A stocking is a good place to give a cook the small tools they use all the time and never think to replace. A sharp peeler, a good zester and a tiny whisk are not exciting in a store, but they are a treat when somebody else buys them. They are also the kind of thing you will see the person using months later.
These are eight small kitchen gifts from named makers: Microplane, OXO, Tovolo, Joseph Joseph, Kuhn Rikon, Dreamfarm and Chef’n. We note each tool’s stated size, because not everything fits in a stocking, and we say when the listing does not give one. If your budget is bigger, our best hostess gifts guide has larger ideas.
Julia’s earns a commission on purchases made through links on this page, at no cost to you. Recommendations are based on what a restaurant kitchen looks for, product specifications, and listing and maker details, which we name where we use them.
Quick verdict: the best stocking stuffers for cooks
For nearly any cook, buy the Microplane Premium Classic Zester, the small tool that handles citrus, garlic, ginger and hard cheese. For the person who makes the drinks, choose the Kuhn Rikon Swiss Peeler 2-Pack. For a good laugh on the day, choose the Tovolo Christmas Ornament Ice Molds, if the stocking is roomy.
The other five include a mini grater, small measuring beakers, a self-sharpening peeler, a rolling garlic chopper and a mini whisk.
Five small kitchen gifts side by side
Five of the eight, one for each kind of cook. All eight are described in full below.
| Stuffer | Best for | Material | Size | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nearly any cook | Stainless rasp | About 325 mm long | View on Amazon | |
Kuhn Rikon Original Swiss Peeler Set, 2-PackBest peeler
|
Home bartenders | Carbon steel peelers | Set of 2 | View on Amazon |
OXO Good Grips 4-Piece Mini Measuring Beaker SetBest for bar and baking
|
Small pours | Clear plastic beakers | 1 tsp to 2 oz | View on Amazon |
Tovolo Christmas Ornament Ice Molds, Set of 4Most festive
|
Holiday drinks | Silicone molds | Set of 4 | View on Amazon |
Chef’n GarlicZoom XL Garlic ChopperBest for garlic lovers
|
Garlic lovers | Plastic roller | XL model | View on Amazon |
Our picks for the best stocking stuffers for cooks
All eight are small tools from named makers. Sizes are from the listings, and we say when one is not stated.
1. Microplane Premium Classic Zester, Pomegranate Red – The Tool Cooks Use Most
If a stocking only had one thing in it for a cook, it should be this. A Microplane zester takes the skin off a lime without the bitter white pith, turns garlic and ginger into paste, and grates hard cheese and nutmeg. In a Mexican kitchen that goes through limes by the bowlful, it earns its drawer space quickly.
The blade is photo-etched surgical-grade stainless steel, made in the USA per Microplane, and the listing puts the size at about 325 by 35 by 30 millimeters, so it is roughly a foot long. That makes it the tallest item on this page, and it will poke out of the top of most stockings. Think of that as a feature.
It is dishwasher safe, though Microplane suggests rinsing right after use and using a kitchen brush on the underside of the blade. It is sharp, so keep its guard on when you wrap it. Other colors of this zester appear on our grater pages. We repeat it, in a holiday red, because it is the obvious first answer for this list.
Why we like it
- Zests without the bitter pith, per Microplane
- Handles citrus, garlic, ginger and hard cheese
- Blades made in the USA, per the listing
- Dishwasher safe
Key specifications
| Model | 46127E |
|---|---|
| What it is | Rasp zester and grater |
| Material | Surgical-grade stainless steel |
| Stated size | About 325 x 35 x 30 mm |
| Made in | USA (blade) |
| Dishwasher | Yes |
| Warranty | Not stated |
| Stocking fit | Long; pokes out the top |
Why we recommend it
It suits almost every cook, and if they own one already, a second one for the bar or the garlic never goes to waste.
Skip it if you know they have two already, in which case the mini grater is a better choice.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very versatile
- Known maker
- A holiday color
Cons
- Sharp; handle with care
- Long for a stocking
- Blade needs brushing to clean well
2. Kuhn Rikon Original Swiss Peeler Set, 2-Pack – Thin Peels, Sharp Twists
Kuhn Rikon’s little Y-shaped Swiss peeler has a loyal following among cooks and bartenders. The set has two, in red and black, with carbon steel blades. The maker pitches it for ultra-thin citrus twists and flawless garnishes, as well as carrots and other everyday peeling.
Y-peelers suit a pulling motion, and they take long strips off a chayote or a carrot with little waste. A bartender’s twist of orange for a cocktail also comes off easily. They weigh very little, and they fit anywhere in a stocking, as they are small and flat.
Carbon steel can stain and rust, so Kuhn Rikon says to hand wash them. Dry them straight away and they will last a good while. The listing gives a three-year guarantee and says they are made in Switzerland. Because you get two, one can go to the kitchen and one to the bar.
Why we like it
- Two peelers in one small package
- Lightweight and easy to tuck in
- Made in Switzerland, per the listing
- Three-year guarantee
Key specifications
| Model | 24285 |
|---|---|
| What it is | Two Y-shaped peelers |
| Material | Carbon steel blade |
| Stated size | Set of 2; length not stated |
| Made in | Switzerland |
| Dishwasher | No; hand wash |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Stocking fit | Small |
Why we recommend it
It is a fine stocking gift for a home bartender, or for a cook who still uses an old swivel peeler.
Skip it if they want a tool that can go through the dishwasher.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very light
- Good for garnishes
- Comes as a pair
Cons
- Carbon steel needs drying
- Hand wash only
- Takes some getting used to if new to Y-peelers
3. Joseph Joseph 2-in-1 Mini Grater and Slicer – Garlic and Ginger, Pocket-Sized
For a small job, a full grater is too much to wash. Joseph Joseph’s mini tool has a grating blade and a slicing blade, both stainless steel, and it is meant for small foods like ginger, garlic and spices. It comes with a protective sheath and a finger guard, which matters on something this sharp and this tiny.
It suits shaving a clove of garlic into a salsa, or a bit of ginger into a marinade. It is also a handy thing to take on a trip. The listing does not give the dimensions, though the name and the photos make it clear it is a very small tool.
Small graters mean short strokes, so keep your fingers behind the guard. It is dishwasher safe. Because the blades are so small, it is not for hard cheese or large quantities. It is one of those tools that a person would not buy for themselves, which makes it a good stocking present.
Why we like it
- Grates and slices with one tool
- Sheath for safe storage
- Finger guard built in
- Dishwasher safe
Key specifications
| Model | 20048 |
|---|---|
| What it is | Mini grater and slicer |
| Material | Stainless steel blades |
| Stated size | Size not stated; mini |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Dishwasher | Yes |
| Warranty | Not stated |
| Stocking fit | Small |
Why we recommend it
It suits someone with a small kitchen, or a cook who keeps reaching for a large grater to do a small job.
Skip it if they already have a Microplane and rarely slice small things.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very small
- Two functions
- Protected for wrapping
Cons
- Only for small foods
- Dimensions not stated
- Fingers get close to the blade
4. OXO Good Grips 4-Piece Mini Measuring Beaker Set – For the Smallest Pours
These small nesting beakers handle what a regular measuring cup cannot: a teaspoon of vanilla, a tablespoon of lime juice, an ounce of tequila. The set has 2-ounce, 1-ounce, 1-tablespoon and 1-teaspoon beakers, each with a funnel-shaped top and a spout. You can read the markings from above.
OXO says they suit small amounts of food coloring, extracts and lemon juice. For a margarita at home, they make a recipe repeatable, without a pile of jiggers. They nest together, so the whole set is about as big as the largest beaker, and that fits easily in a stocking.
They are clear plastic and top-rack dishwasher safe, and OXO offers a satisfaction guarantee. The markings may fade over a very long time, as they do on many printed tools, though the listing does not say so. For bigger volumes, our measuring cup guides cover the standard sizes.
Why we like it
- Four small sizes, down to a teaspoon
- Read from above
- Nest for storage
- OXO satisfaction guarantee
Key specifications
| Model | 1245380/11105800 |
|---|---|
| What it is | Nesting measuring beakers |
| Material | Clear plastic |
| Stated size | 1 tsp to 2 oz |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Dishwasher | Top rack |
| Warranty | OXO satisfaction guarantee |
| Stocking fit | Small |
Why we recommend it
It is ideal for a home bartender or a baker who measures vanilla by pouring it over a spoon and hoping.
Skip it if they own a good set of jiggers and rarely bake.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very handy
- Tiny when nested
- Pours cleanly
Cons
- Plastic, not steel
- Small capacity by design
- Easy to lose in a drawer
5. Tovolo Christmas Ornament Ice Molds, Set of 4 – Fun That Melts Away
This is the one purely fun pick on the page. Tovolo’s four silicone molds make ornament-shaped ice for a whiskey, a punch or a holiday mocktail, and the set stacks with lids so it does not spill or pick up freezer odors. Each mold measures 3.25 by 4.25 by 2.5 inches, per the listing.
The large ice melts slowly, and it makes a plain drink look like more of an occasion. You can also freeze a little juice in them for a pitcher of agua fresca, so that it stays cold without getting watered down. They are silicone with a sturdy plastic outer shell, and they are dishwasher safe.
Four molds at that size are too big for most stockings if you hang the set as it comes, so this is the pick for a roomy stocking or for the bottom of the toe. It is also seasonal, and it will spend much of the year in a drawer. A year-round drinker might prefer one of the other shapes Tovolo sells.
Why we like it
- Detailed ornament shapes
- Lids prevent freezer odors, per Tovolo
- Dishwasher safe
- BPA-free silicone, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | 22054-999 |
|---|---|
| What it is | Four ice molds |
| Material | Silicone, plastic shell |
| Stated size | 3.25 x 4.25 x 2.5 in. each |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Dishwasher | Yes |
| Warranty | Not stated |
| Stocking fit | Large; needs a roomy stocking |
Why we recommend it
Choose it for the person who makes the drinks at family gatherings, because it gets a reaction with very little effort.
Skip it if they do not drink anything on the rocks, or have a small freezer.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Festive
- Reusable
- Fine for juice or water too
Cons
- Seasonal
- Takes freezer space
- Bulky for a stocking
6. Dreamfarm Sharple Self-Sharpening Peeler – A Peeler That Hones Itself
Most peelers get dull and go in the trash. Dreamfarm’s Sharple has a safety cover with a ceramic ball sharpener built in, and it hones the blade every time the case is opened or closed. It is an idea that makes a good stocking gift because it is a surprise to find out about.
The blade is Japanese stainless steel on a swivel, with a handle for left or right hands and a tip that takes out potato eyes and blemishes. The listing says the handle has drainage channels so that it dries well, and that the blade will never rust in the dishwasher. It also won Red Dot and Good Design awards in 2023, per the listing.
We have not checked how long the self-sharpening lasts, and the maker’s claim of a lifetime blade is hard to verify. The red cover is cheerful, and it makes the peeler safe to drop into a stocking. It is a little bulkier than a bare peeler because of the case.
Why we like it
- Hones itself with the cover, per Dreamfarm
- Cover makes it safe to wrap
- Left- or right-handed
- Red Dot award in 2023, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | Sharple |
|---|---|
| What it is | Swivel peeler with sharpening cover |
| Material | Japanese stainless steel |
| Stated size | Size not stated |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Dishwasher | Yes |
| Warranty | Not stated |
| Stocking fit | Small |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who likes clever tools, and a cook who has a drawer full of dull peelers.
Skip it if you already chose the Kuhn Rikon pair and the person peels very little.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Good idea, well packaged
- Safe storage
- Works in either hand
Cons
- Bulkier than a plain peeler
- Lifetime claim is hard to verify
- Warranty not stated
7. Chef’n GarlicZoom XL Garlic Chopper – Roll It and the Garlic Is Done
Any cook who makes salsa at home goes through a lot of garlic. Chef’n’s GarlicZoom XL is a small wheeled chopper: you load the chamber with garlic and roll it along the counter. More rolling gives a fine mince, and less leaves a coarser chop. Your hands stay free of the smell.
The XL is an improved model, per Chef’n, with more gearing for easier rolling and bigger finger holds for taking the blades out safely. It is top-rack dishwasher safe, and it takes up very little drawer space. It is fun to use, which counts for something in a stocking gift.
It does not replace a knife for large amounts, and a mortar gives a different texture altogether. It is plastic, and the listing does not give dimensions or a warranty. The claim that it will last a lifetime comes from Chef’n, so we would not hold it to that. It is a gadget, but one with a clear job.
Why we like it
- Keeps garlic off your hands
- Roll more for a finer mince
- Top-rack dishwasher safe
- Fun to use
Key specifications
| Model | 102-663-011 |
|---|---|
| What it is | Rolling garlic chopper |
| Material | Plastic body, steel blades (not stated in detail) |
| Stated size | XL; size not stated |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Dishwasher | Top rack |
| Warranty | Not stated |
| Stocking fit | Fits most stockings |
Why we recommend it
This is a good stocking gift for anyone who cooks with garlic often but hates to peel and chop it.
Skip it if they enjoy knife work, or want a true paste, for which a zester is better.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Quick and clean
- Compact
- Easy to wash
Cons
- Single purpose
- Dimensions not stated
- Some cooks prefer a knife
8. OXO Good Grips Mini Whisk, 7.25-Inch – Small Bowl, Small Whisk
Some of the most useful stocking gifts are the plainest. OXO’s 7.25-inch whisk is small enough for one egg in a mug, a jar of vinaigrette or a small saucepan of hot chocolate, where a full balloon whisk would splash and get in the way.
It has stainless steel wires and an hourglass handle that OXO says fits comfortably in the hand. It is dishwasher safe. At 7.25 inches, it fits easily in a stocking, and it needs almost no wrapping.
A narrow whisk is a good match for a cup of Mexican hot chocolate when you do not have a molinillo, though you do lose a little of the froth. There is not much else to say about it, and that is the point. It works in tight corners, and it will get used.
Why we like it
- Sized for small bowls and jars
- Stainless steel wires
- Dishwasher safe
- Comfortable handle, per OXO
Key specifications
| Model | 11362100 |
|---|---|
| What it is | Mini whisk |
| Material | Stainless steel wires |
| Stated size | 7.25 in. |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Dishwasher | Yes |
| Warranty | Not stated |
| Stocking fit | Fits well |
Why we recommend it
It is an easy pick for any cook, particularly someone who often cooks for one or two.
Skip it if they have a full drawer of whisks and want something more surprising.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Simple and useful
- Fits in tight spots
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Not for big batches
- Metal wires can scratch nonstick
- Not very exciting to unwrap
How to choose small kitchen gifts
Check it fits
This sounds obvious, but a stocking has a small opening. The Microplane sticks out of the top, and the Tovolo set needs a roomy stocking. Most of the others go in easily. Where the listing gives no size, look at the product photos.
Wrap sharp tools carefully
A zester, a mini grater and a peeler all have real blades. Keep any guards on, wrap them separately, and put them where a small hand will not reach in first. The Joseph Joseph and Dreamfarm tools come with their own cover.
Pick things they would not replace
People keep using a dull peeler for ten years. Replacing that tool is more useful than adding a novelty. Look for a tired zester or a bent whisk the next time you are in their kitchen.
Choose single-use gadgets sparingly
We are wary of tools that do just one thing, but small ones can earn their place. A garlic roller takes up almost no room, and it gets used a lot in a kitchen that cooks with garlic. Something that needs its own shelf is a different matter.
Fill out the stocking
Add something consumable if you have room: a small jar of spice, a tin of good salt, or a piece of Mexican chocolate. Our best vegetable peeler and best Microplane grater guides have other tools at this size.
How we picked these eight stocking stuffers
We looked for small tools from identifiable makers, in stock when we wrote this, that a cook would use more than once a year. We passed over no-name gadget sets and items already on our other gift pages, and we kept to tools that are easy to wrap. One pick, the Tovolo molds, is pure holiday fun, and we say so.
Specifications come from the Amazon listings. We have not used these tools, and we did not run a review search for this page, so the picks rest on listing and maker details. One pick is a same-model reuse: the Microplane Premium Classic, in a color not on our other pages. We kept it because it is the first answer to this question. We checked the CPSC recall database by brand and found no recall of these tools.
Stocking stuffer questions, answered
What are good small kitchen gifts?
A good zester, a small peeler, measuring beakers and a mini whisk are all useful and easy to wrap. Think about the small tools a person uses all the time but does not replace.
Are sharp tools safe in a stocking?
Yes, if you wrap them properly. Keep guards on, and wrap each one separately. Put them out of reach if there are small children opening stockings.
What is a good stocking stuffer for someone who bakes?
The OXO beakers are good for vanilla and food coloring, and the mini whisk suits small batches. The Microplane is also useful for citrus zest in cakes and cookies.
What about something for a person who makes drinks?
The Kuhn Rikon peelers make citrus twists, the OXO beakers measure small pours, and the Tovolo molds make holiday ice. Together, they make a nice little bar kit.
Is a garlic tool really useful?
For someone who cooks with a lot of garlic, yes. It is quicker than a knife for a clove or two, and it keeps the smell off your hands. A cook who likes knife work may never touch it.
Our final stocking pick
If you buy only one, buy the Microplane. Add the mini whisk and the beakers if you have room. For the bigger gift that goes under the tree, read our Christmas hostess gift guide. For what to do with all that citrus, our salsa roja and salsa verde guide is a good next stop.
Related guide: Best white elephant kitchen gifts.
Related guide: Best stocking stuffers for bakers.
And when the holiday cooking is finished, see the menu or call to order.