If mom’s idea of a great getaway is using someone else’s kitchen to prepare lavish feasts, well, celebrate that. Especially if you’re invited on the trip! Rental properties are notorious for having dangerously dull knives, a lack of specialty kitchen equipment and often a selection of essentially much more stark than what was promised. Help mom feel prepared and pampered in any kitchen with these great gifts for cooks who love to chef it up at an Airbnb, VRBO or any rental home away from home.
Market Tote
Williams Sonoma Market Tote
Shopping at local farmer’s markets and specialty shops can be one of the joys of cooking in a destination away from home. Help moms stock up with this stylish heavy duty canvas tote, with outer and inner pockets to keep everything organized and upright while in transit. $50, williamssonoma.com
Sea Salt Slide Tins
Jacobsen Salt Co. pure sea salt sliding tin
Jacobsen’s slim tins of sea salt are perfect for foodie travelers who know the importance of seasoning. They fit in any pocket, bag or picnic basket, and should be as essential as a set of extra keys of pack of gum for the food lover on the run. Stock up mom with a pack of 15 for all her future cooking and dining away from home. $90, jacobsensalt.com
Full Circle Zester
Full Circle Simply the Zest, Fine Grater and Zester with Food Catcher
A zester should be in every cooking travelers bag! It’s a multiuse tool good for everything from grating garlic to add to salad dressings, grating ginger for marinades or stir fries, zesting citrus and so much more. Sharpness is essential here, so packing your own is ideal. The cover helps catch food and protect the blades in transit. $14, amazon.com
Knife Sharpener
Tumbler knife sharpener set
Knives in rentals are notoriously dull, and this packable sharpener can help make any knife much better to cut with. It just takes a few minutes to roll the disc back and forth for professional quality sharp knives. The sharpener is easy enough for beginners to use and can also be helpful at home. $98, tumblerware.com
Spice House Kitchen Starter Collection
Spice House Kitchen Starter Collection
Ensure every spice in the house is fresh and refresh mom’s pantry with this elegant spice gift set. Sourced from around the world, spices like dried oregano from Greece and pulverized garlic from California are enough to round out any recipe, no dusty mystery cabinet spiced here. $62, thespicehouse.com
Brightland Mini Artist Series
Brightland’s Mini Artist Series
Premium extra virgin olive oil that’s also TSA-friendly? It’s almost too good to be true, but Brightland delivers with this four-pack of 3.4 fl oz fully-recyclable glass bottles. This sampler offers different varieties of cold pressed, California-grown olive oils, perfect for dressings, drizzling and cooking. $85, brightland.co
Blue Apron
Blue Apron’s Seared Steaks & Mushroom Pan Sauce with Oven Fries & Arugula Salad
If you haven’t traveled with a meal kit, you’re missing out. Blue Apron includes all the essentials to prepare a gourmet lunch or dinner, no need to run to the supermarket, wait for grocery delivery or even plan a recipe. $70 and up, blueapron.com