The terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 are keeping people at home and out of restaurants. Why not consider some cooking gadgets for budding chefs. For $199 at the Bon, you can purchase a 7-piece professional knife set. If that’s too expensive, an individual professional chef’s knife goes for under $100. A newer gadget that you can find at most large retailers is a chicken rotisserie. There are several brands, averaging about $100. Years ago, bread machines were all the rage. They’re still around, and they retail for as little as $49 at big retailers like Target and Wal-Mart.

One gift that you may find people enjoy are cookbooks that focus on a specific type of food. For example, you can buy cookbooks devoted to soups, breads or desserts at Barnes and Noble in Silverdale and Eagle Harbor Books on Bainbridge Island. Alternatively, if you’re traveling between now and the holidays, stop by a local bookstore and pick out regional cookbooks to give as gifts. Your gift recipients will enjoy new ideas from far away places.

If Mariners fever hasn’t cooled down in your house, you will have no problem finding hats, sweatshirts and coats at local retailers. If you’re ready with some big bucks, contact Spring Training Tours at www.springtrainingtours.com or 1-800-8WARMUP. This company sells spring training tours for the Mariners, Athletics and Giants.

Tour packages include hotel, game tickets and rental cars. Packages can be changed to suit specific desires like car type and length of stay, and prices vary widely depending on the quality of hotel you choose. We went last year, and my 5-year old son will never forget seeing Jason Giambi and Sammy Sosa hit home runs.

If spring training is way out of your price range, try the Tacoma Rainiers (800-281-3834). The Rainiers offer a $30 family fun pack that includes 4 each reserved seats, hot dogs, sodas and souvenirs. It’s not the majors, but every seat in the house is a good one, and the kids will love shaking hands with and getting autographs from Rhubarb the reindeer.

Kitsap county has more salt water shoreline than any other county in Washington. Why not take advantage of that by giving a gift certificate for a boat rental. Located in downtown Poulsbo, Olympic Outdoor Center rents kayaks, canoes and accessories like drysuits. Daily rental fees are $30 for canoes and single kayaks and $40 for double/family kayaks. Give them a call at (360) 697-6095 for information about rentals, trips and classes. If a canoe is too slow and quiet for you, you can also give a gift certificate for a jet ski rental. Mr. Jet Ski rents a variety of machines starting at $175 per day Monday through Friday. Contact them at (360) 876-5881.

These gift ideas are either objects or entertainment. Sometimes though, the most appreciated gifts are actions that make a difference in every day life. For example, a great gift for a family with a newborn is a gift certificate for a house cleaning. No one with a newborn has the time or energy to really clean their house. There are dozens of cleaning agencies advertising in the yellow pages, and the one I talked to would do a “deep cleaning” for around $100, depending on house size. It is suggested you get a reference though before hiring a cleaning service.

Another idea appreciated by busy parents is arranging for babysitting and a night out. Whether you do the babysitting yourself or you hire a trusted high school student, this chance for a night out will be greatly appreciated.

One final thought for a very personal gift is to give the services of a professional personal trainer. It’s not uncommon for people to go to the gym in January only to have their new years resolution loose steam in February. A personal trainer can suggest exercises to suit a person’s specific goals and they can provide the needed motivation to continue with an exercise plan. Most local fitness clubs have personal fitness trainers on staff, including the Poulsbo Athletic Club (360-779-3285), the Bremerton Health and Racket Club (360-377-9051) and Olympic Fitness (360-871-3433).