Everyone can use an assistant in the kitchen, but not one that constantly critiques your cooking skills—or lack thereof. So instead of hiring a sous chef, just put that money towards this $60 talking measuring cup that announces the weight or volume of ingredients as they're added.
It works with either wet or dry ingredients, and measurements can be read aloud by volume or weight with the cup automatically compensating for foods with different densities. The cup itself is dishwasher safe, while the base unit—which houses all of the actual electronics—is a little more finicky and just needs to be wiped clean when dirty. It seems like the perfect kitchen accessory for those who have trouble seeing the printed scale on the side of a measuring cup, or who just feel really lonely when they're baking by themselves. [Hammacher Schlemmer]