Everyone has that one friend who couldn’t care less about their kitchen. Maybe they’re not the chef type, or perhaps they’re just lost when it comes to kitchen decor. With the giving season fast approaching, it’s up to us to help out said friend as we turn their sad AF kitchens into the only spot the friend group will want to hang out in.
When gifting a kitchen item to your friend, buy them something they wouldn’t necessarily buy themself. Novelty items like cutesy mugs, dish towels, and coasters are a great place to start. If they’re into entertaining, put together a mixology kit complete with fun-shaped ice trays, different flavored mixers, and a bottle of their favorite liquor. Or, if your pal has been trying to get into the baking scene, gifting them fun cookie cutters, oven mitts, or cake moulds would be perfectly appropriate.
Use the below list as a jumping-off point to help streamline your search for the best gift to give your friend in need. And once you outfit their kitchen with all the food/drink/decor goodies, you might just never leave their house. Sorry in advance to our pals — you may want to pull the wine and cheese out of the fridge sooner rather than later.
1. Bamboo Cheese Board Set by Artisware ($29.99)
Every kitchen needs a cheese board. Whether you’re serving crackers, cheese, and wine to guests, or treating yourself to a nice gruyere, a cheese board makes everyone’s dairy dreams come true.
2. Le Creuset Stoneware Mini Cocotte ($19.95)
Snacks, soups, and sprinkles have never looked cuter than they do in these colorful mini cocottes from Le Creuset.
3. Expanded Bento Box by Takenaka ($29.99)
When your friend isn’t taking this bento box everywhere they go, it will look so freaking cute sitting on their shelf. Available in coral pink, peppermint green, and daffodil yellow, you may have to get them all three.
4. Cold Brew Ice Coffee Maker by Ovalware ($29.99)
Either use this Ovalware carafe for cold-brewing coffee or infusing tea. Now your friend will have no excuse for not having a caffeinated beverage ready for when you come to visit.
5. Funny Dish Towel by MoonlightMakers ($12)
If your friend has a great sense of humor, then you must check out these hilarious dish towels from MoonlightMakers. “Eat Locals,” “You Make Miso Happy,” and “I Wet My Plants” are just a few of the punny towels they have for sale.
6. Herb Art Prints ($19.97)
There’s nothing more depressing than a blank wall, so help your friend fill the void with these beautiful art prints. You get a complete set of six for under $20.
7. Personalized Cutting Board by donebetter ($35.95)
Artisan Timothy Pogorelc teamed up with Amazon to bring his personalization skills to the masses. What better way to show your bud you love them (and their kitchen) by gifting them with their very own, and very gorgeous, personalized cutting board.
8. Cocktail Napkins from Harlow & Grey ($6.99)
Truth be told, these cocktail napkins may just be too pretty to use. We definitely won’t judge anyone who chooses to frame them as art.
9. Mixology Dice by Two Tumbleweeds ($24)
Up for trying something new? Let the Mixology Dice decide your cocktail for you.
10. Color Changing Lightbox ($34.99)
It can tell guests the soup du jour, chef’s specials, or preach the gospel of “eat, pray, love.”
11. Shell Coasters by McCarter Coasters ($25)
Coasters add a bit of class to any kitchen, and these mixed shell coasters are perfect for your beach babe buddy.
12. Paperless Cotton Towels by Gina’s Soft Cloth Shop ($18.95)
A perfect gift for the friend who is trying to shrink their carbon footprint and live a greener life. These are handmade by Gina, washable, and can completely replace a roll of paper towels.
13. Dinosaur Wine Stopper by Wild Eye ($11.99)
Because who doesn’t love a T-Rex dipped in gold protecting your wine from going off?
14. Ambrosia Maple Cutting Board by Specialty Wood Designs ($43.50)
These things aren’t just cutting boards — they’re statement pieces. By gifting one of these fabulous boards to your friend, you’re actually gifting them a piece of art.
15. So Yummy OMG Cookbook Bundle ($33.98)
Not only will our So Yummy cookbooks make your pal a better baker, but that unicorn cake on the cover is a conversation piece. Their guests will want to know more.
16. Gibson Elite 16-Piece Dinnerware Set ($40.71)
If your friend is still eating off of paper plates, do them a favor and gift them an adult dinner set. For just over $40, you can get them a beautiful, rustic-yet-modern set of plates and dishes that will make them finally feel grown.
17. Together: Our Community Cookbook ($11.89)
Yes, you read correctly. Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, did write the forward for this cookbook and helped the Hubb Community Kitchen get their book to the public. Plus, when you buy this book for yourself or a friend, proceeds go toward Hubb Community Kitchen in West London.
Happy shopping! Your friends won’t know the greatness that’s about to be bestowed on their kitchens.
