Issue Date: 
December 2021

  1. Sink caddy/sponge holder: Sponges can sit on countertops and stay wet for days, which makes them a great home for bacteria. A sink-mounted sponge holder is an excellent choice to keep them handy and allow them to drain. Many stores sell them - look for one that has openings on the bottom to allow liquid out. This one from Oxo ($14.99) is a good choice: https://www.oxo.com/categories/cleaning-organization/kitchen/stronghold- suction-sink-caddy.html.

  2. Measuring cups: A measuring cup (or set of cups) can be a neat gift for a new cook or just someone who hasn’t replaced theirs in awhile. Pyrex makes a range of sizes ($5.00- $20.00) for their liquid measuring cups. Theirs are glass, too, which makes them easy to clean, dishwasher-safe, and they won’t pick up smells: https://www.pyrexhome.com/search?qry=Measuring%20cup.

a. For dry measuring cups, look for ones that have the sizes engraved or embossed on the cups, so they won’t wear off. These ones from Squish ($9.99) are nice because they collapse down and take up less room in a drawer: https://www.target.com/p/squish-measuring-cup-set/-/A-78304774#lnk=sametab.

  1. Immersion blender: These are handy little tools for blending smoothies, soups, and sauces! There are some pricier versions, of course, but this one from Toastmaster (on sale for $14.99) does the job just as well and comes with its own measuring cup: https://www.kohls.com/product/prd-3779481/toastmaster-immersion- blender.jsp?prdPV=33.

  2. Citrus juicer: Lemons and limes are essential for adding flavor to foods and beverages. A little squeeze of citrus juice in water or tea can really brighten up a beverage. Oxo makes a citrus squeezer ($17.99) that works well for older hands, too. https://www.oxo.com/categories/cooking-and-baking/fruits-vegetables/frui... tools/citrus-squeezer-482.html

  3. Can opener: If you’re like me, you can’t remember the last time you replaced your can opener. While this may not be at the top of everyone’s list, a can opener is a quintessential item to have in the kitchen, and a good one can make the difference between an easy opening and a possible cut from a sharp edge. This PrinChef opener (currently on sale for $10.39) has excellent reviews and a soft handle for easy opening: https://www.amazon.com/Handheld-No-Trouble-Lid-Lift-Openers-Effort-Saving- Handles/dp/B08JLX1332/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?crid=18EMZXLVK5MJE&keywords=can+o pener&qid=1638121058&sprefix=can+ope%2Caps%2C250&sr=8-3- spons&psc=1&smid=A1YDPQLY48HFPY&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyP

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Enjoy the holiday season and remember to treat yourself as well!