After dorm shopping freshman year, we thought we were done. So it was a big surprise when our kids moved off campus and there was a second wave of shopping for their new apartments. With the holidays right around the corner, these are all practical kitchen gifts they will put to good use in their new apartments.
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NEW! Grown and Flown top picks for grad and holiday gifts all in one place!
Top Kitchen Gifts for College Kids and Young Adults
Newbie – Never Lived Off Campus and Needs the Basics
Pots and pans
Revere Copper Confidence Core Cookware
These are an updated version of the iconic copper-bottomed pots and pans. Revere pots are tough enough to endure all the many moves in your kid’s future. Trust us, there will be many.
From stove top to oven, a dutch oven is great for one-pot cooking.
Don’t buy one that’s so flimsy it will buckle with use.
A good all-purpose knife is a must; a set is even better.
Look for one that is dishwasher safe.
A set of nesting mixing bowls of varying sizes are very versatile kitchen gifts.
Gadgets
Tongs, bottle opener, can opener, spatula all make great kitchen gifts and stocking stuffers.
Advanced Cook – Knows Their Way Around the Kitchen
There’s a reason why this one cooking device has taken the world of home cooks by storm. Short of going grocery shopping the Instant Pot is transformative, a kitchen gift your young adult will thank you for every day.
Morning Person – Loves Breakfast and Good Coffee
Single cup coffee makers offer convenience but a French press produces better joe without the environmental waste of the K-cups.
A fast way to get the water boiling for coffee, tea or hot chocolate. Plus, the automatic shut off is an excellent safety feature.
Coffee mugs
A cute set of matching mugs in a pretty color is a must.
If your kid loves bagels, get one of these to prevent all too common accidents.
Nonstick Dishwasher Safe Cookware Set
Eggs. Enough said.
Health Nut – Lives on Green Drinks and is Forever Slicing and Dicing
For those who would rather eat zucchini noodles than pasta, this is a must.
Smoothies and green drinks don’t happen without a blender. Look for one with a to-go cup attachment.
Salad spinner
Greens washed and dried in no time.
Apple slicer
No better way to get the once-a-day fruit.
Steamer basket
Veges cooked in a way that retains more of the nutrients than other cooking methods.
Popcorn maker
A good source of fiber, homemade (not microwaved) popcorn is a healthier alternative to chips and satisfies that desire for a crunchy snack.
Entertainer – Loves to Invite Friends Over for Dinner
Set of dishes
Pick dishes that are stylish, affordable and extremely durable.
Mason jar glasses are big this year with kids who love the “heritage” look.
Kitchen linens
Part of entertaining is making the table look inviting so consider a set of placements and with coordinating kitchen towels as a kitchen gift.
Salt and pepper grinders
A set that can be used for cooking and looks great on the table top, too.
Baker – Has Made Cupcakes Since Elementary School
Oven mitts
Too easy to burn hands without these.
Mini mixer
A small mixer in a cute color brightens any kitchen.
Measuring cups and spoons
Baking, like Chemistry, is one place where precision calls for great tools.
There can be no cupcakes without the tins.
Related:
Awesome and Super-Popular Holiday Gifts for Him
Holiday Gifts for Her That She Will Love
Trendy Gift Ideas for the Holidays: Your Kids Will Love These
Holiday Gifts for Teens: Fun, Popular and Practical
Holiday Gifts for College Students They Will Use Every Day
Holiday Gift Ideas that are Just for Fun
