Cooking is a rewarding hobby and meals, when shared with friends and family, are a great opportunity to sit down and stay abreast of all the goings-on in the lives of your loved ones. For some, however, food is more than just a hobby, it’s a passion.

Those especially passionate about their food are affectionately known as “foodies.” Foodies can be meat lovers, vegetarians or even vegans. All it really takes is a love of food. This holiday season, gift the foodie in your life with any of the following food-oriented gift ideas.

Cooking class

Know a foodie who is just beginning a love affair with food? Or one who has recently discovered a particular type of cuisine, such as Thai or Indian? Help cultivate this newfound love by treating them to a cooking class that helps them learn all about the cuisine and how to make certain dishes for themselves. Such classes are not too difficult to find, and you might even be treated to a delicious, homecooked meal once your loved one has completed the class.

Club membership

Monthly clubs, such as pastry-of-the-month or coffee-of-the-month, are wildly popular among foodies. Memberships are relatively inexpensive, and each month your loved one will receive a new item, whether it’s an old favorite or a new one they have never tried before. This is a great way for foodies to try new things, and it truly is the gift that keeps on giving, as most memberships last a full year.

Gadgets

Not all foodies love to cook, but those who do may love to unwrap some gadgets that can help around the kitchen. A digital kitchen scale makes measuring ingredients a snap, while an electric wine opener makes it easier than ever before to uncork a bottle of wine to serve with dinner. Whatever a foodie’s taste or personal preference, chances are there’s a corresponding gadget that can make a meal that much easier to prepare.

A night out

Of course, some foodies love to eat but aren’t so enamored with cooking. For those who prefer the restaurant route, peruse the local Sunday newspaper to learn about the newest culinary hotspots. Then purchase a gift certificate for two so your loved one can indulge his or her love of food without having to worry about who’s washing the dishes.

Get your hands dirty

Perhaps nothing will delight a foodie more than a homecooked meal, especially after the hectic holiday season when most people want nothing more than to kick their heels up and spend a night in. Once the holiday season has come and gone, invite your favorite foodie over for a homecooked meal of his or her choosing. Unless he or she insists, don’t let the night’s guest of honor do any of the work.