2. Corkscrew

Berghoff Stainless Steel Corkscrew at Saks Off 5th

3. Air Fryer

EliteDigital 5.3 Qt Electric Hot Air Fryer with XL Capacity 1350W at Macy's

When my in-laws gifted us an air fryer, at first I didn't know why we needed one or what we would use it for. Turns out - it's for just about everything! Which makes an air fryer a definite must on your registry or housewarming wish list.

Since we don't have a microwave, an air fryer is an easy way to reheat most things - chicken wings, pizza, french fries, pancakes. And it's also an excellent way to cook & prepare many meals - egg rolls, pepper poppers, brats & sausages, and so much more.

Since our air fryer is ever present on our kitchen counter (I tried storing it away and bringing it out only when in use, but we use it ALL. THE. TIME.) pick one you like the look of and is the most utilitarian size for your meals and your space. We've also invested in some air fryer accessories like this collapsible silicone air fryer basket and even this air fryer cookbook from Better Homes & Garden that make using your air fryer to its full potential even easier.

Collapsible Silicone Basket for Air Fryer photo via Amazon

4. Stock Pot

Cobalt Swirl Enamelware Collection 18 Quart Stock Pot at Macy's

A good stock pot is up there with a good knife; it's utilitarian, so you can use it for much more than soups and stocks. There are several sizes and materials to choose from when picking a stock pot -- or set of cookware pots and pans for your kitchen - so these are my top considerations:

Material - do you prefer stainless, non-stick, enamel, cast iron, or ceramic cookware?

Utensils - do you have bamboo, stainless or cooking utensils? The wrong tools with the wrong cookware can actually damage your cookware (like using metal on non-stick pans can scrape and scratch).

Weight & dimensions - I have a 10 QT stainless steel stock pot that I use primarily for boiling a whole chicken, steaming veggies with the coordinating steamer tray, and water canning. It is tall, it is necessary, and when in use it is HEAVY. So when it's time to drain or pour, I normally call in the husband to handle the bulk and weight. My 5 QT stainless stock pot is much easier for me to handle, and I reach for that one more often for most stove top meals.

5. Garlic Press

Cuisinart Garlic Press

Fresh crushed or pressed garlic goes into just about every dinner I prepare at home - so much so that B had to get used to the amount of garlic goes into my and my mom's cooking 🧑‍🍳 

So when my Pampered Chef garlic press broke after 10 years of use (it was on my first apartment housewarming list when I was in college) on a monster garlic clove, I replaced it almsot immediately with the newest Pampered Chef garlic press. In the interim, I used a garlic grate plate that has been decorative for years (and was impressed!).

6. Spoon rest

Elena Spoon Rest at Anthropologie

A spoon rest may sound like an odd and simple thing to ask for, but it's one of those items that if you don't have one, you'll wish you did! I've used two styles ever since I've had my own kitchen and they both have pros and cons. If you get a vertical rest, they take up less space on your stovetop or countertop. If you get a more traditional spoon rest, it takes up more space but while cooking it feels a little more natural to me to lay down the spatula or spoon instead of having to prop it up.

Find one that goes with your kitchen decor; I favor simpler countertop items, like this spoon rest from Anthropologie because the real estate is so sparse and it keeps things looking a little cleaner while I'm cooking!

7. Tupperware lid organization