Kitchen Design
40 Must-Haves for the Kitchen: A Gift Guide for Cooks
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.
Dean & Deluca Spice Rack
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
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
Animal House Monkey Peeler
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
Stainless steel blade
High-density plastic and textured grip
Dishwasher Safe
6" long
$7.99
Lime Green Reston Lloyd Calypso Colander
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."
$17.99
$17.99
GENERAL STORE Placemats (Set of 2)
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
17 5/8” x 12” S
Set of 2 Placemats $30
Alessi 9093 Kettle
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."
Stainless Steel
$175.00
Stainless Steel
$175.00
Tasto Chip and Dip Set
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
Size: Bowl: 4h x 11"diam., 10 cups;
Pouches: 3h x 4w x 2.5 "d, .5 cups each
$35.00
Marimekko Pieni Melooni Apron
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
100% Cotton
Choose between orange and blue
$43.00
Lilly Pulitzer® Apron - Garnet Hill
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
100% Cotton
La-Te-Dah Dahlia print.
Front Pockets
Size: 24"W x 21"L; ties are 42"L
$58.00
UNIKKO POTHOLDERS
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
$12.00, 2/$19.99
Antony Joseph Coloured Rings Cutting Board
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
Tempered Glass
.5h x 11 3/4" diameter
$24.99
Angela Adams Munjoy Tray
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
The trays are made in Sweden and are dishwasher safe.
Birch veneer trays
8”x10.5”
$45
AphroChic - Park Slope Placemat
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
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
Dustpan and Broom by Hans Edblad and Tove Adman
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
35" H x 11" w x 9" d
$75.00
Cuisinart Electric Fondue - Sur La Table
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
Stainless Steel
Capacity: 3 qt.
Dimensions: 14" x 9½" x 7"
$59.95
Boston Warehouse Sud Green Dish Brush
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
$9.99
Fair Winds Trading Rwanda Basket New Spirit Fruit Bowl
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
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
Jesper Salt and Pepper Mill from Crate and Barrel
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
100% acacia wood
Ceramic grinder mechanism
Clean with a damp cloth
2.25"dia.x7.75"H
$29.95
"GATHER" SIGN from Sundance
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
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
Root of the Earth Cheese Board
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
APPROX. 20"L x 15"W x 0.5"D
$59.00
Chemex 6-Cup Glass Coffee Maker
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
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
Bodum Eileen French Press - Sur La Table
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
Stainless steel, chrome-plated steel, borosilicate glass, plastic
Dimensions: 34 oz.
$39.95
Normann Copenhagen Herb Stand
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
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
Modern-twist Placemat: Kat in the City
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
Made of food-safe silicone
Non-porous + germ-free surface
Free of BPA, lead, latex, phthalates + other harsh chemicals
$17.00
Industrial Metal Chanticleer Wall Art
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
Wood and metal design
Rivet details
Classic French symbol
$39.50
Angela Adams Seagull Dishtowel
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
60% cotton, 40% linen
21"x28"
$18.00
Classic Century Sauce Boat | Crate&Barrel
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
High-fired English earthenware
Dishwasher- and microwave-safe
22 ounces
$47.95
Act Normal - Shui Tea
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.
4 ounces
$12.75
4 ounces
$12.75
Skinny laMinx Heath Tea Towel
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
Hopsack cotton
17.5"x26.5'
$18.00
Toaster With Bread Warmer Sandwich Maker by Stefano Giovannoni
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
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
Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven, 4.5-Qt.
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
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
Five Piece Gadget Set
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
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
Top Chef: The Quickfire Cookbook By the Creators of Bravo's Top Chef
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
$19.77
Anna Time Timer by Alessi
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
Thermoplastic resin, red and chrome-plated zamak.
h. 12 cm 10.5 cm diameter
$70.00
Chiasso Trio Recycling Bin
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
16 gallon capacity
24"W X 24"H X 13"D
$198.00
Apothecary Jars | Stonewall Kitchen
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
Glass
2-Gallon, 13 1/2" x 9" diameter
$24.95
Cuisinart 9-Speed Hand Mixer
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
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
Bodum Columbia Double Walled Tea Press
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
Stainless Steel
1.2 liter, 41oz
5 in high, dia 5.75 in
$129.95
Checkered Tablecloth Recipe Binder
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
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
Gadget of the Month Club
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
$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
Made from renewable, strong African grass
APPROX. 16"D x 13"H
Pick from Blue or Yellow
$49