Gift Guide: For the foodie

1. A set of Global knives This is a wonderful present for a keen cook. Global makes safe, strong and dependable knives that stay sharp for a long time. From £59.95, Divertimenti, tel: 020 7581 8065, www.divertimenti.co.uk

2. KitchenAid mixer A great gift for someone who is young and interested in cooking. It's pricey, but this mixer will last for years. Useful for cakes, breads, mayonnaises and purées. £349, Divertimenti, tel: 020 7581 8065, www.divertimenti.co.uk

3. Valentini olive oil This fantastic oil from Frioli goes very well with winter greens such as sprouting broccoli. It also livens up a plain bread - try it lightly grilled and rubbed with garlic. £16.45 for 750ml, Les Caves de Pyrene, tel: 01483 554 750

4. Smythson bound cooking notebook It's very posh, but it's worth investing in something you like looking at. Every chef l know keeps their own personal book of recipes and tips from other cooks. £145, tel: 08705 211 311, www.smythson.com

5. Marble mortar and pestle A heavy marble pestle and mortar is an invaluable kitchen tool for pounding nuts or garlic, or making rustic sauces such as tarrator, pesto, salmoriglio or romesco. £49.95, Divertimenti, tel: 020 7581 8065, www.divertimenti.co.uk

6. 'Saha: A Chef's Journey Through Lebanon and Syria' Greg and Lucy Malouf's book on Middle Eastern cooking is the most exceptional book that l have seen this year. £15, www.amazon.co.uk

7. 'Slow Food' membership The Slow Food organisation costs little to join but the rewards are plenty: a quarterly magazine plus details of Slow Food events here and abroad. £25, www.slowfood.com

Skye Gyngell is 'The Sunday Review' food writer and chef at Petersham Nurseries