When it comes to cooking, you might have every kitchen gadget known to man. Better yet, you might actually use them all. As the holidays approach, the time is perfect to treat yourself – or a friend who cooks a lot – to some new kitchenware. You might not be angling for a shopping spree filled with gas ranges, bottom-freezer refrigerators, or new granite countertops for the kitchen, but you might find – or want to add – these items to your holiday wish list before it’s too late.

1. Chef’s torch

Ideal for cooks and bakers alike, a chef’s torch is a great asset when you want to roast peppers, melt Gruyere, or add the finishing touch to desserts like crème brulée. While you can use your stovetop, microwave, or broiler for similar results, a kitchen torch lends precision to your cooking and baking efforts. Plus, it’s fun to show off. That said, it is not – as you might be hearing your mother’s voice say – a toy.

 2. Fifth burner

 This item is perfect for cooks who often prepare several dishes at once, whether cooking in their free time or simultaneously preparing meals for the holidays. With a fifth burner, there’s no need to switch items between burners, juggling saucepans as one dish boils over while another waits to even start cooking. The item is portable so it can easily move around the kitchen, be taken to an office pitch-in to keep a dish warm, or on a camping trip – an outing where a portable stove can really come in handy.

 3. Pastry bag

 Also known as a piping bag, a pastry bag is excellent for preparing desserts that require a frosting application. Forget about the mess that a homemade pastry bag can cause and buy the foodie in your life a quality item that’s use won’t result in an icing explosion. Decorate homemade cakes (or embellish those you buy at your local bakery), fill pasta shells with pesto, or bring more precision to those Sunday morning pancakes. The accessory can come with a variety of tips, making it the perfect gift for that friend who loves to add some flair to their meal prep.

 The best part about these gift ideas is that none of them are that expensive, but each of them can make life in the kitchen a little easier and a little more fun. Adding new implements to your kitchen will be more worthwhile if you or your culinary-minded friend actually get some use out of what you ask for this holiday season.