What I need, what I’m always looking for, is a product to make cooking less intimidating. The Sink Drainer Cutting Board (Uncommon Goods, $32.00) marries an organic bamboo cutting board with a silicone strainer and I can instantly breathe easier. I don’t have to worry about dropping all the vegetables I just chopped into the sink when I transfer them from the cutting board to the strainer because it’s built right in. The whole thing fits over your sink so you can slide your vegetables or meat directly into the strainer as you go. Usually I end up doing this in batches because my cutting board is too small to sustain an entire meal’s raw materials. Because this cutting board is meant to be used over the sink, it’s quite large and could be a bit tricky to store – something tells me it won’t be spending that much time tucked away though.

It’s probably a good idea to get a jump start on your Father’s Day shopping, so if Dad isn’t into cooking you can still find a bunch of other great ideas at Uncommon Goods.

5 out of 5 stars.

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Until I can master the fine art of walking without tripping over my own two feet, the Lappers Non-Slip Dining Trays (Vat19, $15.99) will have to help me out. What looks like a regular serving tray actually features two removable non-skid silicone mats to keep your plate and drink from sliding around. Because I frequently don’t pay attention to where I’m going, this tray would be instrumental in getting my food from Point A to Point B. The plate and drink areas of the tray are also recessed to provide even more dishware support – a place for everything and everything in its place.

“Justice is balance.”

5 out of 5 stars.

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With a love for cheese as great as mine, a capable grater is a must. The Grip Grater Multi-Position Cheese Grater (Amazon, $24.99) really ups the ante because it offers three possible positions. Three! That’s two more than most graters! When not in use, the grater folds flat for easy storage – great for small kitchens or big kitchens overrun with a plethora of cooking gadgets. Grating can be achieved in one of two ways: arms together offers the traditional hand-held option while arms out allows you to grate over a bowl or dish. Non-slip grips on both the arms and under hinges prevent the grater from sliding around in either position, so it’s really a matter of personal preference. For me, it’s gotta be arms out because you can shred block after block of cheese without feeling the burn. But that’s just me.

You don’t like cheese? As Liz Lemon would say, “That’s a dealbreaker.”

5 out of 5 stars.

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The Portion Cooking Spoon with Measuring Tools (Amazon, $9.06) is another example of my favorite type of product, the two-fer. Instead of stocking your kitchen with multiple measuring cups, why not use just one? This spoon not only has measurements in the silicone spoon (half teaspoon, teaspoon, tablespoon) but it also features a hollow clear plastic handle that holds wet or dry ingredients (up to 1/4 cup). So you get two different ways to measure in one convenient gadget and you can even use this spoon to stir your creation after you’re done measuring. I guess that makes it a three-fer.

Please don’t use this spoon to carve out anyone’s heart.

5 out of 5 stars.

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Regardless of your reasons for drinking the vino, there is one universal problem: the drip. Every time I pour a glass of wine, I fall victim to the drip. The drop stains counter tops and tablecloths with wild abandon – it must be stopped! The DropStop Wine Pour Spout (Vat19, $3.99) is a flexible disc that, when inserted in a wine bottle, cuts off the flow of liquid as soon as the bottle is lifted. Why is that important? That, my friends, is the key to defeating the drip. You get two discs per set and each disc is reusable as well as certified food safe. Simply roll the disc into a cylindrical shape and insert half of it into the bottle. Voila! Instant no-spill spout!

As an added plus, you won’t have to deal with constantly uncorking and re-corking the bottle.

4 out of 5 stars.

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