In addition to our Stocking Stuffer Gift Guide, we have a selection of gift ideas that are extra special, heirloom quality, and some budget-friendly options, too. Whether your gift is for a seasoned cook, or a beginner in the kitchen, they are sure to love these beautiful pieces. And your loved ones will love that your gift lasts for generations. Pair the budget-friendly gifts with selections from our Gourmet Gift Guide for Foodies. Some of the links below are for affiliate sites, and as an Amazon Associate I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.
Sheet Pans I have six half sheet pans in my kitchen and four quarter sheet pans. I love these for so many things, not the least of which is baking cookies. I used to have separate cookie sheets, but these are far more versatile and sturdier. They don’t warp in a hot oven like cookie sheets do. I also use them for roasting vegetables, sheet-pan meals, oven fajitas, baked potato wedges, and so much more.
Dutch Oven – Another versatile kitchen must-have is the Dutch oven, or as Staub calls it the Cocotte. Currently the 7-quart Staub is on sale for $299, which is half-off and there are still some beautiful colors available. It’s actually less expensive than the smaller sizes right now. The Le Creuset 7.25-quart Dutch oven is also on sale for $460 and will last for generations. I use mine for spaghetti sauce, pasta, soupds, stews, so many things, really! These pieces are ones that get handed down as they are heirloom quality. Both Staub and Le Creuset are made in France.
The budget-friendly Lodge 7.5 quart enameled Dutch oven is only $99. Lodge is an American company with deep roots in Southern Tennessee since the late 1800’s. While many of their products are made in the USA, the Dutch ovens are made in either Vietnam or China. They are excellent quality and have similar features to their more expensive French cousins.
Cocktail Shaker Set Copper is the star of the show in this vintage-inspired cocktail shaker and jigger set from Coppermill Kitchen in Connecticut, and made in Europe. The two-sided jigger holds 1 and 2 ounce measures and cost $150. It’s elegant, functional, and a showstopper for any bar cart. This one will definitely impress! Hand washing recommended. For a budget-friendly Cocktail Shaker Set, I love this stainless steel, 3-piece set that includes a 24 ounce shaker, a jigger with both 1 and 1/2 ounce measures, and a mixing spoon. It’s only $16.99 and is dishwasher safe with a mirror finish.
Staub 3.5 Quart Braiser – An heirloom quality gift that is a showstopper! Anyone will be thrilled to get this versatile piece and it’s on sale for $179.99 for nearly all colors, so don’t hesitate on this one! I love mine for frying chicken, roasting a whole chicken, making casseroles, braising stews and short ribs, pasta sauce, fruit crumbles and more. It’s a beautiful serving piece, cleans easily, and has two handles for ease in and out of the oven.
Dansk 4-Quart Kobenstyle Casserole (left above) Beautiful dish that is a dream to clean with classic, retro styling. Use this spacious dish on the stovetop (even induction) or in the oven and serve right out of it. Cleaning it is a breeze thanks to the triple-enameled carbon steel. Currently price is $135 and worth every penny for this heirloom quality piece. You can use it for just about anything, but my favorite is for my mac n cheese.
Dansk Kobenstyle Baker (right above) has the same beautiful triple-enameled carbon steel as the casserole above that makes cleaning so easy. Use this beauty for any and every casserole to elevate your table. It’s also $135 and investment quality.
Boos Blocks Cutting Boards – an industry standard in high quality boards. These are knife-friendly and clean beautifully. There are several styles and thicknesses to choose from and can be used for cutting fruits and vegetables, carving meats, creating food boards, or serving just about anything.
Wooden Paddle Serving Board – Here are two options for these the pricier options range from $130 to $180 and are made of ash wood that has been carbonized to resist water and cracking. They’re lighter weight so they’re easy to handle, and my favorite feature is the lip around it to keep food from sliding off when moving from one location to another. That way you can set up your board before setting it into place for serving. The more budget-friendly Wooden Paddle Serving Board is made of acacia wood and is just as beautiful, though lacks some of the features of the more expensive boards.
Glass Drink Pitcher I love the sleek, retro styling of this beautiful glass drink pitcher. It’s microwave and dishwasher safe, heat resistant, and has a silicone ring to keep the lid in place. It pours without a mess, too! Available in two sizes and versatile enough to use everyday and for special occasions. I like it for cocktails and water.
Hobnail Glassware Set – A set of six in two different sizes range in price from $48 to $60. The hobnail design provides a slip resistance in your hand. Six colors to choose from, too! A budget-friendly Hobnail Glassware Set features the same beautiful hobnail styling, but a price that has 8 in a set for half the price of the other.
Cake Stands make excellent gifts, especially when you fill them with home-baked goodies. I use cake stands mostly for dessert presentations, but love to use them for appetizers, too. I also like to decorate them for Christmas with candles, ornaments, a fresh greenery from our trees. Pinecones and acorns look good, too! I also love a Cake Stand with a Lid for protecting pies, cakes, cookies, bars, candies, fruit, your imagination is the limit.
Thoughtful gifts for the kitchen are sure to be appreciated. Let me know what you think by commenting below. Happy Holidays from Laura’s Corner Kitchen!
