Inexpensive gift idea

[jes]

SO's father is into cooking gadgets. Looking for a holiday gift in around the $20-range that would be be something new and different and fun but also at least partially practical. Any suggestions?

[goodhealthgourmet]

"inexpensive" gadgets are tricky because the quality is often pretty crappy. is he a meat guy? you could get him something along the lines of a digital probe thermometer...

[gordeaux]

iI like gadgets too, but most of them are garbage. A few things I have that fit your description (especially about being practical for the $)
outdoor grill light
those oven gloves
mini chopper
does he have a rice cooker? a few bux more, and voila - you get a decent one.
those deep fryers are really cool. The novelty wears off after using it four or five times though.
really good tongs? (always a great gift in my eyes - NOT cheap ones!!!)
A set of oxo good grips gadgets - the peeler is really good, so is the pyramid cheese grater. The soft grips really come in handy for those.

A basket filled with some oxo gadgets, some tongs, and bbq/grilling rubs?

If they don't have a rice cooker, I think I'd suggest that first. Rice cookers a just great.

[chuckl]

I generally prefer edible or drinkable gifts, but if doesn't have a microplane for grating cheese and other things, they're pretty inexpensive and quite useful

[LNG212]

Second the microplane idea. I love mine. It's grate for ginger, cheese, and citrus zest and even garlic.

Another idea -- if the person likes to grill ... I bought my BIL a personalized branding iron (3 initials) for use on the outdoor grill and he loves it. Uses it all the time -- burgers, steak, etc. He even branded his Thanksgiving turkey when it came out of the deepfryer! I got mine from Williams Sonoma but I think they are available in many places on line.

[qwerty78]

I love gadgets as well. i just haave to try and conserve space!

heafy measuring cups? silly colored paring knives?

i've been wanting a butter warming pot and some silicone potholders(the kind that slip over the pot handle) crate and barrel often has fun and reasonably affordable gadgets too- i recently picked up .50 pastry brushes and a champagne plier that works wonderfully for about $6

[cvhound]

How about a couple of wine collars with decorative stoppers? They're great for preventing messy drips. I like the decorative plastic & silicone air-tight wine stoppers sold at Bed Bath & Beyond which can be had for a couple of dollars each.

http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family....

[Steady Habits]

What does he like to cook, jes?

[Nyleve]

Cheaper than what you have in mind but I love my new little Garlic Zoom!
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASI...

It's cute and fun and works well.

[fauchon]

Every cook needs sharp knives! Wusthof's 2-stage sharpener does the job & does it well...

http://tinyurl.com/6xwpw8

[paraque]

One of the best gadget gifts I've received was one of those apple peelers that also slice and core. Amazing devices, and usually under $20. They really make apple pies a breeze.