Cooking gift ideas for kids

As the Christmas season is rolling into high gear, I have yet another gift question. My nephew is 11, has started to get into cooking, and really loves it. He only does basic things right now, but I wanted to get him a gift in that vein. I believe he already has a children's cookbook but any other ideas would be greatly appreciated.

I would check to see if your sister/brother will appreciate cut-resistant gloves, and maybe a chef's knife - Sparky loves his, and they make me a little less worried about teaching him knife skills. Or you might try a traditional BBQ apron/mitts set (Sparky also loves his arm-length BBQ gloves) He also has a Chef's hat that he enjoys wearing on occasion, but that might not fly with an 11-year-old.

What kind of a cook is your nephew - is he more of a baker or more of a chef? A really nice mixing bowl set would be appreciated by a novice baker, a safe-to-use chopping device (the kind where you put the food in a cup, put the device over the top, and push down repeatedly) might be appreciated by a small chef (even though I don't like those.) Sturdy, colorful silicon tools -whisk, spatula, tongs - might be a good way to go in either case - these are cute.

if he likes cheese Zingerman's has a cheesemaking kit, that lets you create your own fresh mozzarella and ricotta too. it is recommended for kids and all you need to provide is the milk and salt. i am getting one for my niece, but i might get one for me too. sounds like good messy fun!

edit: link added: http://www.zingermans.com/Product.aspx?ProductID=P-HCK

Now I know what to get Sparky....

Thanks for the good ideas. I knew I could count on Mhays to have something interesting.

My nephew appears to be headed into baking, but that cheese-making kit might lead him in a different direction.