Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, gatherings, and, of course, great food! If you have a sourdough enthusiast in your life, this guide is here to help you find the perfect gift to make their bread-baking endeavors even better. From must-have tools to high-quality ingredients, these thoughtful gifts will ensure their sourdough rolls are the talk of the holiday table.
Must Have Baking Tools
A sourdough baker’s craft begins with the right tools. Here are some essentials every baker would love:
Sourdough Starter (The Official Geeks Kind!)
We haven't even released this to the public yet, so here's a perk of actually reading our blogs: Larry Levain Stiff Starter is now available for purchase!
You can’t make sourdough without a starter! Our very own Larry Levain is a 4-year-old starter crafted by Chef James Bridges. Larry has baked over 30,000 loaves and is always “happy as Larry.” With a track record of never failing or being refrigerated, Larry is the ideal starter for every baker.
Our newest version is a stiff-starter meaning it slows fermentation activity so that it doesn't develop too much acidity in transit, meaning you'll get a starter that will activate and be ready to bake with MUCH faster than a liquid one.
Bannetons (Proofing Baskets)
9” Round Bread Proofing Baskets
Perfect for 900-1000g doughs, these are the same baskets Chef James used in his bakery for large, round loaves.
10” Oval Bread Proofing Baskets
Ideal for regular batard loaves weighing 700-800g.
Lame (Bread Scoring Knife)
Sourdough Geeks x Wire Monkey Exclusive Goose Lame.
Wait, what, another exclusive sneak peek for you just for reading our blog?! YUP.
We're soon going to release a limited-run, custom lame crafted from American black walnut and stainless steel hardware, complete with a blade guard and magnetic backing for storage. We partnered with our friends at Wire Monkey to create this limited edition gooseneck lame you're going to LOVE!
Join our membership to get first access to the limited edition lame!
Bench Knives
Lightweight with a non-slip handle and laser-etched markings for precision. Perfect for handling and cutting dough with ease.
For a slightly less expensive option, the OXO version of the bench knife is a good choice. Slightly harder to handle than the Brod & Taylor version, but gets the job done.
Bakeware to Elevate Your Craft
Baking Shells
Brod & Taylor Baking Shell (Boule)
Lightweight with excellent heat conductivity, these baking shells ensure perfect results without the heavy lifting or risk of burns. Remember you can get 10% off with code GEEKS10 on anything at Brod & Taylor at checkout!
Brod & Taylor Baking Shell (Batard)
A new release from the B&T team that has all the excellence of the Boule version, but now for those of us that like to bake batard (oval) shaped bread! Remember, GEEKS10 at checkout.
Baking Steels
Pair it with a shell from above, or use on its own for an open bake. Thin, lightweight, and easy to use, this baking steel is ideal for artisan bread.
FREE Accessory Bundle from Simply Bread Ovens
Finally ready to upgrade your oven? Take the plunge this holiday season! Simply Bread Ovens makes baking easier and better with their top-tier ovens and accessories.
Special Offer: Get a FREE Essential Accessory Bundle (worth $250)!
- How to Redeem: Click this link, add the oven and the Essential Accessory Bundle to your cart and the discount will apply at checkout!
Residential (or Commercial!) Mixers
For those that are looking to truly elevate to the next level, you're going to need a more professional mixer in your life. This will drastically change what you're baking, yes, but even better you're going to save SO much time (and elbow/shoulder injuries!)
Our favorite mixers are from Pizza Goods because they're 100% made in Italy, the craftsmanship is unparalleled, and the customer service simply cant' be beat.
Make sure to use GEEKS10 at checkout for 10% off anything on the site.
Ingredients and Pantry Upgrades
High-Quality Flour
Janie’s Mill Organic Flours and Whole Grains
Sourced from a regenerative family farm, these organic flours are a favorite of Chef James since 2020. They have incredible Samplers & Gifts that would be a killer gift for someone this holiday season. Use code GEEKS10 for 10% off your order!
If you're not in the market for artisan, organic, hand-milled flour quite yet, the best readily-available flour we recommend is from King Arthur. Check out the Organic Bread Flour, Organic Rye, and Organic Whole Wheat options.
A little splurge that goes a long way! These flaky, clean salt crystals elevate even the simplest bakes. You most likely won't need the 3-pound pack unless you're baking like Chef James. Try a smaller option to start!
J.Q. Dickinson Appalachian Sea Salt
One of James' personal faves because it is hand-harvested from ancient ocean deposits, this finishing salt elevates focaccia, canapés, and more. Additional pantry items like honey and maple syrup are also available.
Temperature Control for Fermentation Perfection
Goldie Starter Vessel from Sourhouse
Keeps your starter in the perfect “Goldielocks” zone for health and activity. A beautiful way to display and maintain your sourdough’s heart. You can get a 10% off code by clicking this link.
Maintain consistent fermentation temperatures for foolproof results every single time.
Not the flashiest gift, but absolutely essential when baking for a crowd over the holidays. Makes bulk fermentation and proofing a breeze.
Get the Perfect Gift for Your Sourdough Enthusiast
Whether they’re a seasoned baker or just starting their sourdough journey, these gifts are sure to inspire their next loaf. Shop the guide, take advantage of discounts, and make this Thanksgiving their best baking season yet!
Let us know what you think about this list in the comments below.
