GIFTS WITH TASTE LAST-MINUTE IDEAS FOR THE COOK IN YOUR LIFE.

Byline: Natalie Haughton Food Editor

Gadgets galore. Most cooks love to gift and receive them. If you're still trying to figure out something novel or useful for that foodie on your list, here are some fun new items to consider. Some will be appreciated by serious cooks, others by novices - and some even by wine fans. All are designed for ease. So wrap up one or two for a favorite cook on your list - or treat yourself.

Oxo Good Grips Mango Splitter - With this gadget, mangoes are no longer a chore to prepare and cut up. One simple press on the sharp stainless steel blades with the two soft-grip cushioned handles removes the seed and cuts the fruit in half, leaving almost no fruit behind on the seed. Dishwasher safe. $11.99 in white at Bed Bath & Beyond, Linens 'n' Things. Mangolike colors available at Williams-Sonoma, Crate & Barrel.

Microplane Tower Grater - If you love those fabulous Microplane graters (for grating orange or lemon peel) as we do, you're bound to be a fan of this latest addition to the line. The free-standing grater is 5 by 10 1/2 inches, has patented surgical-grade stainless steel blades, and a protective polycarbonate slider attachment to place food on for added leverage. The extra-coarse blade is great for shredding cabbage, potatoes, apples, carrots and soft cheese while the fine blade is handy for Parmesan cheese, citrus, chocolate, nutmeg and raw horseradish. Dishwasher safe. $24.95 at Sur la Table, www.surlatable.com or [phone].

Oxo Good Grips 4-inch Pizza Wheel for Non-Stick Pans - With a durable polycarbonate blade, this gadget is safe for nonstick pans and easily slices thin and thick crusts. Safer to use than a stainless steel blade, this one won't cut kid or adult fingers. Thumb guard and soft grip protect your hand. Slick surface prevents cheese from sticking. Dishwasher safe. $10.99 at Linens 'n' Things.

Zyliss All Cheese Grater with two drums (coarse and fine) - grates and shreds both soft and hard cheeses without clogging. The handle folds in for easy, compact storage. Attach funnel to drum for targeted grating. Use for cheese, chocolate, nuts. $24.99 at selected gourmet shops, www.cutleryandmore.com. A single-drum model (with fine grating drum) is also available for $17.99 at Linens 'n' Things, www.cookscorner.com.

Excalibur Wine Master Deluxe Edition (4 inches by 3 inches by 1 inch) - with zippered carrying case, pen and pad - helps with wine buying. It features 10,000 wine and spirits reviews with prices and ratings on a 100-point scale. Search by winery, vintage, country or varietal, then mark your favorites. A food and wine pairing guide is also included. Update with easy-load cartridges. $49.95 at Sur la Table, www.surlatable.com or [phone].

Zyliss Multi-Mouse 3-Way Opener - Looks like a computer mouse and opens cans, metal caps and round plastic caps. A quick release button adjusts to cap size for better hold and leverage. Has a rear-mounted magnet for easy storage on fridge or stove. Red, green, blue. $6.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond, www.cookscorner.com.

Swissmar Nuscup Wet/Dry Measuring Scoop - An adjustable 7-inch scoop/cup can measure either liquid or dry ingredients - from 2 tablespoons to 1/2 cup. Simply push and pull the slider back and forth to desired measurement. Available clear, red or topaz. Polycarbonate; magnetic bottom, dishwasher safe. $11.95 at Sur la Table, www.surlatable.com or [phone].

The Food Loop - Designed to replace kitchen string and toothpicks, this heat-resistant (up to 675 degrees F) narrow piece of silicone (nonstick) can tie, truss or wrap together all kinds of foods (meats, fish and vegetables) as well as rolled and stuffed creations. The loop won't get soggy, won't break, stick to foods or catch on fire. Adjustable from 1 to 4 inches - or larger by linking several loops together. Reusable, cleans up easily in soapy water and is dishwasher safe. A package of six is $14.95 at Sur la Table, www.surlatable.com or [phone].

Chestnutter Chrome - A 6-by-1/4-inch tool with anodized aluminum chrome finish assists in scoring chestnuts, a necessity before roasting or broiling them. Simply place a nut in the chamber of the gadget, close the handles and a stainless-steel blade makes a perfect ``X'' through the outer shell and inner skin, which then loosens during roasting. $24.95 at Williams-Sonoma, www.williams-sonoma.com or [phone].

Rachael Ray Gusto Grip Santoku by Furi - For those Rachael Ray and 30-minute-meal fans on your list, wrap up a knife like the one Ray uses on her television shows. An orange silicone polypropylene handle in a wedge shape helps keep your hand from slipping toward the blade when wet. The hollowed-edge blade (blade, bolster and tang are forged from a single piece of German stainless) reduces friction for easier slicing. Hand wash. The 5-inch knife is $39.95; 7-inch knife is $59.95 at Sur la Table, www.surlatable.com; [phone].

Oxo Good Grips Splatter Screen - If you find those mesh splatter screens don't do the job, try this new perforated stainless steel version that keeps grease contained when you fry bacon, sausages, steaks and more. The screen fits skillets up to 13 inches wide and two concentric rings center and secure the screen on the pan. Handle folds flat for storage. Easy to clean and dishwasher safe. $19.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond.

Oster Inspire Electric Wine Opener - Cordless wine opener with rechargeable base opens a wine bottle effortlessly in seconds. Includes a foil cutter to remove wine seals. Fully charged, the gadget will open up to 30 bottles. $19.99 at Costco stores; available at www.oster.com (within the next month).

Kyocera Perfect Peeler - with its super-sharp advanced ceramic blade, will stay sharp 10 times longer than steel blades. Won't rust, corrode or brown foods. Use for effortless vertical or horizontal peeling. The unique 45-degree angle lessens arm fatigue. The gadget has a nonslip handle, is 6 1/4 inches long and dishwasher safe. $19.95 at Sur la Table, www.surlatable.com or [phone].

Natalie Haughton, [phone]

natalie.haughton(at)dailynews.com

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Photo:

(1 -- cover -- color) Time to shop

Last-minute gift ideas for the gadget-loving foodies in your life

(2 -- color) Oxo Good Grips Splatter Screen

(3 -- color) Zyliss Multi-Mouse 3-Way Opener

(4 -- color) Chestnutter Chrome

(5 -- color) Oxo Good Grips Mango Splitter

(6 -- color) Swissmar Nuscup Wet/Dry Measuring Scoop

(7 -- color) The Food Loop

(8 -- color) Microplane Tower Grater

(9 -- color) Zyliss All Cheese Grater

(10 -- color) Kyocera Perfect Peeler

(11 -- color) Excalibur Wine Master Deluxe Edition

(12 -- color) Oster Inspire Electric Wine Opener

(13 -- color) Oxo Good Grips 4-inch Pizza Wheel for Non-Stick Pans

(14 -- color) Rachael Ray Gusto Grip Santoku