A Book & a Related Gift - GIFT GUIDE discussion

Gift: spaghetti-lifting fork (a.k.a. a pasta 'spider'), spaghetti and/or a pasta pot. And maybe a hairpin and a bottle of Italian olive oil.

This is a great kid's story, with really unique illustrations. And it will probably leave you craving carbs. The Magical World of Strega Nona treasury also has some simple but legit Italian recipes in the back to try (and I have, and they're good).

If you have a burgeoning young chef in your life, and they like Italian food, I would also plump for Marcella Hazan's Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking, and bookmark the whole roast chicken with two lemons recipe right now. Just a tip.