Don't know what to give your favorite cook? Here are some gift ideas in a range of prices to fit any budget. All are useful items to have in the kitchen, yet unique enough that most people aren't likely to have them. Most of these items can be found in gourmet shops, kitchen stores, department stores, and even discount stores like Target and Walmart.
1. Handheld Graters by Microplane (Under $20)
If you've only used box graters before, these brilliant tools will become one of your favorite. Based on woodworking tools, these graters use a long file-like blade (with holes like a box grater) attached to a rubber handle. Handheld graters are great for grating cheese, zesting fruits, making chocolate curls, and a host of other kitchen jobs. They come in a variety of styles. A fine grater is a good first choice, useful for zesting citrus fruits, chocolate, and hard cheeses.
2. Benriner Asian Mandoline Slicer (Under $50)
This super-sharp slicer is great for making perfect vegetable slices and garnishes. Made of plastic and stainless steel, the slicer is dishwasher safe. Comes with four blades: course, medium, fine, and flat.3. Cuisipro Silicone Spatulas (Under $15)
Silicone spatulas are dishwasher safe, come in a variety of colors, and are heat resistant. Many (like these from Cuisipro) are resistant up to 750 degrees. I like these from Cuisipro for there quality and ergonomically shaped handles.4. Chef Knives ($80 - $160)
Whether an amateur or a professional, every cook needs a good chef knife. The chef knife is the workhorse of the kitchen and will be used more than any other. It should be well made, well balanced, and keep its edge. Here are my picks for some of the best blades out there.5. Silpat Baking Liner (Under $20)
These non-stick baking mats are great for baking cookies, working with caramel, rolling out dough, or any other job that requires working with sticky ingredients. Totally flexible material does not need to be greased. Easy to clean.6. Kitchenaid 300 Hand Blender (Under $90)
This powerful immersion hand blender is a great tool to have in the kitchen. Blend soups right in the pot, whip egg whites, or mix drinks in the pitcher. Blades and attachments can be easily cleaned in the dishwasher. Five foot cord provides great mobility. Variable speeds. Comes in blue, black, red, or white.7. Creme Brulee Torch (Under $40)
A torch is a handy tool to have for carmelizing sugar on a creme brulee or a fruit tart. They also work well browning meringues, roasting peppers, or lighting flamed desserts. Many torches come as part of a set that includes souffle dishes or ramekins for creme brulee.8. Oxo Good Grips i-Series Swivel Peeler (About $10)
All vegetable peelers are not created equal. Once you try an Oxo Peeler I think you will agree. A comfortable, cushy plastic grip helps to keep your hand from getting tired. The hardened stainless steel blade stays sharp longer and is cut to the perfect angle for peeling vegetables, hard cheeses, or chocolate. Extra blades are available in 3-packs.9. Orka Silicone Oven Mitt (About $20 - $30)
Silicone has revolutionized the way we cook. These silicone oven gloves from Isi are slip resistant and heat resistant to 500 degrees. My favorite thing about them, though, is that they are water proof. You can put your hand in boiling water or even hot oil without getting scalded. They come in a variety of colors and 2 lengths - 11" and 17".