Top 10 Gifts for the BBQ Lover This Holiday Season

Perfect Picks for Every Grill Master – From Essential BBQ Tools to Premium Pellet Smokers!

The holiday season is approaching, and it's time to start thinking about the perfect gift for the BBQ lover in your life. Whether they’re a seasoned pitmaster or just beginning their journey into the world of grilling, this guide will help you find a thoughtful gift that’s sure to impress. From budget-friendly essentials to high-end smokers, this list of top 10 BBQ gifts covers a range of price points. Every BBQ enthusiast can benefit from quality tools, unique BBQ accessories, and innovative gadgets that take their grilling game to the next level.

Here’s your ultimate guide to the top 10 BBQ gifts this holiday season—perfect for those who love to grill, smoke, and savor delicious food.

1. Digital Meat Thermometer

Why it’s a must-have this holiday season: The key to perfectly grilled or smoked meat lies in hitting the correct internal temperature. A digital meat thermometer makes it easy for any BBQ lover to ensure that their brisket, ribs, steaks, or chicken are cooked to perfection every time. With just a few seconds to get an accurate reading, they’ll no longer have to worry about undercooked chicken or overdone steaks.

What to look for:  When choosing a digital meat thermometer, look for one with a fast read time (2-3 seconds), a wide temperature range, and a backlit display for easy use in low light. Many thermometers also come with features like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing grillers to monitor the temperature remotely from their phone.

Price point: $$
Perfect for: BBQ enthusiasts who care about precision and want to take the guesswork out of cooking.

Courtesy of ThermoWorks

2. High-Quality Grill Tongs

Why it’s an essential gift: Every BBQ lover needs a reliable pair of grill tongs to handle their food with ease. Whether flipping burgers, moving a rack of ribs, or handling vegetables, high-quality grill tongs are a basic yet vital tool for any pitmaster. They allow BBQers to safely maneuver food without getting too close to the flames, ensuring that they have total control over their grilling.

What to look for: Stainless steel tongs with a long handle (at least 16 inches) are ideal for keeping hands away from the heat. Look for tongs with a strong grip, scalloped edges for secure food handling, and a locking mechanism for easy storage. A pair of tongs that’s easy to use and durable will be a go-to tool for every cookout.

Price point: $
Perfect for: BBQ beginners or pros who need a dependable tool for everyday grilling.

 

3. BBQ Rub and Sauce Gift Set

Why it’s a key gift this season: Variety is the spice of life—especially when it comes to BBQ. A rub and sauce gift set allows BBQ lovers to experiment with different flavor profiles, taking their grilled meats to the next level. From sweet and tangy sauces to smoky and spicy rubs, a well-curated holiday gift set will inspire them to try new recipes and bring more creativity to their grill sessions.

What to look for: Choose a set that includes a mix of flavors, such as sweet BBQ sauces, hot and spicy rubs, and tangy Carolina-style sauces. Look for sets that offer different regional flavors, including Kansas City, Texas, and Memphis styles. Many BBQ rub and sauce gift sets come from award-winning pitmasters or boutique brands, making them extra special.

Price point: $$
Perfect for: BBQ lovers who enjoy experimenting with new tastes and want to enhance their grilled dishes.

4. Heat-Resistant BBQ Gloves

Why it’s a smart gift: BBQ gloves are crucial for handling hot food, grill grates, or coals, keeping BBQ lovers safe while they cook. High-quality heat-resistant gloves allow grillers to manage hot temperatures without risking burns. Whether they’re adjusting smoker vents, moving hot pans, or handling racks of ribs, a good pair of BBQ gloves is a must-have for safety and convenience.

What to look for: Opt for gloves made from heat-resistant materials like silicone or aramid fiber, which are flexible and durable. Look for gloves that can withstand high temperatures (up to 932°F) and have a non-slip grip, allowing them to handle food and tools securely. BBQ gloves are also useful for outdoor fire pits, baking, and handling hot pots, making them a versatile addition to any outdoor cooking kit.

Price point: $$
Perfect for: The BBQ enthusiast who works with high-heat grilling and smoking and needs added protection.

5. GriddleTool Set

Why it’s important: A comprehensive griddle tool set is a great upgrade for any backyard cook. These sets typically include all the essentials needed for grilling: tongs, spatulas, forks, and basting brushes. Some even come with bonus items like skewers, grill cleaning brushes, or corn holders. Having a full set of reliable, stainless steel tools makes grilling easier and more efficient whether on the grill, griddle or smoker.

What to look for:  A good BBQ tool set should include long-handled tools made from stainless steel for durability and heat resistance. Look for sets that come with sturdy, easy-to-clean handles and a carrying case for easy storage and transport. This gift is perfect for BBQers who frequently grill for family gatherings or tailgating events.

Price point: $$-$$$
Perfect for: BBQ lovers who need to replace old tools or upgrade to a professional-grade set.

6. Smoking Chips Variety Pack

Why it’s perfect for this season: Smoking chips are a simple yet powerful way to add rich, smoky flavors to grilled and smoked meats. A variety pack of wood chips allows BBQ lovers to experiment with different wood types, such as hickory, apple, mesquite, and cherry. Smoking chips can be used in smokers, gas grills, or charcoal grills, making them a versatile addition to any BBQ setup.

What to look for: Choose a variety pack that includes multiple wood types, allowing the BBQ enthusiast to match the smoke flavor to the type of meat they’re cooking. For example, applewood is great for poultry, while hickory adds a bold flavor to ribs and pork shoulder. Smoking chips are an affordable way to enhance flavor and elevate any BBQ experience.

Price point: $$
Perfect for: BBQ enthusiasts who want to infuse their meats with unique, smoky flavors and experiment with different types of wood.

7. BBQ Grill Basket

Why it’s an essential BBQ accessory: A grill basket is a must-have for cooking small or delicate items like vegetables, shrimp, or cubed meat. It prevents food from falling through the grates while allowing for even cooking. Grill baskets are perfect for BBQers who want to expand beyond just grilling steaks and burgers.

What to look for: Stainless steel baskets are durable and provide even heat distribution. Look for baskets with perforated holes that allow smoke and heat to circulate, ensuring your food cooks evenly while retaining its flavor. Grill baskets are easy to clean and are great for making side dishes on the grill.

Price point: $$
Perfect for: BBQ lovers who enjoy grilling veggies, seafood, and smaller items alongside their meats.

8. BBQ Smoker

Why it’s the ultimate gift: A dedicated BBQ smoker is the perfect gift for any pitmaster looking to step up their game. Smokers allow for low-and-slow cooking, producing tender, flavorful meats like brisket, ribs, and pork shoulder. With the right smoker, a BBQ lover can create restaurant-quality smoked meats in their own backyard.

What to look for: Look for smokers with high-quality insulation, a large cooking capacity, and adjustable vents for temperature control. Whether they prefer a charcoal, electric, or pellet smoker, this is a show-stopping gift that will make their holiday unforgettable. Bonus features like built-in temperature gauges and side access doors for adding wood chips make a smoker even more user-friendly.

Price point: $$$$
Perfect for: The serious BBQ enthusiast who’s passionate about the art of smoking and wants to master low-and-slow cooking techniques.

9. Pellet Grill

Why it’s a standout gift: A pellet grill offers the convenience of grilling with the precision of smoking, all in one versatile machine. Pellet grills use wood pellets to create a smoky flavor, while temperature control features allow for precise cooking. They are perfect for BBQ lovers who want to expand their skills beyond traditional grilling, allowing them to smoke, bake, roast, and grill with ease.

What to look for:  When choosing a pellet grill, look for models with easy-to-use digital controls and Wi-Fi connectivity for remote monitoring. Temperature control is key, so ensure the grill offers a wide range of heat settings. Pellet grills are perfect for BBQ enthusiasts who want versatility, convenience, and unbeatable flavor in every meal.

Price point: $$$$
Perfect for: The BBQ lover who wants a multi-functional grill and enjoys experimenting with different cooking methods.

10. Big Poppa Smokers Gift Card

Why it’s the perfect choice if you’re unsure: Not sure what to get the BBQ lover in your life? A gift card to Big Poppa Smokers is a great solution, allowing them to choose their favorite BBQ seasonings, sauces, top-of-the-line accessories, or even a new grill or smoker. With so many options to choose from, a gift card lets them pick exactly what they need to enhance their BBQ game.

What makes it great: A gift card gives your BBQ enthusiast the freedom to explore new rubs, sauces, accessories, and even premium grills and smokers at their own pace. It's a flexible option for anyone who loves BBQ but has specific preferences. This gift ensures they’ll get exactly what they want, making it a thoughtful and practical option for the holidays.

Price point: $-$$$
Perfect for: Everyone on your list

 

Finding the perfect gift for the BBQ lover in your life doesn’t have to be a challenge. Whether you’re looking for a practical tool, a unique accessory, or a high-end upgrade, our list of the top 10 BBQ holiday gifts has something for everyone. From essential items like a digital meat thermometer or grill tongs to premium gifts like a smoker or pellet grill, these gifts will enhance any BBQ enthusiast’s outdoor cooking experience. And if you’re still unsure, a Big Poppa Smokers gift card is a foolproof way to let them choose exactly what they need to take their BBQ skills to the next level.

This holiday season, give the gift of exceptional BBQ gear that will fuel their passion and make every cookout memorable. Happy holidays, and may the grill always be hot and the BBQ always delicious!