The 20 Best Kitchen Gifts Under $30 in 2023

Olivewood Bench Scraper

A bench scraper (sometimes called a pastry scraper) is immensely useful for quickly cleaning a floury, dough-sticky countertop — just ask any professional baker or chef. But these small-and-mighty kitchen tools can do way more than assist in kitchen cleanup. They're also helpful for quickly slicing and dividing dough, like scones, and transferring prepared food, such as chopped garlic, to a pot or pan. This sturdy metal scraper by Williams Sonoma looks and feels luxurious, and also includes handy measuring marks for accurate sizing.

Ayesha Curry Springform Pan

A springform pan is crucial for baking delicate cakes that are tricky to unmold (cheesecake, this is your moment). And that ultra-tight seal? So important for keeping the batter or quiche filling from leaking in the oven. Finally, a smooth, nonstick surface takes the anxiety out of the big reveal. This pan by chef and cookbook author Ayesha Curry nails all of the criteria, and looks good doing it: It's hard not to admire the sleek copper color.

Le Creuset Signature Stoneware Spoon Rest

Although just about any old plate or folded-up paper towel can act as a countertop spoon rest, this handsome piece by Le Creuset does the job so much better. It's large — a full 6 inches in diameter — so you can use it for multiple utensils, or an XL item, like a spider strainer. The available colors vary on Amazon, but the chic sea salt colorway will go with almost any kitchen decor, proving that blue really is a neutral.

Related: The 18 Best Kitchen Tools Under $20

Ravioli Stamp and Roller Wheel Set

There's no better way to learn the art of pasta making than with ravioli. This set of three essential ravioli tools gets you (almost) halfway there. The wooden-handled set is particularly handy, thanks to a roller wheel and two different generously-sized stamps. Both the round or square shapes are big enough to make extra fat ravioli, so don't be shy with the ricotta.

Norpro Scalloped 11-Piece Biscuit Cutters

No matter what size your kitchen is, an efficient space-saver is always appreciated. This 11-piece set from a tried-and-true baking brand doubles as cookie and biscuit cutters. Use the smooth side for doughnuts or biscuits, or turn it upside down for delicately scalloped edges. With sizes ranging from .75 inches to 3.38 inches, there's definitely a cutter for every task. Plus, the stainless steel storage case will prevent your baking cupboard from devolving into chaos.

East Fork Bitty Bowl

Asheville-based pottery brand East Fork has been a favorite among stylish pro chefs and home cooks for years. Their constantly-rotating seasonal glazes — only available until they sell out — inspired an entire community of East Forkers looking to grow their collection. Luckily, their earthy core colors, like the creamy beige Panna Cotta and pale brown Morel, are available year-round. At 3 inches wide, the Bitty Bowl is East Fork's smallest piece and an ideal item for pottery collectors. It also makes a great bowl for nuts or small snack portions, but don't stop there. "It's perfect for holding salt while I'm cooking", says Chef Chris McDade, the chef and co-owner of Brooklyn's Gus's Chop House. He also uses them as candle holders at home.

Haand Olive Tray

Do you need an olive tray? Does anyone? Arguably, the specialty nature of this luxe item is what makes it such a good gift. Long and skinny — it's over a foot long — this elegant porcelain shallow tray makes a statement. Each one-of-a-kind piece is handmade and glazed. Pair it with a jar of artisan olives for the ultimate tapas-related gift, or use it to display chocolate truffles.

Home Is Where the Eggs Are Cookbook

Also available at Williams Sonoma.

Sometimes, cookbooks are purely aspirational. In contrast, this recently-published title by Molly Yeh is so user-friendly, there's no way it'll become a paperweight. The perfect actually-realistic kitchen gift for busy families and beginner cooks, Home Is Where the Eggs Are describes itself as a cookbook that's "best enjoyed in the comfort of sweatpants and third-day hair." It's packed with comfort food that still feels fancy-adjacent (See: Doughnut Matzo Brei), and marries Yeh's Jewish and Chinese heritage with her Midwestern farmstead home.

Runamok Bourbon Barrel Grade A Aged Maple Syrup

Also available at Sur La Table.

From Vermont, with (boozy) love, this very giftable syrup is aged in bourbon barrels for nine months by a certified-organic syrup company that's beloved by locals and pancake fans across the country. The slightly smoky flavor pairs well with a hearty brunch, but it's a sleeper hit during cocktail hour, too. Wrap this up with a shaker and a recipe card for a classic Old Fashioned to surprise the craft cocktail lover in your life, or a seasonal pancake mix for the brunch enthusiast.

KitchenAid Bamboo Turner and Spoon Set

Also available at Walmart.

When is a basic kitchen tool worthy of gift-giving? When it's made by KitchenAid, the iconic brand best known for a certain stand mixer. This set of two bamboo spoons are sneakily useful: The wide spoon is a perfect stirring and scraping utensil, and the turner excels at flipping or turning food. Chef Ron Hsu, the chef and co-founder at Atlanta's Lazy Betty, notes that utensils made from natural materials like bamboo or wood foster a deeper connection to cooking: "There's something nostalgic about using a tool that our ancestors used to cook. I love the connection to our past it brings," he says, adding that unlike metal utensils, they won't scratch fancy cookware and are easy to clean.

Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

A high-quality cast iron skillet will never get buried in the kitchen junk cabinet — it's far too useful! Cast iron is an excellent conductor of heat, meaning these pans get ripping hot and stay that way. They're a must for searing meat, sautéing veggies, and griddling pancakes. While some cast-iron pans can cost hundreds, this universal size from popular brand Lodge is just $30. And it's even pre-seasoned, so it can go straight from the box to the stovetop.

Casafina Portuguese Cork Trivet with Leather Handle

A trivet is one of those kitchen items cooks aren't likely to buy for themselves,but they can totally transform the dining experience. Trivets absorb heat from fresh-out-of-the-oven cookware, making family-style dining a seamless affair. This 8-inch trivet from a Portuguese maker is extra thick, so there's no second-guessing whether your countertops and table are safe. As a gorgeous bonus, it comes with a genuine leather strap, so you can hang it and keep it out of the way when not in use.

Fiesta 6-Piece Merengue Multi-Color Steak Knife Set

Also available at Bed Bath and Beyond.

It's impossible not to smile when you see these brightly-hued steak knives. With six different colored handles, they're as much a statement piece as they are an essential utensil for steak night. The plastic handles are gently weighted for the right balance, and the blades have a serrated edge that's designed to stay sharp. This unique set will blend seamlessly into any Fiestaware enthusiast's collection — it's also a perfect starter piece for an aspiring collector.

Misen 10-Inch Universal Pan Lid

Also available at Misen.

This universal lid does a lot more than cover sauté pans (although it's pretty great at that, too). The flexible material and tight-sealing edges mean it's also helpful for storing leftovers in the fridge, or keeping serving bowls covered. It's crafted from food-safe silicone, which makes it super grippy. The universal lid is made by chef-approved cookware company Misen, but it's designed to fit just about any pot, pan, or bowl it meets. The sleek navy blue color is also available in a smaller 8-inch size, and yep: You can buy them both as a set.

W&P Sphere Ice Tray

Also available at W&P.

The refrigerator door ice maker has nothing on these classy ice tray molds from popular brand W&P. The spherical design is genius, but using them couldn't be simpler, thanks to a hole at the top of each cube. Just fill with water, freeze, and easily unmold by separating the two flexible silicone pieces. The molds make four perfect 2.5-inch circles that melt slowly — ideal for chilling cocktails without diluting them. W&P's ice tray comes in three different colors (some are regularly on sale at Amazon), and joy of joys: They're all dishwasher-safe.

Cuisinart 24-Piece Cookie Press Set

Earn major brownie points — or rather, cookie points — with your favorite baker when you give this decadent set from Cuisinart. With 18 different discs for pressed cookies, there's a design for every occasion. But unlike other cookie presses, this one also includes decorating tips, so you can bake your cookies and ice them, too. It's lightweight, thanks to its food-safe plastic construction, but fans of this tool have noted that it's heavy-duty enough to handle homemade cheese straws.

Fleur de Sel French Sea Salt

Fans of flaky sea salt will love this pick from Williams Sonoma. It's hand-harvested on a small French island, giving each crystal a delicate texture and high mineral content. Fleur de sel translates to "flower of the sea," a name that seems apt, once you realize how beautiful each individual crystal is. This salt is perfect for finishing touches, as with grilled meat or freshly-baked cookies. Another reason this gift is sneakily perfect? Lazy Betty's Hsu notes that, unlike freshly-made items, it has a long shelf life — so the recipient won't feel pressure to use it right away.

Crossback Canvas Kitchen Apron

Traditional aprons did one job: They kept your clothes clean in the kitchen. But this modern apron, upgraded for modern cooks, can handle that and plenty more. Its smartly-placed pockets can hold utensils, pens, and notebooks — though if you're the type who prefers to cook from recipes on your phone, there's a specialty pocket for smartphones, too. The criss-crossed straps help combat back pain and fatigue, and we certainly can't fault the handsome hardware-inspired accents or variety of color choices.

Linen Waffle Weave Dish Towel

Natural linen is soft, highly absorbent, quick-drying, and lint-free. This ideal-for-dishes fabric also looks great when slightly rumpled, so there's no need to fuss over it. These towels are priced right at just under $30, and come in two colors: a creamy natural flax, or a sophisticated black check. Also of note: They're designed with a discreet loop for hanging.

OXO Good Grips Mess-Free Pepper Grinder

Also available at Crate & Barrel.

If you want to give a present that's sure to get daily use, make it this one. OXO's clever pepper mill is designed to address the most common pain point of pepper lovers: It's mess-free. While most peppermills grind from the bottom, this model has a handy top grinder. It's also contoured for comfortable use, and easy to refill. With five grind settings, cooks and diners can adjust the coarseness to suit their preferences. Buy it in a set with OXO's salt grinder and save even more.