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Best Gifts for $40 or Less

Quality Gift Items That Look Like You Paid More

By , About.com Guide

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They'll love these kitchen gifts. Housewares and kitchen appliances make terrific gifts, some of which are great time savers. Here's my top picks of housewares and appliance kitchen gifts under $40.

1. Simplehuman Sensor Pump

Photo © Simplehuman
Stylish yet practical and with sensor dispensing to pamper a little, the Simplehuman Sensor Pumps would make a great gift idea for anyone on your list. This pump can be used for dispensing soap, hand sanitizer or lotions. Simplehuman® has an extensive line-up of dispensers and sensor pumps to chose from including wall/shower mounted units.
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2. Babycakes Waffle Stick Maker

Photo © Babycakes
This is a delightful little breakfast maker that makes waffle sticks, rather than the traditional square or round waffles. It works very well, is compact to store and fun to use. Waffle sticks are fun to eat and add a nice variety to the breakfast fare.
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3. Ginsu Kotta Series Stainless Santoku & Cutting Board Set

Photo © Ginsu
A handy and practical Santoku knife that stores inside a hardwood cutting board. The board is designed with a cut-out handle so it can be hung or carried. The knife is made of quality Japanese steel and performs well. A nice set at an affordable price.
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4. Presto Liddle Griddle Mini Electric Griddle

Photo © Presto
Ideal for one or two persons, the Presto Liddle Griddle is easy to use, handy and cleans up quickly. You can make breakfast fare or other foods on the nonstick 8.5" x 10.5" cooking surface. An excellent gift for boomers, seniors, singles, couples, the dorm room or for a compact travel appliance.
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5. Baker's Edge Simple Lasagna Pan

Photo Courtesy PriceGrabber
Truly the best lasagna pan out there. No kidding. The 'maze' design allows great heat distribution to every 'row', noodles stay stacked during cooking/serving and the pan construction is the best for optimum baking results. The hard anodized finish makes it easier to handwash too. Really a winner and a must for lasagna lovers.
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6. Umbra Bento Bamboo Board 7-Pc Cut & Prep Set

Photo © Umbra
I love the concept of this cool food preparation set that makes for efficient work in the kitchen. With five measuring cups that range from 1 to 3 cups in size neatly tucked under the bamboo cutting board and ready to pull out and use, the prep counter is always ready for action. Very innovative and this set would certainly be an appreciated gift.
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7. Aroma Super Pot

Photo © Aroma

You can't beat the value and function you get for the price of this electric grill.  Best features include size, premium nonstick finish and high sides, so it can be used for cooking or grilling various meals.  Convenient and ideal for a couple or small family, this electric grill works well, looks nice and is so functional.

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8. Roasted Garlic Express GR300W by Todco

Roasted Garlic Express by Todco GR300WPhoto Courtesy of PriceGrabber

This is an awesome garlic lover's kitchen tool.  Roast three whole garlic cloves with a little olive oil in 27 minutes and then enjoy gourmet roasted garlic in your favorite dishes.  There's no peeling, just one small slice - it couldn't be simpler.  Small pan is nonstick so this appliance is easy to use and clean.

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9. ChapelWood Bird Seed Feeder

Photo © ChapelWood
A charming contemporary styled ceramic bird seed feeder for the garden or bird lover to hang outside the kitchen window. Read my review for detail such as size and how much seed it holds.
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10. Sachi Vino 35-042 Large Insulated Wine Tote

Photo © Sachi

An excellent gift under $30 for those who like to take wine out to socials. The Sachi Vino Insulated Wine Tote is well-designed and ideal for those who want to keep wine cool for taking to socials.  Since the padded divider tray is removable, it offers even more cold or warm food storage options. I'd recommend the 3-bottle Sachi Vino over the 2-bottle tote simply because of the added value and versatility of the larger tote for $3 more.

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