It is a likelihood that if you're in a relationship with a foodie, you'll have spent many hours in cook shops, mouth agape at the giddying array of gadgets and gizmos on offer, promising you culinary nirvana in the form of an egg-slicer or spiraliser. Or maybe you are that foodie, in which case, send a link of this article to your loved one sharpish.
Here are some dazzling contraptions that won't end up gathering dust in the back of the cupboard. First of all, forget those fancy latex-handled wonders – the king of all peelers is the speed peeler, and they're cheap to boot.
Another must-have gadget loved by chefs and foodies alike is the Microplane. These aren't just any old zesters – the blades remain super-sharp and are aligned in such a way that you have perfect, consistent results each time. Definitely one of those gadgets where you'll wonder how you got by without one.
For any fish fan, investing in a pair of proper fish tweezers is a no-brainer. No longer will you spend hours looking for that pair of tweezers in the back of the medicine cabinet, or resort to mouthfuls of bone-riddled fish fillets.
For the cocktail enthusiast, try this rather swish copper cocktail muddler for some high-end mashing of limes for mojitos.
You may wonder how the simple genius of a rolling pin could be improved. Surely any cylindrical object would do? Naysayers may scoff, but this adjustable rolling pin is a thing of genius, taking all the guesswork out of rolling thickness for budding bakers. Encourage the perfect piping with this spectacular piping bag kit, with a giddying array of nozzles so your loved one will never get bored of icing cakes (it's always good to encourage tasty pursuits).
For something a little more flashy, invest in one of these fantastic cook's blowtorches, perfect for finishing off creme brûlées, charring fish skin and adding a cheffy finish to all manner of dishes.
Know someone who has plenty of time for fungi? This handy mushroom knife comes complete with a brush for all of your trimming and cleaning needs.
Ring moulds are a must for any home chef taking their presentation to the next level, while the avid baker will have new culinary horizons opened to them with the addition of a silicone baking mat. It may not be the most glamorous of gifts, but these are a must for those wanting to tackle tuiles, next-level sugar work and chocolate tempering.