The Kitchen and Garden Gift Guide
Gifts for Cooks:
The Food Processor
Cuisinart 14-cup food processor. It’s a staple in every Woks family member’s kitchen. You can even replace the blade when it gets dull.
The Best All-purpose Pans
All-Clad Stainless Steel Cookware set is our go-to. It’s a luxury, but it’s worth it. It comes in D3 and D5 ply, but we’re content with the cheaper D3 ply.
The Wok
We love the 14-inch standard issue carbon steel wok with bamboo handles from KK Discount! Get a round bottom if you have a gas hob, or a flat bottom if you have an electric stove.
The Wok Lid
It’s tough to find wok lids with wooden handles these days, but this stainless steel model does the trick. If you can find one with a wooden handle, all the better!
The Wok Spatula
The key to a good wok spatula is not too long of a handle and a thin fine edge to skate along the wok. We like this classic silhouette!
The Wok Ring
The best-kept secret of gas ranges is this swappable wok ring. Remove the grate, put this on, and you’re ready to go.
Bamboo Steamer
A classic bamboo steamer – remember to soak new ones in water for 30 minutes before using! Then air dry really well before storing it. Read more about how to use a bamboo steamer here!
Stainless Steel Steamer
A two-tiered stainless steel steamer opens up so many more recipes and cooking techniques. We like this one with an extra high-domed lid.
Nonstick Pan
Misen nonstick pans are well-designed and classic.
Blender
Ever since we got the Vitamix Ascent series blender, we’ve never looked back! We have the A3500, but there’s a cheaper A3300 too.
Food Thermometer
After trying a few different food thermometers, the Thermapen ONE has proven to be the best and most accurate.
Oven Mitt
The ‘Ove’ Glove gives you dexterity and intense heat protection around the grill or oven.
Apron
Hedley & Bennett are trusted aprons for a reason – they’re super thick and come in lots of colors and styles! We also like Whitebark aprons, which are cut generously so you’re extra covered.
Rice Cooker
We have the classic one-button Tiger 10-cup and 3-cup, and love how quickly it cooks rice! The 8-cup size is great for an average household.
Dutch Oven – 7.25 Qt.
After comparing both Le Creuset and Staub, we prefer Le Creuset for its softer bottom edge which doesn’t harbor food residue as much as Staub. If you can swing the cost, and you’re not picky about colors, spring for the 9 Qt.!
Storage Containers
We’ve been loving our Snapware glass storage containers. They help keep our chaotic fridge a little less crazy looking. We also like this classic Pyrex set!
Noodle Roller
This Atlas Pasta Roller was fished from a Queens, NY garage sale, but it’s truly the best of the best for noodles and wonton wrappers – and fresh pasta of course.
Hot Pot
We also like our hot pot for its flexibility and ease of use.
Cookbook
If you’re unsure how to make use of some of the gadgets above, or you know someone who just loves cooking, Chinese food, family stories, or all of the above, check out our first cookbook, The Woks of Life: Recipes to Know and Love from a Chinese American Family. It has 80 brand-new recipes in addition to 20 tried-and-true fan favorites from this here blog, and is currently available in a "3 for the price of 2" promotion on Amazon! We also have some signed copies available from select independent booksellers – give them a call to see if they’re still in stock.
How to ORDER (Including Signed Copies!):
If you’re in the U.S., get your copy from any of the retailers below, or your local bookstore! Want a signed copy? The following independent bookstores have limited numbers. Check to see if they still have one in stock, and get it shipped to you:
Gifts for Gardeners, Plant Moms, and Green Thumbs:
The Watering Can – Classic
This is a British classic from Haws, who makes what can only be termed "prestige watering cans." This one holds two gallons and offers beauty and function with an extra long spout.
The Watering Can – UNIQUE
This indoor Blomus watering can caught my eye for its uncomplicated silhouette and spill-proof design. It’s pricey, which is why I didn’t buy it, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t still thinking about it…
Garden Bench/Stool
This Pure Garden stool has an option for both sitting and kneeling. Previously we were using a janky folding plastic stool that worked great for a while, but eventually broke. This makes for a lovely upgrade.
Harvest Basket
This is our trusty harvest basket. Made in Maine, it’s beautiful and sturdy. This thing can carry tons of tomatoes, potatoes, leafy greens, and everything in between. Its wire mesh design makes it possible to hose off produce directly in the basket. It’s also easy to clean and still looks sharp when it’s got some dirt on it. You can even get it personalized!
Gloves for Small Hands
The single hardest thing to find when we first started gardening intensively was sturdy gloves for smaller hands. Kaitlin has very small hands and these fit snugly without being too tight and come in various sizes. These are winners and they’re fun to look at too!
Conclusions:
We hope you found something on this list that suits the cooking and gardening enthusiasts in your life. Happy shopping!