17 Stocking Stuffers for the Cook in Your Life

The holidays are coming!  I love filling stockings as you can find some great, smaller gifts.  This 17 Stocking Stuffers for the Cook in Your Life list is a compilation of some of my favorite kitchen tools.  There is something for everyone on this list and they are the perfect size for stuffing that stocking!

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Here are 17 Stocking Stuffers for the Cook in Your Life!  This post contains affiliate links.

1. Microplane 

   A microplane is the fancy name of something that is essentially a fine grater.  I am a fan of kitchen tools that have multiple purposes, and I use my microplane all the time!  Any type of cook or baker will be able to use this as it is great for zesting citrus and finely grating chocolate, spices, cheese, and more!  This is one of may favorites as it is very sharp and comes in great colors.  They also come with a cover to protect the blades (and your hands!) when not in use.
   Why this is a good gift: It can be used for finely zesting or grating so many things, such as hard cheeses, citrus zest, hard spices, and more!

2. Garlic Press

   This thing is amazing!  Mincing garlic has always been a pain because it takes a while to make it so small, plus everything gets sticky.  And while I LOVE garlic, I am not a fan of my hands smelling like it for hours.  The garlic press is a fast and easy way to mince garlic, you don’t even have to remove the skin!
   Why this is a good gift: Fast and easy way to mince garlic without getting it all over your hands!

3. Oven Thermometer  

   No matter how new or fancy your oven is, the odds are it is not heating to the same temperature that you set your oven to.  While this may not always matter, sometimes an incorrect temperature can be a disaster!  I once was making our family cheesecake and learned the hard way that my oven was almost 25 DEGREES HOTTER than what I was setting it to.  So of course it was cooking too quickly.  I instantly bought an oven thermometer, learned that my oven was 25 degrees too hot, and now I can adjust the temperature manually to get the true setting that I need.  This definitely deserves a spot in our 17 Stocking Stuffers for the Cook in Your Life list and in the home of every cook and baker!
   Why this is a good gift: Make sure that your oven is truly baking at the temperature you want it at for proper baking!

4. Jigger

   We do a lot of entertaining and tend to “eyeball” how much liquor we put into drinks, but I still love to have a jigger on hand.  Jiggers are great for measuring out cocktails and knowing exactly what is in the glass.  This silver and black version is fantastic because it has extra markings on the inside for various measurement options.  I also love having an attractive jigger such as this copper one as it is decorative and easy to leave out.
   Why this is a good gift: Convenient for measuring cocktails and decorative as well!
     

5. Spoonula 

   I am completely obsessed with my spoonula!  It is really just a combination of a spatula and spoon in one, typically made out of silicone.  They are sturdy enough to function as a spatula but curved enough that you can scoop with it.  I use mine all the time and recommend having at least two in your kitchen.  They are amazing and there is no way that it would not be on this 17 Stocking Stuffers for the Cook in Your Life list.
   Why this is a good gift: All the perks of a spatula and mixing spoon in one!  Less to clean when you need both and multi-functional.

6. Silicone Cupcake Liners 

   I do not do a lot of baking, but I have fallen in love with silicone cupcake liners!  They are extremely easy to use and the muffin or cupcake just slides right out!  No sticking to the paper.  Plus, they come in a lot of great colors and patterns.  I love a set that has a lot of colors so that I can mix and match for the occasion.
   Why this is a good gift: Eco-friendly and cost effective.  Perfect for the frequent baker.

7. Offset Spatula

   Even though I do not bake often, I would list this offset spatula as a must-have.  It is great for frosting desserts or spreading things out!  The offset angle means that it is easier to use the flat blade without getting the handle or your hand in the frosting.
   Why this is a good gift: Easy frosting without getting frosting all over your hand.

8. Citrus Juicer 

   This was one of the first kitchen tools that I got after the standard spoons, whisks, etc.  I love citrus and use this thing ALL the time!  There are different versions for different sized citrus, but I find that the lemon juicer is perfect for both lemons and limes.  I prefer the rubber kind over the metal and this version tends to hold up very well.  I have had mine for over 4 years!  This is the lemon juicer that I have.  It is a rubber-type nylon coating for a softer and easier grip. The dual-gear mechanism means that you can get up to 20% more juice compared to similar options.  They also make a lime version and an orange version!
   The citrus juicer makes it easy to get almost all of the juice out of your citrus while keeping the seeds inside the juicer.  It is also very easy to use and does not require too much strength as the design of the unit works in your favor.  I could not live without this!
   Why this is a good gift: Easy to squeeze all the juice out of those citrus.

9. Measuring Cups 

   There are many measuring cups out there, but I love having a quality set.  Not only do they look and feel nicer, but the cups will last a long time.  I prefer a set that has 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, and 1 cup measurements.  I also like 1/8 when I can get it, but I do not use it very often.  Many sets will come with the cups on a ring.  If you find rings that can be opened so that you can take the cups apart, this is best.  This set is just like what I have, and they are great!
   Why this is a good gift: Upgrade your cook to a quality set that will hold up over time!

10.  Measuring Spoons

    Just like with measuring cups, having a quality set of measuring spoons is important for a cook or baker.  I have these measuring spoons and the little features of this set make life so much easier!  They are magnetic in the middle where the rubber part is, so they easily stick together for fast and easy storage.  The different colors are also great for instantly recognizing which spoon is which size.  (Although you can also get an all black set here).  And they are double sided with the same measurement on each side.  This is perfect for when you are measuring multiple things, or wet and dry ingredients, so you do not have to constantly be washing the spoon.
    The thinner, longer end of the spoon is perfect for getting into small jars or containers.  This measuring spoon set is one of my favorite kitchen “upgrades” and worthy of this 17 Stocking Stuffers for the Cook in Your Life list.
    Why this is a good gift: Upgrade your cook to a quality set that will hold up over time!

11. Whisk

    A whisk is pretty standard in a kitchen, but I am in love with the silicone coated whisks.  The silicone coating provides protection to your bowl as to not scratch metal.  It also makes the whisk threads a little thicker which makes mixing easier.  This set of three is a great option with different sizes and colors.  I am personally a fan of the rainbow whisk that I have which you can get here.
    Why this is a good gift: Everyone needs a whisk, invest in one that won’t scratch your bowls!

          

12. Melon Baller 

    This kitchen tool may seem rather specific however I use this all of the time!  The melon baller comes with two different sizes.  I love to use this to core the center of cupcakes when inserting a filling.  I also use it to hollow out zucchini boats and when I make truffles.  There are so many uses, I love this thing!  It definitely deserves a place on our 17 Stocking Stuffers for the Cook in Your Life list.
    Why this is a good gift: Multi tasker that makes so many things easier!

13. Cake Pan Bands 

    These things are pretty awesome!  When baking a cake, they help keep the cakes level instead of mounding.  This means less to trim and easier to stack and frost!  Perfect for anyone that bakes, whether frequently or rarely.  Not everyone knows about these which makes them a perfect gift option for our 17 Stocking Stuffers for the Cook in Your Life!
    Why this is a good gift: Make cake decorating easier with flat and level cakes.

14. Whiskey Stones

    Even though they are commonly called whiskey stones, these are great for keeping any type of drink cold.  I love to throw a few in my white wine!  The stones are kept in the freezer and a great alternative to ice.  They will keep your drink cold without diluting the drink with water from melting ice.  I typically use 3 or so in each drink, so you might want to get a few sets!  There are a lot of different versions out there now, including ones made of metal, but I am a fan of the stone.  This has been a very popular gift with my friends and family, so I had to include them in this 17 Stocking Stuffers for the Cook in Your Life list.
    Why this is a good gift:  Prevent drinks from being diluted with melting ice.

15. Rotary Grater 

    While I love to use a food processor to grate large quantities of cheese, this handheld grater is perfect for smaller jobs.  I love to use this for Italian nights and when we have guests over.  Everyone can still enjoy fresh cheese and in the exact quantity that they want.  This version has two different grating drums for a coarse or fine grate.  Technically you can use this for other things besides cheese, but I would not know as Parmesan lives in mine.  Dishwasher safe on the top rack and easy to use!
    Why this is a good gift: Quickly grate hard cheeses!  Perfect for entertaining.

16. Candy Thermometer

    A candy thermometer sounds rather specific but actually can be used for a lot of things in the realm of candy or dessert.  Mine is most frequently used to make caramel!  You want one that is easy to read and has a way to attach to the side of a pot in the height and position you want.  It may seem like you do not need so many different types of thermometers, however they do have different functions and purpose, so sometimes they are needed!  In the world of candy and dessert, if things are not at the perfect temperature they have a much higher chance of not turning out correctly.
    Why this is a good gift: A necessity for bakers and candy makers.

17. Wine Stopper 

    This is one of my go-to gifts on this 17 Stocking Stuffers for the Cook in Your Life list.  There are so many different types of wine stoppers out there.  They come in countless designs made out of silicone, metal, glass, and more.  I love the Murano glass inspired stoppers as they remind me of Italy.  Easily find the perfect design with a quick search for a fun and decorative gift!
    Why this is a good gift: A beautiful and unique gift for the wine lover or entertainer.

    

    

There are many, many cooking gift options out there, but this list of our top 17 Stocking Stuffers for the Cook in Your Life should give you a good place to start!  What are your favorite kitchen gadgets that would qualify as a stocking stuffer?

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