Gadgets make cool gifts - so long as they work. So often pretty is also pretty useless. Good design is both practical and beautiful. Great design is cost-effective too.

Silicon has changed kitchen utensils - it is heat resistant, flexible, strong, hygienic and colourful - a designer’s wet dream. There are loads of potential silicon gadgets in funky colours that people who love cooking will appreciate - from spoons to baking trays.

These gift ideas are affordable at £15 or under and represent brilliant value. And even if the intended recipient has something similar it doesn’t matter - more than one of anything comes in handy when you’re cooking.

Stocking fillers that have a purpose, that become well used and add something to the everyday set of kitchen tools will always be appreciated by people who love cooking - they might even take the hint and invite you to dinner!

Hotspot Eggshell Silicon Egg Poachers

Amazon - £4.99 for 2.

Poached eggs are my ultimate comfort food - but I’m fussy - they need to be a good shape and the yolk must be soft but intact. I want the pleasure of busting it! But I’m not great at getting them right. Poaching pans were no help. Microwave poachers no better.

Then came silicon. Just oil lightly, crack the eggs, place poachers into boiling water, cover for four minutes (runny) - perfect every time and easy to clean. These shell-styled models are the best. Deep enough to give a good shape, drain through the zig-zags, the egg slides out. Tell the six minute from the four minute by the colour. One of the best gifts I’ve ever received! 

Jamie Oliver Flavour Shaker

John Lewis and many other stockists from £15.

I don’t really know how it works, but it does. Looks good, feels good, built good and works good - for dressings, crushing and marinades. Don’t throw away the mortar and pestle; you’ll just use it less. Sceptical? See it demonstrated by the ubiquitous mockney geezer at www.flavourshaker.co.uk.

Available in a cool range of colours and even gold and brushed steel limited editions.

Citrus Squeezers

Heals, good kitchen stores, Amazon from £9

Expensive, bulky worktop machines have limited practical use. When worktop and cupboard space is at a premium it’s hard to justify another appliance. Some hand held juicing gadgets get as much of the juice over you as where you want it to be.

Available in three sizes for limes, lemons and oranges, these simple citrus presses are amazingly practical beasts. The lime juicer is perfect for cocktails. Oranges may require two hands and the designers have drawn the line at a grapefruit version - in pink perhaps? 

Marks and Spencer Measuring Spoons - £5

Faringdon Measuring Cups - Amazon from £3.40

What exactly is a teaspoon, or a tablespoon, and how do I do half of one? The problem with any old spoons is that they are any old shape. And what the hell’s a ‘cup’?  When cookery is chemistry accuracy matters so a good set of measuring tools is anything but a luxury. They should be held together with a split ring - or they’ll get lost in the draw. They should be more or less spherical (not spoon shaped) for ease of use and in metal for cleanliness. Marks and Spencer’s stainless steel set looks good - especially for a fiver

So many cookbooks use American measures, a set of measuring cups is a ‘must have’. Faringdon’s stainless steel set provides helpful translation to European measures.

Typhoon Elegance/Classic Drizzlers

Debenhams, House of Fraser and others. from £8.

Why buy infused oils when you can make your own? Good olive oil, a head of garlic, a handful of red chillies and you have it. You’ll need somewhere to keep oils and dressings that is practical to use and will look good in the kitchen or on the table.

Transparency is important  - that rules out ceramic or steel however aesthetically pleasing - I want to see what I’m drizzling! And never mind all of this messy ‘thumb over the end of the bottle nonsense’, drizzlers give control even to the heavy handed.

Typhoon’s drizzlers come in several designs and colours to match most decors. Who wants an oil bottle on their worktop anyway?