During the holiday season I try to get people gifts that I think they’ll love, but also that they’ll actually use. As someone who spends a lot of time in the kitchen, I’ve compiled a list of the tools that I reach for again and again. They all happen to be under $50 and would make excellent gifts for any culinary minded friend or family member, regardless of cooking ability.

1. Microplane—$14.95

What was I doing in life before I had a Microplane? A Microplane is really just a great, affordable, durable grater in a convenient size. I use mine all of the time and it allows me to pack tons of flavor into my food. Instead of spending a lot of money on subpar pre-grated items like ginger, garlic, nutmeg, and parmesan cheese, my Microplane allows me to prep these ingredients fresh. It grates anything instantly with very little effort, is easy to clean, and lasts forever.

2. Chef’s Knife—$39.00

The single most important tool in any chef’s kitchen is a decent knife. A chef’s knife is a essential and serves as a multipurpose tool in the kitchen. Formerly miserable tasks like dicing an onion become considerably easier with a good knife, and you’ll find that it can replace dozens of single use kitchen gadgets clogging up your drawers. This 8-inch chef’s knife by Mercer Culinary is the one I use and it’s a great starting point. Be sure to read up on the care and maintenance of whatever knife you choose.

3. Salt Well—$9.95

The key to delicious, well-seasoned food is salt. Adding a pinch of salt to a dish using your fingers gives you much more control over the amount you’re adding than a traditional shaker. A salt well allows you to easily grab as much salt as you need, without making a mess or creating unnecessary waste. There are plenty of affordable options in different designs. I’d recommend selecting something with a swivel top, like this one from Crate and Barrel, for easy access.

4. Large Wooden Cutting Board—$59.95

It seems silly, but a big ass cutting board is kind of a game changer when it comes to cooking. A large, heavy-duty wooden cutting board will automatically create a workstation where you can prep and finish your entire meal. You’ll find your kitchen looks like less of a disaster zone when you’re able to do most of your work in a single space. Although they require some extra care, wooden cutting boards are gentler on your knives, and are more durable and eco-friendlier than plastic. They can also serve as beautiful base for a cheese board.

5. OXO Good Grips Chef's Squeeze Bottle Set—$9.99

I fill one of these squeeze bottles with olive oil and keep it on my counter. Using the small-tip squeeze bottle for olive oil gives me much more control over how much oil I’m using and is great for drizzling. They’re also good for storing salad dressings and other sauces. I like OXO’s bottles because they’re BPA free and dishwasher safe. This is one of the most affordable tools in my kitchen and it’s something I use every single day.

6. Instant Pot—$49.00

I was skeptical when my boyfriend (who barely cooks) bought himself an Instant Pot last year. However, after a year of consistent use, I’m officially aboard the Instant Pot train. It serves the purpose of (at least) three small appliances, which is pretty awesome if you’re short on space or cash. The sauté functionality allows you to cook and sear ingredients in the pot before pressure or slow cooking, which means you can create a whole meal with texture and dimensional flavor with very few dishes. Making rice has been a struggle my entire life and I can now produce a perfect batch every time. I can also make delicately cooked chicken in 15 minutes. I’m sold.

7. Corkcicle 25 oz Canteen—$25.97

Ok, so technically this isn’t something I use in the kitchen. However, living in a New York City apartment, anything that takes up space in my cabinets really has to earn its spot. This insulated bottle by Corkcicle definitely does. It holds an entire bottle of wine and keeps it ice cold for over 24 hours. How do I know this? I accidentally left it in my beach bag over night last summer and my rosé was still cold when I got to the beach the next day.

8. CB2 Marta Double Old Fashion Glasses—$13.95

I absolutely love these super chic, minimalist glasses from CB2. They’re delicate enough to drink wine out of, but durable enough to go in the dishwasher. They have a beautiful silhouette and I use them for everything from parfaits to vessels for mini flower arrangements. These glasses have become my go-to and at $14 for a set of eight, they’re a steal.

9. Lodge 10.25” Cast Iron Skillet—$14.90

Everyone should have a cast iron skillet. They’re not trendy, they’re functional and I swear by the Lodge one, which is going up in price but still super cheap. I’ve bought at least five of these and given them to people as gifts, but really so I can use it when I’m cooking in their kitchen. Essentially, cast iron gets hotter than most pans and allows you to transfer from stove top to oven to table. They’re great for baking as well. Be sure to read some quick instructions on how to care for it and you’ll be able to keep it forever.

10. Flaky Maldon Sea Salt—$5.49

A stocking stuffer that will elevate any dish. I always keep a box of Maldon Sea Salt Flakes on hand to sprinkle over baked goods or freshly cooked seafood to add texture and enhance the flavor of the dish. This is a fun way to make any recipe feel a bit fancy.

10 Kitchen Gifts Under $60-That You'll Actually Use