The vast majority of the items PC sell are available elsewhere for less $$, but one thing I have that I LOVE is a plastic saucepan that goes in the microwave. It is ALWAYS in the dirty dishes - used daily.
Yes, you very well may find items cheaper elsewhere, but 1.) they are not the same quality! 2.) they do not have at least a 1 year warranty (some pc items have lifetime warranties)
What is an item that you won't regret buying? There isn't one in the catalog! PC is awesome, every piece of it. You just have to determine what you would actually use the most. I have stuff that I use more than others, and let me say I have most of the catalog.
1.) nylon tool - I think it is called the mix-n-masher. It can be used to mash potatoes right in your teflon coated pans.
2.)lg. batter bowl - use this all the time to mix pancakes or waffles at night to cook the next morning.
3.) stoneware - large bar pan. I use it for bacon, biscuits, cookies, pizza, pumpkin roll, etc. I also use my 9X13's with the lid all the time, too. Great pot roast, corned beef, or casseroles!
4.) Spices - korinjie cinnamon, the spice blend, or southwest seasoning! I love them all, but those are my favorites.
5.) mini prep bowls w/lids - I use them every day to mix up scrambled eggs, cut up veggies for casserole or whatever we are having for dinner. My husband will microwave his eggs in them (yuck on that one)
And I could go on and on and on! I love everything PC. I have the forged cutlery set, the pots and pans, most stones (oh yeah, deep dish pie plate is another fave!)
You just can't go wrong w/PC!