I need gift ideas for a 14 year old baker who is obsessed with baking. We can spend $100. Already have a mixer. He loves cats and baking. Picture are the berry soufflés he made last week. He lives technical bakes.
I need gift ideas for a 14 year old baker who is obsessed with baking. We can spend $100. Already have a mixer. He loves cats and baking. Picture are the berry soufflés he made last week. He lives technical bakes.
by Polite_lyreal
44 Comments
BabbatheFett
A Bundt pan or a shortbread mold might be nice
LillianCatbutt
Some cake decorating supplies. Even if it’s the disposable icing bags- I find so many uses for them! A portioned cookie scoop. Fancy flours. A shit ton of Kerry Gold butter. Nice baking trays of varying sizes. Metal mixing bowls with covers.
nejnonein
Blow torch so he can make créme brûlée?
-Empyree-
New pans of shapes that you don’t have yet or utensils. Cookbooks or books that teach about pastry. Or even a workshop with a pastry chef!
user1728930593
when i was a 14 year old baker i would have loved my own really nice apron. not just a regular one, something nice and sturdy with like leather straps or metal hardware or something. or in his case something with cats!
as for equipment, try to find either a) something you have that could use an upgrade b) something you don’t have at all or c) think about if you’ve heard him mention wanting to make something you don’t have the equipment for. i also think you can’t go wrong with silicone baking mat, pastry cutter, or a nice cake stand.
editing to add: if there’s a baking or cooking school nearby look into getting him a class or certificate!
SimilarSide0825
Electric bread slicer. Vanilla beans. Fancy cocoa. Vanilla paste.
Ok_Figure2006
What about a baking spices kit? Like cinnamon, nutmeg, good vanilla extract, cocoa powder? I think it will inspire him to try new recipes using them!
itsmykittyalt
I’m assuming you already have a kitchen scale if he’s making souffles? if not, thats great. A non-metal whisk if you dont have one (keeps what youre whisking for long periods from getting a weird aftertaste). A good food procesor? Oven thermometer / meat thermometer (can use for making curds and icings). Any novelty ingredients are always fun as well.
embracetheodd
Baking supplies can be expensive like good vanilla extract and nuts. Cat cookies cutters, piping tip set, attachments or an extra bowl for the stand mixer are my suggestions
PrudenceApproved
Some cool silicone molds and modeling chocolate
UhOh_HellNo
If he’s wanting to do bakes that require laminating dough (like croissants) a marble rolling pin/board combo that can go in the freezer would be nice. It will help him keep the butter cold.
Annabel398
If he’s into cake decorating, a good heavy turntable. Don’t waste your money on the Wilton plastic one—you want a metal one. Throw in a couple of scrapers (comb, serrated).
pizzamycake
A decent rolling pin, I worked as a baker a few years back and the difference a decent rolling pin made was fantastic.
SeanyWestside_
Personalised apron? Maybe the stuff to make homemade vanilla extract? Monogrammed cooking tools like wooden spoons, sparks etc?
Left-Ad-3313
Spring form but outside of the above mentioned he’s got it
ExaminationFancy
1. King Arthur Flour Baker’s Companion 2. The Pie and Pastry Bible 3. Quality kitchen scale that measures to a tenth of a gram 4. OXO 3-piece angled measuring cups
katiedidkatiedid
A good silpat mat and bench knife, if he doesn’t already have those two items. Also, basic staples like different types of flour and sugar could make for a wonderful gift too. My parents always get me things like flours, sugars, and butter for Christmas and it is honestly the most practical and best gift. I look forward to it every year!
sarahgjohnston
I second vanilla beans or a good quality vanilla bean paste
nerdygals
Nordic ware has some crazy cool pans that he might like!
I would check King Arthur for tools, ingredients, and baking classes. They have sales fairly frequently. KA is my go to for a baking related treat to myself.
Intelligent_Host_582
If he really likes the technical stuff, maybe a well-reviewed book on making macarons and some macaron silpats.
Things I would have loved to receive as an already passionate 14 years old:
– Some cool copper moulds like cannelés, madeleines or kugelhof – a precision scale – a sugar / chocolate thermometer – a set of spatulas / palette knives – Inox dessert rings for entremets and lower ones for pies – difficult to find ingredients like glucose sirop, isomalt, good quality food colours, powdered egg whites, pectin etc. – books on food engineering (instead of usual recipe books) – a microplane – a sponge cake knife – couple of pastry and bread scrapers – piping bags and nozzles
MKAG2008
Maybe a good quality chocolate bar for baking? I’m terms of equipment, I’m hoping to get a cookie scoop, so if you don’t have one, that might be nice. And like others said, decorating tools like tips, their bags, and food coloring.
RhiaMaykes
If he doesn’t already have a marble rolling pin then I highly recommend that as an option. It makes rolling out tough doughs (like gingerbread) a breeze. I only make gingerbread at my mother’s house as she has both an electric mixer and a marble rolling pin.
MKAG2008
Oh and something else. If he likes making things like angel cake or chiffon cake, maybe the tube Bundt pan that has releasing sides? I’m speaking from experience when I say that I def wanted one when I didn’t use one and ended up with a less than beautiful cake:)
Chippybops
Here are some things I would have loved:
– A reusable piping bag with different tips – A silicone baking mat – springform tins in a variety of sizes (for making tiered cakes) – A bread dough slicer – Good quality food dye gels – A good turntable for decorating
PM_ME_UR_PUPPY_DOG
If you have a KitchenAid mixer, the ice cream maker attachment is a really fun gateway to ice cream (important part of any pastry repertoire!)
becky57913
It really depends on where his interests are. Baking can cover a wide range of things that go beyond baking in an oven, as many commenters have already indicated. If he’s interested in sugar work, definitely a good thermometer. If he’s interested in chocolate making, a thermometer and marble slab. If he’s interested in cake decorating, then a turntable, bench scraper, plus some cool extras like glow in the dark powder would be fun. If he’s into things like creme brulee or panna cotta, a sous vide would be a fun option (you only need to get the stick, it works well with ziplocs or mason jars and a big pot).
It’s been funny reading through some of the comments because as someone who LOVES baking and making so many types of non-baked desserts, I would not want some of the items listed.
The other option would be finding some kind of educational experience or classes about a topic he’s interested in learning.
mrsmonmorris
Here are some little things I’ve gotten to upgrade my baking.
-Nice wooden rolling pin -Valrhona baking chocolate -vanilla bean paste -cake flour -different types of cinnamon -a kitchen aid hand mixer with whisk (in addition to my stand mixer) -flex edge beater attachment for stand mixer -sturdy apron -clear vanilla extract (to avoid darkening light colored desserts) -a variety of other extracts or emulsions (butterscotch, almond, orange, lemon, maple, etc.)
If you have it in your area, I’d look into one day advanced baking classes. We have some at the community college and at a local bakery. The classes are usually about $90-$100 for 3 hours. Very cool that he loves to bake, and even better that he looks like he’s actually very good at it!
Entire_Chapter5204
Any local classes with bakers or pastry chefs around? That would be really cool and he can see a pro in action and maybe make a connection. These look amazing, he can definitely take this somewhere!
IvyCeltress
A blank book to write down recipes. Cool cookie cutters. French rolling pin.
OnLeRun
A quality digital thermometer with candy temperature chart.
HealthWealthFoodie
I’d get him something for baking bread. That is a whole other animal when it comes to technique, something that he might find fun to master (plus you get fresh baked bread in the house!). I’d get him a baking stone, a round banneton, Dutch oven (same shape as the banneton, the lodge double dutch oven works really well and is not too expensive), and a lame.
thirdmulligan
Cake decorating turntable and/or a good set of Russian piping tips. PS those berry souffles look freaking delicious, wow!
mosebeast
$100 is a pretty good budget for an immersion blender. There’s a kitchen aid model around that price that has whisk and food processor attachments – both have gotten lots of mileage in my kitchen
Jay-Quellin30
– Different types / shapes of cavity pans
– baking class gift certificate for a topic he wants to learn more or master
– some premium ingredients or some unique ingredients like gold dust, fancy sprinkles
44 Comments
A Bundt pan or a shortbread mold might be nice
Some cake decorating supplies. Even if it’s the disposable icing bags- I find so many uses for them! A portioned cookie scoop. Fancy flours. A shit ton of Kerry Gold butter. Nice baking trays of varying sizes. Metal mixing bowls with covers.
Blow torch so he can make créme brûlée?
New pans of shapes that you don’t have yet or utensils. Cookbooks or books that teach about pastry. Or even a workshop with a pastry chef!
when i was a 14 year old baker i would have loved my own really nice apron. not just a regular one, something nice and sturdy with like leather straps or metal hardware or something. or in his case something with cats!
as for equipment, try to find either a) something you have that could use an upgrade b) something you don’t have at all or c) think about if you’ve heard him mention wanting to make something you don’t have the equipment for. i also think you can’t go wrong with silicone baking mat, pastry cutter, or a nice cake stand.
editing to add: if there’s a baking or cooking school nearby look into getting him a class or certificate!
Electric bread slicer. Vanilla beans. Fancy cocoa. Vanilla paste.
What about a baking spices kit? Like cinnamon, nutmeg, good vanilla extract, cocoa powder? I think it will inspire him to try new recipes using them!
I’m assuming you already have a kitchen scale if he’s making souffles? if not, thats great. A non-metal whisk if you dont have one (keeps what youre whisking for long periods from getting a weird aftertaste). A good food procesor? Oven thermometer / meat thermometer (can use for making curds and icings). Any novelty ingredients are always fun as well.
Baking supplies can be expensive like good vanilla extract and nuts. Cat cookies cutters, piping tip set, attachments or an extra bowl for the stand mixer are my suggestions
Some cool silicone molds and modeling chocolate
If he’s wanting to do bakes that require laminating dough (like croissants) a marble rolling pin/board combo that can go in the freezer would be nice. It will help him keep the butter cold.
If he’s into cake decorating, a good heavy turntable. Don’t waste your money on the Wilton plastic one—you want a metal one. Throw in a couple of scrapers (comb, serrated).
A decent rolling pin, I worked as a baker a few years back and the difference a decent rolling pin made was fantastic.
Personalised apron? Maybe the stuff to make homemade vanilla extract? Monogrammed cooking tools like wooden spoons, sparks etc?
Spring form but outside of the above mentioned he’s got it
1. King Arthur Flour Baker’s Companion
2. The Pie and Pastry Bible
3. Quality kitchen scale that measures to a tenth of a gram
4. OXO 3-piece angled measuring cups
A good silpat mat and bench knife, if he doesn’t already have those two items. Also, basic staples like different types of flour and sugar could make for a wonderful gift too. My parents always get me things like flours, sugars, and butter for Christmas and it is honestly the most practical and best gift. I look forward to it every year!
I second vanilla beans or a good quality vanilla bean paste
Nordic ware has some crazy cool pans that he might like!
[Kim-Joy’s book](https://www.amazon.com/Bake-Me-Cat-Purrfect-Recipes/dp/1787139417/ref=asc_df_1787139417/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=692875362841&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8521672785677028188&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9033029&hvtargid=pla-2281435176938&psc=1&mcid=7832ded6043736d0a7b79d498937d199&hvocijid=8521672785677028188-1787139417-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=692875362841&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8521672785677028188&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9033029&hvtargid=pla-2281435176938&psc=1) has some great cat themed technical bakes!
Get him some classes with some pros
I would check King Arthur for tools, ingredients, and baking classes. They have sales fairly frequently. KA is my go to for a baking related treat to myself.
If he really likes the technical stuff, maybe a well-reviewed book on making macarons and some macaron silpats.
[Bravetart by Stella Parks!](https://www.amazon.com/BraveTart-American-Desserts-Stella-Parks/dp/0393239861/)! It’s the most technical cookbook I’ve ever used. Lots of fun back stories on the recipes, and many variants to keep things interesting.
Things I would have loved to receive as an already passionate 14 years old:
– Some cool copper moulds like cannelés, madeleines or kugelhof
– a precision scale
– a sugar / chocolate thermometer
– a set of spatulas / palette knives
– Inox dessert rings for entremets and lower ones for pies
– difficult to find ingredients like glucose sirop, isomalt, good quality food colours, powdered egg whites, pectin etc.
– books on food engineering (instead of usual recipe books)
– a microplane
– a sponge cake knife
– couple of pastry and bread scrapers
– piping bags and nozzles
Maybe a good quality chocolate bar for baking? I’m terms of equipment, I’m hoping to get a cookie scoop, so if you don’t have one, that might be nice. And like others said, decorating tools like tips, their bags, and food coloring.
If he doesn’t already have a marble rolling pin then I highly recommend that as an option. It makes rolling out tough doughs (like gingerbread) a breeze. I only make gingerbread at my mother’s house as she has both an electric mixer and a marble rolling pin.
Oh and something else. If he likes making things like angel cake or chiffon cake, maybe the tube Bundt pan that has releasing sides? I’m speaking from experience when I say that I def wanted one when I didn’t use one and ended up with a less than beautiful cake:)
Here are some things I would have loved:
– A reusable piping bag with different tips
– A silicone baking mat
– springform tins in a variety of sizes (for making tiered cakes)
– A bread dough slicer
– Good quality food dye gels
– A good turntable for decorating
If you have a KitchenAid mixer, the ice cream maker attachment is a really fun gateway to ice cream (important part of any pastry repertoire!)
It really depends on where his interests are. Baking can cover a wide range of things that go beyond baking in an oven, as many commenters have already indicated. If he’s interested in sugar work, definitely a good thermometer. If he’s interested in chocolate making, a thermometer and marble slab. If he’s interested in cake decorating, then a turntable, bench scraper, plus some cool extras like glow in the dark powder would be fun. If he’s into things like creme brulee or panna cotta, a sous vide would be a fun option (you only need to get the stick, it works well with ziplocs or mason jars and a big pot).
It’s been funny reading through some of the comments because as someone who LOVES baking and making so many types of non-baked desserts, I would not want some of the items listed.
The other option would be finding some kind of educational experience or classes about a topic he’s interested in learning.
Here are some little things I’ve gotten to upgrade my baking.
-Nice wooden rolling pin
-Valrhona baking chocolate
-vanilla bean paste
-cake flour
-different types of cinnamon
-a kitchen aid hand mixer with whisk (in addition to my stand mixer)
-flex edge beater attachment for stand mixer
-sturdy apron
-clear vanilla extract (to avoid darkening light colored desserts)
-a variety of other extracts or emulsions (butterscotch, almond, orange, lemon, maple, etc.)
If you have it in your area, I’d look into one day advanced baking classes. We have some at the community college and at a local bakery. The classes are usually about $90-$100 for 3 hours. Very cool that he loves to bake, and even better that he looks like he’s actually very good at it!
Any local classes with bakers or pastry chefs around? That would be really cool and he can see a pro in action and maybe make a connection. These look amazing, he can definitely take this somewhere!
A blank book to write down recipes. Cool cookie cutters. French rolling pin.
A quality digital thermometer with candy temperature chart.
I’d get him something for baking bread. That is a whole other animal when it comes to technique, something that he might find fun to master (plus you get fresh baked bread in the house!). I’d get him a baking stone, a round banneton, Dutch oven (same shape as the banneton, the lodge double dutch oven works really well and is not too expensive), and a lame.
Cake decorating turntable and/or a good set of Russian piping tips. PS those berry souffles look freaking delicious, wow!
$100 is a pretty good budget for an immersion blender. There’s a kitchen aid model around that price that has whisk and food processor attachments – both have gotten lots of mileage in my kitchen
– Different types / shapes of cavity pans
– baking class gift certificate for a topic he wants to learn more or master
– some premium ingredients or some unique ingredients like gold dust, fancy sprinkles
– gift card to a fancy bake shop
Can we get the recipe for that soufflé?
A bouquet of flours
Also I have one of [these decorating kits](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07917S27C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and it’s fun
Ferrandi pastry school cookbook https://a.co/d/ehrZDMz I have this and it is awesome!! And full of technical info
As others have said, definitely a digital scale if he doesn’t have one already.
Does he have a lazy Susan or some sort of way to frost a cake that spins?
If he doesn’t have them, I’d get him some tart pans and/or springform pans of varying sizes.
Maybe a pastry blend if he doesn’t have one.
Digital scale maybe. Bench scraper perhaps.
I love to bake and these items do come in handy.