Homemade and handmade Christmas gifts are becoming the trend again. But what if you’re not crafty, not really that handy in the kitchen, or simply do not have the time to make anything? Do the next best thing, give a gift of practicality. A practical gift is plain, practical, and useful. Things that people don’t think to buy for themselves but really enjoy once they have them – my idea of a perfect gift!
Whether you’re shopping for someone that just set up a household or someone that has had their kitchen stocked for years, you’re sure to find the perfect gift among the list of “must-have” kitchen utensils.
Set of quality sharp knives
Every kitchen should have a good paring knife, bread knife and meat slicer. In addition, I would suggest a serrated vegetable knife as well. Sharp knives will cut better and prevent you from cutting yourself.
Wooden cutting board
Cutting boards not only protect your counter surface, but they’re also great to easily transfer foods from one area to another.
Sieve or strainer
I prefer to keep a small and large sieve in my kitchen. The smaller version I use to strain loose tea or herbs and the larger for vegetables and pasta.
Measuring cups and spoons
It’s great to have at least two sets of measuring cups and spoons. Then if a recipe calls for the same measurement of two different ingredients, you’re covered!
Whisk
A whisk is an invaluable tool to have in the kitchen. Whether it’s beating eggs or mixing dry ingredients, nothing works quite as well as a whisk.
Wooden spoons
Wooden spoons come in a variety of sizes and won’t scratch nonstick pans, won’t melt like plastic spoons and are capable of multiple tasks.
Spatulas
I consider spatulas the ultimate frugal utensil because if it’s scraping ability. A spatula can clean a bowl spotless as well as frosting a cake flawlessly.
Grater
A grater is perfect for shredding cheese, shredding potatoes for hashbrowns. The smaller holes are just right for grating garlic, nutmeg and citrus peel.
Rolling pin
I love rolling pins! I have several, however, one is all that you really need.
Pizza cutter
Of course, this tool is great for cutting pizza, but also for cutting out dumplings and other pasta! I also use my pizza cutter to cut sandwiches in half.
When choosing a sieve, grater, pizza cutter, whisk, measuring cups and spoons, I prefer the stainless steel variety. When choosing a spatula, be sure that it is flexible yet still has a good “scraping” ability. Something to remember with wooden spoons, cutting boards and rolling pins is that they need special care. I will treat my wooden utensils with a natural kitchen wax made of beeswax and mineral oil to keep them in good condition.
