I’m a bit obsessed with kitchen tools, toys and gadgets. I love things that make my life easier, can be multi-purpose and won’t break the bank. I also know how hard it can be to shop for that favorite chef in your life, or get that first time home owner the perfect housewarming gift… this list should help you with that issue.

Apple Peeler/Corer/Slicer
This is one of those toys that you never think about but every household should have.  When it comes to making apple pies, grilled ham and apple sandwiches or turkey and ham wraps, this more than cuts your prep time in half and it can also be used to make super cool potato spirals like this one:

Zyliss Palm-Held Pizza Slicer, Red Every house should have a pizza slicer because they are for so much more than slicing pizza! We use ours for cutting grilled cheese sandwiches into strips and serving them as finger food, cutting pancakes easily and in the blink of an eye and of course slicing pizza    Plus, this one is super pretty and fits right into the palm of your hand. At under $10, this is a steal.

Puffy Muffin Top Pan

We all know that the muffin top is the best part of the muffin. Cut out the middle man with this nifty little pan.  You could also use this for cupcakes!

5-Quart White Crockpot, slow cooker

It’s a crockpot… there are entire websites devoted to it.  Need I say more?  I do.. okay, if you don’t have one, your kitchen is nowhere near complete. (there are some way more amazing and techy-digital-esque crockpots that cause me to drool but, we’re sticking with under $25 here people)

12-inch seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

You knew this was coming.  I’m a Texan.  Cast Iron is a must.  You cannot call yourself a cook in the south without one.  Trust me, this is the greatest kitchen pan of all time.  If you’re lucky, you have a Granny who’s passed one down from generations long gone by, if not.. this pre-seasoned skillet is an absolute steal at less than $20, these babies are priceless as far as I’m concerned.

All in one timer and digital thermometer

Whether it’s medium-rare steaks, chicken, pork chops or timing your 15 minute cleaning spree.. this digital thermometer timer is a MUST HAVE! It’s combining two kitchen must haves into one sleek, useful and easy to read tool and really is a steal at $18

Wilton Easy Flex Silicone Spatula 3 Piece Set

Silicone is one of the greatest kitchen friends ever.  Multi-size spatulas are a necessity and for under $7.. this is a fantastic set.

Rubbermaid Storage Set

This is the exact set that is in my cabinets right now and I paid more than $20 for it.

Hot Air Corn Popper I really think that every kitchen should have a hot air popper.  This popper is under $21 and is worth at least triple that for the flavor and the memories. Fresh popped popcorn is a standout memory of my childhood and the taste.. oh my word the taste.  No bagged popcorn can replicate it.  And I say that with all the knowledge (and disclosure)  that I love love love bagged popcorn

12-inch electric skillet

Okay, this one breaks my barrier by $10 BUT, my electric skillet is almost 2nd in my heart to my cast iron skillet and I cannot live without it and you cannot get a good one for under $25.  Forgive me? Yes, yes you will