My niece is moving to her first apartment and has very little in the way of house supplies. Any suggestions for basics for her kitchen? She is a pretty decent cook. I want to get her a house warming gift.

Since your goal is to buy gifts for the kitchen here are two possible easy ideas that will be a help to your niece in getting her kitchen supplied and set up with the basics. One is to create a beginning spices and herbs collection for her to use. Those little containers are pretty pricey on a low budget but spices and herbs can make a low budget meal a lot more palatable. Start with the basics like salt, pepper, seasoned salt, onion powder, garlic powder, rosemary, thyme, paprika, Italian seasoning, cinnamon, parsley, sage, and so forth according to the style of cooking she likes to do. If she likes plants you might start a small herb garden for her that she can keep in a kitchen or apartment window. Be sure to include a set of measuring spoons and maybe a nice book on herbs and spices. Then present it all to her in a nice big basket that she can use for something else in her new apartment. The second idea is to fill an extra big mixing bowl or basket full of kitchen gadgets. Include things like spatulas, mixing spoons, measuring spoons, a nice paring knife, a serrated knife, measuring cups, oven hot pads, dishcloths and washing cloths. Think of the items you use that you couldn’t do without if you were starting over yourself. Either gift idea is sure to be a hit with your niece and she will think of you when she uses them. Mama Nono