These 5 household items will make life easier in your own house, but they also make perfect gifts for hostesses, new homeowners or just people you love. Some are very pricey, some are downright cheap, all are my favorites.

My #1 Favorite - and worth every penny.

No one has ever heard me rave about a vacuum cleaner before. But perspective is everything.

During the pandemic, Hub ordered a new vacuum online that I call “the car.” SO big and heavy - it’s hard for me to use (so I don’t, but he does)! Then my sweet SIL mentioned how she had a terrific vacuum that’s a pleasure to use. So I ordered it and it’s a wonder! It’s pictured above - the Samsung V70 Pet Vacuum. You don’t need to have a pet to love it, but I must admit it’s very helpful for us crazy dog owners.

hound dog — Did someone say “crazy dog owners?” Louie thinks he’s the crazy one in our house. Uh, yes, Louie, you are.

I can’t say enough about this lightweight, powerful, cordless, battery operated, lightweight, long-lasting stick vacuum. Did I mention that it’s lightweight? Everything snaps on and off, making even stairs a breeze. You don’t have to change anything to go from hardwood floors to carpets. When I grab it to clean up a small mess, I find myself vacuuming the whole room - and more - because it’s so darn easy. LOVE IT. A big thank you to SIL for the recommendation!

Yes, it’s a little pricey (Amazon is showing it today for $385), but it’s less expensive than the Dyson and a couple of others and I’ll bet you can find a sale on it as the holidays approach or in January.

My #2 favorite - we use it every day.

I’ll get all the pricey stuff done first, so next up is THE only toaster oven you’ll ever need - the Breville. This is yet another recommendation from the same SIL! Ours is at least 7 years old.

This toaster oven is easy to keep clean, has all the options you need. Some models include an air-fryer feature. I’ve never tried an air fryer, so I don’t know if you “need” that. The model I’ve linked is around $150. It doesn’t make the annoying fan noise that convection ovens do, it’s a good looking, sturdy appliance and the size is big enough to hold all kinds of things that you might be cooking. I use it for cookies, baked potatoes, all breakfast breads, hot appetizers, etc. Our kitchen has a double oven, but with this toaster oven, it gives us a third! Super nice when entertaining.

Remember entertaining? It’s coming back, I just know it.

My #3 favorite -every cook needs this.

bamboo tablet and cookbook stand from Ikea

The Vivalla tablet holder from Ikea is a $10 hero in my kitchen. And guess what? Another SIL turned me on to this little beauty! I think she even gave it to me (sorry, bad memory and it was a long time ago - but she gets full credit and my everlasting thanks).

Ikea tablet stand in kitchen — It keeps tablets and cookbooks out of the way of flour and mess. Whoo hoo!

I’m a messy cook. I swear my kitchen looks like a bomb hit it even when I make the simplest things. My iPad and all cookbooks appreciate the protection that this stand offers. Maybe you can order this online from Ikea and they’ll ship it. I know, some things they’ll ship and others they won’t.

My #4 favorite - this makes washing up easier.

I know dish drying mats for the counter have been around for a long time now, but if you haven’t tried one, it’s time you did. They’re the BEST idea! I use this black one because black is always an accent color to me. It looks much neater than a dishtowel (or sink full of dishes), it goes right in the washer and dryer about once a week and hangs on a lower cabinet pull when not in use.

Drying mats come in all kinds of colors and patterns and cost under $10. This is a super simple item, but makes a big difference when cleaning up after meals.

My #5 favorite -a rug that works in every kitchen.

Ballard Designs’ Marina indoor/outdoor rug is my go-to to put by the sink. In our kitchen, there’s a second one by the coffee center. The rug comes in lots of sizes (I use the 2’x3’-7” in the kitchen) and terrific colors. I use the black, surprise, surprise. It never looks dirty, vacuums up easily (with our Samsung V70!), is comfy on the feet and doesn’t slide around when you put a little pad underneath.

Always put a pad under your rugs unless they have a grippy back. No one needs to slip or fall in your house.

I’ve used this rug in several kitchen design projects over the years, although I know it would look gorgeous on a screened porch, dining room or living room. Ballard has carried it for a long time, so I’ve even been able to reorder mine to keep it looking new. I mean, it’s cheap and lasts for years, so is an easy choice.

Let’s see if I can find some photos of places I’ve used it:

kitchen with white cabinets, hardwood floors and tile backsplash — Here’s a peek of the rug in an awesome project. I love adding a little black in every room.

hound dog on rug — Ah - and here’s Louie again, happily underfoot by the coffee center in my own kitchen. He’s a handsome compliment to a terrific rug (but still underfoot).

I’ve got lots of favorite things around my house, but as I walk through our kitchen, those are absolutely my top 5. They look good, keep things neat, are easy to clean and all are excellent values, whether they cost $10 or $385.

I’ve made a picture of the items and grouped the links. This might help when you’ve got the time to shop. These aren’t affiliate links, meaning I get nothing from nobody! LOL.