27 Game-Changing Tools and Gadgets That Make Great Holiday Gifts (We Love Them All!)
Part of our job requires us to test new kitchen products on an almost daily basis. Some are good, others not so much, and some are total game-changers — meaning they have the power to help you finish a task in less time and with less effort (usually while taking up little space, too). Every once in a while we get our hands on something that makes us stop and think, “That’s SO smart,” or, “Where has this been all my life??”
This is a list of those super-brilliant products. Here, you’ll find gifts to make time spent in the kitchen easier, cleaner, more organized, and a heck of a lot more fun — the way it’s meant to be! We found tools for better baking, cooking, caffeinating — we’ve got something for everyone on your list. Shop for yourself or pick out some things for a loved one who could use an upgrade (or three).
2021 K Gift Guide: Game-Changing Tools & Gadgets - Cookware
Marley Spoon Meal Kit Delivery Service, 6 Servings Marley Spoon Meal Kit Delivery Service, 6 Servings
Martha & Marley Spoon
$27.96 (was $63.95)
Marley Spoon was the one meal kit subscription that changed our contributor and meal kit skeptic's mind. The Martha Stewart-approved recipes are sophisticated and delicious, and are a thoughtful and practical gift during the hectic holiday season.
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Chef'sChoice FlexHone/Strop Professional Electric Knife Sharpener Chef'sChoice FlexHone/Strop Professional Electric Knife Sharpener
Amazon
$60.35
This is Ina Garten's favorite knife sharpener, so you already know it's good. Sharp knives are key for slicing and dicing, yes, but they're also essential for safety — dull knives can easily slip off food and cause injury. This tiny-but-mighty electric knife sharper is a super practical gift idea for home cooks.
Coravin Pivot + Wine Preservation System Coravin Pivot + Wine Preservation System
Williams Sonoma
$179.95
They'll never have to drink wine that's gone bad with this game-changing wine preservation system. After uncorking a bottle like normal, they slip in the Coravin pivot stopper and device, and then pour as usual. The system uses argon gas to displace the wine that's poured out of the bottle and help prevent oxidization, so your wine stays fresh for up to four weeks. There's an aerator attachment as well to open up the wine as you pour.
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Microwave Egg Maker Microwave Egg Maker
Uncommon Goods
$38
The perfect gift for quick but nutrient-rich solo meals, plus it's really pretty! The handle makes carrying from the microwave to the couch a piece of cake.
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Beyond Measure 4-Cup Beyond Measure 4-Cup
Great Jones
$40 (was $45)
This tabletop-worthy measuring cup is one of the prettiest tools we've seen, but it's also super practical and durable thanks to the borosilicate glass and clear measurement marks.
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LED Grilling Tool Set LED Grilling Tool Set
Uncommon Goods
$40
Don't leave your favorite griller in the dark. These grilling tools have LED lights that provide a helpful light on the grill — and are easier to find after sunset.
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"As Is" Ninja Foodi 15-in-1 Smart Dual Heat Air Fry Flip Oven w/Probe
QVC.com
$189 (was $299.99)
Perfect for the air fryer lover in your life, the Ninja Foodi 15-in-1 digital oven is the do-it-all device they'll love making a part of their daily routine. This mighty machine does the work of several different appliances, so you can bake, toast, roast, air fry, and even sear. Best of all, it's a small-space-friendly find, too: When done cooking, simply flip the oven up for vertical, space-saving storage and a clutter-free countertop.
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The Popcorn Bowl with Kernel Sifter The Popcorn Bowl with Kernel Sifter
Uncommon Goods
$48
This brilliant popcorn bowl sifts out the unpopped kernels so they can snack while fully absorbed in their favorite show. This stoneware has just the right amount of heft and pulls double duty as a fruit bowl when it's not holding popcorn.
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Double Walled Glass Nordic Mug With Infuser Double Walled Glass Nordic Mug With Infuser
DAVIDsTEA
$26
Show your favorite tea drinker that you really get them with this double-walled glass mug. Infuser? Check. Lid? Check. Extra large 16-ounce capacity? Check, check, and check.
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Sheet Show Sheet Show
Great Jones
$65 (was $90)
Lots of editors here are big fans of the best-selling Holy Sheet. It performs beautifully, it doesn't warp, it's nonstick, and it's stunning. The only thing that could make the Holy Sheet better is having more than one. This collection includes the classic half-sheet pan and two quarter-sheet pans, so there’s plenty of room to roast veggies, bake cookies, and more.
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Always Pan Always Pan
Our Place
$99 (was $150)
Our Place's game-changing Always Pan is so versatile that it can replace 10 (count 'em — 10!) different pieces of cookware. Plus, it's gorgeous as far as cookware goes. It's often sold out, so we bet it's been on their wish list for a long time.
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Revolution Toaster Revolution Toaster
Williams Sonoma
$299.95 (was $349.95)
No doubt, a huge part of this toaster's appeal is its touch-screen display and sleek design. But, you'll also be pleased to discover that the appliance browns your bread in way less time than it would take with a traditional toaster. (You can even defrost frozen bagels, waffles, pastries, and more.) Cleanups are also made simple with its removable crumb tray.
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Vitamix 12-Cup Food Processor Attachment with SELF-DETECT Vitamix 12-Cup Food Processor Attachment with SELF-DETECT
Vitamix
$199.95
It's already been established that Vitamix is the Rolls-Royce of the blender world. Well, its 12-cup food processor is no joke, either — this smart machine cuts prep time in half by mixing, chopping, and mincing ingredients in no time.The processor is also programmed to adjust its settings based on what type of container you're using. It's actually kind of genius, and your giftee is bound to be impressed.
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Caraway Cookware Set Caraway Cookware Set
Caraway
$355.50 (was $545)
Help someone set up a new kitchen or replace their hodgepodge collection of pots and pans with this Instagram-famous set. Available in a variety of beautiful colors, this cookware doesn’t just look good; it performs beautifully, too. The ceramic-coated interior provides a nonstick surface that is free of PTFEs (that’s the bad stuff you’ve read about in the news), it’s oven-safe, and it’s surprisingly lightweight.
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Lodge Blacklock Triple-Seasoned Cast-Iron Skillet Lodge Blacklock Triple-Seasoned Cast-Iron Skillet
Williams Sonoma
$32 (was $40)
This cast-iron skillet gets made with a special triple seasoning process, which means the pan will arrive perfectly seasoned out of the box, ready to take on anything. This feature eliminates the learning curve many beginners need when first starting to cook with cast iron.
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Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer
Williams Sonoma
$349.95
Breville's smart oven air fryer looks like it belongs in a professional chef's kitchen. In addition to air frying, this product has 10 other cooking settings, as well as a dual-speed mode for quick results.
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Philips Artisan Smart Pasta & Noodle Maker Philips Artisan Smart Pasta & Noodle Maker
Williams Sonoma
$299.95 (was $349.95)
This pasta maker is a truly novel idea for anyone who can't resist homemade spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne — so, everyone. This powerful machine makes 10 types of pasta in about 10 minutes It's so easy to use once you get the hang of it, and the final product tastes unequivocally better than store-bought noodles.
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Zip Top Food Storage Bags and Containers, Set of 8 Zip Top Food Storage Bags and Containers, Set of 8
Amazon
$99.95
You might be thinking, Food storage containers? As a holiday present? But, whoever receives these will truly appreciate them. This set comes with a variety of colorful silicone bags, cups, and dishes that will hold up no matter how many times they go through the fridge, freezer, or microwave — unlike wasteful plastic baggies. Plus, they're completely nontoxic.
Magnetic Organizer Magnetic Organizer
Yamazaki Home
$52
Our team swears by Yamazaki, so trust us when we say that this magnetic organizer will upgrade any kitchen, especially ones that are short on storage space. Simply stick the organizer onto the fridge — no assembly or drilling required — and revel in all the extra shelving that suddenly appears. And, we can't ignore how chic that wood and white steel design is.
OXO Good Grips Aluminum Fold Flat Dish Rack OXO Good Grips Aluminum Fold Flat Dish Rack
OXO
$42.99
There are tons of innovative and space-saving dish racks, and this rack by OXO is particularly great because you can fold it flat for when you just have cookware and glassware that needs drying. For plates, though, the aluminum frame pops up, giving you an extra surface. And, this item is rust-proof, so it's built to last.
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Cuisinart Smart Stick Blender Cuisinart Smart Stick Blender
Sur La Table
$49.95 (was $90)
Stick blenders are unsung kitchen heroes. They do just about everything a regular stand blender does and make it possible for you to puree soups and sauces right in the pot. Plus, these easily fit in a drawer without taking up any counter space.
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Microplane Rasp Grater Microplane Rasp Grater
Williams Sonoma
$15.95
A microplane grater is perfect for gifting because whoever you get it for will keep finding more uses for it over time. It starts as an occasional tool for zesting lemons and limes, then quickly becomes an everyday essential for garlic and cheeses. This one is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning, too!
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Misen Enameled Cast Iron Braiser Pan Misen Enameled Cast Iron Braiser Pan
Amazon
$140
Help upgrade their entire cooking arsenal with this one "do everything" pan. It offers the even heating and durability of a Dutch oven but with a shallower, easier-to-clean design. Take it from stovetop to oven and choose between vibrant colors like red or blue.
Takeya Patented Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker 2-Quart Takeya Patented Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker 2-Quart
Amazon
$35.52
Opening the fridge and realizing you've run out of cold brew is the worst. Help replenish their iced coffee stash with this foolproof cold brew maker. The pitcher is BPA-free and fits easily into most fridge doors. If you're feeling indulgent, introduce them to a bag of your favorite beans.
Marie Kondo Birch 3-Tier Expandable Shelf Marie Kondo Birch 3-Tier Expandable Shelf
The Container Store
$39.99
This expandable wooden shelf is the next best thing to booking someone a private consultation with Marie Kondo. It's versatile enough to fit inside cupboards or stay on countertops, and the wood construction adds a calming touch to anyone's kitchen.
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OXO Good Grips Soap Dispensing Palm Brush Storage Set OXO Good Grips Soap Dispensing Palm Brush Storage Set
Amazon
$11.99
No kitchen sponge is as hardworking or self-reliant as this refillable soap-dispensing scrub brush. It's the kind of practical gift that people will appreciate more and more over time, and they will love letting you know how game-changing it is.
FinaMill Battery Operated Pepper Mill & Spice Grinder FinaMill Battery Operated Pepper Mill & Spice Grinder
Amazon
$44.99
This is a dream gadget for home cooks who need some extra help in the kitchen. The electric handle can grind dried spices with the push of a button, and they can easily swap between the refillable containers for any spices that their dish needs.
Further Reading
The One Cookware Brand That Gordon Ramsay Can’t Stop Talking About
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Ball Just Dropped the Most Beautiful Mason Jars for Its 140th Anniversary ("So Iconic!")
