Gift Guide: Kitchen Gadgets Under $25 You Didn't Know You Needed

What do you get for the foodie in your life? Here's a place to start. These are economical gifts that will be used over, and over, and over.

Grease Splatter Screens for Frying Pans: If you do much pan frying - especially of thin meat cuts like chicken breasts or salmon - you know how frustrating it be for the grease and oil to splatter back at you while you're flipping it. And, even worse, it gets all over the stove! These splatter screens come in three sizes, so you can use them for any size pans. Limit the splatter without having to use a lid, which makes the finished product lose its crispness. ($20)

Bartender Citrus Squeezer: You might very well have a citrus squeezer, probably cheap, plastic, lime-sized. And if you're like me, you've broken it... and replaced it... repeatedly. This metal one will last you, and won't give up in the face of oranges or hard limes. ($22)

Set of 3 Fine Mesh Strainers: You can use sifters for way more than sifting powdered sugar over finished baked goods. Use the large one to strain sauces, or the smaller ones to sift dry ingredients like baking soda to prevent chunks. ($13) 

Cookie Scoop: Obviously, these are handy for dropping cookie dough onto baking sheets without getting your hands all dirty. But this is great for measuring everything, from pouring dough into muffin tins, to measuring out the filling for wontons or empanadas. Or, if you need to measure out something thick, like tomato paste, this will give you an easy release from the spoon. (about $7)

Silicone Garlic Peeler: Smashing the cloves, cutting, peeling... it's not fun. This little gadget takes the steps out of the equation; just put a whole garlic clove (or two) inside of it and then roll it around under the heel of your hand while applying weight. Once you get the hang of it, a peeled clove will come out and the papery peel will stay inside the tube. (2 for $6)