Holiday Gifts for the Cook or Baker (Or For Your Own Kitchen)

Clockwise from top left: Star Wars embossed rolling pin from DoughRoller, cat pattern embossed rolling pin from HappyRollingPin, skull and crossbones-patterned pin from AgnesWorld, and set of two snowflake pattern pins from DiamondWoodcomua. All available on Etsy. (L-R, Screencaps via DoughRoller, HappyRollingPin, AgnesWorld, and DiamondWoodcomua shops on Etsy.com)

Rolling pins

You can’t get far with baking if you don’t have a rolling pin. I guess you can use a soup can, but that’s a level of multitasking that’s beyond even Alton Brown’s standards. The rolling pin is a very basic tool, but there are a bunch of different types, each with its own personality to fit the individual baker.

First, there’s the classic dowel rolling pin, like this one from Sur La Table. It’s so simple you could buy a dowel rod at the hardware store and just sand it down until it’s smooth so you don’t get splinters in your biscuits. But it’s a busy time of year, so probably just order it. If you want handmade, try this rolling pin from Woododdities on Etsy.

Bed Bath & Beyond sells a classic wooden rolling pin and a classic marble rolling pin. Bakers can stick the marble one in the fridge or freezer so their butter doesn’t melt during prep.

For a more personal touch, via Etsy, Olivenholzerleben and wodenCraftGift offer handmade, beautifully grained olive wood rolling pins.

Here’s a totally cool Star Wars embossed rolling pin from DoughRoller, a cat patterned one from HappyRollingPin. There’s also a set of two snowflake pattern pins from DiamondWoodcomua and this skull and crossbones-patterned pin from AgnesWorld for that edgy baker in your life.