I’m all about the practical. And products that make my life a little easier. Or help me spend less money. While I love a good splurge every now and again, it’s the gifts that get used that I love the most. And it’s those gifts that I love to give the most. (Like the spoon rest that I got for my brother and his new bride. I thought about getting them something “fancier” or nicer, but decided to go with a couple smaller more practical things on their registry, that I know they’d use. And sure enough, just days after returning from their honeymoon, he texts me a photo of the spoon rest “in action.” Made me smile inside.)
So that’s what you’ll find on my holiday gift guide…practical and helpful gifts!
Cookbooks
Well, I couldn’t not include these! They will help you spend less at the grocery store. Every week. And they will bring some diversity and fun to your table. Well worth the investment.
- The $5 Dinner Mom Breakfast and Lunch Cookbook ($14.99 or less)
- The $5 Dinner Mom Cookbook ($14.99 or less)
Kitchen Gadgets
Here are a few of my favorite gadgets that I use on a daily…daily…daily basis. They are all at least 9 years old…and still going strong!
The Oxo Good Grips Garlic Press ($15.99)
Oxo Good Grips Can Opener ($12.99)
Oxo Good Grips 3 piece Angled Measuring Cups ($19.99)
Oxo Good Grips 5-piece Nylon Tool Set ($17.66)
Small Kitchen Appliances
These small kitchen appliances will make your life a little easier…
Black & Decker 3-Cup Rice Cooker ($14.99)
Hamilton Beach HomeBaker Breadmaker ($63.61)
Oster Electric Griddle with Warming Tray ($31.60)
Oster MyBlend Blender ($29.50)
Knives
We were very blessed with Henckels International Knives as wedding gifts. And I love them dearly. I’ve used a number of other brands over the years and they just don’t do the trick for me! I am a firm believer that a good set of knives are well worth the investment. And the good news…there are some fantastic deals on knife sets these days.
- Expensive – Henckels Forged 7 piece Stainless Steel set with knife block – $159.95 (reg $334)
- Not-So-Expensive – Henckels International Everedge 13-Piece Knife Set with Bonus Cheese Knife – $44.93 (reg $122)
- Henckels Sharpener Steel – $15.12 (reg $35)
Cookware
Visit the One Dish Dinners Cookware page for more ideas…
Farberware Pro 8-Inch Open Skillet – Durable Teflon Platinum nonstick interior for added scratch resistance, easy cleanup and quick food release; NSF Certified, guaranteeing the highest construction and performance standard; Restaurant-styled cookware for fast, even heating; Nonslip silicone handle; Oven safe to 400°F.
Edible Gifts
I love giving edible gifts…because you know they’ll get used, er, eaten!
Organic Maple Syrup ($17.85 with Subscribe & Save)
Organic Coconut Oil, 2-pack ($14.69 with Subscribe & Save)
Honey Whole Wheat Bread Machine Mix, 6-pack ($11.53 with Subscribe & Save)
Hopefully these products will make your gift giving a little simpler and easier…Happy Holidays!
Erin
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
I have been wanting a bread machine but want to the right one. You like this one? Do you have it and use it?
I LOVE my garlic press and use it daily!
I have a Sunbeam bread maker that I bought at WalMart for 25$ and I love it. I’ve used mine twice a week for a year now and it still work’s like new. Check the thrift stores before you pay full price for a bread maker.I paid 5$ for the one I got my sister and then went online and downloaded and printed the instruction manual for her. A lot of people get them,use them once or twice then end up getting rid of them.
Thanks for the tip! I should check out the thrift stores. Great idea!
I just bought a bread machine at Amvets (a local thrift store) for $6! I am so excited! My hubby found the manual online and I just need to give it a good cleaning before I use it! OH, I am looking forward to that smell! YUMMY
After years of using a bread machine, I have resorted to using the machine that are my hands. The machine only last so long, takes up space, is funky to clean, and makes funny shaped loaves.
I discovered that after I got the hang of it, I could easily spend 5-10 minutes every few days and make a perfect loaf the old fashioned way.
In terms of thrift, my hands are the best. I know it doesn’t promote the products, but it does play into an inexpensive, healthy family meal.
good for you. I have a bread machine bu only use it now for making pizza dough. I grind my own wheat. 1/2 the price of flour and much healthier for you. I make 6 loaves at a time thanks to a friend with a great recipe. Its so simple and easy I would never go back to a machine.
Merry Christmas! I really enjoy the $5 recipes for our large family. They hope we win the IPad
nice and great article.