Thanksgiving is fast upon us, Halloween is around the corner, my mums are blooming, and I keep having a recurring dream (or nightmare) that Time Square’s New Year’s Eve ball might shatter into a thousand different crab cakes: the holidays are here.

Christmas is about gifts for others; Aunt Clarissa gets a soup sock in her stocking and your sister Pamela might be due for the Le Creuset she’s spent the last two Christmases asking after. But as every homecook knows, Thanksgiving is that holiday where you get yourself something special. Have you had your eyes on a roaster? Well, there’s no better excuse than feeding your in-laws. What about a Vitamix for that pumpkin and butternut squash soup you’re attempting?

This week, Gigi wants to share Fante’s staff picks for Thanksgiving gifts to yourself. There’s no better time than Thanksgiving to be thankful for yourself, right?

Our owner, Mariella, knows that the holidays are synonymous with pizzelles. If you can’t find your Nonna’s pizzelle iron, have a look at Mariella’s gorgeous recommendation from Palmer Electric.

I can’t recommend this vacuum sealing set from Zwilling enough. Many of us remember when vacuum sealers were so large they ate half of your counter space. This handy vacuum wand can hang out in your silverware drawer. The sealer is compatible with Zwilling’s sous vide bags (sous vide salmon and mash potatoes > turkey and mash potatoes, change my mind) and an entire line of glassware that will ensure your Thanksgiving leftovers stay fresh.

Our buyer, Brian, knows when a product gets every ounce of utility out of its design. His recommendation? This 2in1 surface probe and thermometer from Escali. We’re no longer in the culinary dark ages, it’s time to know the surface of your pan before you try and sear a steak. Besides, Thanksgiving is the time of year when you hunt through your drawers for a thermometer that can tell you your Turkey won’t be done on time.

Camille is tired of our turkey talk. If your Thanksgiving is vegan, Camille knows that roasted vegetables just cook better on Nordicware. Her recommendation? This stunning and useful cookie sheet set that includes a rack and Nordicware’s American made rippled surface that makes sure your desserts won’t stick at all.

David’s a huge fan of our new line from Dreamfarm. The company’s products are almost made with tiny Philadelphia kitchens in mind; they offer ergonomic and space-saving combo tools like David’s recommended salad-spinner-colander (theSpina) and a basting brush that also has a reservoir for drizzling (you guessed it, theBrizzle).

Our new and intrepid member of the Fante’s Team, Paulina, thinks you should have a tortilla press this Thanksgiving. After all, more than a few of us are tired of the same tired Turkey! Homemade tortillas are a year-round delight and besides, this press can flatten any number of things; turkey topped tostones anyone?