I have been noticing refinishing kits sold at places like Home Depot, etc. These kits run approx. $200-300, so still pricey.
Does anyone have any other ideas. My kitchen desperately needs a facelift but I'm not ready to invest a lot right now.
I am very open to all types of ideas.

I hired a contractor who used one of these kits - the result was TERRIBLE and I ended up replacing the countertops. If I had simply replaced them from the beginning I would have saved a chunk of money.