Five Star Gift Ideas

For your son who loves baking sourdough bread, there are a plethora of thoughtful and practical gift ideas that will enhance his passion for this delicious and ancient art of bread-making. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Baking Equipment: To further improve his sourdough bread-making skills, consider gifting him some high-quality baking equipment. A Dutch oven is an essential tool for achieving a crusty exterior, so investing in a durable and versatile one would be greatly appreciated. Additionally, a baking stone or baking steel would help him achieve that crisp bottom and evenly distributed heat, resulting in perfectly baked loaves.

2. Bread-Making Books: There is always something new to learn in the world of bread-making, and gifting your son some inspiring and informative books will not only broaden his knowledge but also fuel his passion. "Flour Water Salt Yeast" by Ken Forkish and "Tartine Bread" by Chad Robertson are renowned books that delve deep into the art of sourdough bread-making, providing valuable insights and techniques.

3. Sourdough Starter Kit: Help your son experiment with different flavors and textures by gifting him a sourdough starter kit. This could include a variety of unique and flavorful starters from different parts of the world, allowing him to explore diverse sourdough baking traditions. This gift will introduce him to new flavors and expand his repertoire of sourdough bread recipes.

4. Specialty Ingredients: Surprise your son with a selection of high-quality and unusual flours or grains to add depth and complexity to his sourdough bread. Rye flour, spelt flour, or heirloom wheat varieties can elevate the taste of the final product. Additionally, gifting him with unique ingredients like black sesame seeds, dried fruit, or aromatic spices will provide endless opportunities for experimentation and creativity.

5. Bread-Making Classes or Workshops: If you want to take your son's passion to the next level, consider enrolling him in a sourdough bread-making class or workshop. There are various online courses or local classes offered by experienced bakers and culinary schools, which will help him refine his techniques and learn new skills to elevate his baking game.

6. Personalized Bread Baking Tools: For a more personal touch, consider customizing some bread baking tools. Engraving a wooden bread lame, embossing a linen bread cloth, or personalizing a bread proofer will not only be functional but also add a unique touch to his baking routine.

7. Bread Cookbook Collection: Expand your son's cookbook collection and inspire his creativity by gifting him a selection of bread cookbooks. Include a range of books that cover different baking styles, such as artisan bread, flavored bread, bread from around the world, and gluten-free options. This gift will provide him with a wealth of new recipes and techniques to explore.

Remember, the best gifts are those that demonstrate your knowledge and support of your loved one's interests. By selecting a gift that aligns with your son's passion for baking sourdough bread, you will not only make his Christmas memorable but also encourage him to continue pursuing his love for this timeless culinary tradition.

Or you can get him a star map with an important date you share.

Madeline Moran Weiler says about Under Lucky Stars star maps:

“The map was absolutely beautiful! My grandson was thrilled with it (it was a Christmas gift) and has already asked me if I would consider getting another one for him as a graduation gift in a couple of years.”