Big ticket items:
1. Stand mixer - There are many different brands/models/price ranges for this item, so do your research before purchasing. They also come in many, many different colors, so be sure to have an idea of what the recipient's kitchen style and taste is like. This is the exact mixer that I received as a graduation gift a few years ago and honestly, there is nothing I would change! I love the colorful mixers, but I am probably not currently in my "forever kitchen" so I'm glad I decided on a more neutral color. Plus, I am a little black dress kind of girl, so I like that my mixer reflects that.
4. Magic bullet - Michael and I have been going back and forth with our love/hate of the Magic Bullet since receiving it as a wedding present 6 years ago. At first, of course, we were disappointed that it didn't perform exactly like it did in commercials. Then, we started using it to make individual smoothies and blended drinks and thought, hey, now this is what the Bullet is meant for! Now, you've seen me use it time and time again to quickly blend up a batch of baby food for Peanut. It definitely has it's uses and as long as you go in knowing it's not actually magical, you will love it, too.
1. Dutch oven - Who doesn't love these pretty pots? There are many different brands, colors, price ranges for these, and I love 'em all! Here's the one Michael got me recently. It's very reasonably priced, the perfect shade of blue, and so far, cooks perfectly!
2. Lazy susan - I can't find the exact model I have, but another of my favorite bridal shower gifts was a small lazy susan that I use for spices, etc. in one of my cabinets.
3. Spice rack or organizer - My favorite organization solution for spices is this type of spice drawer organizer. Two of the smaller drawers in my kitchen island are dedicated to spices (alphabetically organized and everything!). I love this alternative to the traditional spice rack because it frees up space on my countertop.
Lower priced items and stocking stuffers:
1. Quart measuring cup - this is one of those items I never knew the value of until I owned. So many uses, but especially for mixing and pouring sauces into recipes.
2. Pastry rolling pin - this inexpensive roller is perfect for pizza dough and pastries. The small design gives you so much more control, especially with small jobs. There is also a pampered chef version thats really nice.
3. Whisks - all sizes, shapes, colors, etc. Some of my favorites are this butterfly whisk and one similar to this tiny whisk (they say it's for sauces, but I like it for beating eggs, too).
4. Wooden spoons - I don't think you can ever go wrong with this gift. Wooden spoons of all sizes and shapes are a must in any kitchen. I love these Paula Deen ones and wooden turners with the flat end like this one are really handing for cooking ground meat.
5. Festive towels - Another great gift for anyone with a kitchen is fun, festive kitchen towels. I love displaying holiday towels on my oven door. My mother-in-law is great about keeping us all stocked up on cute towels, and she's taught me that the best place to find them is at Kohl's. They have an awesome selection of cute but also sturdy and absorbent towels for every holiday at very reasonable prices. I currently have my eye on this one!
6. Collapsable measuring cups - Michael bought this set for me a couple years ago as a stocking stuffer and I was amazed at how much less room it takes up. I keep my measuring spoons/cups in a plastic storage container in one of my cabinets so they are all in one place and easy to pull out all together. These are also really nice for measuring ingredients like peanut butter or Crisco since you can collapse them to release the sticky stuff!
7. Oil dispenser - These aren't the exact bottles I have, but they are similar. There are lots of different sizes, shapes, and colors, so it's easy to choose something that fits the recipient's style. Confession: I know they are sold as sets so you can put oil in one and vinegar in the other, but I actually have olive oil and vegetable oil in each of mine. It just makes sense for my kitchen.
8. Small cutting boards - These are perfect for small/quick jobs. I love having a couple of these on hand for quick chopping without having to dirty my bigger cutting boards. As I've mentioned in other posts, I especially like them for making baby food or chopping up Peanut's food quickly.
9. Aprons - I absolutely love wearing aprons while I cook, especially when I bake, and it's a must when doing Christmas baking. This is one of my favorite Christmas aprons I got a few years ago, but I also just realized that it comes in a child-sized one. That's going on my wish list! :)
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