Last updated on December 3rd, 2024
Creating a gift basket for a little Italian chef is a delightful way to encourage their culinary interests at home. Whether they are a new cook in the kitchen, a tot glued to mom’s side, or a teenager with ample experience, there is something for everyone in this carefully curated list.
I’m a mom of four living in Tuscany and I always have a helper by my side! We’ve had all of these cooking tools, items or gifts in our kitchen to help facilitate Italian cooking and baking together.
All of these gifts for a little Italian chef are based on my personal use and positive experience using them.
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Ravioli Stamp/Pasta Cutter
For kids who like to get their hands covered in flour and love making pasta from scratch, a ravioli stamp or pasta cutter makes things easier and speeds up the process. It can be used by all ages of kids.
Find it here -> ravioli stamp / pasta cutter
Gnocchi Board
A gnocchi board is key for crafting perfectly ridged gnocchi and is safe to use for kids. If your kids are young or new in the kitchen, this is a great gift or item to get them started as a little Italian chef.
Find it here -> gnocchi board
Recipe Journal
Taking notes about what you are making and creating your own recipes in the kitchen is the ultimate opportunity for creativity. Let kids go wild and document it as they go!
Find it here -> recipe journal
Kid-Safe Cheese Grater
Depending on the age of your kid, a kid safe cheese grater can be an ideal gift for a little Italian chef. As we all know, Italian cheese is in so many recipes so why not let them do all the grating?
Find it here -> kid-safe cheese grater or my favorite cheese grater (for older kids)
Rolling Pin
A rolling pin is used in so much of daily Italian prep work and is especially for little Italian chefs! The act of making pizza, pasta or an Italian dessert is already fun the moment they see the rolling pin.
Find it here -> rolling pin
Pot Holders
For little Italian chefs to get started in the kitchen, they do not need child size pot holders but receiving their own pair does make them feel special and that you are giving them a lot of responsibility by being able to handle hot items.
Find them here -> pot holders
Measuring Cups And Spoons
Investing in a good stainless steel pair of measuring cups and spoons has always been where I like to spend my money. My mom gave me a set when I was a girl (the same in this picture here) and I still have and cherish them today. This is the perfect gift for any little Italian chef to get started baking in the kitchen.
Find them here -> measuring cups or complete set
(Wooden) Knife
Depending on the age of your little Italian chef, you may want to consider some kind of knife or even cutting board and knife set. For very young kids, a wooden knife is safe and they can easily help cut fruit, fresh pasta, or other produce. Consider a regular chef’s knife for older kids with experience in the kitchen.
Find it here -> wooden knife or chef’s knife (for older kids)
Kids Apron
An apron that actually fits is a great gift for a little Italian chef. They can get knee deep in that flour, pizza sauce or whatever they are creating in the kitchen and you don’t have to put them in the tub afterwards. It’s a win win!
Find it here -> kids apron
Herb Seeds
Seeds for various Italian herbs are a nice alternative or item to pair with another gift for small ones interested in Italian cooking. So much about Italian cooking is eating locally, seasonally and what you have on hand. When your little Italian chef is growing his or her own herbs they are embracing the Italian way for sure!
Find them here -> herb seeds
Silicone Baking Mat
A silicone baking mat is non-stick, ultimately making baking Italian cookies and desserts a snap. Kids have fun laying them out and they are safe for kids to help wash up afterwards as they won’t break. I like to pair these with a rolling pin.
Find it here -> silicone baking mat
Cookie Stamps
Cooking stamps are for those little kids with a sweet tooth! Northern Italians use these every year at Christmas time to make traditional Italian Christmas cookies.
Find them here -> cookie stamps
Cooking Timer
I am always looking for ways around using phones or digital devices for my kids. A cooking timer is old school but Italy sure is old school in so many ways! It helps them understand concepts of time and for the youngest, learn their numbers!
Find it here -> cooking timer
Tips For Personalizing Gifts For A Little Italian Chef
- For recipe specific items such as the gnocchi board or cheese grater, include a family recipe or favorite of yours that you would like to make together with your child.
- Include a handwritten card encouraging the child’s culinary adventures with a family story about cooking and a picture of you and one of your parents cooking as a child.
- Choose more than one option and make a bundle to get your little Italian chef excited about cooking. For example, a recipe journal, measuring spoons and an apron are an excellent start for beginners.
For more of my gift basket ideas, check out my Italian Gift Guides and Souvenir Guides, How To Make The Perfect Italian Pasta Gift Basket, How to Make an Italian Gift Basket For A Verified Foodie – Gourmet Gift Basket Ideas, DIY Italian Wine Gift Basket – How To Create The Perfect Gift For Wine Lovers From Scratch and 5 Italian Christmas Gifts For Chefs For All Budgets.
If you want to learn about other Italian items I adore and recommend, check out my Italian Gift Guides & Italian Souvenir Guides!
