My Favorite Bargain Kitchen Gifts for College Students Moving Out of Dorms, New Homeowners, and the Otherwise Uninformed
As my children wind their way through and eventually graduate college, moving out of the dorm into shared apartments and houses, they are starting their first kitchens. To begin with, of course, their cupboards are bare. They have neither pot nor pan, not a dish or utensil; they are starting from scratch. They need to build the basics.
Dishes and silverware are relatively easy. In college, who needs bowls, plates, and cups to match? They are happy to accept hand-me-downs from previous tenants and graduates whose cars are too packed to move these items to their next residence. But good pots, pans, and cooking utensils are rarely left behind. Some of these items can be procured at yard sales and thrift stores, and parents may have old articles no longer used, but this will undoubtedly leave gaps that need to be filled. Some items, a cast iron skillet or Dutch oven, for example, may require real investment. Hopefully your youngster is mature enough to recognize these are purchases that with proper care, should last a lifetime.
Yet there are many other kitchen implements that people do not even know about, which are far from lifetime investments. Many are conveniences that make cooking easier and they make perfect gifts because people would rarely purchase them on their own. These are my preferred gifts to bestow upon college students moving out of dorms, as well as new homeowners and the otherwise uninformed. My favorite place to find them is an international grocery store. No matter their size, these establishments all seem to have an aisle with home goods needed to prepare cultural foods, and larger markets often have an extensive selection. Think a tortilla press and tortilla basket in a Mexican grocery store, or a flat pan to make Indian dosas.
My favorite are Chinese markets. Whenever I visit one, I peruse the aisle looking for items I can use in my own home or gift to my children or others. I can’t help to buy extra, storing them until someone I know is in need.
Here are some of my favorite items to buy and gift to others:
Small saucers (about 3.5 inches in diameter) – These are perfect for mise en place, a French term for “everything in place,” when the chef preps all ingredients prior to cooking. Each component in a little saucer, ready to be added in turn, as cooking progresses. They usually cost about $1 each.
Tongs – Tongs are for more than just grilling. They can twirl pasta and thoroughly mix ingredients in a bowl or saucepan. These are not at all fancy, but the silicone-covered handle keeps them from getting too hot. They come in three sizes, costing about $4, depending on size. My go to tongs are 12 inches long.
Spider – With its wide “bowl,” a spider or spider skimmer makes quick work of transferring foods from a pot (think matzo balls from broth and pasta or eggs from boiling water), while leaving all of the liquid behind, and a spider is practically essential for frying. “Bowl” size varies, so make sure you pick the right one. I would recommend one with a bowl five inches in diameter for the home cook, and it will cost between $5 and $10.
Big Bowls – These large diameter porcelain bowls are perfect for mixing, marinating, and even serving. At eight inches in diameter (although many sizes and styles are available) they are the exact right size for a big bowl of Spicy Asian Noodle Soup or Vegan Ramen. They usually cost between $5 and $10 each.
Bamboo Spoons – Many Asian grocery stores have numerous sizes and shapes of bamboo spoons. My favorite has a rounded end, which makes it ideal for stirring sautés, soups, and stews. I have two or three in my drawer, costing $1 or $2 each.
These are just a few of my favorite bargain wares and utensils I have purchased over the years at Chinese grocery stores that I have ready to gift to those who are starting new kitchens. Whenever you have the opportunity to visit any international supermarket, it is worth the visit. In addition to looking for new and interesting ingredients to cook, make sure to investigate the non-food items as well. You never know what you will find.
