<p>Kitchen aids from Muzzy's 123 Dollar Store will make stuffing the stockings this year fun and affordable.</p>

For the loved one who spends a lot of time in the kitchen whipping up all the holiday favorites, a kitchen gadget, small appliance or item for the dinner table may be just the thing to place under the tree or in their stocking.

Several local merchants can point shoppers in the right direction, and may even have something better than what you thought would be the perfect gift.

A charming place to shop, Prairie Drug and Hardware in Prairie City sticks to the theme Were more than our name.

For the chef on your list, they have an eclectic selection to choose from. Sandy has several suggestions, including a stainless steel composter for the kitchen and triple-blade herb scissors which she said makes snipping herbs a snap its like cutting a piece of paper, she said.

Silicone products are big sellers right now, she said, and the store has everything from suctions lids to keep foods hot to prep bowls and baking sheet liners.

Antiques kitchen items are also eye-catching as you walk in the store a set of scales, canisters, bowls or pitchers may be a pleasant surprise for the someone on the Christmas list.

You have to come in to take it all in, Sandy said.

Across the street at Prairie Trading Post, Dale and Claudia Duby have a mix of Native American, Western and wildlife types of gifts, many of which are made by Dale himself and staff.

Go big with a custom-made blue pine dining set or find smaller treasures, including hand-carved rolling pins, bread baskets, woven placemats, salad bowls, platters and salt and pepper holders.

“We make as many items as possible for our store ourselves, Claudia said. We supplement that with items from all over the world we try to have something for everyone.

Lens Drug in John Day is ready for the holiday season with plenty of choices when it comes to unique gifts for your favorite foodie.

For the griller in the family, there are three different sizes of Green Mountain Pellet Grills available.

Lens manager Mindy Winegar said the grills are better for health than propane or charcoal briquettes.

Other fun items include the Rachel Ray line of colorful casserole dishes, mixing bowls and kitchen utensils; single cup coffee brewing system also good for hot chocolate and tea; the soda stream and electric knives, for carving the holiday turkey or ham.

Well help you find what youre looking for, and store still gives Merry Christmas greetings, Winegar said.

At Kings Discount Store, clerk Bonnie Norland says an espresso machine is the newest kitchen item on their shelves.

Other highlights include deep fryers, personal blenders, a theater-style popcorn-popping machine and coffee mugs with wildlife pictures on them.

Shoppers can find stocking stuffers of the kitchen variety for just a buck apiece at Muzzys 1-2-3 Dollar Store.

We have a very large kitchen selection, and we try to carry everything you need, said manager Nathan Gordanier.

Choose from salad spoons, pie servers, basters, measuring spoons, and oven mitts.

We have helpful staff, Gordanier said. If you cant find what your looking for please ask.