Cooking for yourself is not easy and knowing what supplies to purchase are also not very easy as well. Since it is the holiday season, I wanted to write my top five gift ideas for new cooks. If you know someone who is new to cooking or owning their own place and needs new cooking utensils, then I hope this list provides you with inspiration!

Oven Mitts

Oven mitts are an essential part of cooking in the kitchen. From handling pans with hot handles to pulling cookie sheets out of the oven, oven mitts are needed. This is why they would make a great gift for a new cook. They would also make a great gift for someone who owns only one pair of mitts. I don’t know how many people will agree with me on this, but a cook can never have enough oven mitts. True, there will be a limit to the amount of oven mitts available to use and store, (Especially if the kitchen is small) but there have been more than one time I needed multiple oven mitts. The reason is because I got the mitts dirty and needed to use a backup pair.

 

Measuring Cups and Spoons

Measuring cups and spoons are important to baking. This is why buying a good quality set can be a great gift. Also, giving the gift of a unique and cute measuring cup and spoon sets would also be a great idea. It depends on the person you are giving the gifts to. Just remember a few things: Metal measuring cups and spoons will last longer than plastic, consider buying a set that has some sort of silicone covering on the handles for better grip and to prevent anyone’s hands from burning, and think about the gift recipient’s personality when purchasing a measuring cup and spoons in a fun shape and design.

 

Mixing Bowls

Mixing bowls is a great gift for new cooks. They can be used for mixing, food preparation, and other cooking needs. Consider buying a metal bowl set with different bowl sizes. Metal is more durable and will last longer than plastic. Also, metal isn’t as fragile as porcelain.

 

Wooden Spoons and Spatulas

Wooden spoons and spatulas is a tool I believe everyone needs in their kitchen. Wood spoons and spatulas do not add off flavors to food like metal can and it won’t deteriorate the way plastic will. If you want to give only one utensil, I would say give a spoon. Spoons are usually used more than spatulas.

 

Cutting Board

The final cooking tool I recommend as a gift is a cutting board. Cutting boards are used for all sorts of reasons in the kitchen, including the reason why it is named a cutting board. The board can be as big or little as you want and out of whatever wood you want. You can buy one at all kinds of price ranges and can be from a big box store or a small business. Also, the cutting board can come in different style with different useful elements. These elements include a channel to drain fluids away from the main cutting surface of the board.

 

Well, that’s all for now! Thank you for reading!