While big-dollar buys make for some of the most eye-catching gifts under the tree, there’s no denying the impact that smaller essentials can have in the kitchen. Sure, every aspiring chef wants the latest and greatest appliances from the likes of Breville, Cuisinart, and KitchenAid, but sometimes it’s the little things — like a quality pizza cutter or a whiskey glass — that make the biggest difference in our culinary pursuits.
However, while the price point for such items is usually pretty reasonable, the overwhelming amount of giftable items is not (far from it, in fact). So — while you might have set out intending to snag a couple of accessories to round out your chef’s kitchen equipment — before you know it, you’re bogged down looking at an onslaught of every spatula option on the market. Skip the frustration and have a look at our list to see what we’ve picked for the best kitchen gifts under $50.
Oak & Eden Bourbon & Vine
Now in its third installment, Oak & Eden’s seasonal Bourbon & Vine release makes for a kitchen gift unlike any other. Born out of a collaborative effort with Marker Cellars Winery, it pairs Oak & Eden’s award-winning Bourbon whiskey with a Cabernet Sauvignon-steeped French Oak spire.
BambooWorx Sushi Making Kit
Whether you’re an aspiring sushi chef or a certified expert Itamae, there’s no denying the appeal of wrapping your own rolls. This convenient kit includes two bamboo mats, a rice paddle, as well as a rice spreader.
OXO Stainless Steel Measuring Set
Sure, most chefs will already have a set of measuring cups and spoons. However, with magnetic handles and a dishwasher-safe construction, this set from OXO makes for a much-needed space-saving upgrade.
Smithey Ironware Chain Mail Scrubber
Cast-iron skillets are a staple element of every kitchen, but their tricky upkeep means that they often have a much shorter lifespan than they should. Give the gift of a perfect pan with this stainless steel scrubber.
Silpat Silicone Cookie Sheet Liner
If you’ve got a baker in your life, we guarantee that they’ll love this cookie sheet liner. Made with a non-stick silicone coating, it’s a great reusable alternative to parchment paper.
KA-BAR ‘Za Saw
KA-BAR is a brand that knows knives inside and out. This tactical pizza cutter comes with a Creamid handle and a 440A stainless steel wheel, so you can easily serve up a slice no matter how hefty you have your crust.
Le Creuset Mini Round Cocotte
Ideal for baking, serving, and storing individual dishes, this little casserole dish is a great addition to every kitchen. Available in four colors, it comes with a porcelain enamel-glaze finish that’s exceptionally strong yet also easy to clean.
Indoor Herb Garden Starter Kit
Any chef worth their salt knows that fresh herbs guarantee the best flavor. Spade To Fork’s starter kit comes with everything you need to grow Basil, Cilantro, Parsley, Sage, and Thyme right on your kitchen counter.
Glencairn Whisky Glass Set of 4
Purpose-designed to ensure maximum whiskey appreciation, the Glencairn glass is a must-have addition in any home bar stocked with brown liquor. It’s also the first and only glass recognized by the Scotch Whisky Association.
Bamboo Composter Countertop Composter
Kick-start your composting habit with this convenient countertop option from Bamboo Composter. Built with a sustainable bamboo construction, it includes two carbon filters for blocking undesirable odors.
Bialetti 6-Cup Moka Pot
Anybody who cares about their coffee hasn’t lived until they’ve filled their kitchen with the smell of freshly brewed espresso. This Bialetti stovetop Moka pot is the best way to make the authentic Italian stuff right in your own home.
Craighill Ripple Bottle Opener
Bottle openers are an essential item in every kitchen. This stainless steel example from Craighill is as helpful as it is handsome.
Verve Culture Tortilleria Kit
When storebought tortillas just won’t cut it, get this kit from Verve Culture instead. It comes with a book covering tortilla history, as well as fun facts, recipes, and even instructions for care.
Brooklyn Brew Shop Mikkeller Beer Geek Kit
Brew Mikkeller’s award-winning Beer Geek Breakfast Stout from the comfort of your own home. Brooklyn Brew Shop’s kit is compact and easy-to-use, so it’s perfect for kitchens of all shapes and sizes.
Paderno 4-Blade Spiralizer
If you’ve yet to give vegetable-based noodles a try, do yourself a favor and scoop up this 4-blade spiralizer from Paderno. With inserts for cutting angel-hair strands, spirals, shoestrings, and ribbons, the only limits are your imagination.
S’Mores Maker
What better way to wrap up Christmas day than by serving up some freshly-made s’mores? Thanks to this kit’s efficient roasting chimney, you can bring the camp experience right to your kitchen.
The Wishlist: 20 Best Gifts For The Chef
While there is no shortage of great kitchen gifts under $50, sometimes a bigger ticket item may be on the agenda. If you’re looking for a list of gourmand-approved goods, have a look at our guide to the best gifts for the chef.