It's the age-old question: what to bring to Thanksgiving? In my family at least, it’s a fine line between sparking delight and outright offence. You don't want to bring a dish that clashes with the host's meal plan or Thanksgiving table decor, but equally, a fun gift can spark joy and good conversation around the table.
To find the sweet spot between thoughtful, indulgent, and practical, I asked some of the best chefs what they bring to Thanksgiving (when they are not cooking the feast themselves, of course).
From avant-garde restaurant owners to Michelin-starred masters like Daniel Humm, the answers didn’t disappoint.
1. Snacks That Buy the Host Some Time
Joanne Gallagher, recipe creator and co-founder of Inspired Taste (which has garnered 1.1 million Instagram followers), says: 'I like to bring something small and snacky, like homemade candied pecans.
'They’re perfect for nibbling with cocktails or sprinkling over the salad,' Joanne continues. 'Everyone’s starving while the turkey finishes, so I love having something sweet, crunchy, and easy that buys the cook a little breathing room.'
2. A Healthier Cranberry Sauce
A fermentation kit makes healthier, homemade cranberry sauce
Dr. Bill Schindler, chef, anthropologist, and top-rated author of Eat Like A Human (Amazon), has a tradition that always sparks wonder and surprise.
'Every Thanksgiving, I bring a naturally fermented cranberry sauce – bright, tart, and very much alive,' explains Dr. Schindler. 'Instead of the jellied cylinder from a can, this version ferments for 10-14 days with fresh ginger, orange zest, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and a touch of maple.'
'The process transforms humble cranberries into a complex, probiotic-rich condiment that supports digestion and sparks conversation,' he explains. 'It’s traditional in spirit, deeply nourishing, and always the most surprising thing on the table.'
3. An Unconventional Gravy Gadget
Stanley insulated tumbler in the 'Dried Pine' colorway
George Duran, best known for his Food Network show Ham on the Street and contributions to Good Morning America, is somebody who knows how to unite fun and practicality.
'Bringing in a cooked dish can sometimes seem insulting (unless the host has specifically asked me to)', George explains. 'They have a full planned Turkey menu that most probably includes gravy.'
'Instead, I gift a "gravy boat" that not only assures that the gravy stays warm on the table throughout the whole dinner, but also offers a fantastic talking point while we dine... in the form of a large vacuum-insulated coffee flask'. One of the best travel mugs (think Thermos or Stanley) is George's 'secret weapon to keep gravy piping hot and really surprises the host (and guests alike) for a successful Thanksgiving meal.'
4. A Flavor Insurance Policy
Single-serve, organic olive oil
Chef Massimo Falsini, of the Michelin-starred restaurant Caruso’s in Montecito, embraces the trend that olive oil is the new bottle of wine – but it’s not just an aesthetic choice.
'Italians never arrive empty-handed to a party, and Thanksgiving is no exception, ' explains Chef Massimo. 'My way is to bring “insurance policies for flavor.” I usually bring a beautiful bottle of our single-estate extra virgin olive oil and treat it almost like a perfume for the table: a drizzle over mashed potatoes, turkey, even pumpkin pie with a touch of sea salt.'
5. After-Meal Magic
Glass containers from Daniel Humm x Crate & Barrel collection
Kali Kopley is the Executive Chef and Co-Owner of farm-to-table restaurant Pico Los Alamos in Santa Barbara wine country. I had to include her simple, practical advice, as I couldn't agree more with the sentiment.
'I really like to have a clean kitchen before I go to bed. I generally clean as I cook, but I love waking up to a spotless kitchen so I can enjoy my morning coffee! I appreciate it when guests pitch in to help clean up after dinner and take leftovers home.'
If this idea appeals to you but you don’t want to arrive empty-handed, consider gifting a set of stylish storage containers (I recently wrote about glass Tupperware and the new Le Creuset silicone containers), which your host can keep and use again.
6. Treats For Tomorrow
Eleven Madison Home Cherry Pistachio Granola
I've saved the best until last, with Chef Daniel Humm's recommendation. Known around the world for Michelin-starred Eleven Madison Park, he brings a level of intentionality and creativity that perfectly rounds out this list.
'Granola has always been a small but meaningful part of my life in the kitchen,' starts Chef Humm. 'We’ve been giving the Eleven Madison Park Granola [now at Crate & Barrel] to guests as a parting gift for years, and something to enjoy the next morning as a reminder of their experience. It balances salty and sweet beautifully, with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, and it’s also one of my favorite gifts to bring when visiting friends for the holidays.'
Shop Thanksgiving Gifts Inspired by Top Chefs
From quality kitchen items that really help the host on the day, to tools for creating homemade festive treats, these gifts put an end to the perennial question of what to bring to Thanksgiving.
Chef Massimo often uses his own single-origin olive oil, but this Italian extra-virgin option is just as tempting – early-harvest, cold-pressed, polyphenol-rich – perfect for drizzling.
Made famous by Eleven Madison Park, foodie hosts will love this iconic granola. It's sweetened with maple syrup, while olive oil, salt, and pistachios keep things balanced with a touch of savory.
This stainless steel mug is a genius way to keep gravy hot and pourable for 2.5 hours. Stanley is a coveted brand, so your hosts will love using it for coffee afterwards, too.
This high-quality glass storage set brings the gift of professional-level organization – very welcome, after all the Thanksgiving chaos! It is sleek, safe, and beautiful, like all the pieces from the Daniel Humm x Crate & Barrel collection.
The Kilner Glass Fermenting Set makes it easy to create your own probiotic-packed treats, like cranberry sauce – as well as sauerkraut, kimchi, and pickles. Just follow the recipe guide, add vegetables, water, and salt, and you’re good to go.
If you’re planning to bake homemade pecan snacks or granola, I highly recommend this American-made cookware brand. Made from commercial-grade steel, this pan is the easiest way to make baking gifts a breeze
For anyone still wondering what to bring to Thanksgiving, I think it's pretty clear that the best Thanksgiving gifts are thoughtful and practical. You might also consider Thanksgiving craft ideas to bring some handmade charm to the table.
Of course, if you're hosting yourself, why not gift yourself something to make the whole affair easier? I recently tested the best Turkey roasting pans – a game-changer not just for this year, but for decades to come.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.