What do you do when finding yourself swamped with gift-giving occasions? Whether it’s the holidays or one of those seasons when all of your single friends decide it’s the perfect year to marry, there are times when we find ourselves in a position where the budget simply doesn’t measure up to the invites.

Well I’m here to tell you that there’s no reason to curtail your social life… it’s simply a matter of shopping wisely. And if you’re willing to fore go the (always pleasurable) Oohh’s and Ahhh’s upon gift opening for the very heartfelt… “Oh My God, THANK YOU! How did I ever live without this?” down the road then I recommend you spend that gift money on some wonderful, affordable kitchen tools that make life easier every week!

Oxo Good Grips Garlic Press

This is one of those gadgets that people are often willing to do without. That is… until they’ve used one. So unless your friend has unusually amazing knife skills when it comes to crushing garlic they will thank you big time for this new Garlic Press. If you’re lucky, they’ll invite you over for a tasty, garlicky dish from time to time.

Silpat Nonstick Silicone Baking Mat

The best thing about this particular mat is that nothing sticks to it! That means no more over-flouring of your pie crusts, bread doughs or sugar cookies. This is a baking mat that replaces parchment paper. There is one caution – though most people don’t seem to experience the issue some people find they are sensitive to unpleasant fumes from the silicone mat.

Rival 6-Cup Rice Cooker with Steaming Basket

Amazing but true… it doesn’t take the biggest price tag to make the best rice! Don’t underestimate this inexpensive kitchen helper for making a great pot of rice… brown or white. Include a box of Trader Joe’s Brown Rice Medley and you will have given a gift that will be used frequently! And to think for around 13 bucks it includes a basket for steaming veggies… unbelievable!

Grill Friends Silicone Angled Barbeque Mop

The coolest thing about this barbecue mop is it’s great length! You don’t have to be concerned with burning the hair off your arm reaching over to those items sitting toward the back of the grill. I love that and for that alone it makes a brilliant gift! Add that those silicone bristle strings don’t shed and it’s easy to clean up in or out of the dishwasher and you’ve truly found a gift worth giving.

Trudeau Graviti Battery-Operated Pepper Mill

Interestingly, when people talk about this pepper mill they consistently use the word, FUN! Seems to me any pepper mill that says FUN to so many different people deserves to be on a gift list. (Personally, I like one for sea salt and one for pepper) You see, it uses gravity so as soon as you turn it upside it starts grinding for you! Handy for the cook as well as fun at the table AND it comes in a variety of colors. Beautiful gift but requiring 6 AAA batteries that you might want to include if giving as a gift.