Useful Kitchen Gifts That Won't End Up in a Drawer

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The kitchen gifts that get used are usually the plain ones: a tool that solves a problem the person already has. The ones that end up in the back of a drawer are novelty gadgets and anything they already own. This guide matches a few practical tools to the kind of cook you're shopping for, and says plainly who each one wouldn't suit.

One honest caveat: if the person is a serious, experienced cook, they almost certainly own these already. For them, skip to the ideas near the end that aren't tools at all.

Before you buy: three quick checks

1. Find out what they already ownAsk a housemate or partner, or notice what's in the drawer next time you visit. A second thermometer or can opener isn't much of a gift.
2. Think about how they cook nowShop for the cooking they already do, not the cooking you hope they'll start. A grill tool for someone who grills; a baking tool for someone who bakes.
3. Ask for a gift receiptMost stores offer one at checkout or on request. It lets them exchange the gift quietly, which is kinder than a drawer.

Match the gift to the cook

The gifts that get used solve a problem the person already has.

For the griller: an instant-read thermometer

Someone who grills burgers and chicken will reach for a thermometer every time they cook. It settles the 'is it done?' question without cutting into the meat. Pair it with a printed copy of the safe cooking temperatures cheat sheet and the gift is complete.

Who it wouldn't suit: a vegetarian, or a griller who already has a thermometer they like. Someone who smokes brisket or roasts big cuts may want a leave-in probe thermometer instead; the thermometer guide explains the difference.

For the baker: a digital scale

A baker who still measures with cups will notice the difference quickly: more consistent cookies and bread, and fewer dishes. It's a small, useful upgrade that most people don't buy for themselves.

Who it wouldn't suit: someone who doesn't bake, or a baker who already weighs everything.

For the new cook: shears and a can opener

For someone in a first apartment, two small everyday tools beat one fancy one. Kitchen shears handle herbs, pizza, packaging and trimming chicken. A can opener is the tool people forget until the first can of beans. Together they make a practical housewarming gift.

Who it wouldn't suit: anyone who already has both. If the person has weak or painful hands, a smooth-edge or electric opener is a kinder choice; the can opener guide covers the types.

Gifts that aren't tools

For experienced cooks, or anyone whose drawers are already full:

• A handwritten copy of a family recipe, with the amounts in grams if you have them.
• An offer to cook a meal together, or to do the dishes after they cook.
• A cookbook from a cuisine they already love (check their shelf first).
• A pantry staple they use often and rarely splurge on, like good olive oil or spices.

The tools mentioned above

These are the specific tools covered in this site's full guides. They're typically low-cost; check the current price before you buy, and remember the gift receipt.

The links below go to Amazon.com. They are not affiliate links right now, so I don't earn a commission if you buy. It doesn't change the price you pay or what I recommend.

Alpha Grillers Meat Thermometer Digital

For the griller. An instant-read thermometer with a backlit display; the maker says it reads in 1 to 2 seconds. Amazon's spec table lists an upper range of 300°F.

Etekcity Food Kitchen Scale

For the baker. According to the listing, it weighs up to 11 lb (5 kg) in 1-gram steps, has a tare button, and comes with batteries.

KitchenAid All Purpose Kitchen Shears

For the new cook. Everyday shears with micro-serrated blades and a blade sheath, according to the listing. The blades don't come apart.

KitchenAid Classic Multifunction Can Opener

For the new cook. A traditional handheld opener with an oversized turning knob and a built-in bottle opener, according to the listing.

The bottom line

Give the tool that matches the cooking they already do, check they don't own one, and include a gift receipt. A small, useful tool beats a clever gadget, and for a cook who has everything, a shared meal or a family recipe often means more.