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Just don't buy their wok! I have exchanged mine twice now, and they just DON'T hold up. The handle fell off two of them before I exchanged them, but they ding up really easily as well, and don't conduct heat the way a wok should. I've really given up on even using it. They LOOK nice, but that's the most that can be said for them. I haven't bought any more of their cook wear since that purchase. Oh, I bought the exact same tin opener at Safeway for $5.99 a few weeks ago. It works like a charm The one I bought is by 'Good Cook', I have quite a few things from them and they are all good quality for much less than PC. Oxo is another favourite brand from the grocery store, although for most of my 'expensive' purchases, (knives, pots and pans, etc. I, too, use the restaurant supply stores. Since I'm a chef I get a good discount too. I am simply NOT impressed with the PC gear. (I found their spice mixtures to taste 'old' even when I first bought them.) If I were you, I'd check out the cook book titles. I LOVE cookbooks, and I'm sure I have at least 200 already, but I read them in bed, just like other people read novels. (Of course, as far as actually 'following' a recipe, I usually don't. They're mainly for 'inspiration', except for those on baking.)
Still, they're usually among the less expensive items on offer. Good luck!

I went to a pampered chef party once, and bought 2 bottles of spices, a miniture whisk, and kitchen shears. I didn't buy anything expensive. I have used all of them regularly and they are good quality.

I too have a relative who is constantly hosting home parties.

From PC, I have the Tool Turner or whatever they call the divided tool holder that spins. I bought it before I started cooking - so it was for my scrapbooking pens/tools. Works great for that but I don't think I would like it in my kitchen.

My sister has two PC upright spoon rests - she really likes those.

These were all courtesy purchases. When the next PC party comes around, I'll probably get a baking stone since I've been saving that to be my next courtesy purchase.

@gastronomeg and wasliche - I hate these types of parties too, they're a damn racket that guilts you into crap you don't need. My stepgrandmother's two daughters are those Candlelight reps I used to get invited to those parties all the time, I accepted the first invitation out of courtesy and family politics and there after I have told them it is my corporate policy not to attend home sales parties. Because she is my new sis-in law, I will extend her the same courtesy after this though no more.

To all the comments regarding those hand chopper things, I have to say I am amazed. I bought on of those once and HATED the darn thing. It did not chop the food, the food got stuck to the blades and I constantly had to dig it out with a knife. Plus cleaning that thing was a pain.

I do love the pan scrappers so I will definitely get some of those. I had already scoped out the products online so I have a few low priced items picked out. It was difficult though, I own a lot of the stuff they have on there, and the other stuff I wouldn't really purchase. Hopefully the party will at be fun!

I also have relatives who host these parties. The products are fine, even superior sometimes. Albeit pricey. Scour the catalog to find the best value for your kitchen. They do exist. I own:

stoneware sheet pan (just ok to me, i prefer stainless steel)
lemon reamer with juice attachment (love it)
adjustable microplane grater (love it)
serrated cake slicer (not used yet, but plan to love it)
variety of spice blends and sauces (overpriced but ok)
confectioner sugar duster (love because it comes w/ cover)
insulated stainless steel sheet pans (great)
egg slicer (great)
various recipe books (fine)

I know plenty of people with that can opener who love it once they figure out how to use it. People who have bought their overpriced pans like them too. If you have to go to these parties, there's plenty of reasonably priced stuff (e.g. spice blends) that you can buy to appease your host. Plus the parties are fun because you always get free food!

I pretty much avoid most baking recipes, except for the simple things I grew up making, like cookies or biscuits. I do not make candy, cakes, or especially meringues. maybe someday when I am not living in a cramped apartment with an electric stove. That's pretty much it in terms of deal breakers; I will try most things at least once before giving up on the idea.

I once read a Martha recipe that called for Chardonnay twigs. Oh, I drew the line right quick.

recipe that involves cooking anything larger than my head.

I don't have a food processor, and I, too, am frustrated when recipes (I'm looking at you, Cook's Illustrated) don't offer alternatives to food processor instructions. Otherwise I won't deep-fry for reasons mentioned above (it is just one of those things I leave to restaurants - too messy), and anything with meat or highly-processed ingredients (e.g. tofu cream cheese, soy creamer, egg substitute, Crisco) is out as well. I only bake yeast breads without my breadmaker occasionally, but it's not a dealbreaker.

Anything that involves using yeast. Yeast = dough = rising time = way too long. I'm way too impatient for that.

and puppymomma...fish cheeks are really fish cheeks. But they taste great!

If using an ice cream maker is a "deal-breaker", why are you even looking at an ice cream recipe in the first place?

Any recipe that requires me to more than open a package.

Shortening. I just won't use it. However, I can always noodle around with a recipe to make it butter/oil friendly.