First of all- News!
Thank you to everyone who entered my But I Could Never Go Vegan! Cookbook Giveaway! Congratulations to the winners, Carolyn Jacobson, Robin Valin, and Scott Hamilton!
Still want to win a copy of my book? There are several other giveaways going on! Check out the list of review/giveaways below!
- A Vegan Obsession (running though 12/11/14): http://aveganobsession.com/2014/11/vegan-cookbook-review-giveaway/
- My Darling Vegan (running through 12/13/14): http://mydarlingvegan.com/2014/12/pumpkin-chocolate-chip-cookies-a-cookbook-giveaway/
- Olives For Dinner (running through 12/15/14): http://www.olivesfordinner.com/2014/12/but-i-could-never-go-vegan-review.html
- JL Goes Vegan (running through 12/15/14): http://jlgoesvegan.com/gift-never-go-vegan-enter-win-copy/
- The Taste Space (running through 12/15/14): http://tastespace.wordpress.com/2014/12/04/balsamic-maple-brussels-sprouts-sweet-potato-giveaway-for-but-i-could-never-go-vegan/
- Leite's Culinaria (running through 12/23/14): http://leitesculinaria.com/97743/giveaways-but-i-could-never-go-vegan.html
There's also a few great reviews too at Once Upon My Shelf, Cookbooks 365, and TOFU Magazine. And now on to the gift guide!
It's a little ironic that I'm writing this holiday gift guide post because I am actually the worst gift-giver of all time. Don't get me wrong- I love giving gifts but I get super stressed out over finding the right gift for someone and I end up getting so overwhelmed I end up doing 1 of 2 things: 1.) I get them nothing at all and put off getting together until I can find something or 2.) Get them something totally ridiculous. This year, though, I'm really, really working hard at overcoming this gift-buying disability so I've been spending a lot of time perusing the interwebs looking for cool gifts so I thought I would share my findings.
2014 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
FOR THE HOME
Gold, copper, and brass are super popular right now and these colors are a great way to bring warmth to your room. How about adding warmth to the room (and heart) of someone you love with a custom gold-foil quote print (from Inkspot Workshop on Etsy)?
We received a plant as a gift last year and it ended up being one of our favorite gifts. It adds life to our living room and reminds of of the givers every time we look at it. You could give a potted plant, but another cute idea is a terrarium. I'm loving these terrariums from West Elm (because of the gold, I'm sure), but there are others out there as well.
You can never go wrong with a throw blanket. I'm loving these recycled cotton throw blankets from Happy Habitat. They come in lots of cute colors and patterns so there's sure to be at least one that will match your loved one's home.
Anything photo-related is always a good idea. It's a very personal and thoughtful gift. You could frame up a favorite picture of you with the giftee or a picture of the kids is a good gift for grandparents. Another option would be to do a photo-canvas print. I've used Canvas To Art before and I was very happy with the results. Photo books are also a great idea. I made one about our honeymoon for Chris for our first Christmas as a married couple and he loved it. I used the Apple iphoto book option, which was pricey, but there are other options out there. Cadry has some great tips for personalized photo books as well.
FOR THE KITCHEN
I'm an apron junkie. I love them so much. And don't even get me started on matching potholders (Anthropologie, I'm looking at you!). Right now, though, I'm loving these simple Canvas Utility Aprons from White Barn Mercantile on Etsy.
Anyone who does a lot of cooking knows the importance of a good cutting board. I love the gorgeous cutting boards made from reclaimed wood from Gray Works Design on Etsy. They're so beautiful, they could also double as serving trays.
I love this adorable Dansk Kobenstyle pot/casserole dish. It's so reasonably priced that you could give it along with the dry ingredients for a stew, packed in a mason jar, along with a recipe. And it's teal! How cute is that?!
Remember when I was saying that gold and copper are all the rage right now? That's precisely why this serving set from West Elm should go over well.
A great gift that your beloved chef will use again and again and again is a good, high-speed blender. I am a huge fan of Vitamix blenders (I use mine at least once a day). They are expensive but for the amount of use you get out of it makes the price totally worth it. I am an affiliate, so if you use this code: 06-008977, you'll get free shipping on your order. Also, all orders made in December will receive a 3-pack of rubber spatulas (they'll be sent within 30 days of purchase) designed specifically for reaching all the nooks and crannies of your container. Also, I'm giving away a Vitamix 5200 right now, so you may just want to enter that...
A less expensive for your kitchen appliance-loving friend would be an immersion blender. Chris gave me one for Christmas about 3 years ago and I use it all the time. Definitely one of my most favorite gifts I've received.
A great gift for any cook is a cookbook (duh), and this has been a great year for vegan cookbooks! Some of my favorites from 2014 are the Oh She Glows Cookbook, Salad Samurai, The Lusty Vegan, Vegan Casseroles, Choosing Raw, and Decadent Gluten-Free Vegan Baking. Also, anything from Isa Chandra Moskowitz is a guaranteed winner. I also hear that my own book, But I Could Never Go Vegan!, would make a great gift as well...
FOR THE FOODIE
A MUST-HAVE for this holiday season: a collection of cheese from Miyoko's Kitchen. the cheese-lover on your list, vegan or non-vegan, will love this gift!
Do you have an adventurous snacker on your hands? Then the monthly snackbox from Vegan Cuts is the perfect choice. For just $20 a month (you can purchase a single month, or 3, 6, or 12 months), you can give your loved one a box full of new-to-the-market and classic vegan treats.
My new favorite chocolate is Nohmad Chocolate. They make their unroasted chocolate in small batches and they sweeten it with maple sugar. I've especially been loving the Peppermint Crunch version which gets its crunch from buckwheat groats! Your chocolate lover will definitely love their 4-bar sample pack.
There are some ingredients that sometimes feel too extravagant to purchase for yourself. Those ingredients make great gifts. I put matcha green tea powder in that category because whenever I buy it, I always feel like I'm splurging on something extra special. My favorite is Kiss Me Organics Matcha Green Tea Powder. For more information, you can check out my product review.
Another gift for your food lover would be some fancy spice kit from Craig's Market on Etsy. They have a baking spice kit, an Indian spice kit, and even custom spice kits! And they come in cute little containers too, so BONUS!
FOR HER
If you're trying to find *the* perfect gift for the lady in your life, a surefire win would be a coat from Vaute Couture. I have the Belden in purple and I love it. Their quality is incomperable- it's the warmest coat I've ever owned and it's not wool! I yearn for cold weather (can you tell I live in So Cal?) so I can wear it. If a new coat isn't in the budget, get her a warm and cuddly sweatshirt- Vaute Couture sweatshirts really are the snuggliest.
If experimenting with beauty products are her thing, then a vegan, cruelty-free beauty box from Vegan Cuts or Petit Vour would be a terrific gift.
Two years ago, on a whim, I bought a Matt & Nat purse and I've used that same purse ever since I bought it (which is crazy for me because I used to change out purses every six months) and it looks just as beautiful as the day I bought it. Matt & Nat make the most gorgeous vegan leather purses and their interior lining is made from recycled plastic bottles. And they're super durable. Although I love my current purse, I certainly wouldn't complain if this steely grey number ended up under my tree!
I recently bought some slippers for myself and oh. my. god. I wish I could wear them all day long. They are the comfiest slippers I've ever owned. Slippers are always, always a win.
Jewelry usually goes over well with the ladies, and if you have a vegan jewelry lovin' lady on your hands, then Christy Robinson's jewelry is a must. All of her hand-made necklaces have a message. I own a turkey necklace that says "Friend Not Food," and my stepdaughter owns the "Not A Nugget" chick necklace. Right now, I'm loving this simple dog necklace.
FOR HIM
Vaute Couture comes to the rescue for men's gifts too! Chris has the Whitman and he looks absolutely dashing in it and it keeps him nice and warm. Definitely a special gift.
Vegan Cuts is also ready for the men on your list with a fully-equipped Men's Grooming Box: Special shaving stuff, lotion, body wash, manly-smelling deodorant, and more!
Quality vegan belts for men are hard to come by. When he went vegan, Chris bought a couple from a company I won't mention and 3 years later, they are barely holding it together. This year, I think Chris might be getting a much more durable vegan belt for Christmas. I'm really liking the look of this reversible black/brown vegan belt from Truth Belts.
For your bearded loved one, Fanciful Fox has some delightful beard oils. (Full disclosure: I know nothing about beards or what beard oils are for but they seem both useful and fancy).
Does your guy love video games and/or playing with toys? How about these Tetris-themed building light blocks?
FOR THE STOCKING
How about a tiny little house for your toothpicks?
Vegan Cuts has a wonderful little gift pack of vegan, nut-free holiday chocolate. We're talking peppermint bark and chocolate santas people!
Want to up the coziness factor in your outfit? How about some vegan boot cuffs? I love the little wooden buttons!
For the smoothie lover in your family, may I introduce the Cuppow, the lid that transforms any mason jar into a take-along sippy cup.
This little dog keychain/flashlight? Because why not?
For anyone who is tired of fishing for their keys in their backpack or purse: a little key clip! Life changed.
FOR YOU!!!
One of the perks of being a blogger is that I get sent a lot of cookbooks throughout the year. One of the bummers is that I have very limited space for cookbooks. So I have a nice big stack building up on my desk. I think they would look much better on your cookbook shelf. That's why 2 of you will get a mystery package of 4 cookbooks each! The giveaway is open to US residents only and will run until 11:59pm on December 14th, 2014. To enter, please comment below, answering the following question, and I will pick 2 random winners from the list of commenters!
What were your favorite vegan cookbooks of 2014?
Thank you so much for stopping by and good luck in your holiday shopping!
Ann
Too many cookbooks? How is that possible?? 😉
Amber
I agree with Ann above, how could anyone ever have too many cookbooks? 😉
keepinitkind
I know, I know. In a perfect world, I'd have a library of cookbooks, but in reality, I have one little shelf, packed to the brim with books. And the stack on my desk is getting out of hand. Since too much clutter overwhelms me, the extra stack needs to find a better home. 🙂
shastina gamble
Love your blog!
Sarojini
I like the tetris blocks of light best- if I got them for anyone I'd end up keeping them! Your bookm looks fab btw, congratulations 🙂
kymi a
Awesome guide lots of items I want and would love to gift to my family and friends. Thank you for the many ideas. Happy Holidays!
janet @ the taste space
I never thought it was possible either but moving puts a damper on heavy cookbooks. Thankfully, there are ecookbooks! 🙂
Jen F
I love Oh She Glows! That is the only new one I own! I would love a few more! Salad Samurai looked really good as well as Yum Universe when I briefly looked at them! Love your blog and looking forward to your book!
Bobbie // the vegan crew
"The Oh She Glows Cookbook!" And, although it is still in transit, I'm sure "But I Could Never Go Vegan" will also be a fave. 😉
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Choosing Raw!
sarah
oatrageous oats!
Kara S
Choosing raw & Oh she Glows!
Truc
So far, Salad Samurai! (But I just bought yours! =)
Jennifer
I bought a ton of used cookbooks this year, but none from 2014. However, I did win a copy of 'The Ultimate Beer Lover's Happy Hour' vegan cookbook from the Vegan Crunk blog and it's pretty fantastic. Every recipe is mouth-watering "bar food," like jalapeno poppers and various salsas, etc. So yummy!
Jeni
I love cookbooks and there are so many great Vegan cookbooks available now! I would have to say that one of my favorite cookbooks was Oh She Glows.
Melody
I loved Thug Kitchen--check it out on Amazon if you haven't heard it it 🙂
heather
I love this 2014 cookbook http://vegancrunk.blogspot.com/2014/08/choosing-raw-cookbook-giveaway.html
Katie Barthel
I love the Oh She Glows cookbook. I like how the recipes are familiar and generally quick to make. The ones I either have on order or plan to order before the end of the year are your cookbook and Thug Kitchen.
Heather
So far this year the Oh She Glows cookbook is my favorite.
Amy
I've asked Santa for Thug Kitchen and yours! Pretty excited for both!
Audrey
I've really enjoyed Salad Samurai and Thug Kitchen, but I have many more favorites!
rika@vm
Great giveaway! I enjoyed Choosing Raw and Vegan Chocolate cookbooks, they are amazing.
Sarah
The Oh She Glows cookbook and Chloe's Vegan Italian Kitchen! Angela's recipes and decadent and healthy and her photography is amazing! Chloe's Italian recipes are savory yet simple. I use them both all the time but can never have too many vegan cookbooks!
Danielle
I loved the Oh She Glows cookbook and Veganomicon is a staple!
Kelly
I would love if you picked the books out. But I love The Oh She Glows and Vegan Raw desserts cookbooks especially from a pretty lady with a awesome site.
Veronique
My favorite vegan cookbooks were hands down Oh She Glows by Angela Liddon and Thug Kitchen! I have been following the OSG blog since it first started and couldn't be more proud of Angela and her successes. Every one of her recipes has been a total knock-out win. Then, the Thug Kitchen cookbook brings a great breath of fresh air into cooking and plant-based lifestyles. I love going through this book.
Michelle
My two favorites are oh she glows and I just ordered a Vegan slow cooker book which looks good.
Heidi
Rawsome Vegan Baking and Chloe's Vegan Italian Kitchen. And your book should be delivered any day!
Sally
So many look amazing! I've recently downloaded Soup's On, and love it so far.
Melissa
The Oh She Glows Cookbook has definitely been one of my favorites this year. Also Appetite for Reduction by Isa Moskowitz, which I know didn't just come out this year, but I just personally discovered it this year 🙂
Krista F
I like Thug Kitchen. Love vegan cookbooks.
anna
i got isa does it this year. it. is. AMAZING! everything is stellar.
Nicollette D
There were so many great cookbooks this year-- I feel like I'm probably forgetting some that came out earlier in the year. Everyday Vegan Eats is great & I've just gotten Yum Universe-- it's gorgeous and I think I can actually make some of the recipes in there. I can't wait to get your book, Kristy!
Kate
I also have a little bit of a cook book space/shelf problem - yours is the newest one of course, and I'm going to have to shift some books after I get around to putting it on the shelf! (New books stay out and open for at least a few weeks while I pour over them/cook from them continuously 🙂 )... This year I've been reppin' Salad Samurai and The Oh She Glows books pretty hard. Thanks for the helpful post and the giveaway offer, Kristy!
Kelly
Oh She Glows!
Laurie
I'm really been loving Oh She Glows & Chloe's Italian Vegan Kitchen. Such fresh, healthy & easy to prepare fare! I've heard good things about Salad Samurai and I've really been looking forward to your book as well.
Rosanna
I just bought your book... Love it!.. I've only been vegan for 2 years but have so many cookbooks already,.. Oh She Glows!.. Thug Kitchen, Yum Universe, Choosing Raw, and the list goes on and on!! Thank God for ebooks!
Katie Todd
It's a tie between Oh She Glows & Isa Does It!
Laura
Oh She Glows and Choosing Raw. I don't own them, but the recipes shared from them are amazing!!
Jessica
"Oh She Glows" and "Plant Power"..
Hoping to read "But I Could Never Go Vegan" soon, its on my xmas list. It's sure to be a favorite 🙂
Sophia
It looks like I'm not too original, but my favorite recent cookbooks are definitely Salad Samurai and Chloe's Vegan Italian Kitchen. My cookbook wishlist is absolutely enormous, though, and so many of them came out this year!
Terri Cole
Isa Does It has been my absolute favorite cookbook this year. Every recipe that I have tried has been delicious!
Michelle
There's been so many drool-worthy cookbooks this year! Some of my favorites that I already own are Choosing Raw: Making Raw Foods Part the Way You Eat, The Oh She Glows Cookbook, and Rawsome Vegan Baking.
Kris
Yours just arrived and I love it. Also loving the uniqueness of Oatrageous Oats.
Lydia Claire
Chloe's Vegan Italian Kitchen.
Corrine
The Oh She Glow's Cookbook is one. It's so hard to pick just one.
Janel M.
Rawsome Vegan Baking was my favorite this year.
Ana
Isa does it and Salad Samurai. I guess I am fiercely loyal to Isa Chandra and Terry Hope Romero. I can not wait to try But I Could Never Go Vegan though!
jessica z
My favorite vegan cookbook of 2014 was Decadent Gluten-Free Vegan Baking!
Jillian
The Oh She Glows Cookbook is the first cookbook I bought for myself, and it has inspired me in my relationship with food and a plant based lifestyle! I would love to build a collection to be inspired further!
Sydney A
The Oh She Glows! cookbook is absolutely gorgeous!
Lisa G
As busy working parents of 3 tiny babies my husband i need "easy and fast" so "Fast And Easy Vegan Recipes" by Anela T. would have to be the best bet for us. LOL
April
There are many cookbook I have wanted to buy, but haven't! I'd have about 60 vegan cookbooks if I got everyone I wanted! Of the ones I have purchased, I love the Oh She Glows cookbook and Salad Samuari!
Elfenjenful
My favorite vegan cookbooks this year are OATrageous Oatmeals and Rawlicious at Home.
Solducky
Oh She Glows!
Kelly T
Oh She Glows! My first vegan cookbook and I'll always enjoy using jt
Krissie
One of my recent favorites is: Isa Does It: Amazingly Easy, Wildly Delicious Vegan Recipes for Every Day of the Week
Melissa
I love oh she glows and choosing raw!
Amanda
Unfortunately, I haven't been able to buy any new vegan cookbooks this year. I would love to have Cara Reed's cookbook though!
Maya Ahuja
I bought "Oh She Glows" and have been working my way through that. It's silly, but her incredibly simple recipe for potato wedges completely changed how I cook root veggies! Looking forward to your book!
Kaila
The cookbooks haven't been able to stop using are 'The Blender Girl' and 'Suzy Spoons Vegetarian Butcher'!
Dianna @ Chard in Charge
My favorite cookbooks of 2014 have been the Oh She Glows and The Blender Girl cookbooks! Amazing, mouthwatering images and simple, vegan recipes!
karrie kaneda
hey! thanks so much for including happy habitat throws in your gift guide! whooohooo! have an awesome holiday and new year!
peace,
karrie
Cynthia
Oh She Glows!