If you’re shopping for foodies this holiday season, whether it’s friends who love to cook or family who love to eat, we’ve discovered a secret source of the best kitchenware holiday gifts you can find — museums! Rather than giving a mug or useful kitchen tool, museums have a variety of kitchenware and dining items that are just as beautiful as they are helpful.
We’ve rounded up the best kitchenware gifts that represent a diverse range of cultures, interests, and art styles. Even better, they come in a wide range of prices so you can grab a white elephant gift for the office, a nice present for the in-laws, and something to wow your too-cool sibling or cousin who is impossible to shop for.
Each item on our list offers a fascinating history, unique and eye-catching design — or both. From rainbow-hued fold-by-number napkins to a replica of an ancient tea set, you’re bound to find something for everyone on your list, not to mention a few items that deserve a spot in your own kitchen too.
Holly Tea Towel and Napkins Set from The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History
Give the gift of holiday cheer with a useful purpose. Any host or hostess would love to receive this 100-percent cotton set of Holly tea towels and napkins from The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History ($52 at the time of publication). Each towel and napkin features vintage botanical holly artwork from the Cavallini Archives. This useful gift also has holly’s scientific name (aquifolium) printed on them and the towels and napkins read “Noel” across the top. Helpful for busy hosts this time of year, they are also machine washable. Even better, it comes ready for gifting in a reusable muslin drawstring bag.
Killer Whale Tea Cups from The Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian
This set of porcelain Killer Whale Teacups ($42 at the time of publication) from The Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian features a teal hobnail textured exterior. After your gift recipient finishes their drink, they can savor the beautiful contemporary indigenous North American killer whale design inside the cup in a complementary blue color with contrasting dark brown touches, making this a useful and beautiful gift for a boss, friends, or family, whether they are tea, coffee, or hot cocoa drinkers. Killer whales, or orcas, in many North American Indigenous cultures are potent symbols of longevity, harmony, and protection according to Spirits of the West Coast Art Gallery. These cups are microwave and dishwasher-safe and hold 12 ounces each.
Tyrannosaurus Rex Animated Chopsticks from The American Museum Of Natural History
Whether they eat meat like a T-Rex or are more of an herbivore, this set makes mealtime more fun for kids still learning the right way to use chopsticks (or adults — we won’t judge!). Coming from the shop at the American Museum Of Natural History in New York City, these green Tyrannosaurus rex chopsticks ($11 at the time of publication) don’t just make grabbing food easier; they have an articulating jaw that “chomps” when they’re squeezed open and closed. Even if they’re not a dinosaur buff that knows that a T-Rex ate as many calories as about 80 people a day (via FiveThirtyEight), this set is guaranteed to have your young recipient roaring.
Italian Armor Etched Stainless Steel Ice Bucket from The Metropolitan Museum Of Art
Mixing the perfect drink is a fine art, so why shouldn’t the ice bucket you use to hold your cubes be a work of art too? Part of a set of barware from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Italian Armor Etched Stainless Steel Ice Bucket ($180 at the time of publication) is designed to celebrate Italian-made armor from circa 1510 that is in the Arms and Armor galleries at the Met. The ice bucket comes gift boxed and has a touch of leather on the handle to mimic the leather waistband of the armor that inspired it. The bucket is hand-wash only and is not dishwasher safe.
Pantone Tritan Drinking Bottle from The National Gallery Of Art
This jolly red Pantone Tritan Drinking Bottle ($40 at the time of publication) courtesy of the National Gallery of Art helps your favorite art enthusiast or graphic designer get in touch with the punchiest color of the season: Color 2035, of course. If you’re not into design, Pantone offers thousands of different colors to be used for a wide variety of graphic designs and products, drinking bottles included. This 16.9-ounce bottle has a twist-on stainless steel cap and a narrow 2.5-inch width, which means it will fit well in backpack bottle pockets and cupholders in their car — because there is nothing more annoying than a beautiful new water bottle that won’t fit in your cupholder!
Blue and White Tea Set from The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art
Have a tea lover in your life? This ceramic and stainless steel tea set ($88 at the time of publication) from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art is an ideal gift. The delicate blue and white artwork is the same design found on a set in the Freer Gallery at the National Museum of Asian Art’s permanent collection. This set includes six cups and a teapot that comes with a stainless steel inset tea strainer for their favorite loose-leaf teas. The teapot holds up to 14 ounces and each cup holds three ounces. As an added bonus, the entire set is dishwasher-safe.
Puffin Space Suit Beverage Holder from The Kennedy Space Center
If you’re looking for a fashionable alternative to the standard Koozie, the Puffin Space Suit Beverage Holder ($29.99 at the time of publication) is truly out of this world. We’ve scoured the galaxy and decided that this is the best gift for your friend who is obsessed with all things space. The koozie-style can insulator can accommodate a 12-ounce can of beer, cider, or soda as well as tall and slim 16-ounce cans. This adorable tiny space suit is hand wash-only and the little backpack on the back actually opens and closes to keep an extra cookie, candy, or other small objects close at hand.
Florentine Serving Tray from The Getty
This impressive Florentine Serving Tray ($60 at the time of publication) from the Getty museum in Los Angeles might be just the thing for your hard-to-buy-for in-laws. It’s not just a beautiful tray for breakfast in bed either; great pains were taken to use historically accurate 14th-century techniques in the creation of this work of art. Despite its reasonable price point, it’s made of carved wood which is decorated by hand. Measuring about 10-by-15 inches, it’s well-sized for a plate of food and drinks or perhaps to just serve a few beverages — it’s made to be safe for use with hot drinks and to be alcohol-resistant. This is a hand-wash-only item.
Alma Thomas: March on Washington Tray from The National Gallery Of Art
This 10-inch acrylic tray ($60 at the time of publication) would be a fantastic choice for anyone who entertains and might need something to carry drinks or appetizers. It was created to celebrate the National Gallery of Art’s Afro-Atlantic Histories exhibit which featured the oil painting “March on Washington” by Alma Thomas. Printed on the tray, the work, painted in 1963 by Thomas after she took part in the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, is a depiction of the protest against the unequal treatment of Black people and other people of color during that era, according to Clio.
Marrakesh Rainbow Birch Wood Spatula From The American Museum Of Natural History
Anyone who cooks on the regular could use another spatula in the kitchen. This rainbow-colored birch-wood spatula ($15 at the time of publication) from The American Museum Of Natural History is designed to evoke the marketplaces in Marrakesh, Morocco. It’s well-sized at 12 inches long and it has a hook on the handle so it can be hung up for storage. This heirloom-quality spatula isn’t safe to go in the dishwasher. Because it’s made of wood, this is a hand-wash-only item or it can be wiped clean. However, it’s safe to be used for all cooking surfaces — even nonstick pots and pans.
Davis Ceramics from The Art Institute of Chicago
Beautiful modern artwork you can eat off? Yes, please. These food-safe ceramic trays ($90 at the time of publication) from the Art Institute of Chicago’s museum shop can be purchased separately and they also have matching vases if you’re looking to create a set of your own. The minimalist yet colorful art is the work of Mary Anne Davis, a contemporary Hudson Valley ceramic artist. We think the trays would be just as great for a small cheeseboard as they would for homemade sushi or appetizers. All of the pieces are handmade and hand decorated. Just keep in mind that they are hand wash-only.
Art Institute of Chicago Collection Coaster Set From The Art Institute Of Chicago
No one likes rings on their furniture from a sweating or dripping drink, which is why these coasters ($15 at the time of publication) have “stocking stuffers” written all over them. The six coasters are printed with paintings hanging at the Art Institute of Chicago including Vincent van Gogh’s “The Bedroom,” Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s “Two Sisters (On the Terrace),” Georges Seurat’s “A Sunday on La Grande Jatte,” Paul Cezanne’s “The Basket of Apples,” and a pair of works from Claude Monet: “Water Lilies” and “The Artist’s House at Argenteuil.” Each coaster is made to last using high-density fiberboard and backed in cork to keep them in place on a coffee table.
AMNH Shark Thermal Mug from The American Museum Of Natural History
The AMNH Shark Thermal Mug ($35 at the time of publication) from the American Museum Of Natural History is the handiest gift for keeping drinks hot or cold year-round. The mug holds up to 12 ounces in its copper-plated interior to maintain the temperature of the drink enclosed. A cork base keeps it from skidding on tables and the thumb-operated lid allows you to close the spout for travel or to keep the liquid warm or cold. The minimalist line art on this official American Museum Of Natural History mug features a hammerhead shark. Due to the metal, this isn’t safe for the microwave, and hand washing is recommended.
Walnut Cutting + Serving Board from SFMOMA
If you’re looking for a truly impressive holiday gift for a foodie, consider the Walnut Cutting and Serving Board ($110 at the time of publication) from the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. This artisan-crafted cutting board is a substantial 16 inches long and almost 9 inches wide, making it large enough for a serious cheese board or for everyday slicing and dicing. The board is made of solid black walnut wood and has an inlaid raw brass logo that will gain an aged patina look with time and use. Crafted in the San Francisco Bay area, each board has its own unique wood grain pattern making it one of a kind, just like your loved one.
Reversible Lid Ice Box from MoMA Design Store
A genius gift for anyone who entertains or appreciates a well-mixed cocktail, the Reversible Lid Ice Box ($34 at the time of publication) from the MoMA Design Store offers an easy, level place to make unique hexagonal ice and a box to store them in as well. Each batch makes 33 ice cubes and the bowl can hold up to 150 cubes in total. Measuring 9-by-9 by-5 inches, this ABS plastic and silicone ice box takes up only a reasonable amount of room in the freezer too. It comes in white with a black interior or black with a white interior.
Takashi Murakami Flower Pancake Pan From MoMA Design Store
The only thing more smile-inducing than fluffy pancakes? Fluffy pancakes that are smiling back at you. This adorable pan is inspired by the first NFT courtesy of Japanese artist and entrepreneur Takashi Murakami and features his signature smiling flower design. The Takashi Murakami Flower Pancake Pan ($40 at the time of publication) is safe for induction and gas stovetops. The pan is just over 5 inches across for perfectly proportioned pancakes. A resin handle keeps hands safely out of the way from the stainless steel material of the pan itself. It even comes with a 90-day satisfaction guarantee.
All-In-One Kitchen Tool Set From MoMA Design Store
Looking for a gift for someone who just moved into a new house or apartment? The colorful All-In-One Kitchen Tool Set ($30 at the time of publication) from the MoMA Design Store is an ultra-useful gift that they’ll be thankful for. The tools in this striking bottle include a funnel, lemon juicer, spice grater, egg masher, lid opener, egg separator, and measuring cup. The compact stacking fashion in which the tools store together would also make this a thoughtful gift for anyone who likes to cook while traveling, replacing a drawer-full of kitchen tools in about the same space as a bottle of wine. This set which is designed by Akebono Sangyo, is hand wash-only.
Wire Mesh Bowls from The MoMA Design Store
Made of powder-coated steel, this architectural Wire Mesh Bowl ($50 at the time of publication) from the MoMA Design Store is a striking and usual gift that comes in three colors: red, blue, and yellow. This would make a fantastic fruit bowl to store apples, bananas, or citrus — but not together because bananas and apples off-gas ethylene, making citrus rot faster (certainly not the best way to keep your lemons fresh). The open-air nature of the design allows for maximum air circulation, making it a great option for storing onions, garlic, and shallots too. It’s just short of 5 inches tall and 10 inches in diameter, and it comes with a 90-day satisfaction guarantee.
Fold-by-Number Napkins from SFMOMA
The gift that keeps on giving, these Fold-by-Number Napkins ($42 at the time of publication) will be your go-to holiday gift for anyone who loves throwing dinner parties. These vibrant rainbow-hued napkins are printed with fold lines to help guide your gift recipient, teaching them how to fold napkins in six entirely different ways (a separate set of instructions are also included). The designer created this reusable, washable cotton napkin set based on childhood memories of being taught how to fold napkins by her grandmother and your gift recipient can help carry on that tradition. Each of the six napkins included in the set is a sizable 20 square inches.
Clara French Press from MoMA Design Store
The Clara French Press ($99 at the time of publication) is as thoughtfully crafted as your coffee-obsessed friends are picky about the coffee beans they’ll use to fill it. The black minimalist design will be at home on any countertop. It has a vacuum-insulated interior to keep coffee hot and it has fill lines for grounds and boiling water to make it even easier to get a few cups of java ready in a flash. The BPA-free plastic lid can pour from any side, saving coffee lovers from needing to line it up with the spout. The stainless steel interior is free of PFTE and PFOA.
Tipsy Bottle Opener from SFMOMA
Upgrade that college-era bottle opener for something artsier — but make it fun. The perfect gift for friends, family, or as a hosting gift, the Tipsy Bottle Opener ($28 at the time of publication) from SFMOMA is a two-piece set that includes a cast metal, chrome-finished cone-shaped base and balancing bird bottle opener. This unique gift is interesting enough to leave out on display but it’s also a useful bar accessory your recipient will cherish for years. The pyramid base is 4 inches tall and the bird is 6 inches in length, making it easy to hold when in use. We admit we want to buy this one for our home bar!
Andy Warhol Campbell’s Soup Mug from LACMA
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is home to two of Andy Warhol’s famous soup can paintings and its shop offers this cheeky Campbell’s Soup Mug ($14.99 at the time of publication) in both a blue and version. When asked why he painted his soup can series, Warhol replied, “I used to drink it. I used to have the same lunch every day, for 20 years” (via LACMA). With a price point of $15 at the time of publication, this is a great choice for any pop art fans — or soup fans in your life. The 16-ounce ceramic mug features a sturdy handle for hot beverages and comes ready to gift in a red and brown cardboard gift box.
Trivet Hokusai The Great Wave from The Museum of Fine Arts Boston
Help your recipient protect their countertops from a pan of focaccia straight out of the oven with this beautifully rendered The Great Wave trivet ($16 at the time of publication) courtesy of The Museum of Fine Arts Boston. Featuring the stunning work from Edo-period artist Hokusai, the trivet is 8 square inches and heat resistant up to 450 F with special heat-releasing channels on the back to help air circulate under a hot dish. The slip-resistant food-safe silicone material is safe to pop in the dishwasher on the top rack when it’s gotten grimy too. It can also be used as a trivet for pitchers or as a spoon or spatula rest to keep counters clean.
Fixie Bike Pizza Cutter from The Museum Of Contemporary Art
For all the pizza lovers in your life! Making pizza requires getting the perfect crust-to-sauce-to-cheese ratio. What better way to celebrate that balance than gifting Fixie Bike Pizza Cutter ($24 at the time of publication) from The Museum Of Contemporary Art. Will it work on delivery pizza? Absolutely. Does it deserve a homemade pie? We think so. The set comes with two pieces: The bicycle-shaped pizza cutter with a stainless steel blade plus an adorable kickstand. Assuming your loved one doesn’t have small children running around, this is a kitchenware gift they can leave out on the counter or shelf to display as a piece of art between slicing pies.
Rivsalt Himalayan Sea Salt Grater From The Museum Of Contemporary Art
Leave your loved one salty — in a good way — with the Rivsalt Himalayan Sea Salt Grater ($32 at the time of publication) from the Museum Of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles. The set includes a Japanese-style stainless steel grater specially designed for salt and an FSC-certified oak board for holding salt that also functions as a stand for the grater. Also included (of course) are Himalayan salt crystals, which are pink due to naturally-occurring impurities that include 84 trace minerals. The pieces come neatly boxed so they’re easy to wrap and the under-$40 price point (at the time of publication) make them a solid option for many recipients.
