Whether buying for a birthday, a holiday, or a housewarming gift for an aspiring chef, you really can’t go wrong by choosing something for the kitchen. Instead of wasting money on unnecessary gifts like cosmetics, perfumes, clothing pieces or accessories that might not match his/her taste, you can take gift giving to a whole new level with items that make cooking easy.

Japanese Knives

Who can say no to receiving Japanese knives as a gift, right?! Well-made, super sharp, and comfortable to hold, these are kitchen tools every cook needs to make cutting and chopping food easy and fast. Japanese knife sets are a true example of what a good knife set should look like mainly because of their sturdiness and versatility. 

Usually made from quality materials like steel, quality Japanese knife sets consist of some of the sharpest blades in the world. Thanks to the used steel and the cutting-edge manufacturing process, these knives keep their sharpness longer, giving better precision and control for an extended period of time. Being able to properly cut and chop things is everyone’s wish, and aspiring cooks like your friend will certainly enjoy having a gift of this kind.

The choice of these sets is huge, ranging in types of knife sets, size and purpose. Generally speaking, these sets should contain at least one all-purpose Japanese knife that can be used on a daily basis for cutting and chopping a variety of foods like vegetables and fruit. However, you should also choose a set that contains a knife for cutting meat. 

Such knives are made differently than all-purpose knives and have different blades that provide a precise cut and improved control. The greatest thing of all is that knife sets are always more cost-effective than buying Japanese knives separately, plus, you can always find some catchy online deals and have them for the same price as any other set of knives. 

The thrill and joy of giving such a gift to a cooking beginner cannot be compared to anything else, as owning Japanese knives is one of the setting stones of the culinary journey. These professional knives make cooking easy and fast which is the goal, so it isn’t strange they are the first choice of chefs.

Knife Sharpener

Any knife will need a little retouch every now and then, even Japanese knives. But just like choosing anything, you should also be careful when searching for the right knife sharpener, especially because it’s a gift. Instead of buying the first one you see on the market, it would be best if you do some research and buy a good one. 

While electric sharpeners seem like an easy and fast way of sharpening knives, they really aren’t good for any type of knife and steel. So, the best option you have is a whetstone also known as waterstone. This knife sharpener is the perfect way to keep a knife in good condition. In fact, it’s said that this type of sharpener can bring knives the closest to factory-finished edge both on stainless steel and carbon steel knives. 

These sharpeners are available in different types of grit to be more precise, so make sure to consult with a professional on which one is the best for beginners. These sharpeners are a bit trickier than the basic pull-through sharpeners, but once your friend gets used to it, he/she will never want to change it for anything else.

Kitchen Scale

No meal, pastry or sweets can be made without having the exact measurements, and one can have them only with the help of a kitchen scale. The choice of kitchen scales is huge, however, it’s the digital ones that are the most commonly used over the years. They come in a selection of types, sizes, colours, materials and models which gives you the freedom to choose one that will meet the recipient’s taste and kitchen décor.

Cutting Board

Cutting boards are another great gift for people with beginner’s cooking skills. These kitchen items are both practical and stylish, making them much-needed for helping one chop and cut food of any kind. Cutting boards are practical and versatile pieces that can be reused as many times as you want for cutting a variety of food.

They are available in a selection of materials, however it’s wood that makes the perfect option. Wooden cutting boards seem to be the healthiest option because they are made from wood which is a natural and safe-to-use material. Wood on its own has natural oils and properties that won’t allow for bacteria to enter its core, unlike silicone and plastic cutting boards.

The best thing about these cutting boards is that they can be displayed on the kitchen countertop giving a sense of warmth, beauty and style. They also allow for being personalised, which makes it perfect for those of you who want to engrave the recipient’s name or some interesting quote.