It’s December 2 and I already feel like I’m behind on my holiday plans.  For the record, I do not approve of Thanksgiving being so late in November.  I just feel like there needs to be some time in between for regrouping and looking ahead.  Instead I feel thrown into the holiday season and, as I still have those aforementioned grad projects to complete, unable to enjoy advent as much as I would like.  Regardless, I’ve put together a collection of some of my favorite kitchen-related items to aid you in your holiday shopping.  I own and love every single object I’ve included on the list below, most of them have served me well for years.

For the Tea Lover

A Tea Pot

Medium Finum Brewing Basket – This basket works great in mugs and in my tea pot

Hydroflask Water Bottle or Flask – my 21 ounce water bottle keeps drinks warm for hours

Harney and Sons Tea – I’m especially partial to their Paris and SoHo blends

For the New Cook

Pyrex Measuring Cups – I have 1, 2 and 4 cup versions and I use all of them all the time

OXO Good Grips Pop Containers – We received the 10 piece set for our wedding and most of the containers have been in constant use since then for a variety of goods.  Almost 5 years and still going strong.

Metal Measuring Cups/Spoons – I find that metal is much easier to clean than plastic and the engraved measurements don’t wear off

Olive Oil Dispenser – We keep these dispensers out on our counter with olive and vegetable oil.  Rarely does a day pass that I don’t reach for one of them, plus it makes the huge containers we buy from BJs a lot more user-friendly

For the Lunch Packer

Snack Taxi reusable snack bags have served us well for the past year or so holding onto the snacks in our lunches.  I can’t imagine how many plastic bags we’ve saved and I’m really impressed with how well they’ve held up.

Built Lunch Bags – I’ve had mine since my college graduation in 2007 and I’ve used it every day since then.  It still looks as soon as the day I received it despite multiple trips through the washing machine.

Thermos Intak Water Bottle– Similarly, I’ve owned this water bottle since about 2010.  I’ve dropped it countless times since and, with the exception of once when I dropped it with the cap open, it’s kept on ticking.  I find that really impressive for a plastic water bottle.  When I dropped it open, Thermos allowed me to purchase a new lid for a really reasonable price.

BNTO Canning Jar Lunchbox Adaptors can turn your mason jars into great containers for hummus and veggies, dip and chips or granola and yogurt.  The perfect solution for those looking to switch to glass storage.

For the Baker

Large mixing bowls – I’ve found glass or metal to be the easiest to clean and use.  Also, if you’re baking bread, you need a bigger bowl than you think.

Wilton Bakers Pastry Blender – Sure, you can use two knives to combine butter and flour, but I’ve found this tool to be much, much easier.

Norpro Jumbo Pastry Mat — This mat has seen use in my kitchen every time I’ve baked since I purchased it in 2009.  It’s great for kneading dough, cutting cookies or measuring pie crusts.  Much easier to clean than the countertop and I don’t feel bad cutting on it.

Quality loaf pans or cookie sheets

 For the Canner

Canning supplies such as jar lifters and funnels – I know mine are starting to look a little worn and Ball has come out with some really nice versions in the past couple years

Food in Jars: Preserving in Small Batches Year-Round by Marisa McClellan – my favorite guide to canning

A new canning pot and rack, as racks tend to wear out especially in hard water

New jars, lids and/or rings

 

Some images above are courtesy of their vendors.

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