Its the beginning of December, who has their shopping done? Not me that is for certain. I try to notice throughout the year things that are said offhand, or to notice what could ease a loved ones life, however unless I write it down, it tends to slip my mind by the end of the year. If you are like me, I can use a little help in the idea department.
That is why I have created this handy list of gift ideas for the baker in your life. These items are good examples of things that I either use and find essential in the kitchen, or they are items that I have my eye on, and would be stoked to receive as a gift. So take a look and go ahead and spoil the baker in your life!
1. Kitchenaid Stand Mixer
The holy grail of mixers, this is the power tool of a baker’s dreams. With the power to mix, whisk, beat, and knead any dough or mixture you throw at it, this mixer is something I don’t have, but would be very pleased to receive from Santa. Pretty please, with cherries on top? There are multiple attachments to this mixer, making it very versatile, and it also comes in many colors. This stainless steel is my personal favorite as it would look professional, and its also nice and shiny. Would look like a pretty piece of jewelry on my counter!
2. Le Creuset Signature Cast Iron 5 1/2 qt Round French Oven – Cherry 
The benefit of this cast iron french oven is that it can be used over the stove to sear a piece of meat, and then it can be placed in the oven. The size is perfect for a pot roast, or to make coq au vin, or even arroz con pollo.
For bread making, this french oven great to achieve a perfect crust on your loaf. Since the tight fitting lid secures the moisture inside, the bread dough is coated to create an excellent crust. Check out this video to see how this french oven can be used to bake bread.
3. All-Clad Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons 
A teaspoon of this, a tablespoon of that…A baker needs measuring spoons they can rely on. These stainless steel spoons have the measurements engraved into the steel. They are not printed with ink on the handle, they will not wash off in the dishwasher. When these spoons are reached for, they can be relied upon to measure the goods.
4. All-Clad Stainless Steel Measuring Cups 
These measuring cups are great for the same reason as the spoons above. The measurements are engraved in the steel! After all, what good is a measuring cup if the ink has washed off and you don’t know how much they measure? Engraved steel is permanent, like these cups!
5. All-Clad Stainless Steel 3-Piece Spherical Mixing Bowl Set 
A baker can always use bowls. These bowls are great in that they are made out stainless steel so they won’t rust, or stain as the name implies. Plus these bowls have the value added benefit of having a level base. This means these bowls will not be slipping and sliding while a spoon is stirring, or a whisk is whisking the contents. Another great thing about these bowls, and the above spoons and cups, is that All-Clad has a lifetime warranty. Who doesn’t like that about a company?
6. 17-Pc Bake n Store Set w/ Blue Lids 
Pyrex, gotta love Pyrex. You can bake in them, reheat your food in the microwave, and then send them to the dishwasher. This set includes multiple sizes including custard cups, and a pie plate. Plus there are lids! to these babies. There are four single serve grab and go bowls with lids for taking lunches, and also two casserole dishes, one 8″ square, and one 9″x 13″. If you you need to store your brownies, or take your casserole to a potluck, pop on the lid and you are good to go!
7. Stainless Steel Pastry Blender
While there are ways to get around using a pastry blender, such as using a fork, or knife, or by freezing the butter and shredding using a cheese grater (as described in our Sweet Potato Pecan Scones Recipe), this pastry blender is the perfect tool for blending butter or shortening into dry ingredients.
8. 10″ Springform Pan
I just recently used my springform pan to create an amazing and delicious Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake from Tessa at Handle the Heat. It was so delicious, decadent, and dense with peanut butter and chocolate flavor. I have also used my springform pan to create a pumpkin cheesecake that was out of this world. There is no arguing that a springform pan is a must if one is to bake a cheesecake.
9. Kitchen and Food Scale
While measuring cups and spoons are great for cooking and baking, there is no way to perfectly and accurately measure ingredients than to use a scale. Especially when it comes to bread recipes that use ratios, a kitchen scale is the way to go.
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For the baker whose kitchen is already fully stocked and equipped:
10. Gift Basket from Harry and David 
I remember going Christmas shopping while growing up at our local outlet mall. We would stop in to each store and look for gifts for each other, and also to hint at what we’d like as well. Towards the middle of the mall, we would stop in to Harry and David and see what samples they had. For some reason the wasabi peas stand out to me. Not because I particularly liked them, maybe, because, well they were wasabi!
Anyhow, speaking from a recent birthday experience, receiving a gift basket in the mail is just awesome! First of all, food is something that everyone loves, and Harry and David have something for everyone, second of all, food is categorically a non-clutter gift, and we all know how hard it is to find these. So, for the baker who already has their kitchen stocked with equipment, check out Harry and David. Also, check out this coupon I found for free shipping!
So that wraps up my list for 2014.
What are you asking Santa for this year?
Comment below!