Seasonal & Holidays
Patch Holiday Gift Guide: Must-Have Tools for the Cook Who Can't Get It Right
These gadgets and knick-knacks will be lifesavers for your culinarily-impaired friends and family.
Maybe your loved one's cooking skills are limited to peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and soup from a can. Or perhaps you know someone who would be a good cook, if only they had the time. No matter what their kitchen ailment, this list has everything they'll need to get ready, organized, and cooking up a feast in no time.
Find more great gift ideas for everyone on your list in Patch's Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide
VonShef Magical Defrosting Tray, $12.99
There's nothing worse than forgetting to take meat out of the freezer and realizing that your would-be meal is frozen solid just as you are about to prepare it. Luckily, this magical tray defrosts meat safely and thoroughly within an hour.
Salbree Microwave Popcorn Popper, $17.90
Your movie-watching pal will love this popcorn popper, which pops fresh kernels right in the microwave instead of in a pan. Plus, it can double as a bowl once they take it out of the microwave, which means less cleanup.
Orii 16 Spice Pod Carousel with Spices, $49.99
This compact little spice rack is perfect for your pal who has a cramped kitchen. It holds 16 different spices but won't dominate in a limited counter space situation.
ChefLand Easy Release No Spill Ice Cube Tray, Set of 2, $10
Even your clumsiest loved one won't be able to spill water when trying to fill up these ice trays, which come with helpful covers to avoid water sloshing onto their kitchen floor or inside their freezer.
This awesome grill has enough room for two full meals and cooks everything from burgers and veggies to grilled chicken. Its vertical design allows fat and grease to drip down into a holding tray at the bottom, making it really easy to eat healthily.
Next time your indecisive relative can't decide what to cook for dinner, have him roll these dice, which will help him choose his protein, cooking method, carb, and herb, plus a bonus ingredient. There are more than 186 combinations, so he doesn't have to worry about getting bored.
Kitchen Hacks: How Clever Cooks Get Things Done, $11.99
This book is chock full of cooking secrets, shortcuts, and tips to help the most troubled cooks make something edible.
Anpro Heat Resistance Silicone Oven Gloves, $12.59
Avoid painful burns with these vibrant, heat-resistant oven gloves. They are made with a grippy material that makes it almost impossible for hot trays, pots, or pans to slip out of your hands.
Popit! Glass Storage Containers, Set of 12, $29.99
Cooking is so much easier when you can prep everything at once and store your meals in containers that can be reheated throughout the week. These ones are microwave and oven safe, so you can cook, serve, and store your food without using extra dishes.
Kitchen Gizmo SNAP'N STRAIN Strainer, $12.99
If your pal doesn't have room for a colander in her tiny apartment kitchen, she should at least have this smaller-sized strainer. It clips directly to the side of pots so she can strain her pot of spaghetti without losing half of it in the sink.
Magnetic Refrigerator Weekly Menu Meal Planner, $15.99
Jot down meals for the week, grocery lists, and other notes on this magnetic menu planner, which can go right on the fridge. After the week is over, you can wipe the marker from the board and start fresh.
Jenaluca Herb Scissors, $11.97
Even the worst meals can be helped with some fresh herbs. These scissors make it super easy to add chives, basil, oregano, and other delicious flavors to an otherwise bland dish.
Hamilton Beach Glass Electric Kettle, $26.99
This electric kettle boils water almost instantly, making it perfect for the impatient tea drinker in your life.
Meal Prep Haven 3 Compartment Food Containers, Set of 7, $12.95
These multi-compartment containers are great for the person who is tired of bringing boring sandwiches to work every day. They're also reusable, making them a nice eco-friendly packaging option.
Stubborn jars and bottles don't stand a chance with this handy opener. Save some time (and your hands) by slipping this around the lid and twisting.
WATCH:
Chef'n VeggiChop Hand-Powered Food Chopper, $19.93
This is the handiest food chopper ever. Literally. No batteries, no cord. Just pull a string and you can chop, dice, and even whip up some guacamole
Find more great gift ideas in Patch's Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide
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