When it comes to buying gifts, there are three types of people in my life: those who are very specific about what they want; those who say they'd be happy with anything I get them; and those who really mean it when they say they'd be happy with anything I get them. I hope you find something on this list for a foodie in your life, or maybe even yourself. Most products are available at kitchen supply stores across Atlantic Canada and through online sources; prices are approximate.

1 Foodloop
Trussing and tying foods can be time-consuming and messy, but this ingenious silicone loop holds stuffed, rolled or wrapped meats, fish and veggies together. It's adjustable, can be linked together to make the length you need and is available in several sizes. Unlike string it won't stick to food, and it won't scratch your pans. It's heat resistant and can be used on the stovetop, in the oven, microwave or freezer. The Foodloop comes in a set of four with a mesh bag to use in the dishwasher and for storage. From Fusionbrands; $14.

2 Out Of Old Nova Scotia Kitchens
An old favourite turns 40! If you're not familiar with Marie Nightingale's beloved cookbook Out of Old Nova Scotia Kitchens you're missing out on a classic. As well as serving up traditional East Coast fare, Marie offers cultural insights and puts recipes in historical context. This 40th anniversary edition has a new foreward by chef Michael Howell and new recipes, keeping comfort food at the top of the menu. I keep a copy of the original close at hand it my kitchen - the fact that it no longer has a cover is a testament to its many years of use! Nimbus Publishing, $17.95.

3 World's finest scrubbie
This is an amazing little product with 101 uses. Coloruful and durable, it's ideal for pots and pans, stovetops, ovens and dishes - and it will get stainless steel sinks gleaming again! Bonus: use it to clean carrots and potatoes. Available at halifaxseed.ca and veseys.com; $3.

4 Nesting bowls
This set of six, non-slip bowls comes in vibrant hues; sizes range from 10 oz (275 mL) to 24 cups (5.4 L), making them practical as well as beautiful. Available at Costco; $19.95.

5 Paderno silicone spoons
Add a cheerful accent to any kitchen with these silicone spoons. Similar in look and feel to an old-fashioned wooden spoon, they come in either 12 or 15-inch sizes, and can withstand temperatures up to 400°F. Paderno.com; $5, $7.

6 Ravioli skimmer
Don't be fooled - this tool is much more versatile than the name suggests. Use it to move vegetables from cooking pot to serving platter, and remove solids from stock; eliminate the hazard of carrying a hot pot to the sink for draining. One brand to look for is Mario Batali: it has a soft grip handle that makes it easy to use. Mariobatali.com; $10.

7 Silicone food pod
This handy silicone vessel allows you to save time when boiling, blanching or steaming. Simply fill the container - which will hold up to a dozen large eggs or several heads of broccoli - and drop it into boiling or simmering water. You use less water, and you're able to remove everything at once, which allows for even cooking. It has a handy, built-in clip that hooks on the side of the pot, keeping the lid at an angle to aid in steam venting. From Fusionbrands; $19.95.

8 Cooking with Beer: Favourites of Newfoundland & Labrador
The combination of moose and beer, steak and beer, and fish and beer may just send male cooks into a beer-induced frenzy. Written by long-time Newfoundland chef Gerry Crewe, this book has more than 100 easy recipes - which include appetizers, salads and desserts, as well as meat entrées - tons of useful cooking tips, and also entertaining beer trivia to dole out to guests. Open a Quidi Vidi cold one (or equivalent) and let the games begin. Creative Book Publishing; $14.95.

9 Corn zipper
Most people love fresh corn on the cob but if you have dentures or braces, eating it can be difficult. The corn zipper fits in the palm of your hand and litterally zips up and down the ear, releasing the plumb juicy kernels. Unlike a knife it leaves them intact, ensuring that you don't lose flavour! From Chef'n; $8.

10 Palm peeler
So absolutely appealing! This little gadget slides right onto your index finger and makes peeling a breeze. Great for all types of vegetables, it's especially handy for potatoes and even has a special tip for removing potato eyes. From Chef'n; $10.

11 Spaghetti measure
This lightweight, compact gadget takes the guess work out of how much pasta to cook. It's adjustable from one to four servings; you simply slide the small lever around the side of the disk, opening the camera-like apparatus to the required serving size. From Joseph Joseph; $7.

12 Garlic machine
Insert fresh peeled garlic cloves into the cylinder and with a simple twist of the corkscrew-like handle, you'll have puréed garlic. It has its own built-in scraper for removing the garlic, then you just replace the cap and store the remaining garlic in the fridge for up to a week. From Chef'n; $12.