11 of the best cooking tools to give as stocking stuffers

My culinary life was changed when I discovered the Microplane, which makes quick and easy work of everything from zesting citrus to grating cheese. It's far less bulky than a box grater, and its handheld design offers much more control (meaning, less chance of nicking your fingers). It comes in 27 colors/prints!

Grease is not the word with this nifty gizmo. I love using it to lightly coat my pans with oil to keep food from sticking without being too rich — and it's never once gotten clogged. Plus, it's really pretty! Sometimes, practical gifts really are the best.

Yes, this bestseller might technically be called a meat thermometer, but don't underestimate its value when it comes to liquids and baked goods, too. The most accurate way to tell if food is done cooking is by taking its temperature, and this gizmo presents a reading in seconds.

This No. 1 bestseller sharpens, straightens, repairs and polishes to keep old blades looking and functioning like their former selves. Plus, it comes with a protective glove to help prevent cuts!

A can opener might seem like a strange gift, but trust me — this one's like the Rolls-Royce of kitchen tools. It doesn't pierce through the lid, it cuts around it to eliminate any sharp edges. Genius! Oh, and the coolest feature? There's a set of teeny built-in claws that can be used to pick up messy lids and toss them into the trash.

Whisks might be more commonly associated with baking, but I find myself reaching for a silicone spatula like this much more often. The flexible design and rounded corner gets into the curves of the bowl while mixing, and for more delicate batters, it allows for gently folding the ingredients in. Plus, it can be used to smooth the top out once everything's been poured into the baking vessel. Get it in six colors!

You could also go the electric can opener route for recipients who could use a completely hands-off tool. Well, almost hands-off — all they'll have to do is place it on top of the can, press the button and let it do the rest.

Know a home baker? Using a cookie scoop is the best way to portion out dough to ensure each of their cookies are the same size. Not only will they look prettier this way, keeping everything as uniform as possible will help ensure they all finish baking at the same time, too.

How adorable is this personal-size pot? Le Creuset can cost a pretty penny, but if you're looking for a more affordable gift, this darling 8-ounce cocotte is the perfect find. It's perfect for heating up individual servings of cozy favorites like mac and cheese and oatmeal, or for storing butter at a spreadable room temperature. Get it in 14 colors.

Who says kitchen tools can't be fun? This adorable crab can be used as a spoon/utensil rest or be clipped onto the side of a pot to prop open the lid. It's like having one's own little crustacean cheerleader while cooking.

No one likes having to pick each and every little leaf off of their herbs or removing the stems from their kale. And with this top-rated herb stripper, your recipient won't have to. They'll just slide the stems through the hole that fits best, and the leaves will come off in one fell swoop.