Alligators have teeth. Lots of teeth. About eighty as a matter of fact. That’s more teeth than I care to think about, especially as far as alligators are concerned. One would think exchanging those teeth for stainless steel blades would only create an even more terrifying creature, but at least in the case of this alligator, that’s the furthest thing from the truth. Because this little prep gadget is cute.

Instead of teeth, the Mini Alligator features rows of mince-making stainless steel cutting blades. Snapping down like the mouth of an alligator, the kitchen gadget cuts small items like garlic, olives, radishes and shallots into 1/8-inch long sticks. For a fine dice, just take those sticks and give them another run-through, making sure to turn them 180 degrees before snapping down the handle. Certainly a lot more friendly than the carnivore variety—and one whose alligator smile I can actually trust.

Tags: chopper, cutting tool, slicer

Of all the things that get misplaced, bottle openers, keys and remote controls tend to top the list. It seems only natural then that a bottle opener would get attached to a remote control. (The keys are a different story, but with a bottle opener and remote in hand, you’re not going anywhere anyways.)

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Tags: drinking, openers, TV

Drink coasters usually don’t do much. Sit there and protect the coffee table from condensation, that’s about it. Pretty boring stuff. However, these Flowing City Coasters by Megawing do more than just soak up our drinks. Made from silica gel, the coasters are formed into the shape of Taipei, Taiwan and allow for condensation to become trapped in the alleys and streets. Pretty neat and more fun than watching those annoying white circles work their way into the tabletop.

(Via Oh Gizmo)

Tags: Cheap Gifts, coasters, Megawing

Aha! You see spoon rests all the time, and you see lid-holding gadgets on occasion, so it’s about time somebody put the two together. Result: the Combo Lid/Spoon Rest. The well thought out kitchen accessory is actually a pretty good idea. It answers the eternal question of where to set down lids on crowded countertops—and even collects drips in the base of the stand. Finding a place to set down a spoon can be just as challenging—either dirty a plate, or dirty the countertop. Until they make a spoon rest built into a lid without that pesky handle getting in the way and knocking about, this will have to do.

Tags: cooking

It has been hot in California this week—ice cream weather! Time to break out the ice cream machines. It seems as if it were only yesterday that every day was a rainy day. (Not that there’s anything wrong with ice cream in the rain.) Taking a bright and colorful approach, like the weekend outlook ahead, the Cuisinart Classic Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream & Sorbet Makers offer easy accessibility to homemade frozen treats.

The automatic maker requires no chemicals, salt or ice while the double-insulated removable freezer bowl helps to whip up a 1.5-quart batch of your favorite flavor within minutes—good news for those caught off guard by the warm weather. As for areas with weather still stuck in the ice age? Best to plan ahead, as spring has sprung. (Or is at least in the process of springing!)

On sale right now for $49.95.

Tags: Cuisinart, fun, ice cream maker, TGIF

Juicers tend to be underappreciated. Sure, they supply us with the means to produce freshly squeezed juice from oranges and other ingredients, but they rarely get a second thought. Considering that the juice reamer is almost always the same half-sphere design with ridged edges and it’s not too surprising. Change the shape of the business end of the juicer and suddenly it gets noticed.

The Dr. Bird Juicer from imm Living does just that. With a hummingbird design, the 3-inch tall juicer stands out amongst other juicers. Utilizing the beak and ruffled feathers of the bird to facilitate juicing, the juicer offers a fresh and fun design that is useful too. Designed by Lesley Look Hong, the fun little kitchen gadget would make a nice gift for anybody—even the person who has everything.

Tags: birds, juice, Mid-Range Gifts