If you're making your list and checking it twice, don't forget kitchen gifts are some of the best, most appreciated, and most used gifts you could ever give someone. This list is everything I use, everything I love, and nothing I don't. If you have someone on your list who's an avid cook or someone who enjoys entertaining guests, this list should be your go-to! Heck, everyone needs kitchen stuff, so make these ideas your go-to for anyone on your list!
*** Note: I have linked directly to the exact brands/makes I own and love. However, some of my stuff is old - in that case, I found the closest to what I have! Happy shopping!
Essentials
Many cooks may already have a lot of the things on this list in their kitchen. However, there may be a few things they've never thought they needed before that I absolutely think they could use!
I can't stress enough, a good set of knives will change a person's cooking. I've had people tell me they hated to cook, got good knives and started to love it. Mine are Wusthf and I love them. Most used/necessary knives: chef's knife or cook's knife (smaller hands will do just fine with a cook's knife), large serrated knife, basic paring knife, and serrated paring knife.
Simple, every cook needs these and they'll last a lifetime. Mine are Calphalon Contemporary and they do just grandly! Most used/necessary ones: small and large saucepans, small and large sauté pans, large pot (for boiling pasta).
if I could rank these, this may be at the top of the list of what I use most in my kitchen. Soups, stews, slow-cooking - one of these is better than any slow-cooked you could ever have. Goes from stove to oven, I use this at least 3 to 4 times a week - get it in a neutral color, and it's great stovetop decor.
Another favorite - especially if you don't like to grill outside when it's cold (or in my case, when it's hot). I use this constantly. Tip: tell them to never wash it, only rinse and wipe after using - over time, it gets a real "charred, Grilled" taste. Mine is Calphalon.
One can never have too many of these - all sizes please! Bonus gift-giving points if you include foil and parchment sheets with the gift.
One may not think one needs this, but I'm here to tell you, every cook will eventually be glad they have one of these. It's perfect for soups, gravy, or anything that needs to be blended without having to transfer it to an actual blender! Mine is KitchenAid.
This is a southern staple, and it will be used for everything from homemade biscuits to stir fry! Mine is Lodge.
A set of cute, fancy along with a set of simple, standard is the perfect gift. My cute, fancies are front Williams-Sonoma and I use them constantly for photo props and kitchen decor. My simple, standards are from Kroger, cheap as dirt, and sop up messes and dry dishes quickly.
I use these more than any utensil spoons I own. I have tons of wooden spoons and unless I'm making a recipe where I have to scrape the bottom of the pan, I use my silicone - they're light in my hands and no stick! You'll never use anything else to scramble eggs again, either.
From grilling to pasta boiling, tongs are a kitchen must. I have a set in three sizes and use them all regularly.
I have two and use them both equally as much. A smaller one is perfect for dressings and small prep, and a large one can be used for just about anything - sauces, pasta making, large dish prep work, etc. My small one is Food Network brand and my large one is Hamilton Beach Stack and Snap (I love that you have to have it locked before you can process). Note: both of these were given to me as Christmas gifts from Mama, and I use them more than you can ever understand!
Small and medium glass prep bowls will change a cook's life. These are great for chop-prepping and refrigerating - then all can just be thrown into a pot. Meal prepping makes cooking easy peasy, and you can't prep without prep bowls.
Speaking of food prepping, in the restaurant business, "deli containers" are a go-to for food prep. I use these CONSTANTLY to prep food that needs to be stored more than a day, as well as for leftovers, and freezing soups and stocks. You can get a huge supply of these at restaurant stores or on Amazon. Bonus gift giving points if you include labels.
Never underestimate a tool this small. I think they're referred to as "cookie scoops," but I don't call them that because I use them for anything I need to make all the same size - meatballs, truffles, cupcakes, etc. I use this tool on the absolute regular.
Splurges
This list actually happens to be my favorite - not because it's a little more on the expensive side, but because I actually use the stuff on this list more than you would think! Everything on this list I consider one of my all-time best purchases (or gifts given to me).
This is everything on earth, and if you get this for a coffee fan, they'll think you're the best human on earth. I have the separate espresso machine and frother, but you can buy combo machines - there are lots of options. I've had mine for about 5 years so I'm looking into getting one of the newer versions soon but these machines are top-notch, last a really long time, and the coffee is absolutely to die for. With one of these machines, you feel like you're at a cafe in Italy or France every time you sip your coffee!
If one who cooks often is going to have a blender in their home, it should be this one. Yes, it's expensive but it'll be used constantly and forever. I very rarely go for the most expensive brand - unless it's worth it - and in this case, it is. I can't stress enough how necessary a Vitamix is for an avid cook.
Another must-have that's not exactly cheap but lasts a lifetime. It makes baking a breeze but it can be used for so much more than that. I use it most to make homemade pasta - see below.
Once one gets the hang of homemade pasta, they'll never go back! The pasta attachments on the KitchenAid stand mixer make homemade pasta a breeze.
Ok, this is actually my life, and I wouldn't know how to function without it. My wood chopping block sits in the exact same spot on my kitchen counter (right beside the sink so I can wipe crumbs directly in for easy cleanup), and I do all my chopping and prep work right on it. I clean it as if it's the actual counter because it's so large. I cannot live without this - I can't even imagine getting out a chopping board every time I need to chop or prep something... that doesn't even make sense to me anymore. I have 2 - Boos and Williams-Sonoma - both extra large.
For the wine drinker in your family, this can't be beat. If you've ever drank wine out of good-quality, thin glasses, you'll never think it tastes the same again out of regular, thick stemware. We like Riedel.
For Fun
These are great gifts for the home decorator or entertainer. These gifts are fun and put a touch of style and elegance into someone's home and/or entertaining.
Anthropologie always has the best ones.
This is the perfect gift for anyone who likes to entertain. White is ideal because it presents food and photographs the best. Plus, it's elegant and timeless - white never goes out of style.
Tres went copper crazy for me on our 7th anniversary (traditional gifts: copper and wool), and I absolutely died over these most adorable mini copper baking pots. Whoever you give this too will not stop ohhhing and ahhhing over these!
Copper is just beautiful and presents so well as a gift! I was thrilled with all my copper gifts from Tres. He got all mine from Williams Sonoma - cheese knives, pitcher and goblets and serving tray, and mugs.
One can NEVER have too many white serving platters. I don't care who is on your holiday list or how many white platters they already have, they need more. They'll use them! All mine are Vietri - you can buy online but I find lovely ones at Home Goods as well.
Cheese boards/knives
There are so many beautiful, unique ones - wood, stone, glass, etc. You can get this for anyone and they'll love it! I love the custom wood boards from local Memphis carpenter - Zachary Call Custom Goods. You can find him on Instagram @zacharycallcustomgoods.
Antique stemware
My antique glasses are used more than any glasses in my home. Mixing and matching is fun too, so they don't all have to be one set. When guests come over, we always use these to serve drinks and the compliments are never-ending. *I didn't link because you have to hunt for these guys - find them at local antique stores.
I love my pottery plates from Pottery Barn. And my Mississippi McCarty's Pottery is a showstopper - rustic pottery is perfect for the kitchen or entertaining.
Because they'll be used. Also, they photograph beautifully - for your Instagram loving friends. Williams-Sonoma and Anthropologie have beautiful ones!
If there's a cocktail lover on your list, you can't go wrong with sphere or big cube ice molds. Ours are from Williams-Sonoma and are so easy to use!
I am thrilled anytime I get a cookbook as a gift. Any of Ina Garten's are great!