Ellen Bennett’s Not-So-Secret Holiday Gift Guide 🎁✨

(the “I’m not gatekeeping” edition!!)

Hi you! — Founder of Hedley and Bennett here popping in because, in case you missed it, Black Friday basically started basically a week ago. The whole world decided we’re doing this early now. So before your aunt texts you asking which apron she should get her boyfriend’s nephew, I wanted to share what I actually recommend. No gatekeeping — I’m putting it all in one place for you. :)

I get asked constantly what people should buy from H&B for the holidays, and honestly, instead of repeating myself 30 times, here it is!!

And yes, I’m going to be nerdy for a minute, because you should know how much love and obsession went into making this stuff.

Why I love these products and which ones I think YOU NEED TO GET OR GIFT!

We designed every single kitchen tool from scratch. I’m talking literally sculpting ladles in professional kitchens with chefs, shaving down millimeters to get the perfect scoop and curve. Re-shaping spatulas so they flex at the right point. Testing tongs until they grabbed exactly the way a chef wants them to.

None of it came out of a catalog. It all came from problem-solving with people who cook for a living. Which is why once you use these tools, you immediately understand the difference.

The Bread Knife

We made this with Evan Funke in Los Angeles — and I swear this is the best bread knife of all time. It’s wicked sharp, super precise, and has a thinner tip so it glides through thick, crusty loaves instead of shattering them. Anyone who uses it becomes a believer. No one goes back.

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The Fish Spatula

When I cooked in a 3-Michelin-star kitchen, the fish spatula was the tool we reached for constantly. So ours has just the right amount of give in the metal — a tiny bounce that helps you slide under delicate things without tearing them. If you cook literally anything that needs flipping, nudging, lifting, or scooping, you need one.

Gifts by Personality

Because everyone cooks (or avoids cooking) differently.

The Creative Host

The friend whose house always looks like a magazine without trying.

Rifle Paper Co. Apron
Full Linen Set
The Utility Spoon (they’ll use it every day)

The Aspiring Chef

The person who watches cooking videos at midnight.

The Sports Lover

Game-day people. Dads, sisters, partners — all of them.

It’s such a flex.

The Wellness Girlie

Calm colors, organized pantry, probably drinks chlorophyll water.

The Baker

Smock aprons were made for them. They fit everyone and feel amazing.

The Colorful Friend

Bright, fun, joyful energy.

Kitchen Glow Up Apron
Vibrant Tools (Harissa Red & Sage Shiso Green)

The Mother-In-Law You’re Trying to Impress

You know exactly who I mean.

What not to buy: (A little tough love for you)

Knife sets with 87 pieces — you’ll use three at most.
Novelty gadgets that get used once and then live in the back of a drawer.
Black plastic tools that are TOXIC.
“Cute” kitchen tools that break in 2 months. Invest in something people will actually have for a longgggg time.
Decorative towels that can’t actually absorb anything.