Tap Posted February 24, 2018 Share Posted February 24, 2018 (edited) I am giving a gift for a wedding of a 'first kitchen' items box. It is for a couple who are moving out of parents homes and getting married. I am collecting random things to include in the box. I have found most items in clearance sections to keep the price down, so I can get them more for the money. They don't expect super expensive items, but I do like to buy nice very-usable items that are worth buying. I haven't even spent $70 yet, so I am happy to keep collecting, but am running out of ideas for look for. What I have so far: mixing spoons: Calphalon plastic solid spoon (sturdy), slotted spoon and 2 wooden spoons. metal pancake turner OXO plastic spatulas Corn handles Citrus fruit juicer Cuisinart grater Cuisinart wash clothes, dish towels and hotpads Pyrex 4 cup liquid measuring cup. Metal dry measuring cups and spoons Cutting board Metal mesh strainer Kitchenaid can opener and wine bottle opener what other small items can I include? I am focus on the under $10 items that I can watch for on clearance and find on sale for $5 or so each. I am holding off on larger items thinking they may get some as wedding gifts. Mixing bowls, pans, small appliances, knives (family isn't superstitious), silverware, dishes etc. I think I will likely buy good cookie sheets and silpats at a cooking store to round out the gift. It is hard to find traditional pans that are not non-stick so I will order them good commercial, lifetime quality pans and silpats. :0) Edited March 7, 2018 by Tap 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rdj2027 Posted February 24, 2018 Share Posted February 24, 2018 vegetable peeler 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tap Posted February 24, 2018 Author Share Posted February 24, 2018 vegetable peeler perfect! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arcadia Posted February 24, 2018 Share Posted February 24, 2018 Funnel for pouring oil or spices into smaller containers Plastic or ceramic or glass coffee filter cone if they are coffee drinkers. Useful when not wanting to use a coffee maker. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evergreen State Sue Posted February 24, 2018 Share Posted February 24, 2018 apple corer egg slicer meat thermometer off-set spatula pizza cutter can't remember the correct name, but the bulb you use to separate grease from meat juices 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tsuga Posted February 24, 2018 Share Posted February 24, 2018 Depending on their personalities / cultural affinities, Edouard de Pomiane's French Cooking in 10 minutes is a very charming little cookbook everyone should have. It looks adorable on a shelf and you learn how to make all the sauces and plate a dish. https://www.barnesandnoble.com/p/french-cooking-in-ten-minutes-or-adapting-to-the-rhythm-of-modern-life-edouard-de-pomiane/1105440300/2674633539657?st=PLA&sid=BNB_DRS_Core+Catch-All,+Low_00000000&2sid=Google_&sourceId=PLGoP79700&gclid=CjwKCAiAlL_UBRBoEiwAXKgW58VMjtDqFWnrtFLQoG71MME3N9zGR5ucWc7w4Ieq8lIv1zF2fRV4bhoC3HAQAvD_BwE Also, a thingy for dispensing dish soap so you can buy the cheaper dish soap, is not only classy but frugal. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmasc Posted February 24, 2018 Share Posted February 24, 2018 Whisk Tongs 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel Posted February 24, 2018 Share Posted February 24, 2018 Garlic press Measuring spoons 2 vegetable peelers (so one person isn’t stuck doing all the potatoes alone!) 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-rap Posted February 24, 2018 Share Posted February 24, 2018 big plastic mixing bowl a good paring knife a manual can opener a tiny rectangular spatula (the kind Pampered Chef sells -- I use that one almost more than any other!) one of those round rubbery things that help you open jars that are tough to open (I don't know what they're called!) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gingersmom Posted February 24, 2018 Share Posted February 24, 2018 Egg timer (you drop in water) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosika Posted February 24, 2018 Share Posted February 24, 2018 (edited) I second the whisk and tongs, and I love Rach's suggestion of a second peeler! What about a nylon pan scraper? Pampered Chef sold them but I see them at Walmart now. Kitchen stuff that I'm not sure lots of people use but we do: Potato masher Steaming basket Salad spinner those green bags or containers that keep fruits/veggies fresh longer Pyrex glass storage containers or mason jars with plastic lids kitchen shears/scissors that thing you slam with your hand so it chops everything for you I like multiple cutting boards - at least one large one, but also a small one for fruit or other quick, easy prep stainless dish drying rack with drying pad those food storage clips (like for closing up opened bags of rice, chips, whatever)trivets - simple stainless, or fancy stone (I see these cheap at Ross/Marshalls) Edited February 24, 2018 by Rosika 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kewb Posted February 24, 2018 Share Posted February 24, 2018 Chopsticks. They are incredibly versatile. Not just for eating. Measuring cups for dry ingredients. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mothersweets Posted February 24, 2018 Share Posted February 24, 2018 Another rec for the whisk and tongs - I have several of each and use them constantly! Microplane zester - I use mine for lemon zest and parmesan cheese - it gets a surprising amount of use. https://smile.amazon.com/Microplane-40020-Classic-Zester-Grater/dp/B00004S7V8/ref=pd_sim_79_4?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00004S7V8&pd_rd_r=R9TKQ89N408PQNCGFCTE&pd_rd_w=7OCZI&pd_rd_wg=SzrE5&psc=1&refRID=R9TKQ89N408PQNCGFCTE 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happypamama Posted February 24, 2018 Share Posted February 24, 2018 Mortar and pestle 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dudley Posted February 24, 2018 Share Posted February 24, 2018 Ice cream scoop! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
historically accurate Posted February 24, 2018 Share Posted February 24, 2018 Pizza Cutter Knife sharpener Whisk Colander 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happi duck Posted February 24, 2018 Share Posted February 24, 2018 I second the microplane and tongs. I especially like my silicone coated tongs. The funnel I use most is my wide mouth funnel (from the canning section). 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stibalfamily Posted February 24, 2018 Share Posted February 24, 2018 Soup ladle, bottle opener, can opener 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rebbyribs Posted February 24, 2018 Share Posted February 24, 2018 Silicone spatula Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pippen Posted February 24, 2018 Share Posted February 24, 2018 Joseph Joseph Elevate Spatula https://www.amazon.com/Joseph-10132-Elevate-Flexible-Silicone/dp/B012W9AX1C/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1519492065&sr=1-1&keywords=joseph+joseph+elevate+spatula Zak Designs Happy Spoon https://www.amazon.com/Zak-Designs-Happy-Spoon-Coral/dp/B01FT7OET6/ref=sr_1_3?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1519492118&sr=1-3&keywords=zak+happy+face+spoon Electronic Scale This is a nice little scale https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HCKQG7G/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 This knife sharpener https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CQTLJM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Fridge Thermometer https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BPE88E/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Jeweler's Screwdriver Set--I know it's a weird thing for the kitchen, but I use these a lot. https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-66-039-Jewelers-Precision-Screwdriver/dp/B00002X29G/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1519492789&sr=8-3&keywords=stanley+jewelers+screwdriver+set I always add a small stainless steel collander--the kind that stand on their own. Mine is in constant use for draining noodles, rinsing fruit and herbs, etc. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
itsheresomewhere Posted February 24, 2018 Share Posted February 24, 2018 Is this person into cooking or just starting? My answer are different if they love cooking. If they are just starting, I would just do the basics. That way after they discover if they like cooking, they could add along the way. I could just see the person become very overwhelmed with so many kitchen items. Even for basics, I highly suggest a shot glass measuring cup. So much easier for doing tiny amounts of liquid. Also, a jar opener. These are great as they adjust to certain common size lids (plus they run about 8 bucks on amazon). 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sherry in OH Posted February 24, 2018 Share Posted February 24, 2018 Pyrex 1 cup liquid measuring cup - I know you are giving the 4 cup, but when a cup or less is needed, the larger measuring cup is a pain. Pepper mill Candy/deep frying thermometer Frosting spatula Small cake decorating set and disposable frosting bags Turkey baster 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deb in NZ Posted February 24, 2018 Share Posted February 24, 2018 With whatever amount you have left from what you wanted to spend I'd get a gift certificate to their local grocery store. Setting up a pantry for the first time with basics (i.e. flour, sugar, spices, baking soda, etc.) costs heaps. What I've done for my dc when they first go flatting is I save the plastic jars from my favourite hot chocolate brand & refill those with basics. Ds#2 was over-joyed when he saw his box. This allowed him to cook from scratch right from the beginning as cooking from scratch requires a well stock pantry. Refilling items as they get used fit easily into his weekly food budget. Dd just bought a house, so I'm in the process of doing the same for her. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KarenNC Posted February 24, 2018 Share Posted February 24, 2018 With whatever amount you have left from what you wanted to spend I'd get a gift certificate to their local grocery store. Setting up a pantry for the first time with basics (i.e. flour, sugar, spices, baking soda, etc.) costs heaps. What I've done for my dc when they first go flatting is I save the plastic jars from my favourite hot chocolate brand & refill those with basics. Ds#2 was over-joyed when he saw his box. This allowed him to cook from scratch right from the beginning as cooking from scratch requires a well stock pantry. Refilling items as they get used fit easily into his weekly food budget. Dd just bought a house, so I'm in the process of doing the same for her. Great idea. We used to have "poundings" at the church where I grew up for couples and housewarmings---like a shower, but everyone brings pantry staples (pound of this, pound of that). I find I constantly use my tempura scoop/strainer/skimmer (not sure what it's officially called) for all sorts of things. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFSinIL Posted February 24, 2018 Share Posted February 24, 2018 Pastry cutter. I use mine to mix shortening into flour to make biscuits. meat thermometer. Basic spices - shop the local ethnic store for better deals than anything you buy t the supermarket. I use small canning jars to hold my various spices that come in cellophane bags. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kareni Posted February 25, 2018 Share Posted February 25, 2018 Kitchen towels. Pot mitts. Magnets for the fridge. Magnetic hook or towel holder for the fridge. Regards, Kareni 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Critterfixer Posted February 25, 2018 Share Posted February 25, 2018 Toothpicks or something similar for testing cakes in a nice dispenser. Microplane grater. I use mine all the time. Tongs are always good. I love oven gloves. I didn't think I'd use my ice cream scoop, but I use it for more than ice cream. It measures muffin batter really well. Muffin tin and or liners 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoggirl Posted February 25, 2018 Share Posted February 25, 2018 Wooden tongs - for removing toast/waffles/buns/English muffins from a toaster. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted February 25, 2018 Share Posted February 25, 2018 maybe a fire extinguisher... tee hee...I seriously cracked up, but hey maybe not a terrible idea! 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarbecueMom Posted February 25, 2018 Share Posted February 25, 2018 Bag clips. Fridge magnet with all the ingredient conversions and/or meat cooking temps on it - very useful when I'm trying to do seven things at once and forget how to math! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snickerplum Posted February 25, 2018 Share Posted February 25, 2018 Potato scrubber Mini whisk Butter dish Small digital food scale Candy thermometer Meat thermometer Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ottakee Posted February 25, 2018 Share Posted February 25, 2018 Not directly kitchen and not cheap but I would make sure they had a good smoke/fire/carbon monoxide detector. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bensmom Posted February 26, 2018 Share Posted February 26, 2018 Not a gadget, but a simple cookbook might be nice. I didn't know how to use most of the items on these lists when I got married almost 20 years ago. (I am still not sure about a few of them😋) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel Posted February 26, 2018 Share Posted February 26, 2018 Anyone else wishing they were the recipient for this hypothetical box? 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tap Posted March 7, 2018 Author Share Posted March 7, 2018 (edited) So, I finally hit a stopping spot....LOL mixing spoons: Calphalon plastic solid spoon (sturdy), slotted spoon and 2 wooden spoons. metal pancake turner OXO plastic spatulas Corn handles Citrus fruit juicer Cuisinart grater Cuisinart wash clothes, dish towels and hotpads Pyrex 1 cup and 4 cup liquid measuring cup Metal dry measuring cups and 2x spoons Cutting board x 2 (they often cook together) Metal mesh strainer wine opener Kitchenaid can opener and wine bottle opener Tongs Oven thermometer (rental ovens can be less than accurate) Ice cream spade and scoop (I like having both) Whisk 2x half-sheet heavy duty cookies sheets, lids, silpats, cooling racks (one pan can cool, while one bake) Corse skimmer Frosting spatula bent and straight bowl scraper bag clips ladle knife sharpener masher heavy gauge cake pan and lid pizza cutter Pizza pan veg peeler digital thermometer gravy boat salt and pepper shakers and a Cooks Illustrated cookbook for 2 people As I shopped, I bought double quantities of almost everything, so I already have another box ready to go. LOL We have lot of friends getting married in the next few years, so I figure it will be nice to already have another gift bought. :0) One of the hardest things was not buying the larger thing like knives, mixing bowls, storage containers etc. I was focusing on small items, but it was really hard to do! I bought a few specific(my favorites) pans from a restaurant supply company but almost everything else was $5 or less. Thank you for all your help! It really was nice to have some input in what people use day to day! Edited March 7, 2018 by Tap 11 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scarlett Posted March 7, 2018 Share Posted March 7, 2018 So, I finally hit a stopping spot....LOL mixing spoons: Calphalon plastic solid spoon (sturdy), slotted spoon and 2 wooden spoons. metal pancake turner OXO plastic spatulas Corn handles Citrus fruit juicer Cuisinart grater Cuisinart wash clothes, dish towels and hotpads Pyrex 1 cup and 4 cup liquid measuring cup Metal dry measuring cups and 2x spoons Cutting board x 2 (they often cook together) Metal mesh strainer wine opener Kitchenaid can opener and wine bottle opener Tongs Oven thermometer (rental ovens can be less than accurate) Ice cream spade and scoop (I like having both) Whisk 2x half-sheet heavy duty cookies sheets, lids, silpats, cooling racks (one pan can cool, while one bake) Corse skimmer Frosting spatula bent and straight bowl scraper bag clips ladle knife sharpener masher heavy gauge cake pan and lid pizza cutter Pizza pan veg peeler digital thermometer gravy boat salt and pepper shakers and a Cooks Illustrated cookbook for 2 people As I shopped, I bought double quantities of almost everything, so I already have another box ready to go. LOL We have lot of friends getting married in the next few years, so I figure it will be nice to already have another gift bought. :0) One of the hardest things was not buying the larger thing like knives, mixing bowls, storage containers etc. I was focusing on small items, but it was really hard to do! I bought a few specific(my favorites) pans from a restaurant supply company but almost everything else was $5 or less. Thank you for all your help! It really was nice to have some input in what people use day to day! Even at $5 or less each this is an impressive gift! And young people getting married probably don't even realize ( yet) how impressive. I think I am going to copy your list and try to get all that stuff for my self! Lol 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel Posted March 7, 2018 Share Posted March 7, 2018 Tap, it is a lovely present! I hope that they love it. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kareni Posted March 7, 2018 Share Posted March 7, 2018 What a generous gift! I hope the recipients use all these items with joy over many years. I was thinking recently that practical gifts may seem ho hum upon receipt but can really prove their worth over the years. One of our wedding gifts was something akin to this Glass Utility Cutting Board; we use ours every day to protect the counter from hot pots and the like. It's still going strong after close to thirty years of use while many of our other wedding gifts are long gone. Regards, Kareni 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goldberry Posted March 7, 2018 Share Posted March 7, 2018 Is this person into cooking or just starting? My answer are different if they love cooking. If they are just starting, I would just do the basics. That way after they discover if they like cooking, they could add along the way. I could just see the person become very overwhelmed with so many kitchen items. Even for basics, I highly suggest a shot glass measuring cup. So much easier for doing tiny amounts of liquid. Also, a jar opener. These are great as they adjust to certain common size lids (plus they run about 8 bucks on amazon). Neither me nor DH cooks, and especially did not when we were first married. We got a TON of stuff, and lived in a very small apartment. Not that we were ungrateful, but we did not use hardly any of it and had no where good to store it. I remember moving a really nice marble rolling pin with us from place to place, until finally I thought, "I have no where to put this and I never use it!" I felt so bad getting rid of it though. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah CB Posted March 7, 2018 Share Posted March 7, 2018 I was thinking recently that practical gifts may seem ho hum upon receipt but can really prove their worth over the years. My grandmother bought us a pair of kitchen shears. My mom hadn't had any, so I didn't grow up using them, but I can't believe how useful they've been. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tap Posted March 7, 2018 Author Share Posted March 7, 2018 My grandmother bought us a pair of kitchen shears. My mom hadn't had any, so I didn't grow up using them, but I can't believe how useful they've been. I use mine all the time too!!! In fact I have two sets. One for medium duty like snipping herbs and cutting open plastic containers and a really heavy duty set that I use for heavy stems and cutting meat. I didn't add them because I know they sometimes come with knife sets. But i have looked at them several times and made myself put them back. LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tap Posted March 7, 2018 Author Share Posted March 7, 2018 Neither me nor DH cooks, and especially did not when we were first married. We got a TON of stuff, and lived in a very small apartment. Not that we were ungrateful, but we did not use hardly any of it and had no where good to store it. I remember moving a really nice marble rolling pin with us from place to place, until finally I thought, "I have no where to put this and I never use it!" I felt so bad getting rid of it though. I completely agree! This particular couple, love to cook together. They live with someone else right now and when they move out, they will have nothing. They know what gift I am working on, because I asked if they already had a collection started. It is an informal affair, so I will likely give this main gift at her shower so she knows what items to leave off on her registry, (of if I see them on there, I can note that they are already purchased). Then I have another small, more sentimental gift for the wedding itself. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tap Posted March 7, 2018 Author Share Posted March 7, 2018 What a generous gift! I hope the recipients use all these items with joy over many years. I was thinking recently that practical gifts may seem ho hum upon receipt but can really prove their worth over the years. One of our wedding gifts was something akin to this Glass Utility Cutting Board; we use ours every day to protect the counter from hot pots and the like. It's still going strong after close to thirty years of use while many of our other wedding gifts are long gone. Regards, Kareni Isn't it funny what we end up keeping over the years. I have a small heart shaped bowl from my wedding that has lived on my counter for years. It holds my jewelry when I'm in the shower. I also still use a simple glass 9x13 baking dish that was part of a set and a few glass ramekins. They have been used weekly for 20+ years and are still going strong. :0) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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