I apologize that this is a little late this year. I just returned from 2 weeks in Ecuador (recipes and stories to follow). Merry Christmas and Happy Gifting!
Handmade: Page Pottery's Large Pitcher would be a beautiful addition to any kitchen.
Stocking Stuffer: Bright and sharp Pure Komachi paring knives slip easy into any stocking.
For the Bar: This set of copper Mugs will keep your Moscow Mules traditional.
Timeless: This All Clad Stainless Steel Fry Pan is hands down the most used item in my kitchen, along with my 8 inch chef's knife. It is a workhorse: tough and versatile. A great gift for new cooks or for those in need of an upgrade.
Reading: For those with a logical brain, The Science of Good Cooking written by our friends over at Cook's Illustrated will explain away many common errors, and enlighten on the science behind the intuition.