Everyone has a different relationship with their kitchen. Some people are messy chefs, some are total cooking newbies, and some just have a sad AF kitchen. (Which is totally OK – ya gotta start somewhere). Other people are way too busy to even step foot in their’s. Or at least, that’s what they think. Sometimes, busy people get the idea that they don’t have any time to cook for themselves because of their crazy schedules. With morning spin class, a demanding work schedule, and an overflowing social calendar, cooking at home is often one of the first things to go for a busy person. But in reality, they just don’t have the right tools yet. If you’re searching for gifts for busy people this holiday season, we have plenty of ideas.
You might think, What could I possibly gift someone who is literally always busy? They won’t even be able to slow down and use it. But you can give them things that save them time (and money) in the kitchen. Even the busiest people will make time to cook with these useful kitchen appliances, gadgets, and tools. Some are used at home and some are used on the go. But all of them will please even the busiest bee on your holiday shopping list.
1. Instant Pot, from $59.95
Amazon
It’s a slow cooker, rice cooker, and pressure cooker all in one. Plus, it also warms, steams and sautées. It even makes yogurt. The Instant Pot makes cooking so fast and easy, it’s a must-have for every insanely busy person.
2. Microwave Bacon Cooker, $19.99
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Busy people rarely eat breakfast. But they shouldn’t have to miss out on the best and most important meal of the day. With this microwave bacon cooker, they can make up to six slices in under five minutes.
3. Reusable Toaster Bags, 4 for $6.99
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People with crazy schedules don’t have time (or counter space) for a panini press. But they do have time to stick a sandwich in a reusable toaster bag. These bags will help them achieve the same level of warmth and grilled-ness without the mess. They can also heat up pizza, chicken nuggets, fries—you name it, they’ll heat it.
4. Microwave Grill Pan, $69.99
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By now, you might be sensing a pattern: The best gifts for busy people are ones that serve multiple functions. Like this grill pan that grills, bakes, boils, sautées, stir-fries, and steams—all in the microwave. It’s a busy person’s dream.
5. Olive Oil Sprayer Bottle, $19.99
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Olive (vegetable, canola, peanut, or sesame) oil is an essential part of any recipe. Busy people can save time spraying pans and coating veggies with this spray bottle. It’ll also make their meals healthier because they’ll use less oil than they would by pouring.
6. Microwave Egg Cooker, 2 for $14.99
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Busy people might not realize it, but you can prepare a lot of traditional dishes without turning the oven on or using the stovetop. Even the busiest person on the planet can’t deny how easy it is to break eggs into a cup, microwave, and enjoy.
7. 3-in-1 Breakfast Station, $64.05
Amazon
Everyone deserves the chance to have their toast and eat it, too, with a side of coffee and sausage links. This breakfast station is a multitasking, space-saving dream. It’s a griddle, toaster, and coffee maker in one—a.k.a. the busy person’s breakfast trifecta.
8. Microwave Pasta Cooker, $24.99
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Nobody is too busy to cook pasta in the microwave. Nobody.
9. Food Thermometer, $11.99
Amazon
Every chef needs a food thermometer, and from meats to sweets, this one does it all. It’s a huge time-saver come dinner.
10. Microwave Rice & Grain Cooker, $24.99
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You can cook anything in the microwave, including rice, with this genius rice cooker. Bonus busy people hack: It even doubles as a serving dish, meaning there’s less cleanup.
11. Stainless Steel Travel Mug, from $13.56
Amazon
Every busy person has a travel mug. But do they have one with this nostalgic aesthetic? We didn’t think so.
12. Expanded Bento Box, $29.99
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A bento box can get busy people in the habit of preparing meals at home. A little time in the kitchen saves a lot of time (and money) at the office. This little box is a godsend for people with lots of afternoon meetings that can’t be moved.
13. Mason Jars, 2 for $7.99
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Continuing with the meal prep theme, mason jars are another easy way to transport salad or soup to the office. Plus, we’re pretty sure they’ll never go out of style.
14. Create Your Own Bloody Mary Cocktail Set, $39.99
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When busy people want a drink, they don’t have time to fuss with gathering ingredients. Make it easy for them with this cute, convenient cocktail set.
15. Electric Wine Bottle Opener, $17.99
Amazon
This is the epitome of saving time and energy. Cheers to not being too busy to enjoy a glass of red!
