If you have foodie friends who constantly ask you to "taste this" or "sniff that," a Christmas stocking loaded with kitchen gear will certainly make his or her holiday sweeter. Give the gift that ultimately gives back with cooking essentials that will have any home chef racing to the kitchen to whip up a new creation. If you're looking for the best stocking stuffers for the home chef, check out our list of stocking-sized picks.
Mandoline Slicer
This slender, easy-to-use slicing tool features an angled blade that delivers even, consistent slices of fresh fruits and vegetables. Some mandoline slicers include a variety of blades to create thick, paper thin, or crinkle-cut slices. Include a pair of cut-resistant gloves to make this stocking stuffer complete.
Tongs
Kitchen tongs are a must-have multipurpose tool for the culinarians on your Christmas list. Tongs can be used for a range of tasks like tossing salads, flipping meat, and even reaming citrus. Your gift recipient will grip, flip, mix, transfer, toss, and lift with this multipurpose kitchen essential.
Silicone Mat
If the home cook on your shopping list loves to bake, silicone mats are a thoughtful gift. Reusable silicone mats help reduce burning and make for simple cleanup. It's also an eco-friendly alternative to parchment, wax paper, and foil. Ideal for even the stickiest of pre-baked mixtures, silicone mats also eliminate the need for cooking spray or extra fat.
Silicone Spatula
Silicone spatulas are heat-resistant and flexible, which makes them exceptional for handling hot foods and cookware. This versatile kitchen tool won't scratch up pans, and it maintains its shape without becoming warped. They also make a useful gift for home cooks of any skill level.
Kitchen Timer
No cookware-themed stocking should be without a digital kitchen timer. Accurate timekeepers are essential to a huge range of tasks in the kitchen, from crafting the perfect French press coffee to baking a deliciously moist cake. When searching for the right kitchen timer, look for a digital model with a loud alarm.
Grater
While some may not think a rasp grater is a cookware staple, many home chefs will tell you it's a hardworking multitasker that pulls its weight in the kitchen. Beyond zesting citrus, a Microplane or kitchen rasp works like a fine grater — making it perfect for shredding hard cheeses, grating spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, or finely mincing fresh garlic and ginger.
Silicone Whisk
It's no surprise that whisks are a kitchen essential, but there's something special about a whisk coated in silicone. Not only are they a versatile tool for whipping up fluffy omelets and mixing brownie batter, but silicone-coated whisks are also useful for whisking ingredients in metal pans without scratching up your gift recipient's favorite cookware.
Disher
A disher, or ice cream scoop, is a practical and versatile tool for the home chef. From portioning out identically sized cookies to dishing up a mess of meatballs, a disher is the perfect way to achieve even, consistent portions. Dishers come in a range of sizes to accommodate various cooking tasks. However, the most versatile size to look for is the #20 scoop, which is great for dishing out large cookies, muffins, and cupcake batter. The #40 scoop is another versatile option which is ideal for meatballs and sliders.
Spice Grinder
Treat the foodie on your holiday shopping list to a functional stocking stuffer any home cook can enjoy. A spice grinder is an excellent tool that allows cooks to work with whole spices instead of the pre-ground stuff. Whole spices stay fresh for longer and offer a flavor-packed punch when ground just before use. Plus, a grinder is a cinch to clean and requires a lot less elbow grease than a traditional mortar and pestle.
Cooking Themometer
An instant-read digital thermometer is the perfect stocking-sized gift for the skillful cook in your life. Essential for foolproof roasting and baking, thermometers help keep track of cooking temperature so you never have to suffer through a dry, overcooked roast again.
Gourmet Ingredients
Gourmet food and gifts are always a welcome addition to any home chef's stocking. Consider gourmet ingredients like flavored salts, unique seasoning blends, and artisan-made condiments. These gifts allow home cooks to experiment and play with new ingredients and flavor profiles.
For more stocking stuffer ideas and inspiration, check out our guide to Stocking Stuffer Ideas.
Holiday Gift Specialist
Melissa is a food-enthusiast, cocktail-lover, and take-out-orderer extraordinaire! She loves to eat, drink, cook, write, and consume copious amounts of coffee. As an amateur culinarian, Melissa enjoys spending time in the kitchen experimenting with ingredients and feeding anyone who visits her home.
