The jury is still out on whether microwaving food is good or bad (seriously, it's whatever works best for mom and family). But the truth is, we're all going to have to do it occasionally, and the moms who know this best are the ones who hate to cook. There's lots of them out there and everybody knows one. Maybe it's a best friend, sister, or even parent. Most people would shame these mamas, but it's time for that to end. Instead, it's time to impress them. Or do whatever it takes to make their lives easier. A gift for a non-savvy cook helps to do that — after all, there are gifts out there for all kinds of moms. Why should ones who don't like to cook miss out? She'll appreciate the thoughtfulness and the fact that her life will be made that much less kitchen-deficient.
Luckily for these moms, there are gifts to help out and ones that embrace the lack of cooking skills. From cooking apps for the recipe-challenged to tools that will save her five minutes (hello multiple spring toaster), the world is becoming friendlier for those who don't cook.
So, how to know what to get her? Start from the basics and move up to more complicated tools. For instance, simply having a can opener can make a huge difference in the amount of time spent trying to figure out what to make for dinner. The non-cooking savvy mom works best with things that are easy, right? Easily opening a can of beans, corn, or soup will maker her heart sing. Or one can take it up a notch and gift a slow cooker, which is basically the best way to cook without even cooking.
At the end of the day, it's important to embrace a mama's style and what works for her. And do that by either sharing tools to make her life easier, or to go along with the method of cooking she already uses. Or, gift her ways to help her build on the skills she already has.
Multi Cooker
It would be disingenuous to share gifts for people who hate cooking and not share a slow cooker. The original Crock-Pot is popular for a reason and that's because it makes cooking easy. There are tons of recipes on Pinterest that call for throwing all ingredients into the thing and waiting a few hours. Even better, a multi cooker like this one also steams vegetables, and cooks rice or pasta.
Black & Decker 5 qt. Multi-Pot Cooker ($69, Wayfair)
Multi-Use Dish Scrubbers
One of the reasons cooking is so disliked is the cleanup that comes after. These dish scrubbers meant for multiple kinds of surfaces may help alleviate that just a little bit.
Silicone Multi-Use Dish Scrubbers ($8, Lakeside)
Stick Butter Holder
While cooking spray does make life easier, a stick of butter to make a pan stick-free also makes the food taste better. Stick this butter holder on it and make it much more comfortable to use.
ButterEasy ($5, Lakeside)
Microwave Plate Cover
Calling all those who have to clean the inside of the microwave, which likely includes all the moms who don't like to cook. Microwaves heat up food faster, but having a cover will prevent food from making a mess of the inside. This means less cleaning for mama.
Microwave Plate Covers, Set of 2 ($7, Lakeside)
Spice Rack
More experienced cooks may appreciate a fleshed-out spice rack, but our thinking is that novice or reluctant cooks can become better by having one around. A little spice can go a long and tasty way.
16-Jar Carousel Spice Rack ($24, Google)
Stovetop Griddle & Grill
Make burgers or pancakes on the griddle side super easily with a stovetop grill. No need to have any barbecue experience. Just throw on the meat on the ridged side and let the butter and seasonings do their thing.
Double-Sided Cast Iron Griddle ($20, Cost Plus World Market)
Salad Chopping Set
Preparing a salad may count as cooking for some, but it becomes even easier with this salad chopping set. Place all the items into the chopping bowl and slice away. It doubles as a colander for a quick rinse.
Salad Chopping Set ($6, Lakeside)
Seamless Gift Card
Sometimes, cooking just isn't going to happen. Make a mom put dinner on the table with zero effort by gifting her a gift card for a food delivery service, such as Seamless. It's a service that, through an app, mom can order from local participating restaurants or fast food places and have it delivered right to her door.
Seamless Gift Card (from $25, Seamless)
Blue Apron Subscription
Blue Apron is perfect for people who hate cooking because almost all the work is done when the box arrives. All moms have to do is assemble the items. It's home cooking made easy.
Blue Apron Subscription (from $60, Blue Apron)
Kitchen Tool Set
In the same way having a tool box will come in handy for repairs, having a kitchen tool set will make cooking a breeze — even for the worst ones out there. This 21-piece set comes with everything that's needed to stir, open cans, and flip.
21-Piece Kitchen Tool Set ($10, Walmart)
Apple Slicer
Some moms are so terrible at cooking even cutting an apple is a dangerous task. Don't fret, there is a tool for this and it's an apple slicer. In one swift chop, have ready-to-eat or pack apple slices.
Calphalon Easy Apple Corer and Slicer ($10, Amazon)
Cast Iron Skillets
The amazing thing about about cast iron skillets that if they're seasoned once, or even have a flavorful food cooked on them, those flavors stay and transfer to other foods. It's a cooking hack that moms who don't enjoy cooking to begin with can benefit from.
Lodge Cast Iron Skillets (from $11, Sur La Table)
Unicorn Bowl
If cereal is to be eaten often (because why not!), it should be eaten in style. This ceramic unicorn bowl does the trick and it works for both kids and adults.
Elwood the Unicorn Cereal Bowl ($42, Uncommon Goods)
Boil Over Safe Guard
When one does not watch a boiling pot, it can overflow with liquid or foam. This safeguard protects against this exact scenario.
Boil Over Safeguard ($13, Amazon)
Silicone Pouring Spout
This clip-on silicone spout will make pouring anything a breeze. There's also an attachment to filter out water for cooking noodles.
Clip-On Pouring Spout ($21, Amazon)
Multi-Function Toaster
Why have two toast spaces when one could have four and save time. Put all the toast in this multi-function toaster for perfect toast every time. You can even make grilled cheese if you use a special heat-safe bag!
4-Slice Multi-Function Toaster With Adjustable Width ($60, Amazon)
'The Can't Cook Book'
If a person can't or hates cooking, take the guesswork out of it for them. Get The Can't Cook Book. It's a straightforward book of recipes that "will transform even the most kitchen-phobic 'Can’t Cooks' into 'Can Cooks.'”
The Can't Cook Book ($15, Amazon)
Kitchen Sign
Let mama be loud and proud about not liking cooking. This wooden kitchen sign that says "I only have a kitchen because it came with the house."
"I Only Have a Kitchen Because It Came With the House" Sign ($10, WishUponASign/Etsy)
Spoon Rest
Let mom's kitchen mantra shine. Get her a spoon rest that says "If you wait long enough to make dinner everyone will just eat cereal."
Funny Cereal for Dinner Spoon Rest ($15, LennyMud/Etsy)
Kitchen Whisk
A bad cook isn't necessarily a bad baker, but just in case, this kitchen whisk will make baking easier, too. It's silicone which means its easy to wash.
Silicone Kitchen Whisk ($11, Amazon)
Pin It!
If your mom loves cooking and you don't know what to get for her birthday, then this Pin is for you!
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, Cafemom may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
