The creative folks at Tovolo have come up with the latest way to make food prep fun-kitchen utensils that stand upright. Each Standz tool features an ergonomic, soft-grip handle with a flat base measuring 1-1/2 inches in diameter, allowing it to stay upright on the countertop for several reasons: to eliminate germ transference between counter and tool, to keep drips and food particles off the counter, and to provide for quick grabbing. A cheerful complement to the handsome graphite-gray handle, the head of each tool is made of translucent polycarbonate in a bright color range, making the tool easy to find should it end up in a cluttered drawer. While the neck of this turner is made of polycarbonate, the head is made of nylon, flexible enough to slip with ease under eggs and pancakes and heat-resistant up to 400 degrees F. The neck is positioned with a pronounced angle for good leverage and to keep hands well away from the hot pan, and the ability to stand upright keeps buttery smears from the tip off the stovetop. Available in a color choice of bright green or hot pink, the 10-by-3-inch spatula makes a fun gift that is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. --Ann Bieri
