I’m Obsessed With This $15 Ikea Find—and I’ll Be Gifting It to Everyone This Christmas

The older I get, the more difficult it becomes to think of things I want for the holidays. I have almost everything I need—and there’s not much more I want. But one type of gift I always appreciate (and try to gift others) is an upgraded version of something they already love to use. This could be as simple as a nice bag of coffee for your friend who regularly drinks a cheap cup of joe, or a new water bottle to replace your friend’s old, leaky one. It’s a win-win situation. And the gift I’m gifting this year is just that—an upgraded version of something many people use every day. 

A few years ago, I picked up this Ikea kitchen set on a whim to replace one that had stopped working. I didn’t realize then just how great it was, but after years of using (and loving) it, I can confidently recommend it to others. And at just $15, it’s an easy and budget-friendly way to share the love.

The Ikea Halvtom Spice Mills Make a Great Holiday Gift Set 

You might not think a salt and pepper grinder makes an exciting holiday gift, but this $15 Ikea Halvtom Spice Mill set proves otherwise. These mills aren’t just a stylish upgrade; they’re also practical because most people reach for salt and pepper every day. And it makes a difference every time you use it. The mills freshly crack salt and pepper with ease and, frankly, look much prettier than most sets on the market 

And I’m not the only one who thinks so. Allrecipes’ Associate Director of Content Marketing & Operations, Cally Rhine, says, “I love them. They’re practical but look high-end. I always get compliments on them.” Ikea shoppers feel similarly. Reviewers state that the ceramic blades “grind perfectly” and have “amazing coverage.”

“These are absolutely the most delightful grinders I’ve ever used,” said one Ikea reviewer. “They’re so simple in design and perfect in size. The ceramic grinders work wonders and create such a smooth, consistent texture. Highly suggest for anyone in the market for some perfect salt and pepper.”

What’s more, this set has many little benefits that make it great for everyday use. The first is that it’s incredibly easy to fill. Unscrew the grinder top and fill the wide opening with peppercorns, coarse salt, or whatever spices you use often. You won’t even need a funnel.

Other spice mills I’ve used have such a small opening that I’d end up spilling peppercorns all over the counter, even with a funnel—not with this set. Plus, the glass body makes it easy to tell when you need to top up. 

Another upgrade is with the grinder itself. The small knob in the center makes it easy to adjust the coarseness. Plus, the wide mouth of the grinder makes it easy to season a platter of pasta or a pot of boiling water quickly.

Unlike most spice mills, the grinder is on top of the mill, which prevents spice residue from getting on the table, worktop, or spice rack. Best of all, the top’s cap can be folded up for easy hand cleaning, and the glass body can be popped in the dishwasher.

Aside from its functionality, it’s also quite beautiful. It’s a modern spin on a retro shape, and would go well with so many decor styles. It’s aesthetically beautiful enough for the dining table, but hearty enough for the kitchen every day. 

Using the Ikea Halvtom mills makes cooking easier and more effortless. It’s one of those small upgrades that makes a surprisingly big difference. That’s why I love gifting them to my foodie friends and family during the holidays.

If you’re looking for a simple, thoughtful gift for the home cook in your life, give these mills a try—they’re sure to earn rave reviews.