A friend introduced me to this funky device and it truly is the best way to peel garlic. This rubbery tube is about five inches long and goes in the dishwasher. Stick a clove of garlic in there, roll it, and the shell breaks off! Quicker (and safer) than smashing cloves with the back of a knife. Amazon has it for $7.99. Buy it!
The America’s Test Kitchen Family Cookbook is my go-to cookbook for EVERYTHING. Seriously, folks, if I could only keep one cookbook, I would shun my grandmother’s copy of The Joy of Cooking for this tome. The detailed directions and breadth of recipes win me over every time. Amazon has it for $23.07 (orig. $35). Buy it!
If you want to give something lighter (literally), check out the Frugal Foodie Cookbook, which I reviewed weeks ago after making scones. The recipes are fun, easy, and avoid waste. Amazon has it for $10.85 (orig. $16). Buy it!
The Quick & Healthy Cookbook Volume II offers help for people who don’t have enough time to cook healthy. It is part diet book and part cookbook. The first 77 pages are devoted to helping you trim calories, plan healthy meals, and generally educate yourself about eating well. I love that everything is explained so well and that there is room to take notes. Amazon has it for $12.89 (orig $19). Buy it!
Where’s your head? Have fun in the kitchen with three gingerbread cookie cutters that are missing an arm, leg, and head. This fun novelty gift will make your guests laugh or lurch. A set of three are $12. Get 20 percent off from Nov. 25 – Dec. 6 using code HOLIDAY09. Buy it!
If you want to go lower: gift card to Amazon.com.
Welcome to Bargain Babe! I’m Mara, and I’m so glad you’re here. I am an obsessive bargain hunter and penny pincher, and I am determined to live a full life without EVER paying full price. 
I had just recently seen that garlic peeler advertised on TV and wondered if it worked.
Thanks for the review Julia.
I have the garlic peeler and it’s awesome. It works 100% of the time. Great investment for under 8 bucks.
I received the garlic peeler from my in-laws because they know how much I love garlic. It works like a charm. It’s a great gift for the garlic lover!
I had a friend give me that garlic peeler about ten years ago … I LOVE IT! … and so will any of you who get one. Works GREAT! I use garlic a lot … I’m married to an Italian 🙂
You can also use the cookie cutters to make fun Christmas tree ornaments- which also make great Christmas presents! You can use them as stencils on felt or roll out clay and cut it out using the cookie cutters 🙂
Have you tried the garlic press? Pampered Chef has a great one, it works like a charm!
I haven’t. Can you share a link where someone can buy it?
Hello, I just stumbled upon your website whilst browsing on the Internet as I am researching some material on wall ovens!. It is a very interesting site so I bookmarked you and will revisit soon to enjoy a proper look when I can give it more time.
My garlic press sits in the jumble in a bottom drawer in my kitchen. It always did a good job of pressing peeled cloves, but not so great about peeling cloves as well. I use the old “smash with a wide blade” method, followed by either crushing (for soups, stews, etc.) or mincing (for pasta sauce, salad dressing, etc.). I also keep a bottle of oil (combo of olive and canola) with whole crushed garlic cloves in the fridge. Great when you want just a hint of garlic. All that said, I might put the peeler tube on my gift want list.
Ellie,
I highly recommend this garlic tube peeler. I’ve used it dozens of times and it really is easier than smashing garlic with the back of a knife.
Julia
Thanks, Julia. I’m thinking about it for little gifts for the Italian garlic lovers, as well, who will be joining us for Christmas dinner. E :O)
Hi,
You had asked where you can buy the garlic peeler from Pampered Chef. I sell Pampered Chef and you can visit my website.
http://www.pamperedchef.biz/janetgraham
They have awesome kitchen products!! Great bamboo pieces too.