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Microplastics have been dominating headlines recently. These tiny plastic particles — usually 5 millimeters or smaller — have found their way into countless everyday ingredients and products. As concern over microplastics increases, experts recommend identifying reasonable ways to reduce plastic usage. The kitchen is one place they’re prevalent — think plastic cutting boards, bags, and containers.
This year, the best gift you can give family and friends is a healthier alternative to any of these essential kitchen gadgets. To help you navigate the seemingly endless options at Amazon, I gathered some of our favorite tried-and-tested replacements, so you know you’ll be wrapping up something good. Shop the best non-toxic kitchen gifts below, from $10.
Food & Wine
Best Non-Toxic Kitchen Gifts for 2025
- Genius Plastic Wrap Swap: Bee’s Wrap Beeswax Wraps for Food, $19, originally $25
- Lane Linen Pure Cotton Dish Towel Set, 12-Pack, $14, originally $18
- Expert-Approved Coffee Storage: Fellow Stainless Steel Atmos Vacuum Coffee Canister, $28, originally $35
- Cheesemonger-Approved: Formaticum Paper Cheese Storage Bags, 30-Pack, $24, originally $29
- Bentgo Signature Leak-Proof Glass Food Storage Container Set, 6-Pack, $60
- Food & Wine Favorite: Earlywood Handmade Wooden Kitchen Cooking Utensil, $22
- GIR Silicone Essentials Kitchen Utensils Set, 5-Pack, $21, originally $25
Skip: Plastic Wrap or Plastic Bags
Gift: Wax, Paper, and Silicone Alternatives
While it’s good to keep plastic wrap around for certain scenarios, why not supply your giftee with a beeswax-derived alternative they may not spring for themselves? Plus, shop organic cotton produce bags, cheese storage paper, and durable silicone bags you can reuse again and again.
- Bee’s Wrap Beeswax Wraps for Food, $19, originally $25
- Formaticum Paper Cheese Storage Bags, 30-Pack, $24, originally $29
- Organic Cotton Mart Cotton Produce Bags, 6-Pack, $14, originally $18
- Stasher Premium Silicone Reusable Food Storage Half Gallon Bag, $15, originally $22
Bee’s Wrap Beeswax Wraps for Food
Amazon
I’m a huge fan of this beeswax wrap because it’s an alternative to plastic that can be reused multiple times. Because this is a roll, you can cut pieces to the necessary size, whether wrapping a lemon half, storing the last slice of bread, or covering a bowl of leftovers. Just wash it with cold water and soap, and you’re good to go.
Formaticum Paper Cheese Storage Bags, 30-Pack
Amazon
Cheesemongers want you to ditch plastic wrap for these paper storage bags. They’re more efficient in every way: The porous material lets cheese breathe, controls the humidity, and protects cheese from its environment. You can’t say the same for anything plastic; in fact, cheesemongers say plastic is the enemy when it comes to keeping dairy fresh.
Skip: Plastic Containers
Gift: Glass, Silicone, or Stainless Steel Containers
Plastic containers leach microplastics over time regardless of how you use them, but microwaving your containers is even more risky. Instead, opt for silicone, stainless steel, or glass containers that allow you to use them in multiple ways without concern.
- Bentgo Signature Leak-Proof Glass Food Storage Container Set, 6-Pack, $60
- Fellow Stainless Steel Atmos Vacuum Coffee Canister, $28, originally $35
- Souper Cubes 2-Cup Silicone Freezer Molds with Lid, 2-Pack, $34 with coupon, originally $40
- Anchor Hocking Glass Storage Containers with Lids, 6-Pack, $21
- Pyrex Colors Tinted Sculpted Glass Mixing Bowls With Lids, 3-Pack, $40
Bentgo Signature Leak-Proof Glass Food Storage Container Set, 6-Pack
Amazon
I would be giddy if someone gifted me this set of Bentgo containers. I use them every day in my kitchen thanks to their functional sizes, airtight lids, and non-toxic design. The container bases are made of glass, and the lids are lined with silicone for a better seal.
Fellow Stainless Steel Atmos Vacuum Coffee Canister
Amazon
Your favorite coffee lovers will appreciate this canister from Fellow that doubles as a food storage container. The stainless steel interior and vacuum-sealed lid ensure your beans stay as fresh as can be. It’s what coffee experts want you to do: Instead of storing your coffee beans in a plastic container in the freezer, this container is your best bet.
Skip: Plastic Kitchen Tools
Gift: Silicone, Wooden, and Stainless Steel Kitchen Tools
After learning that black nylon plastic can contain flame retardants and microplastics, I decided to get rid of any tools made from it. As it turns out, a lot of the replacements I purchased work even better than what I had previously. The tools below are easy gifts that aren’t just healthier, but more functional than their plastic counterparts.
GIR Silicone Essentials Kitchen Utensils Set, 5-Pack
Amazon
I’d buy this set just for the ladle. It’s the ideal size, has marked measurements, and the edges are flexible to help you scrape the bottom of your pot. It also comes with a spoonula, spatula, turner, and spoon for a complete set.
Earlywood Handmade Wooden Kitchen Cooking Utensil
Amazon
This spatula is one of the best gifts you can give any cook in your life. It’s handmade in Montana and has a multifunctional, ergonomic shape. The thin design makes it easy to hold and maneuver, while the slender, hard edges help to stir and scrape. Almost everyone who tries this swears it’s one of the most-used tools in their kitchen.
Skip: Plastic Cutting Boards
Gift: Wooden Cutting Boards
Every time you cut on a plastic cutting board, you’re releasing thousands of microplastics into your food. Now is the time to upgrade, and there’s no better gift to give yourself or a loved one than a high-quality wooden cutting board. Below are great options with varying prices to suit your needs.
John Boos Chop-N-Slice Series Rectangular Wooden Maple Cutting Board
Amazon
Ina Garten, Rachael Ray, and Giada De Laurentiis all love John Boos boards, along with a slew of our editors who use them daily at home. While they can be pricey, this option is relatively affordable and makes an excellent holiday present for a loved one. It’s an inch thick, so it has a nice weight to it without being bulky. The generous surface area means it can be used for anything like small strawberries or big butternut squashes.
John Boos R-Board Series Rectangular Wooden Walnut Cutting Board
Amazon
This is the best large wooden cutting board we tested. The edge-grain walnut wood it’s made from gives it a rich brown tone. We love its durability, and the built-in handles ensure that this large board is still easy to maneuver. An everyday essential, it’s worth the splurge.
Skip: Teflon Pans
Gift: Stainless Steel and Cast Iron Cookware
Teflon is a form of plastic, which means that the black, flaky surface of your friends’ and family members’ pans can be toxic. I recommend investing in stainless steel or cast iron pieces to avoid the fuss. They last longer and are often more versatile.
Tramontina Signature Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel 10-Inch Frying Pan
Amazon
You don’t need to break the bank to buy a loved one a nice stainless steel pan. The Tramontina 10-inch skillet performed exceptionally during our tests, heating just as evenly as its expensive counterparts. Not only that, but it’s lightweight and well-constructed enough to stand the test of time.
Lodge 10.25-Inch Cast Iron Skillet
Amazon
It costs just $24 to give a for-life pan to a friend, co-worker, or loved one. Lodge skillets reliably deliver in performance for the price. The skillet always heats evenly and retains temperatures for consistent cooking and baking results. We find this pan easy to clean and maintain.
Skip: Microfiber Towels
Gift: Cotton Towels
I recently learned that microfiber towels contain microplastics. It’s such an overlooked kitchen item, you may not have even considered the fact that those plastic-derived dishcloths are leaving toxic remnants behind. A good set of cotton dish towels makes for a great gift to cooks and bakers alike. We rounded up sets that stay soft, are machine washable, and absorb water with ease.
KitchenAid Albany Kitchen Towel Set, 4-Pack
Amazon
This soft cotton KitchenAid set features two solid towels and two striped towels. You can choose from a fun turquoise, forest green, soft grey, and 16 others, so there’s an option for everyone on your checklist.
Lane Linen Pure Cotton Dish Towel Set, 12-Pack
Amazon
You can’t beat these everyday, all-cotton dish towels. When we tested the set, we found that the towels were both compact and effective. Not too thick, they’re easy to store, which is key since there are 12 in the collection. We reached for these towels frequently and found that they never developed an odor or felt too damp. This is a gift-worthy option for any home cook.
Kristin Montemarano
2025-11-28 10:15:00

