Here are several gift ideas in the $50 or less price range. Any baker and/or cook would be thrilled to have any of them.
1. StirChef Sauce Pan Stirrer
This new kitchen gadget appears on my Fun Kitchen Toys list as well. It could come in handy when I have several pots on the stove going at the same time. I know the StirChef could be of great help in the kitchen.
2. Nordic Ware Bundt Pans
In case you didn't know it, the Bundt cake pans decorate your cakes for you. They come in many designs like Sunflowers and Cathedrals. I have the rose shaped pan, the cathedral and two of the original shaped pans. Plus I also have one of the mini pans. Instead of making one big Bundt cake, you can make 6 smaller ones. They also have a fancy shaped loaf pan, too. You can never go wrong with any of these pans.
3. Nordic Ware Gingerbread House Mold
Here's another gift item I want to add to my holiday wish list. How cool would it be to bake your own Gingerbread House from this mold?4. Pyrex Portables
Speaking of taking dishes to luncheons... This is the perfect gift for someone who often goes to potlucks. Not only do you get a nice sized rectangular glass pan, but it comes with a tight-fitting cover, a heating pad and a carrying case. I've carried both hot and cold dishes in mine.5. Baker's Secret/Pyrex Starter Sets
Looking for the very best gift for the new baker in your life? There's nothing like one of these Pyrex starter sets. You get from 40 pieces that range from measuring spoons to rectangular baking dishes. In between, there are measuring cups, bowls and pie plates. The best thing about Pyrex is that not only are they great in the oven, but they're perfect for the microwave, too.6. CorningWare French White Bakeware
Here's another perfect baking set for the new cook or the cook who entertains a lot. CorningWare's French White Bakeware is beautiful. Again, like the Pyrex, it's great in the oven and the microwave. You can never have too many pieces of this bakeware.7. Roasters
Every cook needs one really big roasting pan. It is such a joy not to be roasting my turkey in one of those flimsy, disposable pans. I also use mine when I buy a large chicken and surround it with vegetables. It's lovely.8. Mini Food Chopper
This gift is for the person who may not have room for a big food processor or just doesn't want to get it out. I love my mini chopper. It's a time saver when I need to quickly chop nuts or fresh herbs. Clean-up is a breeze too.9. Rival 6-Quart VersaWare CrockPot Slow Cooker
I must confess, I have four crock pots. My latest one actually has a timer and warm setting. This is the next one I want, because you can brown your meat in the same pot. All crockpots are the perfect appliance for people who do a lot of entertaining. Perfect to keep hot dips and soups in. I've also used mine to keep apple cider warm. Of course, you can also make food in them as well. Baking desserts and breads in them is also fun.10. Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker
This is the time to buy a soft serve ice cream maker. I predict when summer comes these will be very hot items. Buying one of these could make you the hit of your neighborhood. At the very least, you'll get the Best Parent of the World award just for buying this machine.