A bar tool set for mixologist hopefuls
5-Piece Stainless Steel Bar Tool Set, $69, available at Nordstrom
There's something about a well-made cocktail that just oozes sophistication. While they might still be perfectly content drinking the lukewarm Natural Lights of their college days, this tool set will be a welcomed gift that'll not only class up their space, but their drinking habits as well. If you want to add something more, throw in the cocktail shaker (pictured above) to help them complete their first bar cart.
The only knife they need
The Santoku Knife, $75, available at Brigade Kitchen
When you're a young professional, there's a lot you could do with seventy five dollars. Spending all of that money on one kitchen knife? Not likely.
They might scoff at the idea of purchasing this for themselves, but they'll surely appreciate if you get it for them. In the short tem, they'll be content using this high-quality, versatile knife and in the long term this investment piece will keep them from continually repurchasing cheaper options, ultimately saving them some money down the road
A multi-functional panini press
Chefman Panini Press Grill, $39.99, available at Amazon
In a small space, every appliance has to prove itself to claim it's territory. So, while you may be tempted to get them an ice cream maker, you're better off going for something a little more versatile. A panini press that also functions as an indoor grill does just that, making it a great gadget they can use to make paninis, or even grill meat and vegetables easily. Plus, it's small enough to store when they're not using it.
A set of cool coasters they’ll appreciate
Chevron Marble & Wood Coasters, $23.45, available at Nordstrom
They likely spent too much time picking out the perfect coffee table to fit their space — don't let them ruin it with an easily avoidable water ring. Coasters might seem like a lackluster gift, but this set mixes marble and wood to make an aesthetically interesting set they'll want to show off.
next slide will load in 15 secondsSkip AdSkip AdA spoon rest that also lends a helpful reminder
Conversion Spoon Rest, $9.95, available at Crate & Barrel
Seasoned cooks and homemakers alike know the value of a spoon rest. It's an underrated but really useful addition to any kitchen. This one is even decorated with some quick measurement conversions so they don't have to second-guess themselves when making any of their favorite recipes.
A set of classy placements because they’re adults now
A retro egg cooker that makes a super easy breakfast
Dash Mini Egg Cooker, from $19, available at West Elm or Amazon
Eggs make a pretty easy, healthy breakfast, but on hectic mornings, turning on the stove to make them can become a process that is more trouble than its worth. This mini egg cooker is so easy to use — they can set it up and simultaneously get ready, knowing their eggs will come out just how they like them without having to check on them every few minutes. Plus, the retro style will look really cute on their kitchen counter.
Their first cookbook to start their collection
“Cook Like a Pro” by Ina Garten, $20.99, available at Amazon
Is it just me, or does it seem like a shelf reserved for a well-curated cookbook collection is a requirement for all adult kitchens? Either way, help them get started on making a collection of their own with Ina Garten's newest cookbook. It's a great starting point since it's geared at home cooks, and amateurs and expert alike will love it.
A pressure cooker they’ll use for just about everything
next slide will load in 15 secondsSkip AdSkip AdA coffee maker that fits in their small space
A cast-iron Dutch oven for serious chefs
A set of pots and pans to get them started
A set of seven fundamental kitchen tools
The Fundamentals, $175, available at Material
Left to their own devices, they might end up collecting random kitchen tools until their utensil drawer is a cluttered mess. Make it easy for them to stay organized by gifting this set from Material. The Fundamentals, as it's aptly named, comes with seven essential kitchen utensils that are all they really need, and a utensil holder to keep everything tidy.
A sleek electric kettle
OXO Cordless Glass Electric Kettle, $79.95, available at Amazon
If you're going to get them a kettle, go for a nice electric one. This one heats up water in a pinch, plus they don't have to worry about leaving the stove on when they're done. The sleek combination of stainless steel and glass also adds an air of sophistication to this kitchen essential.
next slide will load in 15 secondsSkip AdSkip AdDishes they can use to cook and store leftovers
Pyrex Simply Store, $28.43 (10 pieces), available at Amazon
When living under their parents roof, there was likely always an abundance of food storage containers. They're one of the items that they probably won't realize they need until they're in a pinch looking for somewhere to store their leftovers. Do them a favor and just get them a set of these glass Pyrex dishes. They're dishwasher, freezer, and microwave safe, so they do a great job of storing pretty much anything.
Oil and vinegar holders that are sophisticated and practical
Royal Oil and Vinegar Bottle Set, $16.97, available at Amazon
Accidentally pouring way too much olive oil into the pan or on top of a salad — it's a classic kitchen faux pas, but can be easily avoided. Give them these glass bottles for their oil and vinegar. They have a classier look than the original packaging, along with two spouts so they can choose whether they want to pour a little, or a lot.
A functional piece of kitchen decor
Schmidt Brothers Acacia Magnetic Wall Bar, $49.99, available at Crate & Barrel
Finding a safe place to keep your sharp kitchen knives can be difficult, especially in a small space where there's no room for a knife block. That's why they'll love this magnetic knife bar — it can be easily mounted to the wall and used to hold knives of all shapes and sizes. The natural acacia wood also adds a rustic visual aesthetic to any kitchen.
A serving tray for their first dinner party
Non-stick cookie sheets that they can clean and store easily
next slide will load in 15 secondsSkip AdSkip AdAn innovative dish rack
Simplehuman Steel Dish Rack, $49.99, available at Amazon
A $50 dish rack — I hear the cringing already. Hear me out, though. They probably don't want to spend that much on a dish rack, let alone even buy a dish rack in the first place — but the whole dishtowel-on-the-counter method should be ditched post-college. This Simplehuman dish rack is thoughtfully designed to drain water back into the sink, so they can keep their dishes clean and their counter dry.
A set of dishwasher-safe wine glasses
Red Wine Glasses, $60 (set of 4), available at Snowe
So they're ready to retire the red solo cups, but are they really ready for delicate crystal wine glasses? Snowe has an option that looks and feels just fancy enough. They'll savor every glass sipped out of these, but can also be at ease knowing they can throw them in the dishwasher without worrying about breaking them.
A utensil holder they probably didn’t know they need
Utility Utensil Holder, $15, available at West Elm
Currently, my roommates and I have repurposed a vase to stand in as a utensil holder in our kitchen. It's something that's not first of mind when apartment shopping, but becomes glaringly necessary when you have utensils spread throughout different kitchen shelves and drawers just to store them somewhere. This utensil holder keeps everything in one convenient place and the minimal style will look nice on their counter, too.
A blender that makes so much more than just smoothies
A nice set of bamboo cutting boards
next slide will load in 15 secondsSkip AdSkip AdA classy wine stopper so their good stuff doesn’t go to waste