The Gift That Will Keep Giving

At this time of year, we think about family and friends...and we spend a lot of time trying to find the perfect gifts that will let the special people in our lives know how we feel.

The most welcome gifts, many people will agree, are those that provide lasting value, can be shared with others, and enjoyed by the whole family.

In that context, we can’t think of anything that fits the definition of “best gift ever” more than a brand new kitchen! By holiday time next year, your gift will be as welcome and as useful as the day it was given. It’s also a gift that can take shape over time, giving everyone in the household input into the planning stage.

Like snowflakes, no two kitchens will be exactly alike. The different features and styles you select will reflect lifestyle requirements and fulfill the “wishes”of the residents.

For the two of you.
You’re passionate about gourmet cooking. Consider an island that has ample food preparation space and a built-in cook top with grill or rotisserie. A mix of countertop materials such as butcher block and marble can make it easy to move from chopping vegetables to rolling out dough. Accessories such as built-in coffeemakers and wine coolers make entertaining a breeze.

For the family with pre-schoolers, tweens and teens.
Design a kitchen that will multi-task as well as you do. With a little planning, your new kitchen can support non-cooking interests and needs from bill paying to hobbies to homework. You don’t need a lot of space to create an office corner with built-in desk and work surface. Add outlets for a laptop and task lights, as well as a charging station for small mobile devices. Seating units with storage underneath provide a place to read or study, and store books, games and office materials.

For the extended family household that encompasses toddlers and grandparents.
Convenience plus safety are the ingredients for your ideal kitchen environment. Induction cooktops offer the best of two worlds. Efficient cooking that takes less time plus safe cooking because there are no flames or hot surfaces until a pot is placed on the cooking area. You can make sure everybody can participate in the meal preparation by creating knee space under a sink or countertop to accommodate little helpers and older family members.  A person in a wheelchair or low chair can be seated at the area, and so can someone using a high stool. When no one is seated, the space can store a rolling cart or portable work surface.

They say there is no place like home for the holidays. We think it’s also true that no room in the house or condo more clearly defines what “home” is all about than the kitchen. This year, surprise your family and delight yourself with a gift that will brighten your lives all year long... the dream kitchen they have always wanted.

From the entire Neff of Chicago family, best wishes for a happy holiday season and a healthy, prosperous New Year.