It’s true to say that many of us live for last minute shopping. It’s not that you intend to leave it for so long, it’s just you think you have weeks to shop and then you realise that the birthday, Christmas or other celebration date is nearly upon you and then you panic about what to buy for that person.

Well, fear not, here are just a few present ideas for the favourite chef in your life.

If you know someone who loves to cook, you can’t go wrong with a microwave oven. Most newer microwaves come with grill and fan oven settings so there’s almost no need for a regular oven. These microwaves allow you to not only heat up something quickly but to grill and bake as well, so they make ideal gifts for any chef, budding or seasoned.

The favourite cook in your life will need a good recipe book to cook you up something fabulous and you can pore through hundreds at your local bookseller. There are books featuring famous chefs like Gordon Ramsey or Jamie Oliver or ones specialising in mains, sides or puddings. Have a look to find the ideal book that will please the cook. Just make sure you get the right one.

Cooking accessories are always an ideal accompaniment and much needed by any chef. Whether it be moulds, utensils or pans, have a think about what he or she likes to make most (or better yet, what you’d like them to cook for you!) and then you can tailor your present to meet their needs. Perhaps your favourite cook makes the best Chinese food in the world. Why not invest in a really nice wok? Buy them something that will inspire them to whip up their best treats.

You also can’t go wrong with coffee makers. What goes better with your favourite dessert than a fabulous cup of joe? Today’s coffee machines are quick and easy, you can buy loads of heavenly-smelling and wonderful-tasting coffee without having to run to Starbucks. Every cook will appreciate a coffee maker to treat his or her guests to the ultimate dinner party. You can make espressos to cappuccinos all in a jiff.

Finally, a good blender is ideal for whipping up soups and blending berries for smoothies and puddings. Every real cook needs a blender to create some homemade sauces to accompany their masterpieces and these usually aren’t too expensive.

The above-mentioned products are just a few last-minute gifts you can take advantage of purchasing for the special person in your life who loves to cook. You can get most products online, some to be delivered next day, so there’s no more excuses for not coming up with a great gift in a short amount of time for the ultimate present that says I love you and most importantly, I adore your cooking!