Cooking can be a real adventure for someone inexperienced. And it’s not just “will the contents of the pot taste like food”. The whole process can be quite complicated.

Is spending money on special utensils justified in this case? It depends on the sum, I suppose. The Veggie Peeler with Storage looks like a good tool for a newbie, but $20 is pretty steep. We all know what a veggie peeler is, so what’s different here? This one comes with an attached recipient to gather the peelings, which eliminates the need for a newspaper or trash can underneath.

Knowing my ability to knock things off the counter, I’d normally be all over this… but it’s $10 too expensive, so no thank you.

How much under $29.99?
Some: $19.98 on ShopGetOrganized.com.

Via bookofjoe

These baby bottles are not only cute, they’re also eco (and baby) friendly.

Given recent research that shows that some chemicals in plastic baby bottles can harm the little ones, the Wee-Go bottles are made from the much safer glass. Safe until it breaks, right? Not exactly. The designers thought about this so they added a silicone sleeve over each bottle to prevent breakage, and in the process they also made them easier to hold (not to mention cool-looking).

The plastic parts are recyclable and the bottle and sleeve are dishwasher-safe, which I’m sure busy mums will love to hear, and they come in 2 sizes (4 and 9 oz.) and 8 colors.

How much under $29.99?
Some: $11.99 – $18 on GoBabylife.com.

Via PlanetGreen

Magnets are an important part of everyday life, but how many of those who use them (directly – on the fridge, for example – or indirectly – like in speakers) know how cool they really are? If you never did an iron filings experiment in school, you need to see this. Really.

The Magnet Tube Magnetic Field Viewer has a fancy scientific name that might put people off, but it’s not that bad. The theory behind the process is quite easy to understand and, even if you don’t want to know it, it still makes for some impressive visuals.

And there’s no complicated technology involved; just some good ‘ol physics. By pouring the iron filings inside the large tube and then inserting the magnetic in the smaller one, the magnetic field will be visible. But the fun starts afterwards: by sliding the magnet up and down, the iron filings will start moving – magic!

Perhaps a bit too simplistic for adults, but perfect for older kids who are starting to get interested in science. At least it doesn’t involve anything exploding…

How much under $29.99?
Some: $12.99 on ThinkGeek.com.

Printing photos is so cheap that anyone can fill their house with framed pictures of spouses, children, parents or friends. But don’t they get boring after a while? Getting a portait painted would be more special, but the price… ouch.

This is probably the train of thought that led to the Create Your Own Canvas set. By using a printer (yours) and some special paper (theirs) you can get the next best thing: a photo that looks like a painting. The process is quite simple: print on Smart Film Sheet, apply on canvas, give it a finishing touch with the Texture Brush and tada!

Now, I’m assuming the result won’t be perfect and you’ll still be able to see it’s really a photo, but when you think about the price of the real thing… you’ll find that it’s not that bad after all.

How much under $29.99?
Some: ~$17.50 on Firebox.com.

He’s one of the most famous video game characters. Millions of fans have lived and died alongside him in the Halo game series. And now he’s – sort of – real in the form of an action figure.

The Halo 3 Series 3 Master Chief stands 5 inches tall, but packs a lot of detail in that small frame. Beside the trademark helmet, it comes with a sniper rifle and a spike grenade. It has no less than 9 articulation points: neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, waist, hips, knees, ankles and feet. Almost like having the character in the room with you… except for that nasty shooting going around.

What’s Master Chief without enemies and allies? Good point, which is why there’s a bunch of other Halo figures to choose from right here. Get them together and work your pew-pew-pew magic!

How much under $29.99?
Some: $15.95 on SplitReason.com.

People love to pamper their pets. Pet product manufacturers know that. Please allow me to doubt that your cat or dog care about half of the “must-have” accessories supposedly designed to make their lives better.

Would Fluffy enjoy being stroked with the Pet Massage Glove? Probably; then again, she’d probably like any type of attention, especially if it involves you patting and her purring. This special glove bring vibrations into the equation, which are supposed to make the daily stroking sessions even more relaxing, but… hmmm. I’m not saying there’s not some cat or dog somewhere who’d go nuts about it. I’m just doubting it’s really necessary…

(And oh God why that atrocious blank and white pattern?!)

[Please admire the lack of jokes about pussycats and vibrations, ok?]

How much under $29.99?
Some: $19.98 on HarrietCarter.com.

Via bookofjoe

It’s unclear how the Lost Socks Hanger can be, you know, useful, but it could make such a nice decoration for an otherwise boring bathroom or closet… too bad it seems not to serve any real purpose.

It’s designed to hold mismatched socks, that much is obvious. Did a sock dissapear? Hang the surviving twin up and wait until the missing one resurfaces. Then again, the same thing can be achieved by simply putting them in a drawer; it’s not like anyone has hundreds of pair of socks and can’t look among them from once in a while.

I’m really not getting this, and I’m trying because I like it. But there’s no way I could justify spending $20 something like this. Perhaps if I had a kid with a sock-losing problem… but maybe not even then.

How much under $29.99?
Some: $19.95 on JackandFriends.com.

Via FashionablyGeek

Keeping shedding pets out of a room can be… entertaining (especially if the door doesn’t lock). Keeping annoying little siblings out can be even tougher. The Echo Bot Memo Recorder won’t be able to do either for a long while, but at least it’ll give them a good scare.

This little alien can record up to 10 seconds of sound and then automatically play them back when a motion sensor is triggered (works up to 3.3 feet). You can make it visible or as inconspicuous as you like, because it’s got suction cup tipped legs which allows it to be placed in a variety of places.

For best results record yourself yelling “Stay out!” or something as friendly. Bonus: you can also think of creative ways of using it for Halloween.

Of course, you could also use it for nicer purposes like saying “hello” to every one who enters the room, but that’s not as fun as scaring people, is it?

How much under $29.99?
Some: $14.99 on ThinkGeek.com.

Interesting ice cubes have no practical use, so why do people keep buying all shapes and sizes of ice trays? That’s easy: they’re very simple way of adding an extra touch to a drink.

There’s literally dozens, if not hundreds of different shapes to choose from, and today we have one aimed (heh) at gun lovers. The Bullet Ice Cube Tray is the silicone replica of an AK-47 magazine and delivers 12 icy bullets.

Unlike most trays, this one is a bit more complicated to operate: the two halves must be placed one over the other to create the bullets, so it’s going to require some attention. But if the result is anything like the pictures, it’s worth it. Ok, perhaps not if you’re inviting your son’s classmates’ parents for dinner.

How much under $29.99?
Some: ~$15 on Find-Me-A-Gift.co.uk.

Via UberReview

The Snack & Stack Utensils look like the kind of thing to keep the kids entertained at dinner – happily eating, not wreaking havoc. Yet why do I feel adults will go crazy after them?

I also have the answer: Lego. They’re obviously not licensed products, but the look is unmistakable. If you figure that Lego bricks would have painful edges, you’re right. That’s why these are made from silicon: comfortable and easy to grip.

Due to the distinctive shape, they’re also easy to stack, which makes them perfect for travel or lunchboxes. (Spork lovers, note that your favorite utensil is included.)

How much under $29.99?
Some: $17.50 on Amazon.com.

Via BoingBoing