The kitchen is the heart of the home, and most of us spend a lot of time there. If you know anyone who enjoys pottering round in their kitchen, whether they’re the next Paul Hollywood or unsure which way up to hold the grater, then they’d be sure to appreciate one of these gifts for their home. We’ve picked our top ten favourites, from the practical to the decorative.
1. Copper illuminating glass kettle, Russell Hobbs
Copper illuminating glass kettle, Russell Hobbs
This sleek and stylish glass kettle will grace any kitchen counter. Made with premium glass and copper accents, the kettle illuminates blue as the water heats so you get a light show into the bargain! With a large 1.7 litre capacity jug, it boils enough water for six cups of tea or coffee at once. The one cup feature also allows you to boil only what you need, saving up to 66% energy. £54.99, available from Russell Hobbs.
2. Christmas brights medium oval platter, Emma Bridgewater
Christmas brights medium oval platter, Emma Bridgewater
Ideal for using to serve mince pies or canapes, this would look equally good propped up on a shelf to add a splash of colour to a December kitchen. The pattern evokes childhood Christmasses of making paper chains and crafts. £59.95, available from Emma Bridgewater.
3. Spiced caramel tea caddy, the East India Company
Spiced caramel tea caddy, the East India Company
Reminiscent of Christmas Pudding, this tea is a blend of naturally sweet vanilla pieces, dried fruits, cinnamon, clove and zesty orange peel with a touch of almond, making it an aromatic and warming winter’s brew. Perfect for drinking on its own, it would also make a nice cooking ingredient – use it to flavour tea loaves or even add a little to the sauce in a little muslin bag when stewing lamb. The caddy also makes a nice keepsake. £20, available from The East India Company.
4. Joules apple and pear gin, Warner’s Distillery
Joules apple and pear gin, Warner’s Distillery
Produced in conjunction with fashion and homewares brand Joules, who are celebrating their 30th anniversary, this gin contains a third pure apple and pear juice, and local elderflower. It contains 40% ABV and has top notes of pear and fresh elderflower, with black pepper, macadamia and orchard fruits. You could use this to flavour ice creams, sorbets or mousses, or you could just…er…drink it. £40, available from Warner’s Distillery.
5. Great British Bake Off 2020 family organiser calendar, Danilo Promotions
Great British Bake Off 2020 family organiser calendar, Danilo Promotions
The Great British Bake Off has become one of the most popular TV shows in recent years and this official family planner calendar comes with monthly recipes. It also has has five columns in each month, one for each member of the family to mark appointments and reminders as well as a handy storage pocket for recipes, vouchers and notes. £9.99, available from Danilo Promotions.
6. Baileys brownie maker gift set, Debenhams
Baileys brownie maker gift set, Debenhams
Perfect for a beginner baker, this brownie recipe gift set includes a Baileys miniature, brownie mix, cast iron skillet and recipe. If the recipe doesn’t work out, you can always drink the Baileys! £15, available from Debenhams.
7. Beeswax wraps kitchen pack
Beeswax wraps kitchen pack, Oxfam
These reusable wraps are a fantastic plastic free alternative to clingfilm, using the heat of your hands to seal and preserve your cheese, bread and vegetables. This convenient multipack of wraps is perfect for food storage at home or on the go. With proper care, these wraps can last at least one year, and as they are 100% natural, they are also 100% home compostable. Hand made in the Cotswolds from organic cotton, UK beeswax, organic jojoba oil and pine resin. £13.99, available from Oxfam.
8. Cutty Sark wood tea scoop, Royal Museums Greenwich
Cutty Sark wood tea scoop, Royal Museums Greenwich
A present for the cook who has everything! Add a touch of history to your morning tea or coffee with this tea scoop, hand crafted using the timber reclaimed from Cutty Sark during its restoration. Each scoop is supplied with a record of authenticity.£30, available from Royal Museums Greenwich.
9. Hobart nutcracker, Robert Welch
Hobart nutcracker, Robert Welch
An original Robert Welch design from 1964 and now available as part of the Legacy Collection to celebrate 60 years of design in Chipping Campden, this nutcracker would be ideal for anyone who has problems using a conventional nutcracker – it looks nicer on the shelf, too! £34, available from Robert Welch.
10. The Menu book by Eve Marleau, British Library
The Menu book by Eve Marleau, British Library
Subtitled ‘Memorable Meals from Escoffier at the Ritz to a Suffragettes’ Victory Dinner etc’, this is a curated collection of memorable meals from the last 200 years. With a preface by food historian Polly Russell, and endorsements from Bee Wilson, Pen Vogler and Heston Blumenthal, this book is ideal for lovers of cultural history, folks who are nosey, and those who enjoy the unexpected. £20, available from the British Library online shop.
Main image: Pixabay
