Father’s Day Gift Ideas for the Dad in Your Life Who Loves to Cook

Do you have a dad in your life who loves to cook? If you do, consider yourself lucky! Here are some gift ideas if you’re trying to decide what to get him for Father’s Day this year. I’ll be up front…

I’ll be up front about this post – I will make a very small commission if you buy any of these items, but this post isn’t clickbait. I make almost nothing by maintaining this blog, and I’m fine with that. In fact, I almost prefer it that way because it frees me up to share what I’m passionate about with whomever feels like reading it.

So, if you’re looking for a gift for that Dad – or mentor, or guy (or gal, or friend, or anyone you want to show some appreciation to on June 16th this year) – in your life who loves to cook, read on.

Idea # 1: Chef Knife

Look, when it comes to the importance of owning a good chef’s knife, I’m an unabashed evangelist. The degree to which I proselytize and promote just how important it is to own and maintain one good chef’s knife probably annoys my friends and family literally to no end. For some people, that annoying uncle is the one who’s always talking about religion or politics, trying to convert everyone around them to seeing things their way.

I’m like that, just with chef knives and knife technique – because I have tasted the full goodness of what’s it like to prep food in a flash with a good knife and the technique to back it up, and it’s a thing I want everyone who loves cooking to experience (plus, when you earn the reputation as the “prep ninja” you make friends quickly in the kitchen).

The knife pictured above is the Mercer Culinary Premium Grade Super Steel 8-Inch Chef’s Knife with Ebony Wood Handle and is generally less than $100 on Amazon. I love this knife because of it’s shape (it’s a kiritsuke) which is appropriate for all different cutting styles and techniques. It’s pointed tip is great for finer work, while the belly of the knife is flat enough for tap-chopping (the Japanese way) but curved enough for rock-chopping (the French way). It’s just the right weight, and has a Rockwell Hardness of around 62-63, which means it will take and hold an edge like nobody’s business.

Lastly, a word about Mercer: Mercer knives are the standard issue at most culinary schools around the world, and they offer a wide array of excellent products in all price ranges – so, if that special dad or guy in your life doesn’t have a decent chef knife, this is the place to start.

For other suggestions on great knives, read this post.

Idea # 2: An apron that’s actually comfortable

To be honest, most aprons suck. In fact, they suck so much that many home cooks just don’t use one. But here’s the thing: aprons are cheaper than clothes.

Most aprons are pretty uncomfortable: they hang around your neck, they’re difficult to keep tied in the back, the pockets aren’t really all that useful. This one from EcoZen is a total exception and is generally less than $30 on Amazon. It’s great because it has a shoulder harness rather than a loop that hangs around your neck. It’s has a stretchy thing (that’s the technical term) that runs parallel on the shoulder straps to keep them from sliding around. Best of all, it’s got buckles in the back instead of having to tie it, so it’s literally set-it-and-forget-it; no more having to retie your apron while you’ve got chicken guts all over your hands. In fact, it stays so well that I’ve come to hang my prep-towel over the back of it instead of tossing it over my shoulder (which is what I used to do).

Idea # 3: Rolling Knife Sharpener

Maybe dad already has a knife that he likes… but does he keep it sharp? I used to be the guy that would break out the whetstones almost monthly, because I like my knives razor sharp – but honestly, it’s hard to find time for that process. I’ve found that a rolling knife sharpener will get you 90% of the way there in 1% of the time. Add a leather strop to the mix and you’re 97% of the way there.

I’ve tested out a bunch of these, and honestly I can’t really tell the difference between the $50 version and the $150 version, although my guess is maybe lifetime of the product. Anyway, the one pictured above is the one I use and it’s pretty great.

Idea # 4: 12 inch Cast Iron Skillet

Get one of these for Dad and it’ll be yours someday. And then it’ll belong to YOUR kids someday.

A good cast iron skillet doubles as a bear-swatter (it’s heavy) and retains heat like nothing else.  I used to think that a 5 qt sauté pan was the one pan you need in the kitchen, but honestly I think I’ve decided that a 12″ Cast Iron Skillet is probably it.

It’s great for searing stuff (steaks, chicken parts, etc.), deep frying (think french fries and fried chicken), baking (think cobblers, cornbread, frittatas, etc), making paella, and pretty much anything else.

Keep it well seasoned – don’t wash it with soap (unless you really have to, it’s actually fine); just warm water will do the trick most of the time.  Be sure to put it away bone dry or it will rust.   Lodge Logic makes a nice one.

Idea # 5: Flat Iron Pepper Co. Starter Pack

Okay, this one’s just for fun – but hey, isn’t that what this is all about? Someone gave me this set as a gift a while back and I love it. I use it just to add a special kick to marinades and pasta dishes – used properly, they add a “what-the-heck-is-in-here” flavor to all kids of things… and they’re spectacular in mac-and-cheese.

What will you get that special guy in your life this June? Comment below and let’s hear some more ideas!