40 Must-Haves for the Kitchen: A Gift Guide for Cooks
Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia. I've been writing about design online for quite a few years over at Hatch: The Design Public Blog.
Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe... More »
Those who love to cook can't ever have too many kitchen gadgets and accessories, so we've been working hard to find the most stylish gifts for those who love to spend time in the kitchen. Do you have a friend or family member who would pick a shopping spree at Williams-Sonoma over a shopping spree at Prada every day of the week? Who would rather watch Top Chef over Modern Family when given the remote on a Wednesday night? Below you'll find suggestions for great kitchen-themed presents perfect for hostess gifts, gift exchange items, shower gifts, Secret Santa parties at the office and more.
Why are we doing this? Because you asked for it! Due to popular demand from the community, we're introducing a Gift Guide series. We'd also love to hear input from everyone, so if you would like to share some of your favorite home decor gift suggestions, please leave a link in the comments section, as well as why you've picked it. As a thank you, we'll be giving the person with the most creative gift idea for cooks a $50 Crate and Barrel Gift Card.
Why are we doing this? Because you asked for it! Due to popular demand from the community, we're introducing a Gift Guide series. We'd also love to hear input from everyone, so if you would like to share some of your favorite home decor gift suggestions, please leave a link in the comments section, as well as why you've picked it. As a thank you, we'll be giving the person with the most creative gift idea for cooks a $50 Crate and Barrel Gift Card.
| These vibrant baskets are great for shopping at the market, storing kitchen goods, and even placed on the floor full of magazines. Hand woven in Ghana, your purchase will provide vital income to those who wove them.
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Made from renewable, strong African grass APPROX. 16"D x 13"H Pick from Blue or Yellow $49 |
This kitchen pick comes from Houzz Team Member Annie, who says "If any kitchen spice rack could inspire me to be a better cook, these test tube style spices and rack would. Don't worry about the association with high school chemistry class, anything drizzled with these goods is sure to taste delicious. Plus, I would love to just place these on my countertop and admire their beauty."
Collection includes: Whole Allspice, Basil, Cayenne Pepper, Stick Cinnamon, Whole Cloves, Ground Coriander, Whole Cumin, Curry Powder Blend, Fennel Seed, Fines Herb
Large (40 Tubes) $165.00
Small (21 Tubes) $95.00
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Collection includes: Whole Allspice, Basil, Cayenne Pepper, Stick Cinnamon, Whole Cloves, Ground Coriander, Whole Cumin, Curry Powder Blend, Fennel Seed, Fines Herb
Large (40 Tubes) $165.00
Small (21 Tubes) $95.00
This hilarious little monkey peeler is just plain silly. Who couldn't use a little silliness when faced with peeling a pile of potatoes?
Stainless steel blade
High-density plastic and textured grip
Dishwasher Safe
6" long
$7.99
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Stainless steel blade
High-density plastic and textured grip
Dishwasher Safe
6" long
$7.99
| Houzz Contributor and blogger at Simple Classic Living Jonathan Baker says "Who knew straining pasta could be so stylish? And this beautiful colander doesn't just come in lime green, but is available in a myriad of colors (red, baby blue, yellow) that will look just as good on display as they do in action. (Might we suggest using it to hold fruit?) It comes in a handful of sizes: 3-quart, 5-quart, or 7-quart."
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$17.99 |
Houzz Contributor Lily Gahagan says "'Modern placemats' may sound like an oxymoron, but these hand-crafted ones from General Store are just that. Even better still, they come in fun patterns and are reversible. Modern and practical? That's our kind of gift."
17 5/8” x 12” S
Set of 2 Placemats $30
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17 5/8” x 12” S
Set of 2 Placemats $30
| Houzz contributor and blogger at Kitchen and Residential Design Paul Anater has recently made the switch from coffee to tea, and has great tea-related suggestions for us! Paul says "Good tea starts with a good kettle, and the 9093 Kettle from Alessi is a classic. Michael Graves designed the 9093 in 1985 and it marked the first collaboration by Alessi with a US designer. It remains Alessi's top-selling product of all time."
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Stainless Steel $175.00 |
Houzz Team Member Kathy says "For someone who loves to entertain, you can never have too many chip n' dips. This is a clever version, that allows for one or multiple dips along with your chips and allows you to do a quick dip refill without taking away the chips. "
Size: Bowl: 4h x 11"diam., 10 cups;
Pouches: 3h x 4w x 2.5 "d, .5 cups each
$35.00
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Size: Bowl: 4h x 11"diam., 10 cups;
Pouches: 3h x 4w x 2.5 "d, .5 cups each
$35.00
Chances are, you know if your hostess is a Marimekko fan. Somewhere in the house you've seen some vinyl placemats from the sixties, the big fat Marimekko book, or a pop floral shower curtain. This is the person who will adore this fun, bold and colorful apron from Textile Arts.
100% Cotton
Choose between orange and blue
$43.00
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100% Cotton
Choose between orange and blue
$43.00
If your friend likes classic Palm Beach Preppy over Scandanavian Geometric, opt for this colorful Lilly Pulitzer apron.
100% Cotton
La-Te-Dah Dahlia print.
Front Pockets
Size: 24"W x 21"L; ties are 42"L
$58.00
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100% Cotton
La-Te-Dah Dahlia print.
Front Pockets
Size: 24"W x 21"L; ties are 42"L
$58.00
Most people don't realize that their potholders are disgusting and grungy until someone gives them some new ones! Marimekko's UNIKKO print can brighten up a kitchen on the dreariest of days.
$12.00, 2/$19.99
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$12.00, 2/$19.99
This colorful glass work of art does triple duty; it's other uses are as a cutting board and as a trivet. Personally, I'd never want to take it off my countertop!
Tempered Glass
.5h x 11 3/4" diameter
$24.99
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Tempered Glass
.5h x 11 3/4" diameter
$24.99
It's very hard to choose a tray over at Angela Adams, because they are all so fun, bold, and colorful. However, the Munjoy pattern is an early classic of hers, and its modern-retro pattern is hard to resist!
The trays are made in Sweden and are dishwasher safe.
Birch veneer trays
8”x10.5”
$45
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The trays are made in Sweden and are dishwasher safe.
Birch veneer trays
8”x10.5”
$45
All of the placemats at Aphrochic are fun, vibrant, and downright kicky. This one captures a kicky city gal's spirit, and will bring it to the table(scape).
Fun to mix and match with other Aphrochic Brooklyn placemats.
100% Belgian Linen
100% cotton back
Measures 14” x 20” Made in USA
$25.00/each
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Fun to mix and match with other Aphrochic Brooklyn placemats.
100% Belgian Linen
100% cotton back
Measures 14” x 20” Made in USA
$25.00/each
I would not usually advise giving a broom as a gift, but this beautiful and functional set will inspire your giftee to sweep more often.
35" H x 11" w x 9" d
$75.00
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35" H x 11" w x 9" d
$75.00
Chances are, your giftees last fondue pot was bought in the 1970s and requires a scary can of Sterno. Give them the updated version and you'll practically guarantee you'll have an invite over for the first time they use it - YUM!
Stainless Steel
Capacity: 3 qt.
Dimensions: 14" x 9½" x 7"
$59.95
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Stainless Steel
Capacity: 3 qt.
Dimensions: 14" x 9½" x 7"
$59.95
Let's face it, scrubber sponges are boring, and no one replaces them as often as they need to. Chances are, your giftee desperately needs to toss his/hers, so get a laugh out of this fun replacement.
$9.99
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$9.99
I first saw bowls like these in a Carleton Varney-designed kitchen hanging on the wall was struck by how beautiful they were. Even better than that, the Shop for a Better World line at Macy's helps third-world country artisans. In this case, it helps women in Rawanda become financially independent.
12" diameter
Because each bowl is a unique work of art, variations in size and color will occur Includes a numbered Certificate of Authenticity
$46.00
Private Comment
12" diameter
Because each bowl is a unique work of art, variations in size and color will occur Includes a numbered Certificate of Authenticity
$46.00
There are three sculptural teak salt and pepper mills at Crate and Barrel that carry on the unique Dansk Scandanavian mid-century style. No one will want to stash these behind closed doors; they'll sit out on the table 24/7.
100% acacia wood
Ceramic grinder mechanism
Clean with a damp cloth
2.25"dia.x7.75"H
$29.95
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100% acacia wood
Ceramic grinder mechanism
Clean with a damp cloth
2.25"dia.x7.75"H
$29.95
This vintage style sign is a great gift for your favorite hostess who loves to brings friends and family together. We all wind up hanging out in the kitchen at parties anyway, so why not embrace it?
Handcrafted by an Amish craftsman known around Lancaster County as Rusty Merv
Steel covered with weatherproof paint
Dimensions: 58"W x 20-1/2"H
$98.00
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Handcrafted by an Amish craftsman known around Lancaster County as Rusty Merv
Steel covered with weatherproof paint
Dimensions: 58"W x 20-1/2"H
$98.00
Lately I've been noticing slabs of wood looking chic all over the place – as a dining table, a shelf, a headboard. Here's a way to give a beautiful slab of reclaimed wood cut from root of a Chinese fir. It sure looks a lot better than that cutting board you made in seventh grade woodshop class!
APPROX. 20"L x 15"W x 0.5"D
$59.00
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APPROX. 20"L x 15"W x 0.5"D
$59.00
This beautiful glass coffee maker is the simple way to control how strong your coffee comes out, and it looks so much better on the shelf than a clunky appliance.
The polished wood collar and leather tie serves as an insulated handle
Heat-resistant glass
5" diam., 8 1/2" high. 30 oz. capacity
$36.00
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The polished wood collar and leather tie serves as an insulated handle
Heat-resistant glass
5" diam., 8 1/2" high. 30 oz. capacity
$36.00
This French Press was designed in honor of one of my favorite designers, Eileen Gray. Personally, I don't think coffee ever tastes better than it does from a French Press. Help turn your friends onto the Parisian way of making coffee.
Stainless steel, chrome-plated steel, borosilicate glass, plastic
Dimensions: 34 oz.
$39.95
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Stainless steel, chrome-plated steel, borosilicate glass, plastic
Dimensions: 34 oz.
$39.95
This funky little Danish caddy provides a spot to keep four different herbs growing indoors as well as the scissors for clipping them.
Designer: Jakob Heiberg
Materials: Plastic, Stainless steel
Features: Scissors included.
The pots are suitable for dishwasher. The scissors should be washed by hand.
Dimensions: 6.3 H
$63.00
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Designer: Jakob Heiberg
Materials: Plastic, Stainless steel
Features: Scissors included.
The pots are suitable for dishwasher. The scissors should be washed by hand.
Dimensions: 6.3 H
$63.00
This wipe and dry placemat not only takes on spills, but dry-erase markers for coloring in as well. Simply give it a swipe at the end of the meal and you're good to go again and again.
Made of food-safe silicone
Non-porous + germ-free surface
Free of BPA, lead, latex, phthalates + other harsh chemicals
$17.00
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Made of food-safe silicone
Non-porous + germ-free surface
Free of BPA, lead, latex, phthalates + other harsh chemicals
$17.00
Did you know it's good luck to have a rooster in your kitchen? This gift has some French Industrial flair and brings good luck - what more could one ask for?
Wood and metal design
Rivet details
Classic French symbol
$39.50
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Wood and metal design
Rivet details
Classic French symbol
$39.50
These bright and cheerful dishtowels from Angela Adams will bring joy to any kitchen, and may make your giftee actually look forward to drying the dishes! However, it's so cute, it might wind up being that special dishtowel that hangs from the range handle that no one dares to use for fear of ruining it.
60% cotton, 40% linen
21"x28"
$18.00
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60% cotton, 40% linen
21"x28"
$18.00
I'm such a fan of Eva Ziesel's china that it's my own everyday china. This mid-century modern fan will love this graceful serving piece, so much so that it might occupy a living room shelf instead of the china cabinet.
High-fired English earthenware
Dishwasher- and microwave-safe
22 ounces
$47.95
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High-fired English earthenware
Dishwasher- and microwave-safe
22 ounces
$47.95
| Houzz Contributor Paul Anater is a tea convert, and has some great suggestions for tea drinkers. Paul says "One of my favorite tea suppliers is Shui Tea from Chicago. They sell very high quality teas and extremely reasonable prices. That Jim Shreiber, the proprietor, is an irreverently humorous man who's determined to democratize tea drinking is a bonus. The tea I wake up to every morning is his Act Normal fair trade Ceylon black tea.
Private Comment
4 ounces $12.75 |
Skinny laMinx has been dominating the best-looking dishtowel category online for quite some time, and this design she created for Heath Ceramics is a new favorite.
Hopsack cotton
17.5"x26.5'
$18.00
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Hopsack cotton
17.5"x26.5'
$18.00
The more modern our kitchens become, the less clutter of smaller appliances we want junking up our sleek counters. Enter this toaster with breadwarmer. It's a sleek machine that your giftee will want to show off in a prime spot.
Stainless-steel body with a white polycarbonate base
Includes a defrost setting, removable crumb tray, variable browning selector, and reheat functionality
Toaster: $214.00
Warmer $30.00 Extra
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Stainless-steel body with a white polycarbonate base
Includes a defrost setting, removable crumb tray, variable browning selector, and reheat functionality
Toaster: $214.00
Warmer $30.00 Extra
Slow is the way to go when cooking these days. Dutch ovens always make the best comfort food, and if you give someone La Creuset, they will feel like they owe you yummy meals for life!
Includes 4.5 Quart Dutch Oven and Trivet
Enameled cast-iron construction
10 1/4 diam., 4 1/2" high; 4 1/2-qt. cap.; 9 lb.
$199.95
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Includes 4.5 Quart Dutch Oven and Trivet
Enameled cast-iron construction
10 1/4 diam., 4 1/2" high; 4 1/2-qt. cap.; 9 lb.
$199.95
Your favorite cook will want to hang these festive kitchen gadgets out in the open. Who knows, they are so fun, they may inspire him or her to find an excuse to whisk something!
Includes a balloon whisk, masher, grater, slotted turner, and ladle.
All utensils have ergonomic handles made from robust polypropylene with rubber
When not in use they can be hung up.
Dishwasher safe.
$36.00
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Includes a balloon whisk, masher, grater, slotted turner, and ladle.
All utensils have ergonomic handles made from robust polypropylene with rubber
When not in use they can be hung up.
Dishwasher safe.
$36.00
Chances are if your giftee loves to cook, then there is a full-on Top Chef addiction happening in their household! The Quick Fire Challenge is always the craziest time when the chefs must think on their feet and at rapid speed, and this tome lists recipes for all of the best results.
$19.77
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$19.77
I don't know about you, but the timer that is built into my oven is more annoying than my fire detector. This happy timer from Alessi is much more fun to use. Your giftee will be able to take her along to any room in the house to make sure that dinner doesn't get burned.
Thermoplastic resin, red and chrome-plated zamak.
h. 12 cm 10.5 cm diameter
$70.00
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Thermoplastic resin, red and chrome-plated zamak.
h. 12 cm 10.5 cm diameter
$70.00
Let's face it: Recycling is important, but it's a total drag. This system will help make it easier on your giftee, separating paper, plastic and aluminum with a simple step and toss before trash day.
16 gallon capacity
24"W X 24"H X 13"D
$198.00
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16 gallon capacity
24"W X 24"H X 13"D
$198.00
These oversized apothecary jars are a more elegant version of mason jars. Perfect for storing rice, pasta, nuts, jellybeans, flour, sugar and much more, they will prettify any pantry.
Glass
2-Gallon, 13 1/2" x 9" diameter
$24.95
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Glass
2-Gallon, 13 1/2" x 9" diameter
$24.95
This 9-Speed Hand Mixer looks like something straight out of The Jetsons, yet there's something vaguely Industrial Age retro about it. Unless your giftee has received a full load of wedding registry items in the last five years, chances are, this mixer is a major upgrade and will be a real treat.
Digital control pad
Includes: 2 extra-long turbo beaters. Whisk attachment. Dough hook. Spatula. Recipes.
ABS plastic construction
8" x 3 3/4" x 5 3/4" high. 2 lb. 8 oz. 220W
$79.95
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Digital control pad
Includes: 2 extra-long turbo beaters. Whisk attachment. Dough hook. Spatula. Recipes.
ABS plastic construction
8" x 3 3/4" x 5 3/4" high. 2 lb. 8 oz. 220W
$79.95
Houzz Contributor Paul Anater has recently become a big fan of tea, and he has some great suggestions for tea-related gifts. Paul says "A good kettle will only get you so far, now you'll need something to brew the tea in. The Columbia Tea Press from Bodum does the trick nicely. It has an integrated, stainless steel filter so you can say good bye to tea bags and the inferior tea they carry. It has double steel walls and will keep a pot of tea hot for hours. Finally, it's a beautiful object in its own right and who doesn't like a little beauty sitting around."
Stainless Steel
1.2 liter, 41oz
5 in high, dia 5.75 in
$129.95
Private Comment
Stainless Steel
1.2 liter, 41oz
5 in high, dia 5.75 in
$129.95
There's something about this recipe binder that looks like something Grandma would have had in her kitchen, complete with a few food splatters on the cover that she accumulated over the years! As a personal touch, insert a few of your favorite recipes and pass them along.
2.8" spine.
Holds 500 pages with EZ-Turn™ Rings or 540 pages with 1 Touch™ EZD™ Rings.
Designed for 8.5" x 11" sized paper.
$24.85
Private Comment
2.8" spine.
Holds 500 pages with EZ-Turn™ Rings or 540 pages with 1 Touch™ EZD™ Rings.
Designed for 8.5" x 11" sized paper.
$24.85
If you can't decide on a gadget or if your favorite cook will never have enough kitchen goodies, this is the perfect gift. They will receive a different kitchen gadget every month for a year!
$99.99
If you would like to share some of your favorite home decor gift suggestions, please leave a link in the comments section, as well as why you've picked it. As a thank you, we'll be giving the person with the most creative gift idea for cooks a $50 Crate and Barrel Gift Card.
Also in the Houzz Gift Guide:
40 great gifts for dining and entertaining
40 stylish gifts for guys
Private Comment
$99.99
If you would like to share some of your favorite home decor gift suggestions, please leave a link in the comments section, as well as why you've picked it. As a thank you, we'll be giving the person with the most creative gift idea for cooks a $50 Crate and Barrel Gift Card.
Also in the Houzz Gift Guide:
40 great gifts for dining and entertaining
40 stylish gifts for guys
Comments
deeamin says:
To7fa in arabic, or amazing in english. i know i have no acsses to buy any of them but i get pretty good ideas and search for similar ones where i live. thank you Becky for this ideabook. i loved the baskets from viva terra.
18 months ago ·
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liz says:
These little plates are amazing. I love the colors and they will look fabulous mixed together with my white, square dinner plates.
http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=11033&f=6105
http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=11033&f=6105
18 months ago ·
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tami62 says:
These bowls are amazing . Plus they look good in any kitchen and the different sizes are so helpful when cooking. They also make nice gifts.
18 months ago ·
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rosiew says:
Ever practical, ever frugal me just had to order a Joseph Joseph worktop saver. I've ordered the thin stripes version as a gift for my daughter. Loved so many of the wonderful things in this Idea Book.
Rosie
Rosie
18 months ago ·
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basketlink says:
No kitchen would be complete without a compost bucket from Crate & Barrel. LOVE THEM!!! Functional, stylish, and environmentally friendly! I had an old eyesore of a bucket and barely used it! This is so pretty I keep it out and use it all the time!
http://images.crateandbarrel.com/is/image/Crate/CompostPailsF9?extend=110,110,110,110&$web_zoom$&wid=598&hei=598
http://images.crateandbarrel.com/is/image/Crate/CompostPailsF9?extend=110,110,110,110&$web_zoom$&wid=598&hei=598
18 months ago ·
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y666 says:
Agree coffee from a French Press is hard to beat. We like this interesting variation designed by George Sowden.
18 months ago ·
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Karen Dyck says:
My husband and I have been changing our diet and have lost a joint total of 50 pounds. One of the things we find essential is a scale with a tare function for weighing out food. This multifunctional all-purpose model by Escali would be any cook's dream kitchen scale. It measures weight in grams, ounces or a combination of pounds and ounces, is pre programmed with 500 ingredients. The removable stainless steel plate makes clean-up fast and easy.
18 months ago ·
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hsw_sc says:
I fell in love with mix-and-match Wrought Irony plates at the SCAD Shop in Savannah. The neat thing is that almost all of the collections from Working Class Studio can work together: http://shopscadonline.com/cart/product.php?productid=852&cat=0&page=1
18 months ago ·
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Liz Plemmons says:
I do a lot of cooking with fresh ingredients, and I have to say that the Ped Egg is, hands down, the best zester I've ever used. I know its a little odd, but it's sharp, it has the little receptacle so there's no mess, it's easy to clean, and it gets the most zest possible out of a lemon, etc. Not to mention it's cheap! Totally fabulous little tool.
18 months ago ·
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patscheuner says:
I am wondering where I can find the fun monkey peeler. Do Not have time to run around to stores. Nice if the store name was mentioned. Monkey lover, Pat
18 months ago ·
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houzzsupport says:
patscheuner,
The green link with the product's name under each photo links to the store's web site.
Happy shopping,
The Houzz Team
The green link with the product's name under each photo links to the store's web site.
Happy shopping,
The Houzz Team
18 months ago ·
Like
lhollingsworth says:
I would love to receive a digital recipe reader....
www.mydemy.com/
www.mydemy.com/
18 months ago ·
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sberridge says:
Etsy.com has all sorts of food related art, jewelry, clothing, etc that would make great gifts. My sister worked with one of the artists to get a apron customized for me (fabric, front pocket, side towel ring). She specifically asked that the apron wrap around the side of the legs to keep me from brushing my floury hands on my legs. When I'm not wearing it, it is proudly hanging on display in the kitchen.
18 months ago ·
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fishtaco says:
Etsy.com does have some nice original items. I like Curry Kay Designs on Etsy for kitchen accessories. The cupcake dishtowels are wonderful. http://www.etsy.com/listing/51923434/dish-towel-berry-cupcake-set-of-2-screen
18 months ago ·
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Jill says:
love this idea a book! would be great to see more to hook us up to other great sources!
18 months ago ·
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mariette65 says:
Becky---great gift suggestions--Thank you for your help with my shopping!!
18 months ago ·
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Becky Harris says:
Oh my gosh, I am having SO much fun seeing everyone's suggestions - you guys have expanded my horizons, especially THE PED EGG! It made me LOL to see it but it's also GENIUS to use it as a zester (you know, so long as it's never touched a foot!)! Digital receipes, Etsy picks (I have a few in upcoming ideabooks but honestly, sometimes I get a little overwhelmed with the quantity of items over there), ShopSCAD, where I purchased my favorite photograph that I own, shame on me for forgetting to include a composter, etc. etc. PLEASE keep the ideas coming!
Becky
Becky
18 months ago ·
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j r says:
Cloth napkins! Encourage friends to go green with some that won't stain easily. I like the selection at Crate & Barrel.
18 months ago ·
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V Richards says:
Wow, I feel pretty good after seeing the aprons, placemats, teatowels on your gift list must haves!
For all my Christmas gifts to girlfriends, nieces, sisters-in laws, girl neighbours -I have just finished wrapping up my own handmade designs of 20 aprons, 10 sets placemats, 12 sets of 2 tea towels and 3 outdoor tablecloths! Using modern fabrics from Ikea, retro-style curtain fabrics, second hand shop vintage fabrics (yes, I sanitized/washed/ironed them before use!) and linen & cotton mixes from the haberdashery store! If you can sew a straight line, and make time these are incredibly easy, cheap, beautiful and long lasting gifts!
Pity I am unable to send photos, as my aprons, especially, turned out to be awesome!
For all my Christmas gifts to girlfriends, nieces, sisters-in laws, girl neighbours -I have just finished wrapping up my own handmade designs of 20 aprons, 10 sets placemats, 12 sets of 2 tea towels and 3 outdoor tablecloths! Using modern fabrics from Ikea, retro-style curtain fabrics, second hand shop vintage fabrics (yes, I sanitized/washed/ironed them before use!) and linen & cotton mixes from the haberdashery store! If you can sew a straight line, and make time these are incredibly easy, cheap, beautiful and long lasting gifts!
Pity I am unable to send photos, as my aprons, especially, turned out to be awesome!
18 months ago ·
Like
Sherri Mathers says:
Being in the Great Northwest, I love to have smoked salmon on hand for the holidays. If you haven't had a gift of smoked salmon you haven't welcomed in the season. I order a few to give as last minute gifts and to have on hand for parties. We are always the hit of the party and when asked what to bring too the event...they always say smoked salmon please. I love it because it is shipped direct from Alaska. http://northwest-seafood.com
18 months ago ·
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Sherri Mathers says:
Sorry had trouble with picture..But its worth waiting for......
18 months ago ·
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Sharon says:
Growing up in a frugal family, my sister and I looked for creative ways to give gifts that weren't expensive. One favorite is the homemade recipe in a box. My sister is a consummate baker, and her apple pie and cheesecakes are famous in our family. All the dry ingredients can be packaged prettily in a box along with her personally honed recipe printed on a card. My sister is also an artist, so one year, our brother's gift included drawn and cutout cardboard eggs, milk, and other perishable ingredients (which couldn't be included) as his shopping list :)
18 months ago ·
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sharon green says:
we have a son who seems like he would be a great cook/chef. we are going to send him to a basic culinary school through viking for his christmas gift. cross our fingers...he loves it.
18 months ago ·
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Alison says:
I have a few things for my kitchen that I love. The first someone has already mentioned -
STAINLESS COMPOST BIN: This is the same one already mentioned. It keeps the smell away and comes in 3 sizes. I bought a brand called RSVP on amazon in 1.5 gallon matte for about $50.
http://www.amazon.com/RSVP-Stainless-Compost-Pail-Filter/dp/B002AISVVK/ref=sr_1_4?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1291645467&sr=1-4
MAtr
MATROYOSHKA MEASURING CUPS: Another gem from Fred, these are so cute. Who wouldn't want to use russian nesting dolls whilst cooking? I gave them as gifts and they were a big hit. $12
http://www.amazon.com/Fred-Cup-Measuring-Matroyshkas-Cups/dp/B002L162FS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1291645423&sr=8-1
PRESERVING BOOK: Just starting a garden? or wondering what to do with all the stuff you just had to buy at the farmer's market? This book gives you the A-Z on how to preserve everything - from the jars and sterilization to recipes. I'm an avid googler for most things, but this book is almost my only reference and gives me confidence that I DON'T have to put everything in the fridge and freezer to store it successfully.
http://www.amazon.com/Preserving-Oded-Schwartz/dp/0789410532/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1291646065&sr=1-2
sorry, I don't know how to include pics!
STAINLESS COMPOST BIN: This is the same one already mentioned. It keeps the smell away and comes in 3 sizes. I bought a brand called RSVP on amazon in 1.5 gallon matte for about $50.
http://www.amazon.com/RSVP-Stainless-Compost-Pail-Filter/dp/B002AISVVK/ref=sr_1_4?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1291645467&sr=1-4
MAtr
MATROYOSHKA MEASURING CUPS: Another gem from Fred, these are so cute. Who wouldn't want to use russian nesting dolls whilst cooking? I gave them as gifts and they were a big hit. $12
http://www.amazon.com/Fred-Cup-Measuring-Matroyshkas-Cups/dp/B002L162FS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1291645423&sr=8-1
PRESERVING BOOK: Just starting a garden? or wondering what to do with all the stuff you just had to buy at the farmer's market? This book gives you the A-Z on how to preserve everything - from the jars and sterilization to recipes. I'm an avid googler for most things, but this book is almost my only reference and gives me confidence that I DON'T have to put everything in the fridge and freezer to store it successfully.
http://www.amazon.com/Preserving-Oded-Schwartz/dp/0789410532/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1291646065&sr=1-2
sorry, I don't know how to include pics!
18 months ago ·
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chitayat says:
I LOVE the Full Circle cleaning products as well www.fullcirclehome.com, they are in some Bed Bath & Beyonds, or WholeFoods (can't remember)... I like the boston warehouse ones, but they don't really suit my kitchen look... I especially love that they are green, the Ring is my favorite... (pic from the website attached)... also I forget the name, but i have a towel with a magnet in it, it sticks to my fridge, and is always there when i need it... very cool.
18 months ago ·
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Susan Guthrie says:
I love this idea book, thanks Becky! I am a serious gadget collector, and have been for years. My best friend is a creative cook and she cooked a birthday dinner for me in my kitchen this year. I was surprised at some of the things she exclaimed over, basics like my ceramic knives, organised drawers, locking tongs, counter top waste bin - just things that make cooking easier. For Christmas this year I am giving her battery operated salt and pepper mills, a quad timer and a moleskine passions recipe journal so she can document her creations. I love my knife block from Eva Solo, and covet anything at all from them. I'm giving myself a take apart roasting rack - no more ruined oven mitts getting the turkey out of the pan!
Timer and roasting rack: www.leevalley.com
Moleskine passions notebook: www.chaptersindigo.com
Eva Solo knife block: www.evasolo.com
Timer and roasting rack: www.leevalley.com
Moleskine passions notebook: www.chaptersindigo.com
Eva Solo knife block: www.evasolo.com
18 months ago ·
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Annie Thornton says:
this is so much more than i could have expected becky! keep it up. and i love all of the ideas from the community members too.
18 months ago ·
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mimi_lamosa says:
Who isn't a chocolate lover, especially when it comes to brownies? And you know how you love the gooey, soft center but also prefer the outside edge pieces because of the "crust"? Well, with this new-fangled brownie pan, every single piece has an outside edge!
18 months ago ·
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mimsical says:
Do not forget the truffle salt! Even if you're not a great cook, this stuff is wonderful. Use it on just about anything, from popcorn to scrambled eggs.
http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/9809500/?catalogId=56&bnrid=3180501&cm_ven=Shopping&cm_cat=Froogle&cm_pla=default&cm_ite=default
http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/9809500/?catalogId=56&bnrid=3180501&cm_ven=Shopping&cm_cat=Froogle&cm_pla=default&cm_ite=default
18 months ago ·
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Mimi,
Could you tell us where the brownie pan is available? I love it!
Could you tell us where the brownie pan is available? I love it!
18 months ago ·
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billkin says:
I love your gift guide! Zinc Details on Fillmore st and California St in Pacific Heights has a lot of great items for the home too. Perfect place for gifts and furniture.
www.zincdetails.com
www.zincdetails.com
18 months ago ·
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Becky Harris says:
Mimi, I was looking for that brownie pan - I saw it on Oprah's Favorite Things but I didn't know who made it. And I think she truffle salts her popcorn or something :)
18 months ago ·
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adamance says:
Oh man! Nice list! If you're interested, we've got a ton of great stuff for chefs over at GAMA-GO!
www.gama-go.com
www.gama-go.com
18 months ago ·
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Peter Turner says:
I couldn't resist recommending the rolling pins that I make. Besides being fully functional, they are a joy to use and a sweet design. They're 18" long; hard, native maple
with a ring of milk paint in the small cove at each end. Please contact me by phone or email: 207-799-5503; petersturner@hotmail.com. www.petersturner.com. thanks
with a ring of milk paint in the small cove at each end. Please contact me by phone or email: 207-799-5503; petersturner@hotmail.com. www.petersturner.com. thanks
18 months ago ·
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modernpalm says:
Some of my favorite things for the kitchen can be found at Modern Palm Boutique. Aprons, tea towels, oven mitts, soap, dinnerware, cookbooks, etc.
www.modernpalm.com or www.modernpalmblog.com
www.modernpalm.com or www.modernpalmblog.com
6 months ago ·
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