Gosh, I love these things! I own one and I’ve given several as gifts. Perfect hardboiled–but not too hardboiled!–eggs every time. With a LOUD automatic timer alarm to let you know when they’re done. It comes with a second tier cooker for when you’re making deviled eggs for the pot luck. Honestly, one of the best things I’ve ever owned. About $20 and you can find them almost everywhere.

I’ve had one of these babies for seven years, and it’s still going strong. I give these as gifts, also. Because there are those days you don’t want to fire up the stove. This is really convenient: Plug it in, select your temperature, add oil or Pam or whatever, then fry. Large capacity! Don’t have room for this and an electric griddle? Get this! You can make four four-inch pancakes with room to spare. And when you’re making a feast, there’s no doubt about where to make the gravy or that fifth side.

Hate to sweep? Me, too. All that changing angles, bending to the dustpan, etc. Solution? The Fuller Brush sweeper that has been around for decades works on hardwood, carpet, tile, whatever, and it takes much less effort than a broom and dustpan. You might need the latter for corners, but the sweeper will get almost everything you need to reach. Cost is about $60-80, and worth every penny. I got mine from http://www.vermontcountrystore.com, but you can buy directly from Fuller Brush online or just about any major house goods department.