Best Kitchen & Home Gifts For 2020
SODASTREAM
AARKE
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Yes this word kind of sounds like a comic book villain but hear me out: You all know I love my Sodastream. I’ve use it basically everyday. And having access to immediate carbonation has truly been a life-affirming experience. The Sodastream is AMAZING. But if you really want tot get fancy, take a look at the Aarke Carbonator. IT IS SO BEAUTIFUL. (Obviously I need it in copper but check out the gorgeous finishes here.) I’ve decided it is the system I need on my countertop. This sleek, Swedish design carbonates your water with just a simple lever mechanism. It is the perfect gift for anyone going through SO MUCH sparkling water during these locked down days. Although, even if I weren’t going through tons of sparkling water, I think I’d just want that displayed on my countertop as a work of art.
BREVILLE
2
Don’t be intimidated by a sous vide machine. It’s actually such a brilliant addition to your kitchen, especially if you’re someone who loves to meal prep. This model in particular is the one you want. Because it’s WiFi/Bluetooth enabled so you can control your cooking from your phone! This gadget is easy to use, compact and storable, and essentially gives you perfect cooking results, every time.
3
The day you get a Dyson cordless vacuum is the day you start vacuuming for fun. I don’t make the rules. A Dyson vacuum changes everything about the way you clean. Because it massively reduces your effort by simply being easy to use and really, really good at its job. Dyson technology is unmatched (you might be familiar with their hair dryer!). And you literally can’t buy a better vacuum. Everyone needs one, everyone wants one. This is one of those “ultimate gifts” for anyone on your list.
KITCHENAID
4
It’s the appliance that makes you fall in love with cooking. Anyone who has received a Kitchenaid mixer will always hold it close to their hearts as one of the best gifts they’ve ever received. If you’ve ever gone to a relative’s house and noticed that they’ve had their Kitchenaid forever, that’s because they have. These mixers are built to literally last a lifetime. So when you invest in one, you’re essentially investing in one of the highest quality pieces of kitchen equipment there is. Happy holidays, indeed.
5
There’s really no reason for us to open trash cans with our hands ever again. And while yes, I do see the humor in literally giving someone a trash can for Christmas, what you’re really giving them is a SimpleHuman HANDS FREE can with a 10-year warranty and stainless steel receptacle for refuse that does its job better than anything else out there. And when we’re actually talking trash, you want a product that works. Unless you enjoy fighting with your crappy trash can when your hands are full of garbage and you attempt to open it with your foot, I dunno. This beautiful (yes I said beautiful in reference to a trash can) model comes in five colors. And the stainless steel is classic but I’m not hating that rose gold.
NESPRESSO
BREVILLE
DE’LONGHI
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Many of you feel STRONGLY about your coffee machines, and honestly? I’m here for it. The models coffee and espresso machines listed here were submitted by TONS of people as their favorite gifts of all time. So rest-assured, you can’t go wrong with any of these. It just comes down to personal preference. For example, I have the Nespresso Vertuo and I’m in love with its pod-perfect cups of caffeine every time. But of course the Breville is also seen as a gold standard in this space, particularly for those who are espresso people.
For those who love variety, drinking espresso one morning and a latte the next, the Ninja is the way to go. I mean this thing looks like it belongs on a space shuttle. The De’Longhi is the ideal machine for those who want an iced coffee option, or those who entertain and want to be able to quickly make any kind of coffee situation their guests prefer. This model also has a built-in steel burr grinder, meaning you’re getting a fresh cup of coffee every time. You can also go low-tech (power outages happen, people, and nothing should stand in the way of you and your morning cup), and opt for the classic Bodum French Press, a never-fail way to make yourself feel like you’re at a cafe in Paris instead of at your kitchen counter about to start a two-hour-long Zoom.
JO MALONE
7
Okay obviously at some point we were going to talk about candles. I’d be breaking centuries-old gift guide etiquette if I didn’t include something fragrant that burns. But, let me just say that THESE CANDLES are in a league of their own. You might recognize them from when I shared them a couple months ago when the collection was first launched by the iconic brand, Jo Malone. They come in absolutely stunning canisters that would be criminal not to reuse once you’ve used up the candle itself. My current favorite scent is the Glowing Embers version. But this is Jo Malone we’re talking about, so gift with confidence. Personally, I’m trying to collect all six from the Townhouse Collection just so I can have these canisters forever.
JO MALONE
JO MALONE
JO MALONE
JO MALONE
JO MALONE
LE CREUSET
LE CREUSET
8
There are certain items so iconic and well known for their quality, that no kitchen is complete without them. A Le Creuset dutch oven is most certainly one of those items. I love the classic dutch oven. And continually try to fill my kitchen with as many Le Creuset pieces as humanly possible. There are so many classic styles and colors to choose from but if you’re shopping for someone who prefers a modern aesthetic, opt for one of their sleek matte options. Whichever one you choose, you’re getting the trusted heat distribution and retention of Le Creuset cast iron. From stews to meats to breads, this beauty amps up your entire kitchen repertoire.
OUR PLACE
9
This is the pan the internet will not stop talking about. It’s an all-in-one pan, serving as a fry pan, saute pan, steamer, skillet, saucier, saucepan, and non-stick pan all in one beautifully-designed piece of kitchenware too stunning to hide in a drawer. It comes in six gorgeous colors and includes a stainless steel steamer basket and wooden spatula that fits perfectly into the pan’s built in spoon rest (bye, messy countertops).
10
Juliska glassware and tableware is beloved. By basically everyone. I registered for so much Juliska for my wedding, and that turned out to be a brilliant move because we use it every single day. This year, I have my eye on their acrylic options, so that we can enjoy the brand’s signature style outdoors without being terrified of destroying it! Topping my list are these glasses, wine glasses, tumblers, a pitcher, and this bowl, so basically everything, but I mean come on, how perfect is it?? This is the ideal year to grab these acrylic options because we’re spending far more time dining in our own backyards.
ROYAL COPENHAGEN
HAVILAND
ROYAL COPENHAGEN
11
It’s a well known fact that I love fine china, and in addition to using it myself, I think it makes for one of the most special gifts you can give. The women in my family love giving and receiving pieces from our favorite china patterns at Christmastime, it’s a really special tradition. I love it all—serving pieces, a set of salad plates if they’re missing from your collection, even a cake stand—there are endless ways to add to your collection and create meaningful memories. You’ll always be reminded of who you received it from when you use it, so in that way, you’re giving a genuinely special gift that will be used during memorable family meals, forever.
BOLL & BRANCH
BOLL & BRANCH
12
Good Lord, THESE SHEETS. I love them so much. It’s very hard to choose a favorite from among their quality sheets in endless variations, but when you change your sheets with the seasons you have a chance to try them all. Right now, I’m focused on their flannel sheets and this duvet set for the coziest winter ever. This luxe flannel comes in so many seasonal colors and styles, it really helps you create a customized sleep experience based on your personal tastes.
Make sure you use code ORTON for 25% off your order (no minimum purchase necessary) which is better than any public deal they’re running this season! I always highly recommend giving Boll & Branch sheets as a gift because (a) the quality is exceptional and (b) they come in the MOST BEAUTIFUL PACKAGING. Seriously, imagine super chic boxes with satin ribbons tied in a bow. If you’re gifting someone from afar, this is your move because you don’t have to worry about gift wrapping.
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If you need a super personal gift, especially for someone who has recently moved, these foil framed maps are perfect. You simply give Minted an address, then they show you an area selection that you can proof and approve. These maps are printed in such an elegant style, they’re really elevated above other map-style artwork I’ve seen. So many of us have moved this year, this is such a sweet gift for anyone getting used to a new home or missing their old one!
14
This was the year taking a quick trip to your favorite juice bar became a whole thing—if not impossible. Having a juicer at home let’s you get all the nutrition (and taste, hi) of the juice you love without having to put on shoes. According to many of you, the top options come from Hurom, and Koios. The Hurom’s slow-juicer method is durable, easy to clean, and even has the ability to make ice cream! The Koios juicer, first of all, just looks charming, but it’s also got a quiet motor and is optimized for a high juice yield, which you really want when you think about how much produce you’re using! You can also choose the Koios color that works best in your kitchen, which I love.
CORK POPS
CORAVIN
15
Ah yes, wine. I remember her like a fond friend. [Cries quietly clutching my pregnant belly.] Packaging several top-quality wine items together makes a thoughtful and luxurious wine gift for any giftee that’s a fan of fermented grapes. The most popular wine items are openers by Cork Pops or Rabbit, which are openers and aerators that take care to swiftly and smoothly remove corks and aerate your wine for the best possible taste. The Coravin system is one you’ve heard me talk about before, the system actually preserves your wine by leaving the cork in place, letting you enjoy each bottle at your leisure without worrying about the taste changing or aging at all! Truly a genius creation that has prevented me from allowing so many bottles of wine to spoil.
16
There is nothing a Breville Smart Oven can’t do. Honestly, I think it would do your taxes if you asked it nicely. This oven allows you to toast, bake, roast, broil, proof, AIR FRY, dehydrate, reheat, and slow cook. How?! Don’t ask questions, just enjoy it. This is a dream gift for anyone who loves to cook but lives in a small space where having multiple appliances isn’t ideal. It’s also great for families, essentially becoming a second oven that can roast a 14-lb turkey if necessary! It’s an absolutely brilliant gift and right now it is significantly marked down. This air fryer oven is one of those deals you don’t skip, especially since it means you can join the chorus of thousands of Breville Air Fryer Oven fans who don’t shut up about how great this thing is. It’s an exclusive club and honestly, I want in.
VITAMIX
NUTRIBULLET
17
A genuinely good blender will serve you well forever. It’s one of those things that you wonder how you ever lived without once it becomes a part of your kitchen life. The absolute superhero in the blender space is the Vitamix, the most potent and powerful blender out there, whipping up everything from soups to smoothies and more with such efficacy that I’ve seen strawberry seeds disappear into thin air. For smaller items like sauces, pestos, and dressings, or any time you just need to blitz a quick protein shake, the Nutribullet is a cult-favorite for a reason. Both make incredibly thoughtful and useful gifts!
VITRUVI
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I love it when gifts for the home that are useful also remember that they’re sitting somewhere in our homes and should therefore be beautiful, too. The Vitruvi Diffuser is the perfect example of this in gift format. This diffuser gently disperses the essential oil scents of your choice and can cover up to a 500 sq foot area with dreamy scent. Vitruvi also offers scent discovery kits if you’re unsure which one to choose!
BEAUTYREST
19
Give the gift of not freezing one’s toes off while watching Netflix. We’re entering the calendar year’s prime arctic tundra territory right now, and while electric blankets are popular for actual beds, what about when you or someone you love is just hanging out on the couch? This thoughtful gift is oversized and textured with both plush and sherpa on reversible sides. Also, it’s literally electric, so is guaranteed to make any living room 100x cozier.
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I cannot think of a sweeter, more thoughtful gift than a customized pie plate printed with your own handwritten recipe. Whether you’re passing on a recipe of your own, or commemorating a family classic, you’re giving someone you love a treasure that can be passed down for generations. As with any custom gift, you’ll want to order sooner rather than later for the holidays!
1 thought on “Best Holiday Gifts: Kitchen & Home”
Hi,
Thanks for sharing such a helpful list of ideas….really impressive….!!