With many people leaning toward practical gift-giving this year, the kitchen is proving to be an easy place to find presents that are both useful and long-lasting. Whether you're shopping for someone else or treating yourself, the kitchen offers plenty of inspiration. Consumer Reports editor Paul Hope says that what makes kitchen gifts special is that they can be both practical and indulgent for people who love to cook. 

One standout this year is the Oxo Stainless Steel Cookware Set, a splurge-worthy option that earned top marks for performance and durability in CR’s ratings. 

Another timeless choice is the Dutch oven, which Hope calls a great gift because of its versatility and longevity. Dutch ovens can marinate food in the fridge, move to the stovetop or oven, and even double as beautiful serving pieces. In CR’s tests, Lodge’s Essential Enamel cast-iron Dutch Oven, performed comparably to far pricier versions, making it an excellent value—especially with its limited lifetime warranty.

Small appliances are reliable favorites, too. Food processors, stand mixers, and blenders remain popular gifts, and The Vitamix 5200 blender continues to dominate CR’s blender ratings. Along with its strong performance and durability, the blender has earned high praise from owners who say they love using it.

Bakers might appreciate fresh gear as well, such as sturdy new cookie sheets like the durable options from Nordic Ware. And for home cooks of all levels, a good chef’s knife is always welcome. Henckels offers a well-performing model that starts at just $40, making it an accessible upgrade for any kitchen.