Pampered Chef is a line of direct-sales (home-based) business that conducts home parties and catalog (or e-catalog) "shows" so that the "hostess" can get credit for free or discounted cook/bakeware & utensils. They've been around a LONG time, and seem to be improving in quality.
While PC does indeed have a few unique and clever gadgets (yes, I have purchased a few) most items are WAY over priced. Not Williams-Sonoma pricey - but it's not farberware cheap either.
I recommed the stainless steel bake-ware - the cookie sheets have heft and heat evenly. I also like the cutting boards - and yes, they cost way more than the thin cheap ones from target - but they last a heck of alot longer, too.
I do NOT like the cutlery or cookware - and it's not that it's bad, per se, it's just for that price I can get a forged knife like a Wustoff Trident - not a plastic-handled jobbie.
So caveat emptor - and be selective - but a few items are really cute and make GREAT hostess gifts. I got my mom a ($12.50 - ouch) pair of pink-polka-dotted rubber kitchen glved - a portion of the proceeds went to Susan G. Komen/Breast Cancer. (They were worth about $5.) She loved 'em but I dare not tell her the price. read more