While heading for lunch or dinner in the Quarter, make a point to stop and see Phillipe and Deb at Kitchen Witch on Toulouse between Royal and Chartres. A great browsing store with excellent people to talk with. Best cookbook selection and conversation about cookbooks in town. It also has some other items like local art focused on food and records (yes vinyl) for those who, like the owners, have more than one passion. open til 6 most days and like most stores in the Quarter, opens around 10ish.
This is a highlight for your day and the best place to buy a few gifts all at once.
http://www.kwcookbooks.com