Practical and thoughtful ideas for the gift-giver who knows someone a little hard on their stuff.
We all have that one friend or family member—the person who can turn the sturdiest appliance or tool into a cautionary tale. Whether it’s a cracked stovetop or a washing machine that mysteriously stopped mid-cycle, they’ve got the gift of destruction down to a science. This holiday season, why not embrace their talent with gifts designed to go the distance? From practically indestructible kitchen gear to appliances that can handle a little (or a lot) of rough love, this list has you covered.
For bonus, where possible, we’ve listed ways that the gifts can be broken that we know of. If you know of any, make sure to let us know on our Facebook page!
Cast Iron Skillet – A cast iron skillet is one of the most useful tools you can have in the kitchen. We’ve featured these on several previous gift lists. They are virtually indestructible and get better with use. Over time you’ll build up the seasoning on them so that anything you cook is going to be uniquely yours.
How to avoid breaking it: Using soap or stainless steel pads (yes, this includes SOS pad) are straight out. They will both strip away the seasoning you intentionally work to build up, as well as damaging any coating your cast iron might have on it.
Silicone Baking Mats – Silicone baking mats can be used with just about any type of baking or cooking. If you’re not wanting to line a pan before you do a one pan dish, no problem. If you want to make a batch of cookies, done. Or if you want to make chocolates, and need to pop the pan into the freezer, it works. Silicone baking mats are for the person that loves cooking and hates cleaning. Even better, you buy them once, and you don’t have to worry about buying parchment paper again.
How to avoid breaking it: Don’t put them onto open flames. Most silicone mats are meant to handle temperatures of up to 450*F. So, grilling, charring, broiling and microwaves are all out.
Henry Vacuum Cleaner - The Henry Vacuum Cleaner is the workhorse of the cleaning world. With a reputation for durability, this vacuum has been around for nearly two decades in my home, tackling everything from carpets to stairs without missing a beat. While it doesn’t boast the fancy tech of modern vacuums, its modular design and long lifespan make it a solid choice for someone who values function over form. (And for those that question why do you need a vacuum in your kitchen, we point out that there are always messes to be cleaned.)
Shatterproof Drinking Glasses – When made of Tritan, you can get glasses that are actually shatterproof. Drop on the floor all you like, you’re good to go. Williams Sonoma has even tested them enough that they’re willing to say they also won’t cloud or discolor.
How not to break them: Although these glasses aren’t made of glass, you’ll still need to be careful of a few things. Don’t put the glasses into the freezer with liquids in them, and don’t use SOS pads on them.
Courtesy of Breville
Breville Barista Express - For the coffee lover who prefers to skip the coffee shop lines, the Breville Barista Express is a dream come true. This all-in-one espresso machine can craft a rich, café-quality drink at home. We’ve been using it for years, and it’s shown no signs of slowing down. A little upkeep—like descaling and changing the filter—ensures it keeps brewing smoothly.
Unbreakable Mixing Bowls – ‘unbreakable’ isn’t really an accurate term in this case. If you’re purchasing a stainless steel bowl, its not going to ‘break’ unless you’re intentionally taking a hammer and chisel to it, and if you’re doing that, we’re not sure what else you expected to happen.
Courtesy of Castorly Stock
Heat Resistant Utensils – Heatproof silicone tools are AMAZING. We’re going to say it here. All of those delicate pans you have that your giftee wasn’t allowed to handle previously? With silicone tools they can. They’re fantastic. Heatproof silicone or metal spatulas, tongs, and spoons designed to last.
Copper-Plated Stainless Steel Whirley Pop Popcorn Popper - For the popcorn aficionado who wants a touch of elegance with their favorite snack, this popper offers both function and flair. This popper churns out 24 cups of crispy popcorn in about 3 minutes, all while being a pleasure to look at. Its copper-plated design is not only stylish but also built to last, making it a great gift for someone who enjoys quality and durability in the kitchen.
How Not to Break it: The only thing to really avoid with this one is stainless steel pads, or chisels. Other than that, you’re good to go.
KitchenAid Artisan Series Stand Mixer -The KitchenAid Artisan Series Stand Mixer is a culinary icon for a reason: It’s built to take on all the toughest kitchen tasks and still keep going. Whether it's kneading thick dough or whipping up the lightest batters, this mixer can handle it all. With its sturdy design and an extensive range of attachments, it’s perfect for someone who takes their cooking seriously—and won’t settle for anything less than quality.
Courtesy of KitchenAid
How Not To Break It: This one is tricky. On one hand, some people claim they’ve tried for years and haven’t been able to break theirs. Others have said that a hard drop for the base of the kitchenAid and you’ve got a fancy paperweight. So, we suggest leaving it planted firmly on the counter.
Shun Cutlery Sora 8-Inch Chef's Knife - The Shun Sora 8-Inch Chef’s Knife is an exceptional investment for anyone who takes their cooking seriously. With its razor-sharp edge and perfect balance, it’s been my go-to knife for a decade. This blade is sharp enough to make quick work of even the toughest ingredients, while its beautiful, ergonomic design ensures that it feels like an extension of your hand. It’s a kitchen tool that, with proper care, can last a lifetime.
Even with the most durable gifts, life happens—especially in the kitchen or laundry room. When your accident-prone loved one manages to push their appliances to the brink, Appliance Rescue Service is here to save the day. From finicky refrigerators to dishwashers that just won’t run, our expert team is ready to get things back on track. Because while you can’t always prevent mishaps, you can count on us to help keep those major appliances running strong.
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