As a trained cook and kitchen appliances tester, I’ve spent the past year curating a list of my favorite gadgets, trinkets, and tableware – so I can bring you the ultimate kitchen gift guide.
For the friend who can’t stop raving about their best air fryer, I’ve found kitchen gifts to make their crispy creations even more irresistible. And for the host or hostess who seems to have it all, I’ve found a few surprises that are sure to impress. Even if they're a coffee lover with the most exacting standards, I’ve found barista-approved treats.
Striking the perfect balance between expertise, luxury, and the element of surprise, even the most well-stocked foodie will appreciate these tried-and-tested, H&G-approved kitchen gifts.
Best gifts for the home cook
The home cook finds joy in stirring sauces, experimenting with new recipes, and daydreaming about flavors. These kitchen gifts are sure to spark their imagination.
After a month of testing, I can confidently say this is the best pan I’ve used. With coating-free, nonstick technology free of forever chemicals, it’s shiny, sleek, and makes for a truly special gift experience.
A space to note recipes and inspiration, with organized sections for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and treats. I love the handy measurements and conversions page, and the silk paper finish.
Crafted in Brescia, Italy. Stanley Tucci's lasagna dish was designed for fun, family dinners. Perfect for pasta lovers, this pan is also nonstick and free from harmful chemicals, so clean-up is a dream.
Best gifts for the budding baker
From whipping up weekend cookies to homemade sourdough, these kitchen gifts will elevate every baker's skills and bring a professional touch to their kitchen.
For the budding baker, the KitchenAid Artisan Mixer is a game-changing gift. At the top of our best stand mixer guide, it's powerful, versatile, and built to tackle anything.
Made from stainless steel with a beautiful gold finish, these cups are as practical as they are eye-catching. They'll turn everyday baking into something a little bit more magical.
Inspired by the Macaron-filled bakeries of Paris, this set of baking dishes from Staub brings French charm to the kitchen. I've been testing them with focaccia and tres leches cake – they are simply a joy.
Best gifts for the air fryer obsessive
They’re so obsessed with their air fryer, it’s become a regular topic of conversation! These tried-and-tested air fryer gifts will bring even more flavor and fun to those quick, irresistibly crispy meals.
I use these in my air fryer for single-serve breakfasts, like muffins, banana cakes and perfectly circular baked eggs. They add some easy, simple fun to my morning routine.
Once you've tried an air fryer, you'll be hooked on the speed and ease of creating delicious meals. I love adding a sprinkle of infused salts like these – an effortless way to elevate your air-fried fish, fries and veggies in seconds.
Best gifts for the hostess with the most
For the hostess who has it all effortlessly under control, bring something new to the table with these thoughtful, wow-factor kitchen gifts.
If your hostess loves creating fabulous food, she’ll be thrilled with this year’s coolest dessert maker: the Ninja Creami. It can whip up everything from velvety ice creams to refreshing sorbets and creamy gelato.
I recently received this Staub dutch oven – and it was a breath-taking experience. The Grenadine color is so rich and luxurious, it's almost too beautiful to cook with. I set mine on the kitchen table for guests to see!
A chic gift for the host who appreciates the finer details. The elegant, natural marble keeps butter fresh and spreadably soft. Plus, it looks more expensive than it is!
Best gifts for the chef who has everything
They've got every tool in the book, apart from these chef-worthy kitchen gifts – including the latest, highest-rated gadgets.
This unique, Swedish sharpener brings professional-grade precision to the kitchen. Once you master the technique, every knife will perform at its best. For a statement color, check the design collab with Moravnik.
If they love cooking steak or seafood, the Dreo Chef Maker is a winner. The AI algorithm and micro-steam technology can cook to professional perfection. It's the smartest machine I've ever tested.
Who knew you could add such delicious depth of flavor, with just a pinch of salt? Truffle anything from grilled steaks and burgers to scrambled eggs.
Best gifts for the coffee lover
Tested and approved by the H&G experts, these gifts are perfect for the coffee lover who appreciates quality in every cup.
It takes a lot to earn a top spot in our best coffee maker guide, but De'Longhi's La Specialista Maestro has done it. With excellent espressos, perfect cold brews, and everything in between. This is a gift they'll never forget.
This is a really fun gift for caffeine lovers. You can make rich espressos and americanos in one, cool, compact and ultra-lightweight appliance. Read our barista's AeroPress review here.
I've been testing these recently and they are just so lovely. With a textural, powder finish exterior and stainless steel interior, your coffee stays piping hot (or ice cold) when you're on the go.
Best stocking fillers
Treat the foodies in your life to these joyful stocking fillers. They are all under $50, apart from the Mackenzie-Childs spoon rest (sorry, I just couldn't resist).
Furbish Studio creates vibrant home accessories designed to make a statement. With a signature blend of bold colors and quirky patterns, this oven mitt will brighten up any kitchen!
I love this ingenious coffee scoop, which doubles as a clip for your bag of coffee beans. What a great way to keep coffee fresh and your scoop at the ready.
I couldn't resist including something from Mackenzie-Childs. The iconic hand-painted design of this little spoon rest is sure to bring some character to the kitchen.
Crafted in small batches, this artisanal simple syrup combines chai, caramel and rose flavors with cane sugar, sweetening a plain cup of coffee or tea.
Petite and perfectly portioned, a pair of Le Creuset espresso cups make a gorgeous gift. I recommend the Meringue colorway, since it's the most covetable and it's about to be discontinued.
It might be a little too big for a stocking, but this ultra-compact blender is portable and lightweight. It blasts through fruit and veg, so you can take smoothies to the gym, office, or school.
When is the best time to buy kitchen gifts?
Black Friday weekend is the best time to shop kitchen gifts. At this time of year, newer models and designs will be released, so you’ll typically be able to buy older models at lower prices.
I also see appliance bundle deals in the holiday season, which can help you save more when purchasing multiple kitchen gifts from the same brand.
Plus, winter is a great time to get deals on summery kitchen gifts – like ice cream makers, the best blenders, best juicers and iced coffee makers.
The best kitchen gift combines the elements of surprise, luxury and practicality. Any of the items on this list is sure to bring a smile to someone's face!
