It’s time for my 2023 Holiday Gift Guide, where I list all of my favorite things! If you’ve got cooks, moms, dads, health nuts, food lovers, and gadget lovers in your circle of friends and family, these gifts are sure to pamper and please them!

A collage of items featured in Nom Nom Paleo's 2023 holiday gift guide.

A gift guide for folks like me!

Yep—it’s that time of year again! As loyal Nomsters know, every year I write up an epic holiday gift guide filled with items I’ve purchased, tested, and 100% endorse.

That’s right: this isn’t a sponsored post and nothing in this article was given to me for free, so you can feel confident that I love every single thing on this list. In fact, there are many repeats on this list from previous years’ gift guides because I’ve found them to be time-tested, reliable, and the best gifts year after year.

Got someone on your list who loves to cook, hoards gadgets, collects cookbooks, eats voraciously (but healthily), exercises at home, and/or could stand to indulge in some self care? Then you’ll be sure to find the perfect present in my holiday gift guide!

Gifts for Nomsters

For starters, if your pals love cooking along with my blog recipes, they’ll love my three New York Times best selling cookbooks and Nom Nom Paleo spice blends!

Nom Nom Paleo: Let’s Go!

The cover of Nom Nom Paleo: Let's Go! cookbook.

Our latest New York Times bestselling cookbook is sure to delight your favorite Nomster. Henry and I poured our blood, sweat, and tears into this one and think it’s our best cookbook yet. In fact, it has close to 900+ 5-star Amazon reviews and a starred review in Publishers Weekly!

You can buy our cookbook wherever books are sold, but if you want a personalized and signed copy of Nom Nom Paleo: Let’s Go!, you can order one from our favorite local bookseller, Books Inc. They ship nationwide so click HERE to order. I’ll even throw in some free stickers!

Oh, and don’t forget to complete the trilogy by purchasing our first two cookbooks, Nom Nom Paleo: Food For Humans and Ready or Not!

Nom Nom Paleo Spice Blends

The gift set of Nom Nom Paleo spice blends.

I LOVE my Nom Nom Paleo Spice Blends and I use them in place of salt in everything I cook! All four are incredibly versatile; I use them to flavor chicken, beef, steak, pork chops, fish, shrimp, veggies, stir-fries, rice—you name it! Also, they’re now award-winning because my Spicy Sichuan Powder just won two 2023 Scovie Awards!

All our spice blends are available on Amazon and iHerb (worldwide shipping!), but you can buy them directly from The Spice Lab (use one-time code LETSGO to save 15% off)!

Gifts for Cooks

Anyday Bowls

Two Anyday microwave bowls stacked on top of each other from the io matte black David Chang collaboration.

Anyday microwave cookware are the one kitchen purchase that I have used EVERY SINGLE day since I bought them. These durable, all-glass bowls have transformed the way I view and use my microwave—it’s now an essential cooking appliance rather than just a boring box that reheats leftovers.

Why are Anyday Bowls so amazing?

  • The bowls and lids are made of glass—an extremely durable, heat-resistant borosilicate.
  • The lids feature a platinum-grade silicone rim so they form an airtight, leakproof seal. Each lid also has a silicone knob that can be pulled up to create a vent when you’re microwaving. This way, the food can steam and cook in the bowls and not explode!
  • All the bowls are dishwasher-, freezer-, and oven-safe as well. That means you can cook in them, store leftovers in them, and toss them in the dishwasher when you’re done!
  • Believe it or not, the stainless metal around the edge of the lid is A-OK for the microwave oven! It’s specially designed to be microwave compatible because the metal is rounded and won’t spark.

Which Anyday Bowls are my favorite?

Kinto Glassware

A collection of Kinto glass bowls and cups, including the boxes.

Ever since I was served a delightful cold brew green tea in a Kinto Cast iced tea glass at Electrica Coffee in Portland, I became obsessed with stocking my cabinet with these clean, and sleek Japanese-designed cups and bowls. My faves include anything in the Cast collection (especially the beer cups and tea cup + saucer) and the Kronos double wall bowls and iced tea cups.

Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6-quart Air Fryer

A stainless steel Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6-quart air fryer with the door partially open.

When my old Philips air fryer needed to be replaced, I pored over online reviews before finally deciding on an Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6-quart air fryer. What tipped me over the edge? It’s the highest rated air fryer according to the experts at Cook’s Illustrated—plus, the capacity of this air fryer is big enough to feed my family (it fits at least 6 chicken thighs) and the basket can be easily hand-washed with hot soapy water.

My family now uses it regularly to cook lots of tasty stuff, including my Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets,  Air Fryer Cracklin’ Chicken, Air Fryer Fish Sticks, Air Fryer Whole Chicken, and Air Fryer Carrots. It’s the most wished-for countertop appliance for good reason!

Get one HERE.

The version with the window is also great—get one HERE.

THERMAPEN ONE

A Thermapen One in red color.

This is my favorite instant-read thermometer of all-time! The Thermapen One is faster (it now reads in 1 second!) and even more accurate than the previous versions. My Thermapen One is the not-so-secret reason my meat dishes (or anything that needs monitoring!) come out perfectly.

Get one HERE. (DEAL ALERT: 35% off right now!)

Vitamix 5200 Blender

A Vitamix 5200 blender.

I’ve owned my trusty Vitamix 5200 for 10+ FREAKING YEARS and in my opinion, no other blender and no other make or model outperforms it! I’ve been using it a lot lately because I make daily protein shakes for myself and the boys (I use Be Well By Kelly chocolate flavored protein powder or Equip chocolate flavored beef protein powder) and this blender just doesn’t quit. Also, this is the only blender that can make sauces and soups silky smooth.

Get one HERE. (DEAL ALERT: 28% off right now!)

Hedley and Bennet Aprons

A brown Hedley and. Bennet apron.

I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but the only aprons I wear in my kitchen are made by Hedley and Bennett because I find them to be the most stylish, functional, and durable. I’ve loved them for years; I even recommended H&B aprons on my inaugural holiday gift guide back in 2013! The size of my apron collection is starting to rival my cookbook stash and that’s a scary thing.

Get your own H&B apron HERE.

Tasty Cookbooks / Food-centered books

A collage of book covers that are recommended in the Nom Nom Paleo 2023 Holiday gift guide.

Amanda Haas’s Homemade Simple

One of my favorite people, who also happens to be a fabulous cook and teacher, just released her latest cookbook, Homemade Simple! The nourishing recipes in Amanda’s new book will inspire and empower you to make dynamite home-cooked meals with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Get it HERE.

Sohla El-Waylly’s Start Here

I bought a copy of Sohla’s cookbook for myself and my college freshman son because it’s a fantastic guide for cooks of all experience levels. This cookbook, with its step-by-step photos and foolproof recipes, is already an instant classic!

Get it HERE.

Althea Brown’s Caribbean Paleo

I was so excited when I learned that the force behind Metemgee, Althea Brown, wrote her debut cookbook! Caribbean Paleo is a treasure trove packed with essential basics like Green Sauce, Jerk Sauce, and Curry Paste as well as lip-smacking crowd pleasers like Plantain Beef Patties, Hot and Sticky Tamarind Wings, and Sugar Roti. Trust me, they’re all winners.

Get it HERE.

Andrea Nguyen’s Ever-Green Vietnamese

Andrea is the Queen of Vietnamese cuisine and I own all of her cookbooks. Her latest cookbook is focused on veggie-driven recipes and it’s indispensable.

Get it HERE.

Bricia Lopez’s Asada

I’m a sucker for Mexican food and grilled meats, so this cookbook from “LA’s Oaxacan Princess” is a no brainer for me.

Get it HERE.

Jon Kung’s Kung Food

I didn’t even realize that I was a “third culture” kid until I started following Jon Kung’s delightful cooking videos on TikTok and Instagram. His take on Chinese American food is both revelatory and comforting.

Get it HERE.

Kevin and Jeffrey Pangs’ A Very Chinese Cookbook

I’m a big fan of this super well-tested Chinese cookbook by this father-son duo—you can tell it was made with love!

Get it HERE.

Grace Lin’s Chinese Menu

Chinese Menu will delight, inspire, and educate you about your favorite foods and make your mouth water while you read it! It’s the perfect book for food lovers of all ages!

Get it HERE.

Curtis Chin’s Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant

I love my cousin Curtis’s funny, moving, and revealing memoir about coming of age in his family’s iconic Chinese restaurant in Detroit.

Get it HERE.

Gifts for active folks

Oura Ring

A gray heritage Oura ring.

I’ve been an obsessive superfan of the Oura Ring ever since it first launched in 2015. I’ve had a Gen 3 Heritage ring for over two years and I love that the latest version adds 24/7 heart rate variability (HRV) monitoring, period tracking(!), and spO2 measurements. It’s pricey, but it’s the one device that I use to actively improve my health every day, so getting the Gen 3 was a no-brainer.

Get one HERE.

Shokz OpenPro Bone Conducting Headphones

Shokz Openpro bone conducting headphones.

I love Shokz bone conducting headphones, but this latest version really is the best! These headphones keep my ears unobstructed so I can hear what’s happening around me while I listen to my favorite music or podcasts.

They’re especially handy when I’m exercising outside so I can look out for traffic or other pedestrians or if I’m cooking in the kitchen and my family need my attention. Water resistant as well, these headphones are comfortable, lightweight, have a long battery life, and offer great sound quality. Once you go bone conducting, you’ll never go back!

Get one HERE. (DEAL ALERT! 22% off right now!)

GoRuck Ruck Plate Carrier

A GoRuck plate carrier in black.

After hearing from Melissa Urban about the benefits of rucking (going on walks with a heavy weighted backpack), I started doing it a few times a week. Per Melissa’s suggestion, I started by simply loading a regular backpack with weights—but my rucking game was leveled up when I finally invested in a streamlined GoRuck Ruck Plate Carrier plus a 20-pound plate. It’s a sleek and a pretty comfortable way to lug around a heavy weight during my neighborhood walks.

Get one HERE.

Feetup

A red Feetup inversion trainer.

I bought my Feetup inversion trainer many years ago and I continue to work on my headstands every day. It’s a great way to de-stress and work on my core stability at the same time!

Get one HERE.

Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine with Tall Legs

A Concept2 rowerg indoor rowing machine.

I am not a big fan of cardio, but the one machine I don’t mind using is our indoor rowing machine. We’ve had one in our garage since 2008 and we just had to replace it because the monitor finally went kaput. I love to hop on for quick “exercise snacks” when I’m working from home or doing my prescribed workouts from Opex Kura. It’s not cheap but these ergs last a long time.

Get one HERE.

NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbells 5-80 lbs

A Nuobell adjustable dumbell.

Besides a barbell and kettlebell, I use these adjustable dumbbells the most when I am strength training at home. They’re pricey (and you need to buy two if you need a pair) but they’re more comfortable and durable compared to the Bowflex adjustable dumbbells we’ve bought in the past.

Get one (or two) HERE.

Popflex Activewear

A smiling Asian woman in a red Popflex cloud hoodie and black leggings in front of a bookcase filled with colorful cookbooks.

When I committed to consistently exercising and strength training last year, I also decided to buy activewear that I really loved (not just stuff on sale). I’m a big fan of Cassey Ho, the dynamo behind Blogilates and this well-designed and functional activewear line. My faves are the fab leggings (no camel toe and lots of pockets) and the Cloud Hoodies!

Gifts for getting your zen on

Topo Athletic Revive Recovery Shoes

A Topo Athletic Revive recover shoe in black.

I love these wide toe-box and fuzzy recovery shoes by my favorite athletic shoe maker and wear them EVERY WHERE, ALL THE TIME.

Get a pair HERE.

Tomarion 2

A brown Tomarion II portable heating pad.

I learned about this magical heated rock from my favorite podcast, Add To Cart, and it’s a game changer. The Tomarion 2 is a kidney-shaped portable infrared heating pad made out of tourmaline, a naturally occurring mineral.

There is no cord or battery—you simply plug it into a charger for six minutes and then it magically heats up and stays hot for hours. I use it when I have cramps, aches, pains, or just want to warm myself up. If you have someone you know who is always complaining about being cold or achy, this gift is perfect for them!

One caveat: the Tomarion 2 is not soft and smushy—it’s a hard object covered with a soft fabric that you press against your body. I love it and recommend it to all of my friends with cold extremities or chronic muscle pain.

Get one HERE. (DEAL ALERT: 15% off right now!)

Resteck Shoulder Massager

A Resteck shoulder massager.

A few summers ago, I hurt my neck after too many hours hunched over my computer editing our latest cookbook, Nom Nom Paleo: Let’s Go! After suffering through two weeks with a painfully stiff neck, I bought a Resteck Shoulder Massager and it magically kneaded my stiff muscles, leaving me relaxed and limber afterwards.

There are lots of awesome massagers on the market, but hey: this one has over 50,000 positive reviews and it was delivered the next day. Since its arrival, I’ve used it at least three times a week while I’m watching TV to prevent my neck from seizing up again. It’s kind of amazing.

Get one HERE.

Food Blogger Tools

DJI Mic Wireless Lavalier Microphone

A DJI lavalier microphone.

I’ve been looking for a good lavalier microphone for a while, and after lots of research, I bit the bullet and purchased a DJI Mic. I love that it syncs easily with my iPhone and the sound quality and battery life is fab.

Get one HERE.

DJI Osmo Mobile 6

A DJI Osmo Mobile 6 holding an iPhone showing an Asian woman cooking food.

I’ve owned two previous iterations of this fabulous gimbal, but this latest version is the best yet! I shoot all of my cooking videos on my own, so this handy gadget is vital.

Get one HERE.

Need more holiday gift ideas?


Looking for more recipe ideas? Head on over to my Recipe Index. You’ll also find exclusive recipes in my cookbooks, Nom Nom Paleo: Food for Humans (Andrews McMeel Publishing 2013), Ready or Not! (Andrews McMeel Publishing 2017), and Nom Nom Paleo: Let’s Go! (Andrews McMeel Publishing 2022).


About Michelle Tam

Hello! My name is Michelle Tam, and I love to eat. I think about food all the time. It borders on obsession. I’ve always loved the sights and smells of the kitchen. My mother was (and is) an excellent cook, and as a kid, I was her little shadow as she prepared supper each night. From her, I gained a deep, abiding love for magically transforming pantry items into mouth-watering family meals.

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9 Comments

  1. Michelle – I am a very big fan of yours courtesy of investing in an InstantPot several years ago. Thanks for your NNP passion. Your gift guide scored more than six ‘must haves’! We clearly have good taste beyond food!

    The unexamined life is not worth living. Congratulations on your curious journey.

  2. Hi Michelle,

    I have a question regarding the Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6 qt. air fryer. In watching some videos on Amazon I learned that this air fryer only goes up to 400 degrees. In your experience and opinion is that temp sufficient? My current air fryer’s max temp is 450 degrees. I’m hesitant to buy this and add another appliance to my kitchen if it won’t be able to measure up.

  3. Love your latest cookbook! Many creative and delicious recipes. Love the “pizza” with the Italian sausage crust! Thank you.