Whether your sister is on her way to being the next Rachael Ray or she needs help boiling water, a plethora of gadgets both nifty and nice from area shops could make her time in the kitchen easier and more productive. From clever little wine bottle toppers to stove top espresso makers, you can whip up something for every kitchen at Now We're Cooking on Wyoming NE. And those on your holiday gift list don't need to be gourmet chefs to appreciate kitchen accessories, assures owner Nancy Herring.

"Anything that makes your job in the kitchen more fun is going to be a good thing," she says.

If you want to keep your gift as light as a crepe, consider these quirky findings: RSVP brand Onion Goggles, for tear-free chopping, mincing, dicing and slicing. The comfortable foam seal on these babies protects eyes from irritating vapors. Your sis will appreciate your efforts to save her mascara.

The goggles, which wear like glasses, also protect eyes from smoke, spattering and intense heat from the barbecue. They run $19.95.

Another light-hearted possibility: Quirky Corks, for $7.95 each. Imprinted with funny sayings that refer to wine, such as "Hooray for Chardonnay" or "Nectar of the Gods," they make cute hostess gifts, too.

And, you can bring a smile to her face with trays that allow her to make and serve ice cubes in the shape of dogs, cats, shells, jewels, lemons, hearts, seals, whales, stars and the alphabet. They range in price from $4.95 to $21.95.

Quaint colanders

Anyone who cooks a lot of pasta will appreciate a colorful colander.

The Reston Lloyd Calypso Basics enamel-on-steel colanders come in various sizes and cheerful colors, from hot pink and lime to cobalt and orange. They'd also look great as fruit bowls. They are priced at $16.95 to $32.95.

Another colorful addition to any kitchen, Zak Designs confetti mixing bowls are made with recycled melamine. A set of four costs $34.95, and they're dishwasher safe.

Blumz Sink Mats liven up sinks and protect dishes and sinks from getting chipped or dinged up. Designs range from flowers to pebbles. They're priced between $6.95 and $8.95.

Funware wire-wrapped and beaded serving pieces are striking but practical, too. Made of stainless steel wrapped in a special wire that withstands high temperatures, these pieces are decorated with colorful glass beads. This art you can use ranges in price from $29.95 to $32.95.

Anyone can pass themselves off as Bobby Flay with cedar and alder Gourmet Wraps for baking and grilling. Now We're Cooking carries a couple of different brands.