I’m back with more random questions. (I totally recognize that I am taking advantage of you all having expertise - I hope this is ok. If not, mods please tell me and I’ll post a question elsewhere.)
For Christmas my older son, currently a college senior, has asked for “spices and things for cooking next year”. He’s got some basic pots and pans that are some of our overflow from home and he’s got an instapot. What he doesn’t have: (1) Spices, but if he’s not really cooking until summer, should I save those for a later gift so they don’t get stale? And if I do buy him spices, anything you’d specifically recommend; (2) Big utensils, like stirring spoons, spatulas etc. These seem like potential stocking stuffers to me. Anyone have a favorite or unusual utensil you use a lot?; (3) Pyrex. He likes to make a lot of food on Sunday and store for the week, so I’m thinking a pyrex-like set of containers would be good; (4) Rice Cooker. I’m torn here. He eats a ton of rice. He could use the instapot rice setting, but it never seems to go quite right. I’ve never had a rice cooker, but I hear they are awesome. Are they? Is it worth the counter/cabinet space for someone who will be in their first apartment?; (5) what else? Any suggestions?