Gadgets have always made great gifts, but the gadgets that make your life easier and simpler, or just plain fun, are some of the best gifts of all.

This sampling of new products from Black & Decker just might make someone you know a very happy person this holiday season.
Simplify your life, one lid at a time!

The Lids Off Automatic Jar Opener makes struggling to open jars a thing of the past. This one-of-a-kind product adjusts to fit almost any size jar. With a touch of a button, it loosens even the most stubborn lid, saving tie and energy. With its large, ergonomic handle for easy adjustment, the opener adjusts to the height and diameter of the jar lid and unscrews the lid to a loose position. Additional features include convenient cord storage, an easy-to-clean exterior and a compact design for storage on countertops or inside cupboards.

Suggested retail is $49-$59 with availability at most mass merchants, discount and specialty stores nationwide, including WalMart, Target, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Linens ‘n Things, Kohls, Sears and others.

Mix up some fun – create soft-serve ice cream parlor treats at home

Consumers don’t have to leave the comfort of home or wait in long, crowded lines to enjoy tasty ice cream parlor treats any more. The quick and easy-to-use Arctic Twister Ice Cream Mixer from Black & Decker allows anyone to create their favorite ice cream dessert at home in just minutes. It takes just three easy steps using store-bought ice cream, sherbet or frozen yogurt to which you add your own candy, nut or fruit mix-ins. Just “twist and twirl” the mixture and out comes a single, soft-serve treat from the horizontal dispenser, ready for cup, bowl or cone. Because people enjoy ice cream year round at a variety of occasions, and since virtually any type of ingredient can be added, the Arctic Twister mixer is a fun way for parents and children to spend time together creating virtually any imaginable, frozen dessert concoction.

Suggested retail, $45-$55, available at mass merchant, specialty and discount stores nationwide.

Finally a perfect cup of coffee – every time you brew!

For the millions of American who crave robust, gourmet coffee but don’t have the time to stand in line, Black & Decker’s Infuze Vacuum Brew might just be the answer. Made out of a crystal clear material, the coffeemaker provides two to 10 cups of coffee in less than 10 minutes. It also features a 24-hour programmable clock/timer. Soft-grip handles, a permanent and dishwasher-safe filter and easy-to-use design all complement the stainless steel accents. Additionally, the removable cap from the lid of the upper vessel fits the cordless carafe after the vacuum brewing process to “seal in coffee freshness and flavor,” according to the manufacturer.

Suggested retail, $69.99; available at specialty appliance stores.

A greater grater

The rechargeable Gizmo Cordless Grater is the second introduction in the Gizmo line of fun and innovative products from Black & Decker. A must-have in the kitchen, the grater is ergonomically designed for easy, comfortable use. It goes anywhere and comes with three, interchangeable dishwasher-safe, stainless steel blades. The fine grater is perfect for fresh Parmesan cheese on pasta, for example; the coarse should be used for Cheddar cheese type topping for tacos or casseroles, and the shaving blade makes chocolate curls or coconut shavings for a simply spectacular topping on any cake. It grates most common items with ease; just hold the cheese or foot item next to the blade and it does all of the work for you.

Suggested retail $27-$30; available at most mass merchant, discount and specialty stores nationwide.

Toaster ovens – the kitchen workhorses for every lifestyle!

Black & Decker’s line of Toast -R-Ovens is expanding again, with more than three decades of experience in providing consumers with speed, efficiency, convenience and quality. Consumer research shows people want full-size capability in a compact size with the versatility to bake, broil, toast, defrost, top brown, all with consistent results, according to Victoria Vilbrandt, marketing manager for Black & Decker cooking products.

Compact in size but still big on performance, these toaster ovens provide consumers the versatility to cook full-size meals to a wide array of finger foods, snacks and desserts. Toaster ovens are energy efficient, versatile and ideally suited to supplement the oven when cooking or entertaining larger groups.

In addition to the toaster oven classics, Black & Decker has introduced the Digital Advantage countertop ovens and Toast-R-Oven Plus, incorporating digital touchpad controls for easy operation and increased oven capacity. One digital model also offers convection oven cooking to maximize efficiency.

Suggested retail, depending upon model, for classics range from $19.99 to $29.99 and for the Digital Advantage series, $59.99 to $119.99; available at most mass merchant, discount and specialty stores nationwide.

For more information about Black & Decker products, one may call 800-231-9786 or visit www.blackanddecker.com