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Before you stuff your stockings by the fire, consult this list to help you find just the right mix of useful and fun gifts without breaking the bank.
Multifunctional Garlic Press ($2): With this tool, grate and press garlic, ginger, nutmeg, and any other flavorful little ingredient that needs mincing.
Stord Coconut Opener ($8): Relive your favorite moments from your last tropical adventure by having fresh coconut at home — but without having to figure out exactly how to open the coconut in the first place.
Hiware 200-Pack Biodegradable Paper Straws ($9): Sometimes you gotta stick with your sipping habit, but it doesn’t always need to happen with plastic.
Taylor Oven Thermometer ($9): Some of us have supernova ovens that burn all of our cookies, and it’s horrifying. An in-oven thermometer like this one takes the guesswork out of baking.
OXO Good Grips 3-in-1 Avocado Slicer ($10): You’re going to be the hero of the gift-giving game this year by making everyone’s avocado life this easy.
Ayesha Curry 2-Piece Spoonula/Spatula Set ($10): You can always use an extra spatula in your life, and this two-piece set from Ayesha Curry’s line is durable and adorable.
Cravings by Chrissy Teigen 2 Piece Acacia Wood Salad Serving Set ($10): All right, we know — we’re obsessed with Chrissy Teigen, and we refuse to be sorry about it. Her latest cookware line with Target is chic and functional, like this salad serving set.
Obliviate Harry Potter Inspired Shot Glass ($10): Here's a Wizarding World shot glass for all of those tequila memories you’d rather not keep.
Mickey Mouse Whisk Set ($13): Whisk together all the ingredients you need for a happy treat to pair with your Disney movie marathon.
Thirstystone Gold Tone Arrow Bottle Stopper ($13): A stunning gold arrow tops this bottle stopper, making it a total upgrade from those neon-colored plastic ones we’ve all picked up at checkout in the grocery store.
Unicorn Silicone Pop Molds ($14): Make your next batch of popsicles or fudge bars magical with unicorn molds.
Joseph Joseph Spiro Spiralizer ($15): This handheld take on the food world’s trendiest accessory lets you spiralize for one.
Magnetic Kitchen Timer ($15): These sweet little retro kitchen timers can stick to any metallic surface, making them extra handy when you need space for rolling dough or making a mess.
Houdini Electric Corkscrew ($16): Help the people in your life stop struggling with wine openers — and get one for yourself while you’re at it.
Pottery Barn Mezze Salt & Pepper Shakers ($20): Squeaking in under the budget limit are these stunning salt and pepper shakers. Everyone needs a little table pizzazz in their home, and these babies deliver.
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
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More From Kitchen Tools and Gadgets
Your relationship with your finances is one of the most important relationships you'll ever have, and you can't avoid it. That said, for many of us, the pandemic only added to our financial stress. If you find yourself feeling frazzled, just remember that financial insecurity isn't a net-worth issue — it's a mindset issue. And, we happen to have plenty of advice on how to turn your money mindset around so you can take charge of your funds once and for all.
To start, feeling secure begins with a strong foundation, and there's no better time than now to get started stacking the bricks. It's easy to get swept up in the January "new year, new me" mentality, but really? Any time is the right time to get yourself in order. You don't need to wait for a new year, a new moon, the right moment, or a sign from above. You don't even have to start on the first day of the month — you just need to start.
Introducing NerdWallet: A Safe and Reliable Money App
To help with that, we've put together a list of the just-right-for-you ways that NerdWallet can help you monitor your financial outlook. Haven't heard of them yet? NerdWallet is a personal finance company that helps consumers make smarter financial decisions. Their website and app let you compare different financial products, find articles and tools to make financial decisions with confidence, and keep tabs on your finances (hey there, credit score, I see you!) all in one place. Plus, NerdWallet has over 75,000 glowing reviews in the App Store (and a 4.8 star rating) if you want to read up on any more testimonials.
Tim Chen, NerdWallet's CEO and co-founder, started this financial journey in 2009 after his sister needed help finding a credit card. Even with an economics degree and a Wall Street background, it took awhile for Tim to find the right recommendation (so don't feel too bad when it takes you a while, too). Their mission is to bring clarity to all of life's financial decisions.
So it's safe to say that NerdWallet is a pretty good sherpa for your journey, too.
Get the most from your money
Did you know that the money you park in a savings account can lose value? Harsh, but true. If your money isn't earning interest that's on pace with inflation it will actually be worth less to you in the future. And if the bank charges fees? Forget about it. Make sure you're earning the interest you deserve and come out on top. NerdWallet has researched dozens of financial institutions to help consumers find the best options. The hard work has already been done for you, so you can just select the account that works best for you and your nest egg.
Keep an eye on everything, securely
Once everything is set up, tracking and managing your finances is what will keep the money machine running smoothly. You can create an account either through the site or the app and link your bank accounts, then keep tabs on all your finances in one place. Get a clear picture of your saving and spending, get insights into how to master your money, and even build your credit score all in one place.
Get extra credit points
Do you have the best credit card for your lifestyle? Some cards give cash back on every purchase, ones with travel perks, and ones that charge way less interest than you're paying now. NerdWallet takes the guesswork out of choosing the right credit card with simple side-by-side comparisons of different credit cards so that you feel confident choosing the right one. Whatever you want to do, NerdWallet can help you find the best credit card to get it done.
Know your options for settling down
Mortgage rates are pretty low and it looks like they're going to stay that way for awhile, so buying a home might be the move sooner than you think. But there's so much more to a mortgage than just the interest rate! To help you choose a mortgage lender, NerdWallet has in-depth reviews on multiple lenders in a mixture of categories so you get the home loan with the mortgage rate, term, and fees that's right for you.
Settle an old score
NerdWallet helps you monitor your credit score for free and helps you see how little things (like raising the limit on your credit card or paying your bills on time) can increase your score. NerdWallet partners with TransUnion® to provide your VantageScore® 3.0, based on information in your TransUnion® credit report. Your score and credit report information are updated weekly. But that's not even close to all:
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When it comes to managing your money, safe and reliable is where it's at. Establishing a healthy relationship with your finances begins when you take control and practice habits that build wealth. Signing up just takes a few minutes. Set your intentions to build a solid financial foundation, it will only strengthen your relationship with your finances. And don't be afraid to get a little nerdy while you're at it.
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