Stuffing a foodie’s stocking with these great gifts

    1 of 6 2 of 6

      Cooking gadgets abound for the foodies on your list, but which ones to buy? We dug up some fresh, last-minute finds that they may not already have in their cupboard.

      Flat Out

      Joseph Joseph’s Adjustable Rolling Pin (above; on sale for $26) is a godsend for both budding and pro chefs. The genius tool comes with four pairs of removable (and colour-coordinated) discs that lift the rolling surface to varying heights—from 2 to 10 millimetres—ensuring that every piece of dough is flattened to the required thickness. Etched into the pin’s beechwood is a width-measurement guide, so your cook can make perfectly sized pizzas, pie crusts, and more. Available at Hudson’s Bay (various locations).

       

      The Japanese-style Gangy can opener.

      Yes, It Can

      This isn’t your average can opener—for one thing, not a single part of it spins. But that’s the beauty of the Japanese-style Gangy ($18): the neat, stationary design is safer to use and longer-lasting than its more run-of-the-mill counterparts. Its bold red hue should prove instantly spottable in cramped drawers, and the can opener’s compact size also makes it ideal for outdoor cooking and camping trips. And in case you’re still not convinced, Gangy is dishwasher-safe and functions as a bottle opener, too. Available at Neighbour (125–12 Water Street).

       

      La Maison Simons’s Decorative Diamond Neoprene Oven Mitt.

      Hot Hands

      La Maison Simons’s Decorative Diamond Neoprene Oven Mitt ($7.50) is as functional as it is stylish. The lightweight glove features a showstopping mosaic pattern and bold red stitching, and its neoprene construction and nonslip palm offer a comfortable and protective fit. It’s the perfect piece for a domestic diva. Available at Simons (1060 Park Royal South, West Vancouver).

      The Spirelli Spiral Slicer.

      Quick Spin

      Trying to wean off pasta? Discover the endless possibilities of vegetable noodles with the Spirelli Spiral Slicer ($30) by Gefu. Made from dishwasher-safe plastic and Japanese stainless-steel blades, the handheld slicer quickly cuts zucchini, carrots, and other firm veggies into clean julienne strips that are perfect for salads, stir-fries, and other healthy dishes. Its small size is ideal for more modest kitchens, and the protective finger guard makes it a safer alternative to the basic knife and board. Available at Ming Wo Cookware (various locations).

       

      W&P Design’s Carry On Cocktail Kit.

      In Flight

      Know a frequent traveller with an appreciation for fine cocktails? Treat them to W&P Design’s Carry On Cocktail Kit ($30), which has everything you need to craft two thirst-quenching old-fashioneds. Simply order a small bottle of whisky once seated on the plane and combine it with the provided bitters and cane sugar, as indicated on the handy recipe card. The kit even comes with a fancy linen coaster. Available at Nineteen Ten (4366 Main Street).

       

      Gamago’s Game Time Digital Timer.

      Game Time

      It’s not the Game Boy Color your parents promised you in the ’90s (an ordeal you’re probably still seething about), but Gamago’s Game Time Digital Timer ($20) will definitely take you back to a simpler age, when your biggest challenge was getting that damn spaceship to launch on Tetris. Modelled after the classic handheld gaming system and equipped with a magnetic back, the easy-to-use timer attaches to any metal surface, freeing up counter space and adding a throwback touch to décor. Available at Front & Company (3772 Main Street).

      Follow Lucy Lau on Twitter @lucylau.

      Comments