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It's not hard to think up all the gifts to get for the mothers and mom-like figures in our lives, but coming up with a gift that they'll actually want to use? That can be tricky. So we came up with a list of useful Mother's Day gifts that range from elegant and modern to simply beautiful—but also handy and helpful—just like our moms. No matter if they make her cooking more functional or inspire a new hobby, these gifts won't collect dust or need to be returned.
LIFT TRIVET
This S-shaped brass trivet is great for everyday use, but still has a cheeky element to warrant keeping it on permanent display. This is for the mom who loves beautiful things but wants them to serve a purpose, too. Metal trivets are easy to clean since they don't stain like fabric and cork, and are perfect for resting a piping hot dish of mac and cheese or a show-stopping casserole upon.
BUY IT: Lift Trivet by fruitsuper, $48 from Of A Kind
Fancy Panz Casserole Carrier
This casserole carrier—available in white, red, charcoal, and blue—is a genius solution to spill-free transportation. It comes with one aluminum baking pan but also fits a standard half-pan, is stackable, and has a clear removable top for seamless serving. If your mom is famous for her casseroles, it would be terrible for them to spill before reaching their final destination.
BUY IT: To-Go Casserole Carrier (Set of 2) by Fancy Panz, $40 from Food52
SMEG Electric Kettle
Smeg products are as functional as they are stylish, and this steel kettle with a swivel base and soft-opening lid will heat up to 7 cups of water quickly and consistently. Available in black, cream, polished stainless steel, and pastel blue, it's attractive enough to be kept on your mom's counter year-round.
BUY IT: Retro Electric Kettle by SMEG, $174 on Amazon
Linum Hedvig Apron
The Swedish-designed dusty pink apron is simple and elegant with useful pockets, an adjustable strap, and long waist-ties. If your mom is always playing hostess with the mostess, get her an apron to match that persona.
BUY IT: Hedvig Apron by Linum, $83 from goop
Yamazaki Home Cookbook and Tablet Stand
This stand holds anything from large hardcover cookbooks to magazines and tablets. Easy to stash away in a drawer when not in use but also sleek enough to be displayed on a counter, this is a great way to easily follow recipes, all while protecting pages and screens from counter spills.
BUY IT: Cookbook and Tablet Stand by Yamazaki Home, $22 from goop
ChefSteps Joule Sous Vide
This sous vide tool is one of our favorite immersion circulators and recommended for someone just starting out on their precision cooking journey. The Joule cooks food at a consistent temperature for a set amount of time, so it's great for people who like to multi-task while preparing dinner. For evenly cooked steaks, eggs, and chicken, get your mom a Joule.
BUY IT: ChefSteps Joule Sous Vide, $199 from Amazon
Revol Color Lab Cake Stand
Made of oak with a brilliant pop of yellow, this modern cake stand looks good even when there isn’t a freshly baked sweet perched on top. In fact, it isn’t exclusively for cake, and makes for an excellent way to display any number of items from cookies and farmers market produce to dinner party snacks like deviled eggs or canapés.
BUY IT: Revol Color Lab Cake Stand, $90 from Sur La Table
Humble House SAUERKROCK
If your mom is into kimchi or pickled vegetables or sauerkraut or kombucha or yogurt, the Sauerkrock is going to be her new favorite thing. Specifically designed for kitchens with limited cabinet space and inspired by traditional European designs, this thick ceramic vessel is super versatile and stylish.
BUY IT: Humble House Fermentation Crock German-Style SAUERKROCK, $40 from Amazon
Victoria Cast-Iron Bacon Press
If your mom has always insisted on having the crispiest bacon, her kitchen needs this cast-iron meat press. Also useful for making anything pressed from a chocolate raspberry panini to kid-friendly quesadillas, the weighted tool has a comfortable wood handle, is easy to clean, and will likely last forever.
BUY IT: Victoria Cast Iron Bacon Press and Meat Weight, $18 on Amazon
John Boos Walnut Cutting Board
John Boos cutting boards are the gold standard among the Epi staff. From its fine walnut wood to serious heft, Boos blocks have reversible, smooth, hygienic surfaces, and are better at preserving the quality of your knives than plastic cutting boards. This one is an excellent size for serving up a cheese plate and cutting a pizza, too.
BUY IT: John Boos Walnut Wood Reversible Round Cutting Board, $146 from Amazon
Anthropologie Pie Dish
This hand-painted pie dish is worth showing off as much as the freshly baked pie sitting in it. Inspired by traditional Tuscan cookware, each dish has a slight variation to make it feel one of a kind. It also works well as a fruit bowl or casserole dish.
