
For countless individuals, baking serves as a powerful stress reliever. Psychologists suggest that crafting something meant to be shared and savored by others enhances a sense of fulfillment. Following recipes can bring a feeling of control, while personal touches allow bakers to showcase their creativity.
If you know someone who loves baking, consider gifting them a kitchen tool or accessory to simplify their process. For those who already own the essentials, browse through our expert-curated list of standout baking gifts.
1. Savory Baking: Recipes for Breakfast, Dinner, and Everything in Between; $35
Joy Wilson, a renowned baking expert from New Orleans who shares her culinary expertise through Joy the Baker magazine and collaborates with Williams Sonoma on a line of delicious cake mixes, highly recommends this cookbook by Erin Jeanne McDowell. “Erin is one of the most talented bakers I’ve ever met, and her book stands out because every recipe includes multiple creative variations, making it feel like three cookbooks in one,” Wilson explains. “Her recipes are both dependable and incredibly inventive!”
2. Sondiko Butane Torch S400; $20

Elevate your desserts and add a professional touch with this butane torch. “This tool lets you brulée or toast any dessert straight from the oven,” Wilson notes. “It’s like having a superpower! I love using it for my Earl Grey crème brulée, which is surprisingly easy but feels luxurious with a torch. It’s also ideal for my pumpkin pie bars with toasted meringue.”
3. Williams Sonoma French Tapered Olivewood Rolling Pin; $45

If bulky rolling pins have been a hassle, this exclusive Williams Sonoma model glides effortlessly. “This French tapered rolling pin is light and incredibly easy to handle,” Wilson explains. “Without the traditional handles and dowels, it offers versatile angles for rolling dough. Its lightweight design puts you in control of the pressure, allowing you to adapt to the needs of your dough.”
4. Pro Dough Pastry Scraper; $8

While knives are essential in any kitchen, a scraper is the ultimate multi-purpose tool. “A bench scraper is my go-to gadget for baking,” Wilson shares. “It doubles as a knife, a surface cleaner, and even a measuring guide. It’s incredibly versatile and always comes in handy.”
5. NutriMill High-Speed Grain Mill; $345

For those looking to elevate their baking, milling your own flour is a game-changer. The NutriMill can grind wheat, oats, rice, lentils, and more. Gregory Mucci, founder of the Lone Wolf Bread Company in Providence, Rhode Island, swears by it. “It might sound sentimental, but baking bread with flour you’ve milled yourself is truly special,” Mucci remarks.
6. Teafy Twisting Tea Infuser; $10 to $12

Why include a stainless-steel tea infuser in a baking list? Its versatility is the answer. “This small yet mighty tool is perfect for evenly dusting flour on dough,” Mucci explains. “And once your dough is baking, you can relax with a cup of loose-leaf tea.”
7. Lodge 6-Quart Dutch Oven; $80

This enamel cast-iron Dutch oven is a must-have for bread enthusiasts. “Much like Dominic Toretto’s motto, it’s all about family—or in this case, steam,” Mucci says. “While not essential, its ability to trap steam and maintain heat transforms your bread crust from ordinary to extraordinary.”
8. Fish Tubs 10-Pack; $100

Though designed for storing seafood, these plastic tubs have found a surprising second purpose. “I never imagined I’d be passionate about fish tubs,” Mucci admits. “But they’re incredibly sturdy and versatile for proofing and folding dough. While a greased bowl works, these tubs provide ample space for dough to expand and are easy to store.”
9. Microplane Zester Grater; $10

When it comes to blending delicate ingredients or adding finishing touches, a high-quality grater is essential. “These likely started as automotive tools, but they’re perfect for enhancing cookie flavors,” says Tracy Mattson, chef and founder of Cookie…Take a Bite! in Santa Rosa, California. “We use them daily to zest lemons and oranges into our cookies for a vibrant flavor boost. I prefer the handle-free version for its larger working surface.”
10. Amazqi 3-Piece Scooper Set; $20

Eliminate the hassle of uneven cookie dough portions with a reliable scooper. “These tools are perfect for creating consistently sized cookies,” Mattson explains. “They allow you to scoop dough effortlessly. For sticky dough, dip the scoop in warm water first—it ensures a clean release. I prefer the trigger-handle models for easy dough removal.”
11. Taylor Precision Products Oven Thermometer; $6

Ensure precise oven temperature monitoring with a thermometer designed for easy reading through a foggy window. “It’s crucial to know your oven’s exact temperature before baking,” Mattson advises. “Once you identify the ideal temperature, you can use it consistently for all your baking projects.”
12. Ateco 6-Piece Bowl Scraper Set; $9
Avoid wasting dough—whether literal or figurative—by using every last bit from your mixing bowl. Mattson recommends this 6-piece plastic scraper set, available in various sizes and less likely to scratch your bowls compared to metal alternatives.
13. OXO Good Grips Food Scale; $56

Avoid estimating ingredient measurements by eye—precision is key, especially for larger quantities. Lindsay Kinder, founder of FOOD LA LA in San Francisco and creator of the French Macaron Kit, praises this OXO scale for its standout feature. “Baking is a science, and accurate measurements are essential,” Kinder explains. “A kitchen scale is the only way to achieve that. I love this model because its pull-out display ensures I can read measurements even with a large bowl.”
14. Fish Spatula; $10
Enhance your food handling with this versatile spatula, perfect for delicate tasks. “This is my go-to tool for everything,” Kinder says. “While it’s great for cooking, its slim design allows it to slide effortlessly under fragile cookies without breaking them.”
15. KitchenAid Artisan Mini Plus Mixer; $380

While hand mixing or using a basic electric mixer works for some tasks, serious bakers need a KitchenAid powerhouse. This compact model offers 10 speeds and saves counter space compared to bulkier versions. “It’s an investment that lasts a lifetime,” Kinder shares. “My dad gifted me one at age 10, and it’s the same mixer I used to launch my macaron business—it’s incredibly reliable! Baking can be labor-intensive, so letting the mixer handle tasks like whipping egg whites while you focus on sifting sugar is a game-changer.”