If there’s one thing that boomers think millennials absolutely love, it’s avocados. Avocados are the reason we don’t own houses, cars, or healthcare, according to almost every out-of-touch boomer I’ve ever met, which is why this avocado-inspired kitchen grater seems like such a wonderfully tongue-in-cheek kitchen must-have!
The Avo Multi-function Veggie Cutter is a nifty kitchen tool that lets you easily, efficiently, and ergonomically cut, slice, shred, and grate your veggies and fruits. The grater’s body is shaped like an avocado, with an area to collect all the sliced/grated food. Meanwhile, the avocado seed is like your grip for using the grater/mandolin, giving you a safe way to slice or grate your food without scraping your knuckles. You’ve also got multiple blade styles to choose from, for grating, slicing, micrograting, julienning, etc.
Designers: Comma Shaw, KK Lin, Zane True, Junjie Chou, David Lee, Juno Lee, Jesse WU
Although the avocado shape is a nifty design feature, it has a few standout benefits. The Avo’s bulbous base proves to be perfect for collecting all the sliced, grated materials. A built-in handle lets you grip the cutter while using it with the other hand, so it doesn’t move around… and when you’re done, you can wash and drain the cut veggies thanks to a sieve built into the side that lets you tip over to drain the water out.
Detachable blade cartridges let you choose exactly what kind of cutting/grating you need to do. You can slice veggies finely, julienne them into strips, grate them into fine strands, grind them into a fine paste or powder for hard aromatics, zest them, or even make wavy cuts to make waffle-style chips.
The avocado-seed safety holder comes with a pop-out plunger that grips the food from the opposite side and moves lower and lower as the food is grated. Rails on the side of the holder help you achieve a perfect linear motion too, so you never move in a slanted direction by accident. This ensures consistency and keeps your output looking perfect.
The Avo balances clever design with functionality really well. Its avocado-inspired shape is simply delightful to look at, while all the design details work together in synchronicity to give you a product with a delightful user experience too!
Just because life can be complicated doesn’t mean your tools have to be. Sure we all want products with plenty of features, but many of those only give rise to more problems and add stress to our already burdened minds. That also presumes that simple things can’t be powerful when reality can sometimes be the exact opposite. These products, for example, embody the Japanese philosophy of minimalism to deliver the exact features that you need for a task without getting in the way. As it turns out, they also make for the perfect gift ideas for anyone who is in need of simple, beautiful, and meaningful solutions to life’s complexities, whether for others or even for yourself.
1. Levitating Pen 3.0
Nothing grabs the attention and sparks the imagination better than something that seems to defy the very laws of physics and reality, like this gravity-defying pen. Designed like a space rocket suspended in mid-air, this levitating pen uses not magic but the science of magnets to keep the pen afloat in the middle of a stand that is reminiscent of a space station. And, of course, it’s also a finely crafted writing tool that feels great in your hand and lets the ink flow effortlessly on paper. Let your creativity fly and launch your productivity to the next level with this mind-blowing piece of science on your desk.
Click Here to Buy Now: $101$119 (15% off at checkout). Hurry, sitewide last-minute Christmas sale ends in 24 hours!
2. Frame CD Player
Ever wished your old audio CD collection could have a little pizzazz when you play them? Why not make their album art pop up like on today’s music apps? This beautiful minimalist CD player also doubles as a photo frame so that you can insert a CD’s jacket cover while you play your favorite tunes. As a portable wireless player, you can bring it with you anywhere or even hang it on a wall to have an eye-catching decor whether you’re playing something or not. Give your beloved CDs a modern touch and enjoy both the audio as well as the visual experience as they were meant to be: together.
Click Here to Buy Now: $127$149 (15% off at checkout). Hurry, sitewide last-minute Christmas sale ends in 24 hours!
3. Bookish Bookmark
Keeping a book open on the page you’re reading should be a simple thing, but the laws of physics and the very design of books seem to thwart our intentions. Rather than resorting to awkward or even potentially damaging solutions, why not give this unique bookmark a go instead. Shaped like a book, this book on a book bookmark helps keep any book open, whatever the size, without forcing it flat and damaging the binding. And because of its transparent acrylic material, you can keep on reading even while your hands are busy with something else. Perfect for reading cookbooks in the kitchen or having a sip of coffee while continuing to read that page-turning novel.
Click Here to Buy Now: $55$65 (15% off at checkout). Hurry, sitewide last-minute Christmas sale ends in 24 hours!
4. Effortless Standing Letter Cutter
Some letters bring excitement, while others bring dread. Either way, opening these sealed envelopes often involves some stressful nudging or wasteful cutting. This simple yet innovative letter cutter, however, involves nothing more than sliding one edge of the envelope across the gap. This creates a precise incision that yields the letter’s contents and doesn’t leave any strips of paper you’d have to chase after. Easily opened to replace dull blades, this fine metal block also serves as a distinguished paperweight on your desk. Opening letters has never been easier.
Click Here to Buy Now: $41$49 (15% off at checkout). Hurry, sitewide last-minute Christmas sale ends in 24 hours!
5. Rockstar Guitar Scissors
Inspiration strikes when you least expect it, so you might as well coax it your way with a tool that is designed to make you feel like an art virtuoso. Summon the muse of papercraft with scissors designed like the iconic Stratocaster electric guitar and shred through paper, vinyl, or tape like a rockstar. Made by craftsmen well versed in the art of making swords and cutlery, these shears aren’t just for show, but they do make for a head-turning desk decor when standing off to the side, ready for the next time your creativity needs a little push with the rhythmic melody of these snipping blades in action.
Click Here to Buy Now: $21$25 (15% off at checkout). Hurry, sitewide last-minute Christmas sale ends in 24 hours!
6. Playful Palm Grater
Nobody said graters need to be uninspired sheets of metal that look so far removed from the pretty dish they’re garnishing. Thankfully, this palm-sized grater throws convention out the window to turn grating cheese, ginger, or what have you into a more gratifying experience. It easily fits on your palm for a more stable hold without dirtying your hand, and its unique paper-like form makes it a welcome presence on any dining table. No more waiting for a chef or host to add the garnish you want in the amount that you want, especially not with a cute kitchen tool that makes grating feel almost like a game.
Click Here to Buy Now: $21$25 (15% off at checkout). Hurry, sitewide last-minute Christmas sale ends in 24 hours!
7. Key Holder Wakka
Never forget where your keys are ever again with a key holder that rewards you in a subtle yet addictive way every time you return it to its base. Whenever the key ring makes contact or leaves its wooden base, you get a crisp and satisfying tapping sound that will make you want to hear it again and again, encouraging you to return your keys where they belong. A strong neodymium magnet makes sure those keys don’t fall off and disappear on you. It also makes for an attractive wall decor thanks to its combination of fine wood and sharp metal materials. Create a calming and habit-forming ritual that will give you peace of mind knowing that your keys are always where they should be with this elegant acoustic key holder.
Click Here to Buy Now: $38$45 (15% off at checkout). Hurry, sitewide last-minute Christmas sale ends in 24 hours!
8. Japanese Drawing Pad
Even in the age of computers and smartphones, nothing still beats the immediacy and simplicity of putting pen to paper. The act of writing by hand can be a calming exercise, but choosing the right paper or notebook can be stress-inducing. So why not just settle for a good ol’ pad of paper, especially one made from high-quality Japanese paper. Whether you’re scribbling notes or sketching ideas, this plain offers endless possibilities without the constraints of lines, grids, or other markings that dictate where you need to write. Let your mind wander to discover new ideas and your next big thing with this clean and durable Japanese paper pad.
Click Here to Buy Now: $22$26 (15% off at checkout). Hurry, sitewide last-minute Christmas sale ends in 24 hours!
9. Door Chime Tori
Start your workday on a happy note and greet your guests with a smile with this charming door chime. Shaped like a cute little bird with tails that sing with the wind, the Tori door chime creates a lively atmosphere whether you’re leaving or going inside. The bird’s die-cast zinc body brings a durable yet handsome decoration for your door, while the aluminum tail “feathers” produce tranquil notes like a bird singing for joy. What better way to step out into the world for work or come back home after a hard day’s work than with a sweet, gentle tune to warm the heart.
Click Here to Buy Now: $50$59 (15% off at checkout). Hurry, sitewide last-minute Christmas sale ends in 24 hours!
10. Portrait Paper Holder
Just like beautiful butterflies, our thoughts and ideas can be ephemeral and short-lived, not unless you write them down as soon as they come. Scrambling for pen and paper, however, thwarts those efforts, so this minimalist paper holder keeps both within easy reach. Designed to hold hundreds of sheets of A4 paper for easy free-form note-taking, this desk tool makes it easy to grab a piece, write on it, and maybe put it back for reviewing later. Its size and adjustable angle also make it ideal for holding reading materials so that you can read them at a glance. Its simple form also doesn’t get in the way of putting your thoughts on paper, removing any hurdle that would keep you from leading a productive and efficient life.
Click Here to Buy Now: $47$55 (15% off at checkout). Hurry, sitewide last-minute Christmas sale ends in 24 hours!
Who says graters have to be large metallic monstrosities that look more like dangerous weapons than tools for creating wonderful dishes? Granted, these designs stood the test of time, mostly because they served a very general purpose and served it well. You won’t bring such graters to the dinner table, though, if all you need is a fresh batch of garnish or wasabi. You’ll probably want the right tool for the right job, something small and attractive enough not to look out of place on the table. Those are the exact features that his dish-shaped grater is bringing to the table, pun intended, turning grating into something almost like a therapeutic art form.
Designer: Shinji Kasahara of Tsuboe
Click Here to Buy Now: $55$65 (15% off at checkout). Hurry, sitewide Pre-Black Friday sale ends Nov 18th.
Graters are probably one of the most uninspiring tools in the kitchen. Granted, they are rarely seen and probably for a few seconds at most, so they don’t need to look that presentable. Of course, that implies that the uses of graters are limited behind the scenes in the kitchen, ignoring the times when you want to make the finishing touches for everyone to see. Or maybe you want your wasabi, dish, or other grated garnishes fresh and ready just when you need them.
The maruzara is a unique grater design exactly with that purpose in mind. Shaped like a small round plate instead of the typical rectangular sheet of metal, this grater is meant to sit on the table rather than be held up in the air like almost all other graters. Its small design makes it perfect to be placed right on the table, and the unique pattern of the blades gives it a distinctive look even when it’s just sitting unused.
That blade arrangement isn’t just for show, though. Unlike a regular grater with rows of blades, you make circular movements to grate ingredients. Rather than falling through holes, the grated pieces accumulate at the sides in full, fluffy lumps. The repetitive action, rather than being tiring and burdensome, becomes almost a mindful practice that puts you in the moment. Of course, it’s all for the sake of adding some flavor to the food you have right in front of you rather than having to wait for someone else with you.
This round plate grater isn’t just good looks, too. The strong stainless steel makes it durable for multiple uses. It comes with a silicon rubber base that stops it from slipping on the table while you make your circling motions. That same base doubles as the piece’s lid, protecting the blades when you store it inside drawers or on shelves. While it was designed primarily for wasabi and daikon radish, it’s not hard to imagine using it for various ingredients as well, anything you need to spice up your dish. It’s a small change from a regular grater, but one that has a strong impact not just on food preparation but also on your enjoyment of a well-done dish.
Click Here to Buy Now: $55$65 (15% off at checkout). Hurry, sitewide Pre-Black Friday sale ends Nov 18th.
Grating ingredients is not exactly something one would consider enjoyable or even satisfying. It doesn’t require much skill compared to slicing and dicing, and the common tools for grating aren’t that fun to work with, either. Why should you have to use a large metallic weapon just to add a touch of cinnamon to a plate? They say, however, that every little thing matters, and that’s especially true for garnishes and grated ingredients. Quite appropriately, this grater is also little, small enough to securely fit in the palm of your hand, almost like a toy. And just like a toy, it is designed to add a bit of fun to your kitchen and dining life while you add a bit of cheese or lemon zest to your dish.
Designer: Gensuke Kishi for Tsuboe
Click Here to Buy Now: $21$25 (15% off at checkout). Hurry, sitewide Pre-Black Friday sale ends Nov 14th.
Your typical graters are large pieces of metal that are often unwieldy to use except in the hands of a total pro. Sure, larger graters that tower over your plate have a place in larger kitchens, but the average use of graters at home rarely goes that far. Plus, even the most common grater is cumbersome to use, leading to hurt fingers and hurt feelings.
In stark contrast, the irogami grater is simple in all aspects that you wonder why home kitchen graters aren’t made this way, too. Instead of multiple pieces of metal bent and curved at different places, the grater is a single sheet of aluminum alloy that curls backward in one corner. The design makes it look almost like a sheet of paper, particularly a colorful sticky note or memo pad, that speaks to both its playful and serious demeanor.
That curled corner isn’t just an embellishment, though. It’s actually designed to rest snugly on your index finger so that the whole grater nests securely in the palm of your hand. Compared to those cumbersome graters that you have to hold tight at their handles, this form gives you a firmer grip. As a bonus, that curl also makes it trivial to hang the grater on rods and bars, though there’s also a hole for a hook if you prefer it that way.
Using this playful grater is like a game itself. Simply move the piece of cheese or stick of cinnamon from left to right and watch the tiny pieces fall down on your food. That’s really all there is to it! There are no holes where pieces of food get stuck and hide, making it easier to clean the grater. Of course, that also means the hand holding the grater remains clean since it’s more than enough for only one hand to get a bit dirty.
This simple yet genius grater comes in a variety of lively colors that perfectly complement its cheerful design. Sure, it might not fit the rest of your fine, silver-clad kitchen tools, but the typical monstrous and rough grater never really fit in either. More than just color and simplicity, however, this grater brings fun and life to your food, both in its preparation as well as its inevitable consumption.
Click Here to Buy Now: $21$25 (15% off at checkout). Hurry, sitewide Pre-Black Friday sale ends Nov 14th.
They say bears usually have a favorite tree to scratch their backs on. Not Barry though, because this lovable grizzly will scratch his back against any of your vegetables, aromatics, herbs, or cheeses! The uniquely playful grater comes from OTOTO, one of our favorite design houses, as a part of their new kitchen and home items catalog.
Barry’s back-scratching abilities work best with carrots and cheeses, as its metallic back grates your produce to a fine pile that gathers right inside Barry’s chubby old body. Lift Barry up and your grated cheese or carrot is collected in a nice pile, ready for you to use in your cooking or garnishing!
Designers: OTOTO in collaboration with Bar Davidovich.
There’s something so simple, and elegant about The Kitchen Shop’s Wood Grater that I can’t get myself to stare away. It has a simple design that uses two materials, neither of them being plastic. The grater packs a grating surface, a handle, and a container into a form factor that looks simple enough to make you wonder, why don’t ALL graters look like that?!
The Wood Grater comes made from Oak and Stainless Steel, and boasts of an easy-to-use and easy-to-clean design. Store the grater with the grating surface flipped inward, and when you want to shred some carrots or parmesan, flip the grating surface outward and grate away! The container below collects all your gratings and its elliptical shape also gives you a window into how much you’ve grated so you don’t, in strictly culinary terms, over-grate or under-grate your food!
Coming from a country that’s cuisine literally stands on spices, I can tell when Indian food is prepared with freshly ground spices versus pre-made spice mixes. There’s a complete difference in taste, and you’ll hear the same thing from gourmets, chefs, and food-lovers across the world. Pre-shredded parm tastes different from freshly grated Parmesan, and freshly ground pepper has a completely different aroma from pepper powder. The Rivsalt grinder brings that fresh distinction to salt too.
Unlike salt-grinders that use already pulverized pieces of salt, Rivsalt’s grinder allows you to work a whole block of pink Himalayan Salt. With a small platform that lets you rest your salt-rock and dock the grater, you can place the Rivsalt on any kitchen counter, or even on your dinner table. The stainless steel grater breaks the rock salt into small granules that then perfectly season your food. The freshly ground salt helps elevate the taste of what you cook and if you’re like me, you’ll never want to go back to using powdered salt ever again!
Machined from a single billet of titanium, Warren Simpson’s Fine Grater combines the virtually indestructible properties of titanium with the experience gathered from his past four Kickstarter campaigns. Small, and unstoppable, the fine grater moves along the surface of hard cheeses (parmesan or gouda) or even citrus peels, carving out fine shavings of it for your dishes. The titanium blade is food-grade, rust-proof, and has the high strength to weight ratio that makes it glide across the surface, grating things with the buttery ease that’s difficult to come by with punched and stamped sheet metal graters, but matching their weight.
The Fine Grater is made completely from a single block of titanium, giving it a unified single-material look while making sure the entire grater is rigid and unbreakable and doesn’t have any parting lines or crevasses where food or dirt could get trapped. It even comes in a variant that sports a blade on it, allowing you to cut shavings of parmesan or chocolate. Available in both left and right-handed variants, Simpson’s Fine Graters have the same dimensions of a dessert spoon, but functionality and durability beyond compare. Non-toxic, rust-proof, and dishwasher safe, the Fine Grater and Fine Grater with Blade will outlive all your traditional stainless steel and plastic cutlery and kitchen tools by not one, but multiple centuries.
Grate directly onto food (and not have to use a second plate to catch the gratings)
Allow to easily grate a small amount at a time if I need to
Be Super-easy to clean
Reduce the risk of cutting my fingers
Be built to be indestructible
Ultra-hygienic
Be good for any fine grating, including parmesan
Be good for zesting citrus
Fine Grater with Blade
Image on left: Fine Grater with Blade
Perfect for shaving parmesan and peeling thin citrus peel.
This picture shows the inside and outside of the shavings made by the Fine Grater with Blade.
Bespoke Made
Blade won’t scratch your bench.
There are no cheap-and-nasty mass-manufacturing techniques used to make these Graters.
There is no stamping, pressing, bending, punching or any other cost-cutting methods typically used in products destined for “the masses”.
From importing the raw titanium… all the way through to the proprietary surface finishing… every part of the process of making these Graters gets personal care and attention.
Each Grater is truly made ONE AT A TIME. This is a true bespoke made piece designed to last generations.
The Fine Grater and Fine Grater with Blade was inspired by the revolutionary Titanium Grater
While it occupies the exact footprint of a wine bottle on your kitchen shelf, the Bin 8 is actually pretty much all the kitchen accessories you need, combined into one ‘Swiss Army Bottle’ of sorts. A prime example of utilitarian, artistic, and thoughtful Japanese design, the Bin 8 is a combination of eight kitchen tools stacked one upon the other, made to look like a wine bottle. The bottle’s spout acts as a funnel, and its base, a measuring cup. Sitting in between these two are a citrus juicer, a spice grater, cheese grater, yolk separater, egg masher, and a jar-opening silicone ring.
Stacked together, the Bin 8 occupies much less space than each of those items would individually, and does so with a certain flair that you’d probably use the words “innovative” and “brilliant” to describe. I know I would!
My kitchen, like many of yours is filled with gadgets and gizmos to prepare food. My utensils drawer has many graters and slicers that I thought were cool looking, but nearly take the skin off my fingers when I try and use them – they also take a long time to get the job done. Who has time anymore?
Designer Umit Can Koralay, has created the Gravel food grater / slicer. This device is the perfect answer for me and well, all of us. Built bottom heavy, it allows for easier balancing while being used on the cutting board or even over bowls, pots or pans. The tube to insert the food makes clean up super easy, and with the push of a button, you can eject the blades and replace them for the different grating needs.
This awesome little wireless device makes using it easy, without having to worry about lugging around big pieces of equipment that you have to plug into the wall. Because it is wireless, cleanup is super easy. Once the Gravel needs a recharge, simply place it on the induction plate for next usage. Next time I’m grating my veggies, I will surely wish Gravel was in my hand.
