Every year, it’s the same challenge: What do you get the BBQ lover who seems to have every gadget and gizmo already? Let’s be honest: nobody needs another novelty apron or “Kiss the Cook” spatula. If you really want to contribute to their passion for the grill, don’t go bigger, go smarter. The secret? Upgrade the essentials and add a few expert-approved tools they’ll actually use.
As a team that lives and breathes barbeque every single day, we know what works (and what just collects dust in the drawer). Here’s how to build a holiday gift set that feels personal and pro, so you can win the holidays and maybe even score an invite to the next cookout.
The Foundation of Flavor (The Rocklands Must-Haves)
Every great barbeque starts with a bold, balanced flavor. These are the building blocks of any authentic BBQ gift set.
The Sauce Can Set the Tone:
Start with a bottle of our classic Rocklands Original BBQ Sauce. It’s basically Rocklands in a bottle: tangy, smoky, and a little bit addictive. Shopping for someone who likes things spicy? Build a “Sauce Flight” by adding our Global Warming Sauce and add some tang with our Citrus Sauce or Spicy Mustard! They’ve got what it takes to please any palate!
The One Rub to Rule Them All:
Meet the unsung hero of our kitchen: Rocklands Malt Salt. This savory, slightly briny blend is the secret to giving meats the full body flavor. I recently used this on some steaks and the depth of flavor it provided was amazing!
It goes on pork shoulder, chicken, grilled veggies, honestly, we’ve yet to find something it doesn’t improve. Think of it as the flavor backbone every pantry needs. It goes on right before the grill, so no need to think about advanced prep with this one. It’s also really delicious sprinkled right on hot fries!
The Starter Pack:
If you want a no-fail starting point, grab one bottle of Original Sauce , one container of Malt Salt and a bottle of Global Warming. It’s the essential taste of Rocklands, and the perfect foundation for your gift set.
Tools of the Trade (Picks from the Rocklands Crew)
We asked our grill team a simple question: What’s the one non-Rocklands tool you can’t live without? Here’s what they said.
John, who owns and started Rocklands, talks about how handy an instant read thermometer is:
I’ve seen him check if meat is done just by pressing on it, something most of us can’t pull off. For the rest of us, an instant read thermometer takes the guesswork out. You get the exact temperature right away, so you know your meat’s cooked just how you want it.
Rebecca, our Head of Operations, swears by keeping things simple: start fresh every time.
Her go-to advice? Get yourself a solid grill brush. If you use it regularly, you’ll keep your grill in good shape, your meals safer, and your food tasting the way it should. Without yesterday’s char gumming up the works.
Carmen and Wayland, our fearless Catering Managers, on Practicality and Confidence:
“When you’re managing a hot grill, you need confidence. That comes from a pair of long-handled, stainless steel tongs.”
These aren’t super heavy and allow you to flip and rotate items on the grill at a distance.
Edlund 4416HDL 16 inch heavy duty stainless steel restaurant tongs with Lock, 1 pack
The Next Level (For the Serious Smoker)
If your gift recipient is truly passionate about the craft, this is where you show you’ve done your homework.
Better Fuel, Better Flavor:
A bag of high-quality lump charcoal burns cleaner and hotter than briquettes. For the smoker in your life, include a bag of specific smoking wood chunks (like hickory for pork or apple for chicken). It’s the little detail that says, “I get it.”
Cowboy Southern Style Hardwood Lump Charcoal (20 Pound)
The Butcher’s Secret:
For those who obsess over brisket or big cuts, a roll of pink butcher paper (not waxed freezer paper!) is a pro move. It helps push through “the stall” and preserves that perfect, crispy bark better than foil.
Pink Butcher Paper Roll With Dispenser Box – 17.25 Inch by 175 Foot Roll of Food Grade Peach BBQ Butcher Paper for Smoking Meat – Unbleached, Unwaxed and Uncoated
A Solid Basting Brush:
Don’t overlook the basics! A good silicone basting brush is essential for saucing at the end of a cook. Durable, easy to clean, and honestly, something most people forget to upgrade.
OXO Good Grips Silicone Basting & Pastry Brush
Lights:
Rechargable with two brightness levels, this grill light means you’ll never have to blindly try to grill at night time.
Barbecue Grill Light for Outdoor, Rechargeable, 360° Rotatable
Assembling Your Ultimate Gift Set
Now, let’s put it all together. Find a nice wooden crate, a small cooler, or a galvanized metal bucket to use as your “basket.”
- The “Weekend Warrior” Set: Rocklands Original Sauce, Malt Salt, and a high-quality instant-read thermometer. The perfect all-around gift. Simple, practical, and guaranteed to get used.
- The “Smoker’s Delight” Bucket: Rocklands Global Warming Sauce, Malt Salt, a bag of hickory wood chunks, and a roll of pink butcher paper. For the BBQ nerd who loves to experiment.
- The “Rocklands Complete” Crate: A flight of all our sauces and Malt Salt , grill brush and long-handled tongs. Also add in a bottle of Rocklands Straight Bourbon Whiskey! This is the “barbeque dream team”.
The Best Gifts Aren’t Just Things
Here’s the truth: The best gifts aren’t just things, they’re an endorsement of a passion. Building a custom BBQ gift set shows you care about the details and respect the craft.
By starting with a foundation of authentic Rocklands flavor and adding tools trusted by the pros, you’re giving more than just a gift, you’re handing over the key to their next great barbeque.
Ready to build your perfect gift? Shop our sauces and rubs online or stop by any Rocklands location to grab the essentials. We also have some other great gift-giving options to add on (like gift cards)!
Happy holidays and Happy Grilling!
