Each week I really look forward to the What Is This? feature. I absolutely love hunting for weird gadgets and gizmos. Over the year I've uncovered a few stumpers — I knew what they were and still couldn't believe it — as well as a few things that would make our lives easier. Here, clockwise from the top left corner, are my favorite gizmos. Do you know what they are?

• You'll wow folks with your dishes with the help of these green Betty Bossi gizmos.
• This menacing-looking silver tool actually does something quite simple.
• I have to admit, this is a pretty useless blue gadget, but could make for a great gag gift.
• This yellow gadget actually started the What Is This? series.
• Here's a fresh-looking gadget that comes with an error-proof indicator light and is dishwasher safe.

• We asked you to submit your gingerbread houses and you guys really impressed us. We had 30 entries including this one from Jessica in Australia. Thanks to everyone who participated!
• Still looking for some last minute gifts? This week we've uncovered gifts for your neighbors, a white elephant exchange, newlyweds, your boss your co-workers, and their holiday stockings.
• Need a little inspiration for your holiday meal? Check our ideas for a traditional Christmas dinner.
• Ever wonder who won Glad's Steamiest Chefs contest?



• We want to know, can you tell the difference between real food songs and fake ones?
• Go behind the scenes at the Sugar Holiday party and learn how to throw your own bowling alley party.
• Get a great recipe for golden beet soup, as well as one for orange ricotta poundcake and Santa's Martini.
• Would you eat reindeer paté?
• Is a new Rachael and the return of Jamie enough to save the Food Network?
• We've started recapping our Best of 2007 polls and posts. Come find out more about:
  
  • Our favorite sides
  • This year's favorite foodie film
  • The best cakes of the year
  • My favorite of the 52 weeks of baking
  • This year's most interesting polls
  • Our favorite restaurant chef
  • The year's best invites
  • The best new magazine
  • Your favorite cooking show, food reality show, and foodie tv show
  • The year's favorite male and favorite female celebrity chefs

If you don't have the time — or energy — to come up with the perfect gift for those last few folks on your list, then go ahead and get them a gift card. It may seem like a cop-out gift, but it's easy on you and they'll be guaranteed to get something they want. For a food-oriented person you can get them a gift certificate to their favorite restaurant or grocery store. You might also consider their favorite kitchen gadget place. Sur La Table gift cards actually come in several different themes. If they're a baker, get one with a rolling pin on it; if they're a cook get them one with copper pots.

If you're pressed for time, don't forget, a lot of major grocery stores carry many different gift card options ranging from major restaurant chains to online vendors. Grab a few when you're picking up your last minute ingredients. This way you'll have some on hand in case an unexpected guest stops by — just be sure it's somewhere you'd like too!

For a few gift card ideas, scroll through below.