It's that time again: gift ideas for the foodies in your life

EAU GOOD WATER BOTTLE WITH CHARCOAL FILTER $4.00 - $20.00

You may be surprised to know that most people in the industrialized world don't have access to high-quality drinking water. For those affected, the simple solution is to buy plastic bottles of fresh, filtered water, but unfortunately these innocuous bottles come with a price you won't pay at the checkout. Every year, over 22 billion single-use water bottles end up in a landfill. This is a global environmental problem, and fortunately, designers Black + Blum have come up with a stylish and simple solution. With a squeeze and a snap, 6 months of great tasting tap water is available at your fingertips. By providing a locking compartment for a tube of binchotan active charcoal in their cork-topped BPA-free bottle, designers Dan Black and Martin Blum have modernized this natural filter used by the Japanese since the 17th century. Binchotan reduces chlorine, mineralizes water, and balances the pH so no additional filtration is necessary for pure, refreshing tap water. Maintaining the charcoal is easy, just remove it from the bottle after three months and boil it for ten minutes. Once you've recharged it, your tube is ready to transform your tap water for another three months. (found at uncommongoods.com)   TREE STUMP CUTTING BOARD $75.00

The graphic marbling of spalted maple adds special charm to this durable cutting board. Made from fallen trees uncovered by artisan Spencer Peterman, the unique appearance of the wood is the result of the tree's natural process of deterioration. The gorgeous cutting board is coaxed from an old tree stump - leaving a natural edge - kiln-dried and given a food safe finish. The unexpected beauty of the wood makes the cutting board a special gift for amateur chefs - as well as a delightful addition to your own kitchen. Handmade in Massachusetts. (found at uncommongoods.com)


TEASTICK $22.00

 A functional everyday item made even more beautiful by simple and smart design, this teastick is made of stainless steel and plastic and features a spring mechanism that reveals a drawer for tea leaves. Place the tea stick in a cup of hot water and let the tea steep through the tiny holes at the bottom. (found at uncommongoods.com)

KITCHEN COMPOSTER $12-48.00

Recycle waste into something wonderful! This unique, odorless indoor composting system ferments and pickles food waste in less than half the time of conventional composting methods using the Japanese method of Bokashi. And don't forget the beginner's guide to composting, which will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about the wonderful world of fermentation. Convenient - Stores neatly under kitchen sink for easy access, every few weeks contents can then be buried in your garden. Large Capacity - Holds approximately 5 gallons of food waste. Air-Tight Lid - Ensures an ideal environment for anaerobic fermentation to take place, while controlling odors and deterring flies. Plastic Strainer & Spigot - Placing the plastic grate inside the bucket and then piling food waste on top of it separates the food waste from the liquid that accumulates at the bottom of the bucket. This liquid can be easily drained through the spigot and used as a nutrient-rich fertilizer for houseplants and garden. Bokashi - An all-natural compost starter containing beneficial micro-organisms that aids in fermentation. Once the bucket is full, it will take only 10 days to produce a pre-compost product ready to bury in the garden. After planting, the compost will be converted to rich topsoil in about one month. Compost inoculates the soils with beneficial and effective microorganisms which detoxify chemically treated soil, feeds the natural soil ecology, and attracts beneficial insects and nematodes. It also enhances soil fertility and increases plant yield and produce quality. (found at uncommongoods.com)

MOLECULAR GASTRONOMY KIT $60.00

What do you get when you combine food, chemistry and art? You get to deconstruct any dish, to change the look and feel of any ingredient, to impress dinner guests, and to take your tastebuds on an adventure--also known as molecular gastronomy! Turn your kitchen into a food laboratory with this how-to kit that teaches you how to transform liquids, like honey, into jelly-like cubes, spherify chopped produce into flavor-packed beads, or even morph melted chocolate into a delicate powder or spaghetti-like strands. You're only limited by your imagination! So go ahead, play with your food! (found at uncommongoods.com)

CHEESETASTING NOTEBOOK & PEN SET $45.00

Don't put up a stink when you can't recall that bit brie, bleu, chevre, or Swiss at the market! Pair this petite and practical cheese diary and pen with any piece, slice, wedge, or crumble to savor every last detail long after you've finished the final morsel. Designed to be stowed in your bag, purse, or pocket, this streamlined pen and notebook set packs a high-design punch and possess an extra special edge: dried cheddar or a few drops of cow's milk impart the notebook's ink and the pen's resin with its characteristic creamy hue. Fill in the essentials as you delight in every delectable bite, as well as a rating out of five stars, and the texture, from velvety ricotta to grated parmesan. A flavor wheel helps you identify tang, earth, brininess, robust and subtle flavor notes, and more. Once filled, this compact journal holds every ounce of detail from your 33 most recent tastings and serves as an invaluable reference for both connoisseurs and casual nibblers.  Pen handmade with resin tinted and textured with powdered cheese, and cracked pepper by Merrie Buchsbaum in Connecticut. (found at uncommongoods.com)