12 top-quality gifts for baking lovers
Are you lucky enough to have a loved one who’s baking obsessed? Supporting their passion will pay delicious dividends in the long run… so why not give the gift of quality equipment?
They say that cooking is an art, whilst baking is a science. We reckon it’s both. Creating batters and doughs, and turning them into beautiful cakes, breads and pastries takes skill. Often, the tricky part of baking is getting consistent results - and that’s where good equipment comes in.
Details such as the power of a mixer or the conductivity of a pan really can be the difference between success and soggy bottom. Plus, there’s no greater pleasure for any hobbyist than doing what they love - with some really nice kit.
Shopping for a bake-oholic? We’ve thoroughly tested all our outstanding baking equipment, and it’s all built to last. Take a look at our top favourites.
1. A quality apron
Putting on a great apron is the perfect way to kick off a baking session. Durable materials like denim, linen or canvas shrug off wear and tear.
A high-quality apron makes a brilliant gift for anyone who loves to cook. Not only does it save your clothing from splatters, it makes you feel like a proper chef. Choose an apron that’s thick and sturdy, for long-term durability and extra protection.
Our premium canvas or denim aprons by Risdon and Risdon are UK-made, with a lifetime guarantee. Or to go extra heavy-duty, our dungaree-style Yarmouth Aprons are even more robust. For something lighter, our cross-back linen apron is both comfy and flattering.
2. A Magimix mixer
Looking to really treat someone? Magimix food processors are powerful, reliable and versatile - and they carry a 30 year motor guarantee.
At its core, a Magimix is an extremely good blender - but its variety of attachments means it can also slice, grate, chop, whisk and knead. Any cook would use it every day, but for bakers, it comes in extra handy for kneading dough, grinding nuts or making batters in moments.
These impressive machines have a rock-solid reputation for longevity and power, and it’s all down to the commercial-grade motor. It’s repairable, carries a 30 year guarantee, and automatically adjusts power according to the density of what’s in the bowl. This means it’s simple to operate, with just three buttons (stop, go, or pulse).
3. A Mason Cash mixing bowl
These classic mixing bowls are a British design icon, and a firm favourite with bakers - professionals and hobbyists alike.
Every baker needs a good mixing bowl in their arsenal, and you won’t do better than an iconic Mason Cash model. These ceramic bowls are light enough to hold in one arm, yet solid and sturdy enough to last forever.
The 5 litre capacity is perfect for baking cake batter, dough and pastry, whilst the shallow shape and easy-grip pattern are a pleasure to use. Choose from three chip-resistant glaze colours: classic cane, soft pink or bold red.
4. A Dualit hand mixer
An electric whisk that won’t let you down, with a powerful motor, four speed settings and extra attachments.
This hand mixer is a versatile multi-tasker, thanks to the addition of extra attachments (a balloon whisk and dough hooks, as well as the classic flat beaters). You can really feel the extra power that comes with the 400W motor, and the four speed settings give you ultimate control.
This hand mixer is also designed for repair, with spare parts and support available from Dualit should anything go wrong. With a chunky ‘strong grip’ handle and chrome finish, your loved one will relish bringing out this machine for their baking projects.
5. Mermaid bakeware
If your loved one is already set for regular cake tins, why not get a little fancy with a fluted flan tin?
Brummy bakeware experts Mermaid have been making anodised aluminium pans for over a century. From cake tins to trays (and everything in between), each one is made in the UK and carries a lifetime guarantee.
Why anodised aluminium? Aluminium is highly conductive, meaning heat spreads quickly and evenly through it. This creates faster, more even bakes (and those elusive golden brown bases). The anodised coating is tough and abrasion-resistant, meaning it will never rust, flake or peel.
6. An enamel pie dish set
A gift set of these iconic pie dishes is the perfect present for an avid baker. Sweet or savoury, big or small - these five dishes have you covered.
In Falcon’s iconic white and blue colourway, these old-fashioned pie dishes are a great addition to any cook’s arsenal. Crafted from heavy-gauge steel, which is double-coated with layers of porcelain enamel, they’re virtually unbreakable.
In five sizes that conveniently nest together, they can be used to create all sorts of sweet and savoury bakes - from family feasts to individual portions. They’re oven, dishwasher and freezer safe too, making them brilliant for storing leftovers.
7. A sterling silver palette knife
For a super luxurious gift, cake makers will love this silver palette knife. Perfect for spreading buttercream and fillings perfectly flat.
Is your loved one a dab hand at perfectly iced cakes? Handcrafted in Sheffield from 100% solid sterling silver, this palette knife adds a touch of luxury to cake making. Use its flat, rounded blade to create pristine icing every time.
These knives are made by Legacy Silverware - English cutlery makers originally founded in 1898. They’re dedicated to making exquisite silverware the traditional way, resulting in products that will last a lifetime. Plus, our customers get an exclusive 30 year guarantee.
8. A Microplane grater
A product so popular, it became a verb. A Microplane quickly becomes an indispensable part of any cook’s arsenal, thanks to its super-sharp blades.
If your special baker is still using a blunt old box-style grater, a Microplane is guaranteed to make their life better. Known for their ultra-sharp, long-lasting blades, these graters and zesters are created using high-precision photo etching technology.
A Microplane’s razorlike teeth effortlessly cuts ingredients with clean precision, rather than tearing or shredding. Choose from fine graters (for zest, parmesan or garlic) or wide (for chocolate curls, or shavings of parmesan or truffle). They’ll wonder how they ever managed without one.
9. A cast iron spice mill
This hefty little spice mill lets you grind up whole spices by hand. A unique and lasting gift cooks will appreciate.
Are you buying for an adventurous baker who loves spice? Gift them this nifty spice mill, handmade in Sweden from cast iron and walnut wood. Push and twist it, and the mill quickly grinds up whole spices - such as cardamom, coriander seeds and star anise - to a powder.
Like all Skeppshult products, this spice mill carries a 25 year guarantee. Skeppshult operates the last remaining foundry in Scandinavia producing cast iron cookware, and runs on green electricity from wind and hydropower. Their cookware is simple, solid and elegant, and will last for generations.
10. A linen bread bag
Keep bakes fresh and reduce mould with this breathable linen bread bag. It’s practical, strong and looks great too.
Is your loved one a sourdough fanatic? This striped bread bag allows them to keep loaves fresh, without the need for a bulky bread bin. The breathable material means mould is slower to appear, too. Roll it down, cut off a slice and tuck the loaf away again. Simple.
These bread bags are all handmade in Cornwall by the Helen Round team. Helen Round textiles celebrate the natural beauty and strength of linen, accentuated by refreshing colours and restrained prints.
11. Stainless steel pegs
Another great way to keep ingredients fresh - these everlasting pegs are household heroes that will keep packets and bags shut tight.
Our Pincinox pegs aren’t just for laundry (though they do a great job of that). These everyday household heroes can be used for all sorts of things, from keeping packets shut to pegging recipes and shopping lists together.
Each Pincinox peg is handmade in France. These stainless steel pegs come with a lifetime guarantee against breakage and rust - much better than those flimsy plastic ones. Their patented one-piece design means they’ll never snap, either.
12. An everlasting lunchbox
Store baked goods in style with these stainless steel food containers. Unlike plastic, they won’t stain or smell, and they’re practically unbreakable.
From cookies to focaccia, your special someone will love storing their bakes in these Elephant Box containers. The silicone seals will keep baked goods fresher for longer, and the stainless steel won’t get stained or smelly.
Choose from a wide range of box sizes, as well as useful mini pots - or get them fully kitted out with a big bundle of containers. Each one carries a 25 year guarantee, and is dishwasher safe. Plus, a portion of each sale goes to environmental nonprofits.
