Loop 21 Gift Guide: The Kitchen

VITAMIX 5200 STANDARD -- $499 -- Okay, so we know we mentioned below that these gift ideas wouldn't bust your budget. But this item merits consideration, if only because Vitamix blenders are the Maserati of blenders. Forget smoothies, think of the soups, sauces and other creations that would blend effortlessly with its 2-peak horsepower motor. No? No worries. Our other ideas are much less expensive.

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Our picks for the budding chef in your life this holiday season

With Christmas a little more than a week away, it's crunch time for gift givers. There are always those people on our lists who are extremely hard to buy for. A person who loves to cook -- especially if he or she is any good at it -- is certainly one of those hard-to-buy-for people.

For one, most quality cookware or kitchen tools are pricey. But most budding chefs would never turn down a moderately priced stainless steel knife or an mid-shelf rice cooker.

To help you win big smiles from the "Chef Boyardee" in your life this holiday season, we've compiled 10 gift ideas that can get you started and not bust your budget. That is, unless you want to gift someone a $500 Vitamix blender this year. And by all means, do!

[ALSO READ: The Art of Snacking]

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