These 8 Genius Kitchen Tools Shave Hours Off Your Holiday Meal Prep—and Cost Less Than $10

My mother-in-law recently asked me if I’m going to cook for Thanksgiving, and I actually laughed out loud. More than half the family is traveling for the November holidays, so no, I’m not making a turkey for four people. I’ll gladly host this year, but our Thanksgiving meal will come straight from the pre-prepared aisle of Uncle Guisseppe’s—and everyone’s okay with that.

But if I was going to cook any holiday meals this season, I would make sure I had the right tools to set me up for success. And in my book, success means the easiest, fastest way possible, so I look to clever kitchen tools to save me time (and money and effort) in the kitchen. When you’re prepping, cooking, and hosting a big holiday meal for a whole family, every minute is crucial, and the right tools are even more important. My favorite kitchen tool picks include clip-on strainers, jar openers, egg separators, scraper spatulas, herb scissors, and more. 

And because groceries are pricier than ever, each tool costs $10 or less. Keep scrolling for helpful, clever kitchen tools that will save you time while prepping holiday meals.

Clever Kitchen Tools That Save Time During Holiday Meal Prep

Yevior Clip-On Strainer

This is the best kitchen accessory I own. Don’t get me wrong—I love our MacKenzie-Childs colander, but it’s a) expensive and b) another item to handwash. This silicone clip-on strainer is a genius invention by comparison; it clips directly onto any saucepan or pot and keeps the food inside the pot as you strain the liquid. It’s compatible with small, big, and even lipped bowls, as well as pots and pans, so it’s easily the most versatile gadget in our kitchen cabinet. It’s also heat-resistant up to 230 degrees Fahrenheit, and won’t burn or melt over time.

Bloss Anti-Skid Jar Opener

I can’t tell you how much of my life I’ve wasted trying to open jars. I first saw this handy jar-opener at my mom’s house way back when, and I should’ve bought it a long time ago. Especially because it’s only $6. It makes easy work of opening any size jar, and even has eight sizes of circular openings to ensure a strong grip for various sizes.

LuoCoCo Cute Egg Separator

I know how to separate an egg by hand, okay, so please don’t judge me. But when the clock is ticking and it’s getting closer to the time that guests arrive, I’ll take any hack to make mundane tasks go quicker. Plus, this little ceramic bowl that looks like a chicken is pretty cute!

GoodCook Everyday Fruit and Vegetable Divider

This is another kitchen gadget I should’ve bought years ago—particularly because I’m not too confident with knives. In fact, my poor knife skills are the number one thing that holds me back—and wastes time—in the kitchen. Instead of waiting for someone else to cut the vegetable for me, this fruit and veggie cutter quarters lengthwise, from end to end. It’s easy and, most importantly for me, safe to use on strawberries, bananas, potatoes, brussel sprouts, grapes, tomatoes, olives, and more. 

Ototo Splatypus Jar Spatula

As food prices continue to increase, I’m not willing to waste even the teensiest bit of nut butters, jams, jellies, honey, or any other jarred substances. This unique spatula—which looks like a platypus—has a thin design and flexible head that reaches into nooks and crannies to remove every last morsel of food. Not only am I no longer wasting product, but I’m also no longer wasting time digging into jars with awkwardly-shaped spoons and knives that can’t get the job done.

Keep scrolling for more clever kitchen tools that will save you time as you prepare meals this holiday season—all under $10.

TrendPlain 16-Ounce Glass Olive Oil Sprayer

Hzxsdeg Herb Scissors

Esie Houzie 5-Piece Kitchen Gadget Set