Sometimes I see a gadget that’s so simple in its concept and design, I wonder why I hadn’t thought of it myself. This “oven buddy” came across my radar shortly after Christmas—my mother-in-law proudly showed it off as her favourite gift.

Made of wood, it hooks onto your hot oven rack to pull it out, and has a notched end to push it back in. No more burned fingers (oven mitts are not always trustworthy and I’ve fallen victim to a damp tea towel on more than one occasion). Oven buddies are available from Salmon Cove Crafts and Woodworking; $4. To purchase by mail, call (902) 885-2145. In Nova Scotia find business owners Gary and Lori Levy at the Antigonish Farmers Market or the Pictou Craft Market on weekends.