Gourmet Graduation Gift Guide

We can’t believe graduation season is here—which means it’s also time for you to impart a bit of culinary wisdom. Unlike their goofy square caps, your grad won’t toss these gifts. Any one of these gender-neutral, quality, valuable-but-not-steep items will help the class of ‘19 class up their kitchens next year.

Fresh Salmon

Whatever next steps they’re taking, make sure they have brainfood. This company ships the highest-quality Alaskan salmon right to their doorstep. Wild Salmon Delivery Subscription, $109 per month (for a 4-6 lb. delivery)

Classic Dutch Oven 

They’ll thank you every time they stir in a durable, elegant cast iron enamel pot. It’ll also work on an induction burner, if dinner’s in a dorm. Bonus: this USA brand is warrantied to last a lifetime. 4qt. Dutch Oven, $69.95

Cutting Board

Anything they’ll cook will need to be prepped, and we can’t think of a better workstation than a butcher’s block cutting board. This is a lasting work of wooden art they’ll use every day. John Boos 3" End-Grain Cherry Chinese Chopping Block, $185

Portable BBQ Suitcase

Have meat, will travel. All eyes will be on this this snazzy, sizzling suitcase, whether they take it to the park for a picnic or a parking lot for tailgating. Portable BBQ Suitcase Red, $76

Grown-Up Dishes

This nifty site lets them customize a set of ceramics, glassware, and flatware, depending on how many guests they like to host. Clean design, ethical manufacturing, and functionality: this gift will help them set their table, wherever it may be, for years to come. Small Bowls, $44

Immersion Blender

Compact, powerful, and versatile, they’ll use this tool more than a bulky food processor or stand mixer. From blending smoothies to whipping egg whites (check out that whisk attachment) this handy tool is small enough to store in a kitchen they’ll share with roommates. The Control Grip, $119

Cordless Electric Kettle 

Everyone on our food team recommended one of these wicked-fast water boiling machines. Whether it’s for daily coffee or heating up water for pasta in a jiffy, this is a kitchen essential. Cordless Electric Kettle, $99.95

Smart Oven Pro

Both RRED executive and senior food editors say this oven is a fixture on their countertops and will stand the test of time. Our senior food editor, Alyse Whitney, has had hers since 2011 and calls it her “most used kitchen appliance”. It’ll fit quarter sheet pans, can roast a chicken, bake pizza, reheat leftovers, and it has a convection function to save energy. The Smart Oven Pro, $215.95

Epic Foods

Are they moving far away from home? Chances are they’ll miss a taste of it. From BBQ to bagels, Goldbelly has rounded up some of the nation’s most famous restaurants and will deliver their bestselling foods right to their door. Epic Food Subscriptions from Goldbelly, prices vary ($15 off your first 3 orders)

Instant Pot

You probably saw that one coming—and for good reason: this appliance has become a heavy hitter in our kitchens. And while it’s not as instant as ordering take-out, this mighty appliance can cook practically anything in less time. Instant Pot, $69.99