Even the most enthusiastic home cooks can attest to the daily struggle of whipping up a fresh meal. Sprinkle in a demanding work schedule and kids and it becomes an even greater challenge, but that doesn't mean there aren't ways to lessen the load. We've uncovered the hottest kitchen gifts that make everything from tackling a weeknight meal in minutes to making the perfect cup of cold brew a piece of cake. Whether you're looking to buy a big-ticket item for someone to treasure for a lifetime or a budget-friendly gift they would have never thought to buy, these products will become their go-to kitchen staples.
— Additional reporting by Angela Elias and Erin Cullum
Instead of brewing a pot of coffee or running to the nearest coffee shop for an afternoon pick-me-up, keep this Coffee Panda Cold Brew Maker ($30) in your fridge for a seriously delicious homemade cold brew that's a cinch to make. Just make sure you have a coffee grinder on hand!
Whether you're juicing oranges or grapefruits to drink for breakfast, lemons for an easy vinaigrette, or a bag of limes for killer margaritas, Hurom's new Citrus Juicer ($127, originally $149) makes the job a thousand times easier. The powerful but surprisingly quiet motor extracts every last drop of juice so there's zero waste, and clean up is so simple, you won't think twice about using it for the smallest or biggest juicing jobs!
If you take tea and pour-over coffee seriously, a high-quality electric kettle is worth investing in. We're partial to the Bonavita Gooseneck Electric Variable Temperature Kettle ($95), which heats quickly, can be set to any temperature, and has a gooseneck — perfect for making pour-over coffee.
Think of this Google Home Mini ($49) as a built-in personal assistant for hands-free help while you're meal-prepping. The voice-activated speaker powered by the Google Assistant is ready to answer any questions, make any calls, or control your other smart devices.
If you're looking for a way to conveniently blend smoothies with minimal clean-up in a compact size, this Magic Bullet NutriBullet Pro NB90901 900-Watt Professional Series ($80, originally 100) is the way to go.
The price tag of a Le Creuset Round Dutch Oven ($150-$435) might make you cringe at first, but trust us: buying one of these is an "adulting" moment you won't regret later. It's the best dutch oven ever, thanks to its cast-iron lid, enameled exterior, ability to cook anything in or out of the oven, and undeniably chic look. One of our writers swears, "There is no piece in my kitchen that works as hard and looks as good."
When the thought of standing outside to flip burgers just doesn't sound appealing (hello, rainy weather!), consider this All-Clad 11" Hard Anodized Nonstick Square Grill ($82) your go-to for deliciously grilled dinners from the convenience of your stovetop.
Who can be bothered with handwashing wine glasses? This Mikasa Julie Set of Four Stemless Wine Glasses ($24) is made from high-quality crystal that can withstand the dishwasher.
Until your double-oven dreams become a reality, this Breville The Smart OvenTM Convection Toaster Oven ($270) is the next-best thing.
Let's be real: peeling garlic is the worst. And while it might seem silly to buy a utensil that only serves one purpose, this OXO Good Grips Silicone Garlic Peeler ($7) truly is the best and fastest way to peel garlic, no smashing required.
Slightly weird name, completely amazing result: The Ringer ($22). We forever said goodbye to steel-wool pads and discovered the best way to clean a cast-iron skillet is with this nifty scrubber.
The Cuisinart Elemental 8-Cup Food Processor with 3-Cup Bowl in Gunmetal ($100) is a staple piece for any new cook.
The Vitamix 5200 Blender ($450, originally $550) is the perfect blender, from smoothies to sauces.
The Megawise 5-in-1 Immersion Hand Blender ($53) is perfect for smoothies, soups, and everything in between.
The T-fal Pure Cook Nonstick Aluminum 12-Piece Cookware Set ($60) has all that you need to experiment with recipes.
The 46 Piece Silicone Bakeware Set ($42) is the ultimate set for bakers.
You can never go wrong with 10 Glass Regular Mouth Mason Jars, 16 Ounce ($25) since everyone needs storage.
The Organic Bamboo Cutting Boards With Juice Groove ($28) are good-quality cutting boards on a budget.
The KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer ($480) is a dream come true for any baker.
There is nothing more gorgeous than the Homestia 10 Piece Gold Cooking and Baking Utensil Set Stainless Steel ($26).
Bring the spice with the Gorilla Grip Original Mortar and Pestle Set ($27).
The Made by Design 3 Piece Glass Bakeware Set ($15) is a classic for baking enthusiasts.
The Ninja Mega Kitchen System (BL770) Blender/Food Processor ($150, originally $260) is a space saver!
The OXO Good Grips 3-Piece POP Container Value Set ($30) is storage done right.
The Nordic Ware Pizza Baking Set ($11) is perfect for pizza or even as a charcuterie board.
You can't go wrong with these chic Made by Design Set of 10 Glass Mixing Bowls ($23).
The Made by Design 6 Piece Aluminized Steel Bakeware Set ($40) is for the cook who loves gold.
The Crock-Pot Manual Slow Cooker ($35) is a true necessity and a timesaver.
They'll love drinking their morning brew from these stylish Solem Double Wall Espresso Cups ($17 for four, originally $30).
They'll enjoy drinking from these Tuscany Crystal Red Wine Glasses ($50 for four, originally $72).
This Keurig K-Café Single Serve Coffee, Latte & Cappuccino Maker ($200) is always a great gift.
This Le Creuset Enamel on Steel Whistling Stovetop Kettle ($75, originally $140) comes in four other cool choices.
Get this Oster Digital French Door Toaster Oven ($230, originally $250) for the chef in your life.
We all know someone who would love this KitchenAid Pasta Maker Attachment ($75, originally $100).
They'll be able to heat up water faster than ever with the Bella Glass Electric Tea Kettle ($24, originally $35).
If they're a coffee fan, get them the cool Moccamaster 10-Cup Coffee Maker ($329).
This stylish Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Pour-Over Kettle ($149) heats up water fast and will look great on their countertop.
This Fellow Clyde Stovetop Tea Kettle ($99) will look stylish on your stovetop.
If you love Our Place's popular pan, then you'll want to try its newest multicolored Drinking Glasses ($50).
Drink your morning brew from these cute West Elm Sway Mugs ($9-$34).
Now that they may be making lunch every day, they need a good pan. Get them this popular Our Place Always Pan ($145).
For a long-distance loved one, consider sending this Savory Herbs Collection ($65) from Bloomscape, which includes basil, parsley, and oregano.
Chefs will love this W&P Design Spice Grinder ($35).
If they're obsessed with making bread, they'll want this Breadsmart Artisan Bread Making Kit ($35).
This Dash Express Egg Cooker ($20) is an awesome, affordable gadget they'll use over and over again.
An Automatic Milk Frother ($40) makes at-home coffee feel like a real experience.
With the Krups Electric Coffee Grinder ($16, originally $30), everyone's lives become so much easier.
Brighten up gloomy mornings with this Hearth & Hand With Magnolia Sunrise Stoneware Mug ($5).
Harry Potter fans need The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook by Dinah Bucholz ($11).
Charcuterie board enthusiasts will love the Threshold 15" Acacia Wood Round Serving Platter ($17).
Your loved ones will thank you endlessly for the PowerXL Vortex Air Fryer ($45, originally $60).
Coffee-lovers will appreciate the Bodum Brazil French Press Coffee Maker ($20).
They can make delicious smoothies in this Tenswall Portable Personal Size Blender ($22).
Morning treats will be more fun with this Emoji Smiley Face Pancake Pan ($25, originally $30).
If they love making their own lattes, especially Dalgona coffees, then they need the FoodVille MF05 Rechargeable Handheld Milk Frother ($13, originally $20).
This amazing Nex Fruit Slicer Multi Kitchen Tool ($22) has 10 different tools in one.
This Vegetable Chopper Pro Onion Chopper ($47) is like having a kitchen assistant to help speed up prepping time.
This SameTech Easy Fruit Pineapple Peeler Corer Slicer Cutter ($16) is so cool.
This DASH Safe Slice Mandoline for Vegetables ($40) will be your perfect cooking assitant.
You'll never misread a measurement again with this handy Digital Kitchen Food Scale and Measuring Cup ($30).
Make morning smoothies with this Hamilton Beach Power Elite Electric Blender ($30).
This KitchenArt Select-A-Spice Auto-Measure Carousel ($30) is a total game changer.
Slice cheese, carrots, and more in this Jeslon Vegetable Mandoline Slicer ($15).
You can cut up several things at once with this genius Large Bamboo Cutting Board with Drawers ($39).
We're into this Hamilton Beach Dual Breakfast Sandwich Maker ($40).
This Campbell's Tomato Soup ($1) makes a great base for so many recipes. The recipient will smile, and be kind of excited to add it to their latest holiday dish.