The catch here is that without some sort of heat, it can take a little while for your dishes to fully dry. With the Lawn Countertop Drying Rack (Perpetual Kid, $27.49), it’s not an issue. I used to just set my clean dishes on a dish towel on the counter – so low-tech. Not only does this drying rack look a whole lot more awesome than my lowly dish towel, but it’s actually a lot more efficient. You can dry anything from cups and bowls to utensils and kitchen accessories without worrying about them falling over. The secret is in the flexible grass blades that secure your dishes in place while still allowing air to penetrate. Any extra water drips onto the tray below, which is easily removed for cleaning.

If you have pets, you might want to tread lightly here – this grass does look a lot like the real thing.

4 out of 5 stars.

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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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Instead of making an old fashioned paper list, why not try the Blackboard Door Planner (Not On The High Street, $50.16)? You can plan out your days with ease and, more importantly, without harming the planet. The set includes five reusable blackboard pieces separated by day as well as a set of chalk sticks that allow you to write on and wipe off. Simply place the self-adhesive pieces on your surface of choice (door, wall, counter top) and you’re ready to list away!

Please note, these lists are obviously not portable so you’ll still have to think of another planet-saving alternative to paper. I have faith in you.

4 out of 5 stars.

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