When someone moves into a new apartment, it’s a little difficult to figure out how to congratulate them on their big move. Send champagne and flowers? Maybe. But do they have champagne flutes, or a flower vase? Hmm, there’s a thought. Maybe you should meet them at the corner bistro instead.
But if you want to send them a little something that’s more enduring and useful during their transition, think about an inexpensive gift for their kitchen, something practical. Sure, sending someone a vegetable peeler isn’t all that sexy, but maybe you aren’t the candidate to be sending a sexy gift (yeah Mom, that would be weird.) Sometimes a small token of lasting usefulness is greatly appreciated and used daily. For me, these are the most thoughtful gifts.
5 Essential Kitchen Tools
I’ve compiled a list of the 5 most essential items that any small home kitchen needs. These items also work for the people that are flying solo, and occasionally fix themselves an omelet on the rare night at home. Delivery or take-out meals get expensive for both the wallet and waistline. A meal at home has truly turned into the latest health trend.
After owning a kitchen store for over 15 years, I have suggested thousands of different kitchen gifts to well meaning family members, house guests and friends. It’s easy to pick up something trendy, or novel, but it usually takes more thought to deliver a gift that someone can really use. These five items are my best, low tech, high quality gifts for first time home owners and apartment dwellers.
Building up a batterie de cuisine for anyone takes time. Kitchen tools that are cheap and immediately available many times end up in the landfill because of their poor quality. Don’t buy cheap. Think green, and choose items that are well crafted. The recipient of these handy little tools can use them for years to come.
Kuhn Rikon Mini Chopper – $64.99
I like this mini chopper because you can make a quick back of salsa, and with the extra bowl, you can shred a separate batch of lettuce topping in the same session. No electricity needed, so if they forget to pay the light bill, or go camping, they can still enjoy a hand crafted salsa. Dishwasher safe.
Universal Peeler by Gefu – $15.95
Does anyone really need a vegetable peeler that costs over $15? Yes, especially when the cheaper versions end up in the garbage within the first few uses. German steel, dishwasher safe.
Green Pan Set 8” & 10” Pan set – $79.95
Buying an entire set of pans may not be necessary for the apartment dweller. They just need a couple of decent pans to scramble an egg or simmer spaghetti sauce. Green Pan has a non-toxic ceramic coating that is non-stick. I’ll be honest – it’s a rather sticky non-stick BUT it will not wear out when you wash it, or mysteriously wear away after cooking (I think the other stuff ends up in your food…ew.) These are non-stick pans that will last a lifetime.
Prep Series Cutting Boards by Epicurean, Set of 3 – $39.95
I have several of these Epicurean cutting boards, and I absolutely adore them. They don’t warp, and they are dishwasher safe. The inventors of the boards had originally developed the material for skate board surfaces, you know, for those big skateboard bowls you see on the sports channels? Yep. Now you can have a little piece of all of that crazy flipping action on your counter top. Rad.
StarPack Premium Silicone Spatula Set of 4 with Hygienic Solid Coating – $18.95
These spatulas a great because they are one piece and can be popped into the dishwasher without worrying about the head separating from a wooden handle. The handle has a durable interior shank that makes them sturdy, and the silicon outer coating is stable up to 600° (315°C) which means they won’t melt if you use them to stir your pasta. How many of the other type have I melted? Too many to count.
Those may be useful items but starting out every aspiring chef should have three essential knives and a good cutting board. The knives I recommend are an 7″ or 8″ chefs, a 3″ or 4″ paring and a ytility knife either serrated or not. The cutting board recommended would be a Boss maple. Also recommended is a 10″ cast iron skillet and a good knife sharpener. Build from there.
You are right! That was my first article and I am going to add more. I have a lot of young adults in my life, and their first activities in the kitchen are usually opening a can or microwaving something. I like your additions, and will add those to my next post! Thanks!!
Thank you so much
Stay tuned for more! Thanks for your message Linda!