbook Gift Guide

My last gift guide featured a few cookbooks but I was inspired by My Forking Life to a dedicated everyday cookbook gift guide to serve through the holidays and beyond. She has a great guide up this season for beginners, so be sure to check it out if you're currently stumped! I rounded up a bunch of approachable, affordable books that would be perfect to give over the holidays. Some are brand new and some are quite old but all are widely available. Also, many are celebrity cookbooks, which makes them conversation pieces as well. I mentioned in my Gift Guide for Foodies that cookbooks also double as coffee table books in my home and made sure that each of these picks is colorful and fun to read so a cook of any level will enjoy them. One common hesitation when gifting a cookbook or anything instructional is fear of offending the receiver. I've added a brief description of each book below to help you gauge who it might be good for as well as provide some suggestions. Either I or one of my close friends owns or has gifted each of the cookbooks listed so I can attest to their greatness!

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My Life on a Plate by Kelis: Kelis is serving up more than milkshakes in this book! Her recipes are so fresh and eclectic. Not to mention she is nothing short of stunning on the cover. When I first saw it I thought, Is this a beauty magazine or a cookbook? 

Thug Kitchen's Official Cookbook: This book features all vegan and vegetarian recipes but would be good for anyone who is open to trying fun recipes high on flavor. It's also not a child-friendly cookbook, in case you couldn't tell by the title on the cover. 🙂

The Kitchenista 2016 Holiday Recipe Collection by Angela Davis: The Kitchenista does not play in the kitchen, y'all! She is a serious cook and explores all kinds of cooking methods and flavors. Her book is full of beautiful photos to keep readers from getting lost on the gourmet road. This is for the person who enjoys comfort food but is not afraid to incorporate uncommon ingredients.

Betty Crocker's Cooky Book: I've mentioned this book before so I won't start gushing about it again but this is a great classic that's obviously all about cookies. There are cookie and bar recipes in here you probably have never heard of and should definitely try! It has been printed many times so, depending on where you buy, you might be able to get a vintage edition.

Recipes for the Good Life by Patti LaBelle: Ms. Patti is another cookbook author who throws down. That's not debatable. This is one of many books she has put out in addition to the cooking show of which I've seen every episode. Get this one for somebody who is serious about using her tried and true recipes.

Something to Food About by QuestLove: This is not actually a cookbook but I had to include it. This book is for the person who is a serious student of the culinary world. In it QuestLove interviews various chefs and they talk about everything from food to philosophy. This would also be good for someone who is just a big QuestLove fan.

Kate Spade's All in Good Taste: This is for your super stylish friend. You know the one who loves shopping, watching Sex & the City, and hosting wine night? [Me!] THAT one. This book has recipes and stories from well-known folks in the world of fashion and beyond. It's also just so cute! I keep mine on my desk when not in use.

Southern Living 2016 Annual Recipes: This is a Southern staple and a good choice for just about any cook. I'd recommend it for someone who already has some kitchen knowledge because I find that the recipes, while solid, need tweaking sometimes. Or maybe that's just me and my skepticism! There's a new edition each year.

Chrissy Teigen's Cravings: If you follow Chrissy Teigen on social media then you know she is the clap-back queen. The sass does not take a break in her cookbook. This is another one that is both functional and a conversation-starter. PLUS, Molly used it in season one of Insecure. P.S. If you aren't watching that show, what are you doing with your life?!

Celebrate by Lauren Conrad: (also not technically a cookbook) This is for the little-miss-perfect, Jill-of-all-trades person because Lauren Conrad does it all. She's written books about beauty, home, fashion, and more. She also runs a website with a bit of everything and her instructions are spot on. I followed her mermaid costume tutorial this Halloween and it was so easy and turned out quite well. The instructions in this book are no different. Get this for the person who is good on recipes but looking for entertaining inspiration.

I'd love to know what cookbooks y'all have or recommend, so let me know below. Tis the season to share and shop, after all. 🙂 Thanks for reading!