Little appliances that I have and love: My "mini-chopper" food processor (2 c. capacity), ice tea maker, and coffee grinder (I actually have 2, one for coffee, one for nuts and spices). I don't have one, but I'd like to get one of those submersion blenders for soups and sauces and stuff.
My dream appliance is a KitchenAid mixer, but that is way over $50. I’m putting one on my registry, I hope someone gets it for me.
Panini press? Or maybe a George Foreman type grill with lots of different plates to do different things?
What do the people like? If they are into movies, a popcorn popper would be neat - I love the old-fashioned stovetop whirley-pop machines, which sometimes come in neat gift sets - http://www.popcornpopper.com/whpopwegiset.html
I think every home needs a good popcorn popper, but if they aren't into ice cream, what are they into? does one of them bake? Give me some interests and I'm usually pretty good with suggestions.
I am with some of the other girls, I love the choppers for coffee, nuts and spices. I also am a big fan of a great mixer. Do they love smoothies?? Who doesn't? Hope this helps!