Pair your gift of a knife with a good quality wood cutting board. Wood is the preferred material because it won't dull knife blades and has natural antibacterial properties.
Include a knife sharpener in your gift theme if budget allows. Although a high quality wood cutting board will help keep knives sharp, continuous use can still dull the blade.
Good knives don't come cheap, so you'll have to keep your budget in mind while shopping. If you can afford it, buying the set is recommended because it represents a good value over buying a la carte.
Anyone who spends any time in the kitchen knows that good knives are a must have. A good quality knife will last a lifetime. Whether for a seasoned chef or someone new to the kitchen, you can't go wrong with a quality knife or knife set.