NJ Quilter

We have a relatively small kitchen but a decent sized pantry. That's where all the 'not used on a daily basis' stuff goes (along with minor amounts of food). Cookbooks and recipe boxes are also there. I dislike lots of clutter on my counters which is a neverending battle with DH. If there's a flat surface anywhere.... Our microwave is above the stove - best invention since sliced bread. I use the 'bread drawer' of my cabinets for most of the gadgets. I have a small 'vase' for the most used spatulas and spoons. Coffee pot and toaster are on the counter as well as a small basket to hold odds & ends. I do tend to like gadgets but can usually resist most of them.

As to gifting...DH & I agreed a number of years ago to forgo the gift giving for holidays and anniversaries. We instead use those funds for travel; dinners out; time spent together. I agree with another poster's suggestion that adult children of those of us who have more 'stuff' than we know what do with - ask for their time (if geographically convenient). Even if not so geographically convenient, perhaps more frequent phone calls?? Still 'time' on their part as well as you getting to spend time chatting/visiting with them.

Up North

I have things I use about once a year but my food processor comes to mind it is kind of big takes up a lot of storage space but come canning time it gets a work out! Most everything else gets used alot I have a blender but even tho I am going to make us milkshakes one day I have not done that! never have ice cream when I want one!

tranum

I own 4 crockpots (different sizes) and use all. Not big on baking, but love my big mixer. I make 5 lb. batches of ham balls, meat balls or meat loaf in it (among other things). Food processor for shredding cabbage and my shredded cheese tastes good because I shred it myself so no fillers in it. (you saw the news?) Love my pressure cooker but probably use it only 1x month. 2 aebelskiver pans (mine and Moms) but use both when making a big batch for the freezer. A favorite is electric vegetable steamer (shrimp, rice, vegs). Love my kitchen appliances.

JuneBillie

Though I am not much into gadgets I do love my dishes, teapots, cute odd dishes I find.,etc. I have a new set of gorgeous coffee mug size cups my son bought me, and they are so pretty. I have Christmas mugs in a special cabinet that me and my husband started when we first got married. We would buy each other one that are those sculpted type mugs for our hot chocolate. I have one coffee cup he had made for me with pictures on it. Other mugs for hot or cold drinks that my son would bring back for us from where he went to a fly in. I have all kinds of pretty serving dishes that I love. So I am only a minimalist when it comes to gadgets. lol...I have some clear dishes that were used in cafes a long time ago that you don't see anymore. They are little ones that are shaped where you have a section for a tiny food, a place for a cup or glass, and a third place that's a mystery. lol...

sewellie

I would never give up my Keurig coffee maker. Mine just died after many many cups of wonderful coffee. So I found a killer deal on one and it will be delivered on Saturday. Can't wait. I don't care how much of my kitchen cupboard it covers, it's worth it!!!

sewbizgirl

I think when we are young we need to collect all that kitchen stuff. Now that we are older, we constantly want to get rid of stuff to have less and less. We learn how much our possessions 'possess' us!

sewbizgirl

You are after my own heart with the dishes, etc., Susan... I do have lots of old sentimental dishes and little planters I have collected. They make my kitchen homey to me. My favorite kitchen stuff is my collection of Pyrex colored bowls and casseroles from the 50's. I started with the pieces that were my Mom's and that I remember eating out of every dinner time... and then I've added to those whenever I find good pieces I can afford. I'll keep all of that until I die!

paoberle

I'm the same way. I used to be a sucker for kitchen and sewing tools and gadgets. I have no need for "stuff".

Roberta

The worse purchase I ever made was from a TV selling channel. It was a Keurig Vue coffee machine. They stated the packs could be purchased anywhere and they were coming out with a refillable little cup, neither of which happened. Instead they stopped making the Vue model in a short period of time so I'm stuck with the expensive machine and some unused boxes of the packs, ugh !

Latrinka

Yes, definitely agree with this! Or fabric, of course you can't go wrong with that!