A Le Creuset Dutch oven, Vitamix blender, and set of Heath Ceramics dinner plates are truly timeless pieces — but they’ll also make a serious dent in your wallet. And while I’d never argue against investing in durable kitchenware that eschews trends, sometimes you just can’t swing it (for yourself or as a present). But here, I’ve assembled a list of affordable, highly giftable kitchen products — that means $50 and under with some far less than that — from fancy and generally spendy brands and designers.
They run the gamut from utilitarian to decorative, and I think any avid cook would be thrilled to get their hands on one — not just because they’re from well-known makers but because they’re from trusted makers whose quality extends to everything they make. Because of their size, many of these would make delightful stocking stuffers — but they’re certainly nice enough to be given as the main event, too.
These egg cups are just so cute. They’re also unmistakably Le Creuset with the same recognizable design as the brand’s heritage Dutch ovens. Other affordable gems include their stoneware spoon rest, ceramic loaf pan (I own this and it works great), pinch bowls, and, if you want novelty, mini round cocotte.
Speaking of breakfast, I’ve always loved the idea of a toast rack. Is it unnecessary? Sure. But when one is as pretty as this handmade ceramic version from British designer Matilda Goad, it’s worth loading up and setting on the table for looks alone.
Sabre is known for their bistro-style flatware that runs up to $90 for a set. But turns out they have single-use items for far less in the same sophisticated design. I love this faux-tortoiseshell cheese knife, but you can buy a butter spreader for even less.
If Heath dinner plates are a distant dream, this sweet bud vase can be a nod to the heritage California company. It’s the perfect size for adding some adornment without going over the top (and blocking views across the table at a dinner party). It comes glazed in several of the brand’s signature color options, too, so you can pick the one they’ll like best.
East Fork is a newer company than Heath but just as sought-after — and just as pricey. The good news is that this set of endlessly useful tiny bowls will only set you back $36. Your recipient can use them to store their favorite spices on the counter, serve individual condiments, keep discarded olive pits in a neat pile, and even as votives on the table for small candles.
The real heads know: Fellow is as good as it gets when it comes to making coffee gear. But their stuff can also cost a pretty penny. This is a bit niche, but if someone you know loves the brand, this sleek pin of their industry-approved (and Strategist-staffer favorite) electric kettle would make an unexpected and delightful stocking stuffer.
Big Dansk pots and baking dishes, with their quintessential Scandinavian design, will run you $100 or more. But its just-as-well-known butter warmer is incredibly useful and much cheaper. They can use it for melting butter (naturally), making sauces, reheating broth, and more.
Mosser may be most recognizable for its gorgeous cake stands in stunning candylike shades (including that classic jadeite), but a just-as-pretty alternative is this vintage-style juicer made from the same material. It has a wide basin and convenient pour spout, and I can imagine it looking great displayed on a bar cart.
If you can’t cop a hundreds-of-dollars Yeti cooler for your outdoorsy friend, they’ll likely still appreciate this simple steel bottle opener adorned with the brand name. They can use it by hand or attach to any soft cooler they already own.
Alessi’s sophisticated but playful tools have made frequent appearances on this site. But cheaper than anything we’ve written about before is this slightly silly but also actually useful spaghetti fork. It has six prongs to help catch wiggly strands and a stout handle for maximum control.
Serax is known for its collaborations with notable designers like Kelly Wearstler and Ann Demeulemeester — but every once in a while, you can find an affordable piece like this iron bread basket (also useful for fruit) by Antonio Sciortino. The black-coated metal gives it an industrial look, but the lines are still somewhat wavy and organic.
Nickey Kehoe is my favorite interiors shop; every time I step inside its Los Angeles store, I want it all (even though I most definitely can’t afford it all). But this little dedicated mushroom knife with a blade on one end and a brush on the other is poised to be a win for any fungi-loving friend.
Farmhouse Pottery’s ceramics have an instantly recognizable look: partially white-glazed, partially unglazed, and beautifully simple. This gift set is no exception — it’s perfect for setting out on a cheese board or using to sweeten an afternoon cup of tea. And when the honey runs out, the ramekin will make a perfect salt cellar.
Toiro makes our favorite donabes: They’re handcrafted and absolutely gorgeous. But you can snag a tiny donabe-shaped condiment and spice bowl for a fraction of the price. (We recommended this last holiday season, too, but the idea is still a great one.)
Pillivuyt’s white porcelain is fancy with a capital F — but I’m completely obsessed with this cow creamer that is somehow both adorable and classy at the same time. If that’s too niche for your recipient, you can also find an elegant footed bowl or sauceboat for under $50.
We’ve been saying Bordallo Pinheiro’s cabbage serving dishes make great gifts for years, but this small olive dish in the same pattern and color is just as (and maybe even more) fun. I love that there are three separate slots so you can organize by type — because all dinner guests have their preferred olive.
An upscale bottle opener is the type of tool they likely don’t have lying around already, so give them the gift of an upgrade. This one feels substantial in the hand and will look purposeful sitting on their bar cart.
A paring knife is essential for intricate and delicate cuts (and it’s a lot less expensive than a chef’s blade). Any high-quality brand you love is likely to make a great one, but I’m a fan of Global’s, which has stayed incredibly sharp with everyday use in my own kitchen for the last couple years.
Most of John Derian’s whimsical tabletop décor runs steep, but not so with its green recycled-glass pieces (which come in many different styles). Most are drinking or cocktail glasses, so if buying two or more is too much, go with a single-stem one: They’re hefty enough to work as a sophisticated serving dish for nuts, olives, or other small snacks at a party. And there are some pretty vases and candlestick holders in the same material, too.
I’ve been obsessed with Russell Ooms’s handcrafted cutting boards since one chef told me about them last year. The smallest size comes in at $50, perfect for using as a cheese board.
A little something for the friend obsessed with their Vitamix: six reusable straws from the brand for sipping on smoothies. Each has a silicone mouthpiece in a different bright color, and the set comes with two super-skinny cleaners.
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