25 of My Favorite Things in the Kitchen

Whether you’re looking for Christmas gift ideas or on the lookout for some good Black Friday deals, you’re sure to find something that stands out to you in this list of my kitchen favorites. These are all things I use on the regular and could not live without! (Note: these are affiliate links)

1. A trusty handheld mixer

This handheld mixer is probably my most-used, prized possession of the kitchen. If you’re someone who loves to bake, you know how much one of these trusty mixers gets used. I make a lot of cookies and mine has never failed me.

2. Pretty + functional enameled dutch oven

This piece by Staub is a little bit of an investment, but it also makes the perfect wedding or Christmas gift. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve used mine, so it’s far worth the price. Enameled cast iron heats so well and cooks food evenly. It comes in so many beautiful colors, like the cherry red one I have.

3. Favorite silicone spatula ever

These Ultimate Spoonulas are the best. I have four of them and use them just about everyday. They’re sturdy, heat-resistant, and come in a ton of fun colors. This makes a great stocking stuffer or hostess gift.

4. Perfect size cookie scoop

These are my favorite stainless steel cookie scoops. I’ve had so many cheap ones over the years that break too soon. This one is a good, quality scoop! My go-to size is the 1/3 cup.  

5. Underrated handheld blender

My immersion blender is one of my favorite kitchen tools. I use it for blending soups, sauces, and smoothies right in the pot, pan, or cup. It’s SO much easier to clean than a blender. Everyone should have one of these!

6. The best sheet pans

These pans are superior quality, yet still really affordable. Some of my most-used favorites are the 1/4 sheet pans (same size as a 9”x13”) and the 9”x9” square cake pan. I also never have enough of the super nice lids that come with these. The 9”x13” cake pan and 1/2 sheet pans (the regular size) are also always being used in my kitchen. 

7. My favorite glass mixing bowls

These glass mixing bowls are the best! They’re perfect for mixing up cookie dough and storing salads and soups. I’ve had the large size that comes in this set for years and I’m so sad because it just got chipped. I’ll definitely be purchasing this set again this weekend! Plus it comes in cute colors and has lids. 

8. Kitchen scale

I’m a firm believer that everyone should have a kitchen scale and measure flour with it. Many recipes (including most of mine) list flour by a cup and a gram measurement since it’s so easy to overmeasure flour by scooping. Your cakes, cookies, and other baked goods will thank you for having one of these.

9. Deli containers for storage

These deli containers are great for leftovers and ingredients prepped ahead of time for recipes. I stock up on these very once in a while and use them for taking food to friends. They’re cheap enough that I don’t need them back, but they’re nice enough that they can be reused. They stack well and are easy to keep organized. 

10. Multipurpose pressure cooker

My Ninja Foodi gets used weekly. I love it for air frying, pressure cooking, slow cooking and sautéing. My latest recipe hyperfixation is Pinch of Yum’s air fryer chicken. The nonstick bowl insert is really easy to clean as well. 

11. The best wooden spoons

These wooden spoons are way easier to clean than your typical wooden spoon. I use these just about every time I’m cooking in my Staub or Le Creuset dutch ovens.

12. Spice organization jars

These little glass spice jars are such a fun piece in my kitchen. I labeled them with this label maker and have them stacked on my counter against the wall for a cute display and easy access. 

13. Round cookie cutter

I actually don’t use these cookie cutters for their intended purpose—my favorite way to use them is to gently swirl one around my cookies after I’ve just pulled them from the oven. It helps give them a more round, perfect shape, and slightly crinkly edges. 

14. All purpose kitchen shears

I use my kitchen shears every single day. Sometimes it’s just for cutting something when I prefer not to dirty a whole cutting board and knife. These especially come in handy with a little one who needs food cut up. 

15. Little ramekin bowls

I use these little bowls for everything. They make the perfect little snack bowl, single serve dessert bowl (think lava cakes), or container for holding extra baby/toddler food at the table.

16. Food thermometer

Since I started using my food thermometer more, my grilled, baked, and air-fried chicken, steaks, and other meats have been perfectly done (and not dry). This is the best way to know that they are done! It’s the perfect stocking stuffer for the grill-master in your family.

17. Salt cellar for easy seasoning access

Recently I started keeping sea salt in a little salt cellar on my stovetop for easy access when cooking. I love having it right there, plus it looks pretty out on display. 

18. Silicone oven mitts

These silicone oven mitts provide the best grip and are so easy to clean. Simply hold under the sink and wash off any food that gets on them. 

19. Favorite kitchen towels

You know how some kitchen towels are pretty, but they’re the wrong texture? Some don’t seem to dry very well, but these kitchen towels have a ripple texture that I love for drying hands or dishes. Plus the colors are super fun. These make a great hostess gift. 

20. The smoothest can opener

This is the smoothest, most dependable can opener. I’ve had this one for a few years now and it’s been the best one I’ve had. 

21. Perfect small metal spatula

These little spatulas are super thin and make the best tool for scooping out slices of cake, casseroles, and more. They’re just superior to anything I find in stores. 

22. Silicone muffin pan

This is something new that I’ve already been loving. This fun, colorful, soft silicone muffin pan is the best for making egg bites. Because of its material, the edges don’t get hard and crispy. You can make my cottage cheese egg casserole into egg bite with it and freeze them for easy breakfasts!

23. The cutest aprons

A good quality apron makes the perfect gift for the chef in your life. This brand is high-quality and the aprons come in fun patterns and colors. And they have functional pockets!

24. The least nasty dish brushes

If you’re like me, you cringe at those dish sponges that stay soggy and build up gross mold and leftover food bits. These silicone dish brushes have been my favorite for a few years now. They dry really fast and food doesn’t get stuck in them very easily. They can be reused over and over again and dish-washed. For anything that stuck on a little more, I use my bamboo dish brushes.

25. Two of the most helpful cookbooks

These two cook books are my go-tos when I need to know the science and basics behind a recipe. This one has just about every recipe you can think of and they always turn out well. I love that the ingredients are listed by sections of the instructions. If you need a recipe you can trust for just about anything, this is the one. This other cookbook is really fun to read (perfect for those who love to experiment in the kitchen). It has beautiful illustrations, too. This one explains the science behind what food needs to taste good. Two great gift ideas!