Just What I Wanted!

I'm still writing!

2007-01-03T20:42:00.000-05:00

While I'm done with Just What I Wanted, I'm not done writing about gadgets and technology. My work here attracted the attention of the editor of UberReview, a professional blog about gadgets and technology. As a result, I've taken a position there as a part-time writer. I'll be posting regularly about nifty tech stuff that catches my interest, and while not everything will be as affordable as the gift ideas I've posted here, hopefully some of it will still be great for buying for yourself or loved ones.

My first post is up: NukAlert Keychain: You Can Never Be Too Safe. Please add UberReview to your blogreader or visit the site on a regular basis to catch more of my writing!

Thanks!

...and I'm spent.

2006-12-31T08:29:00.000-05:00

With that, my time here at Just What I Wanted! is done. I've posted about 580 gift ideas in the last fifteen months, with help from friends, family, random visitors, and, notably, the wonderful Jen. I've spent countless hours scouring the web for interesting and unique and sometimes stupid gift ideas, and tried my best to write informative and (sometimes) funny posts about each one. I've written over 50 thousand words for this blog, and now I'm spent.

It's been loads of fun and lots of work, and I'm glad that I was able to help out so many of you with your gift-shopping. Thanks for reading!

Ryan

Ice Cream Cone Cupcake Pan

2006-12-31T08:24:00.000-05:00

While everyone loves cupcakes, the standard no-frills cupcake shape is so boring and passé. Snazz your next party up a little by baking a bunch of cupcakes shaped like ice cream cones with this Ice Cream Cone Cupcake Pan. It's nonstick, so despite the beautiful waffle-cone details on the cupcakes, they'll still slide right out. Top with a generous glob of frosting to complete the ice cream look, and you've got a sure winner on your hands. $32 USD. (Via GiftZen.)

Heat Indicator Spoon

2006-12-31T08:18:00.000-05:00

How many times have you sat down to a nice bowl of soup or stew or oatmeal and taken a bite, only to scald your tongue and cheeks when the far-too-hot liquid entered your mouth? It's happened to me more times than I'd like. But no more, my friend! From now on, this Heat Indicator Spoon will save me from the pain of burning my tender inner mouth-flesh and the embarassment of allowing a bunch of soup to dribble down my chest. It turns white when stuff's very hot, and turns to blue as it cools. Just pay attention and learn what color's right for you, and then you'll always know when your soup's safe to eat. $9.50 USD for 3. (Via Gizmodo.)

Tetris Magnets

2006-12-31T08:15:00.000-05:00

If you're like me, occasionally you go through a period of intense addiction to that old simple yet fun videogame Tetris. When you're seriously addicted, you begin to dream Tetris and think constantly about playing more. These Tetris Magnets will allow you to feed your addiction by playing a little Tetris right on your refrigerator or other metal surface when you can't get to a computer, console, arcade, or portable music player. Like that ever happens. $9.89 USD. (Via Fresh Fodder.)

Stain Detector Light

2006-12-31T08:10:00.000-05:00

If you want to look like a snazzy detective while checking your carpets and furniture for those invisible stains and spills, this Stain Detector Light will do the trick. Looking straight out of Law & Order or CSI, it's a tiny handheld fluorescent blacklight that will illuminate those pesky stains invisible to the naked eye, allowing you to either clean them up with some high-powered stain remover, or throw out the offending item if the stain's just too tenacious. For extra fun, take it with you next time you stay in a cheap hotel! $6.99 USD. (Via Gizmodo.)

Solar LED Light

2006-12-31T08:05:00.000-05:00

This handy pocket-sized device will be able to provide a nice, bright light for you as long as it's been exposed to a little daylight recently. The Solar LED Light is an ultra-bright white LED hooked to a battery that gets charged via a tiny solar panel. On the opposite side is a handy mirror which you can use to signal for help when stranded on a mountaintop, or check your teeth for poppy seeds after lunch. $21 USD. (Via Treehugger.)

Inkless Metal Pen

2006-12-31T07:59:00.000-05:00

Sorry about disappearing for the last week. Holidays, travel, and families kept me quite busy! But now, to close out the year, I have no fewer than six great little gift ideas for you! First is this Inkless Metal Pen, with a stainless steel body and a point made from a mysterious metal alloy that writes just like pencil lead without wearing down nearly as quickly. In fact, it could possibly last decades before it runs out, as long as you don't lose it sooner. $29.38 USD. (Via Gizmodo.)

Wasabi Peas

2006-12-23T21:25:00.000-05:00

If you know anyone who likes spicy foods but hasn't tried these, it's definitely time to get them a can of Wasabi Peas. These are regular green peas dried and coated with spicy wasabi, the hot Japanese condiment. They're salty and crunchy and spicy, and, most of all, delicious. A somewhat unusual snack that's worth a try, and that you might find yourself seeking out again and again. $7 USD. (Thanks, Gunther!)

Desktop Air Conditioner

2006-12-23T07:11:00.000-05:00

A perfect companion to yesterday's desktop heater, this little device keeps you nice and cool when it's hot outside. The Desktop Air Conditioner doesn't use wacky chemicals like window air conditioners, and doesn't produce bunches of heat as a byproduct -- it works by blowing air across a frozen bottle of ice that you place inside it. Low-tech but still effective, and a great way to avoid heatstroke while stuck at a hot desk. $19.79 USD. (Via Gizmodo.)

Wallwords

2006-12-22T15:03:00.000-05:00

Here's a unique and attractive decorating idea: why not write out your favorite quotes, thoughts, or lines of poetry in pleasant fonts on the walls of your home? Wallwords prints decals for whatever quote you desire, in many different fonts and sizes, so you can convey exactly what you want. Plus, they have other wall-mounted graphic decals available so you can put together inspirational, relaxing, or dynamic scenes that are just right for your living area. $29.95 USD for a ten-word quote, custom pricing available. (Thanks, Vito!)

Desktop Heater

2006-12-22T07:40:00.000-05:00

With these chilly winter days upon us, it's important to keep warm. If your computer doesn't pump out enough heat on its own, you might want to pick up a Desktop Heater. It's not USB-powered, but it's small and sleek and will keep you nice and warm through the cold hours spent typing and mousing your life away. It also has a non-heating fan mode so you can use it to help keep cooler in summer. $39.95 USD. (Via Gizmodo.)

Circuit Board Ornaments

2006-12-21T13:35:00.000-05:00

It's probably too late for this year, but if you want your tree next Christmas to be the geekiest one around, get some of these Circuit Board Ornaments to replace your boring old shiny bulbs. Plus, they're a nifty way to keep old circuit boards from just ending up in landfills, so you can feel good about helping the planet. They're available in five different shapes, shown here: bell, star, snowman, tree, and... van. Ah, the old Christmas van. £2.49 UKP.

LED Hourglass

2006-12-21T07:28:00.000-05:00

If you need to measure a specific amount of time but don't want the soothing, pleasant steady flow of sand from one glass chamber into another, or you're an android who loves all things electronic, perhaps you want this LED Hourglass. The advantages it has over a traditional hourglass are 1) you can specify exactly how long it runs (up to an hour), and 2) it beeps and flashes when it's done, so you don't miss it. $19.99 USD. (Thanks, Gunther!)

Vinturi Wine Aerator

2006-12-20T21:39:00.000-05:00

Wine connoisseurs all agree that wine should be allowed to "breathe" (i.e. sit exposed to the air) for a while before you drink it. But most of us lead busy lives, and we're not necessarily "with-it" enough to remember to open and pour the wine half an hour before we want to actually drink it. The Vinturi Wine Aerator is designed to solve just that problem: you pour the wine through it, and it draws air in and mixes it with the wine in just the right amount to thoroughly aerate it, giving it a more pleasant taste, aroma, and feel without all the waiting. $34.95 USD.

Ball of Population

2006-12-20T06:51:00.000-05:00

In 2006, the world's population officially passed the six billion mark. To commemorate that historic event, you might consider getting a Ball of Population. It's a ball of squishy rubber people, each with their head attached to the others. Fun to squish, throw, or just look at. $3.99 USD.

Steady Sticks

2006-12-19T19:45:00.000-05:00

If you know anyone who enjoys picnicking, camping, or just lounging around outdoors, and who is a wine drinker, this set of Steady Sticks will be a handy and stylish addition to their outdoor-dining experiences. Just stick them securely into the ground and they'll helpfully hold your wine bottle and glasses safely for you, keeping the pesky ants away and keeping you from spilling your syrah. $30 USD.

Big Feet PJs

2006-12-19T06:54:00.000-05:00

If you've never known the joy of having foot-covering pajamas, then you're missing out on one of life's great pleasures. They're not just for little kids anymore! Even grownups have realized that wearing a snug, warm one-piece pajama with feet to keep your toes warm is a smart idea on cold winter days. These Big Feet PJs, despite their name, have regular-sized feet. They're made out of thick, soft fleece and are designed to keep you seriously warm. Great for a lazy Saturday morning or an evening in front of the fireplace or the TV, and you can even choose one with an unbuttonable bottom! $44.99 USD.

Iconoclasps

2006-12-18T15:30:00.000-05:00

Every now and then, someone comes up with a new, innovative version of one of life's basic tools that just makes you think, why wasn't this done sooner? These probably aren't like that, but they're still cool. Take regular paper clips and make them cute little symbols and shapes, and you've got Iconoclasps. Made of sturdy metal with rubberized non-slip padding, they'll catch people's eyes and brighten up their day. $4.99 USD.

Log Pillow

2006-12-18T08:18:00.000-05:00

When I think of pillow fights, I generally picture happy people with big fluffy white pillows. But if you're a pillow-fighter and you're serious about your duty, maybe you need a more serious fightin' pillow. Get this Log Pillow, shaped like a hefty wooden club, perfect for smacking your laughing opponents right in the gob. Plus, when it's all over and everyone else is unconscious slumped against furniture and walls, you can lie down and sleep like... a log. $34 USD.

Forkchops

2006-12-17T21:13:00.000-05:00

If you're a boy scout, or you just want to always be prepared no matter what cuisine you encounter, you might want to carry around a pair of Forkchops when you're going out to eat. With a fork and knife on one end and a pair of chopsticks on the other, these handy multi-purpose utensils have got you covered whether you're faced with a big ol' steak or a bowl of pad thai. Available in 19 different colors or a six-person place setting. $5 USD.

Play-Doh Cologne

2006-12-17T08:37:00.000-05:00

For the creative type on your wishlist, the person who's been busy creating artistic masterpieces since he or she was a tiny child, this scent will bring back nothing but truly fond memories. Crafted by the aroma artists at Demeter, it's Play-Doh Cologne. Conjuring up images of lazy childhood afternoons spent sculpting wacky people and crazy objects, it's sure to make anyone's eyes open wide with wonder and nostalgia. You might want to buy some actual Play-Doh to give with it, just in case the recipient feels an uncontrollable urge to play. $18.99 USD.

Booksling

2006-12-16T14:43:00.000-05:00

This is a nifty little invention, and while it's not a fancy electronic gadget, and it won't change the world, I bet nearly everyone could find a use for it. The Booksling wraps around the cover of any book and provides a handy penholder and bookmark all in one, so you can always keep your place and your writing implement close at hand. $5.99 USD. Plus, enter FREEPICO at checkout to get a free PicoPad. (Via Gizmodo.)

Credit Card Case Clock

2006-12-16T09:09:00.000-05:00

This handy little device has two functions: it's designed to both tell the time and hold credit cards for you. It's a Credit Card Case Clock. It looks snazzy with its brushed steel case and transparent LCD display that shows the time, the day, and the date, but here's my question: if it's full of credit cards... how can you see the clock face? Oh well. £9.95 UKP. (Via Gizmodo.)

Pinhole Camera Kit

2006-12-15T14:26:00.000-05:00

Want to give a photography hobbyist something new to experiment with without going broke buying expensive photography gear? Pick up a copy of this Pinhole Camera Kit. In just a couple hours of careful assembly, you can build a high-quality pinhole camera made of thick black paperboard and a pair of plastic spools for advancing the film. Then with any 35mm film, you can play around with making unique pinhole photographs. $25 USD.

Hemp Bushwhacker Hat

2006-12-15T06:35:00.000-05:00

For the stylish adventurer who's also concerned about the environment, this Hemp Bushwhacker Hat is made entirely from renewable hemp fiber. It's comfortable, keeps the sun off your head, and looks great, too. If you enjoy hiking the Andes, blazing a trail through the Australian outback, or just taking long walks on sunny days, this hat will complement both your outfit and your lifestyle nicely. $36.50 USD.

Things That Go Japanese Board Book

2006-12-14T13:41:00.000-05:00

In today's global marketplace, where it's as easy to get in touch with someone across the world as it is the person next door, it's important for people to learn to communicate in other languages. If you have a baby or small child in your house, maybe you should consider getting them this Things That Go Japanese Board Book, with text in both Japanese and English. Nothing is more useful when you're visiting Japan than to be able to shout "helicopter!" at the waiter when you need his attention. $3 USD.

I See France Underthings

2006-12-14T06:34:00.000-05:00

Unless you're used to constantly going commando, chances are you enjoy wearing underclothes. They're snuggly and add an extra layer of warmth in these cold months, plus, if you buy the right ones, look really cute when you're wearing nothing else. These I See France Underthings are all adorned with cute, unique, interesting designs to complement your personality. From a little skier cruising down your curves to the flowery downpour shown here, there's something for everyone... but hurry! They're having a huge sale and supplies are limited. $6 USD and up. (Thanks, Kristy!)

Coink

2006-12-13T13:49:00.000-05:00

It's handy to have a place to toss your pocket change at the end of the day, but most piggy banks look stupid, and make you slowly drop your coins in one by one, which takes forever. This one, named Coink, looks snazzy and modern and has a nice big funnel-shaped deposit hole so it's easy to dump your change in. It's a piggy bank for grownups! $36 USD.

Ping-Pong Paddle Bag Set

2006-12-13T06:35:00.000-05:00

Nothing says "sports professional" like showing up to a match with your gear all stowed in a stylish bag designed to keep it safe and secure. Serious players always keep their stuff carefully packed away when not in use! That's why this Ping-Pong Paddle Bag Set is a worthwhile investment. Next time you're going over to a friend's house to play ping-pong, imagine the intimidation factor you can cause by whipping out this elegant teal case adorned with a smiley face that just screams "I'm here to kick butt." Comes with three ping-pong balls and a paddle, also with a smiley face. $20 USD.

Real Wasabi

2006-12-12T15:45:00.000-05:00

If you enjoy Japanese food, particularly sushi, then you've probably tried the spicy paste called wasabi. What you may not know is that most so-called "wasabi" is actually an inauthentic mixture of horseradish, mustard, corn starch, and food coloring. Real Wasabi is a unique rhizome that grows in the mountains of Japan, and has a unique flavor and a smooth finish. This gift set includes two pairs of chopsticks, two wasabi dishes, and a container of powdered wasabi. Just add water to make it into that familiar spicy paste, but with an added authentic kick! $19.99 USD. (Via Josh Spear.)

Self-Watering Flowerpot

2006-12-12T06:40:00.000-05:00

Is your green thumb actually a very light shade of teal? Do you have trouble keeping even fake plants alive? Maybe what you need is a Self-Watering Flowerpot, which takes some of the difficulty out of plant maintenance. Just add water every 7 to 10 days, and the pot takes care of actually delivering the water to the plant in the meantime. $28 USD.

Stocking-Stuffer Roundup

2006-12-11T17:09:00.000-05:00

Christmas is only two weeks away, and for all of you who celebrate, you've probably put off buying stocking-stuffer gifts until the last minute, like me. To try and make things a little easier, here's a roundup of a whole bunch of small-sized gifts that deliver a big bang, perfect for packing someone special's stocking.

Whew, that's a lot of small gifts! Now, stuff those stockings!

Flashing Thumbtacks

2006-12-11T09:27:00.000-05:00

It's handy leaving notes for friends, coworkers, or relatives tacked up on bulletin boards or the fridge, but if they don't notice the notes, it doesn't do anyone any good. Try calling a little more attention to those notes by using one of these Flashing Thumbtacks to attach it! They're actually adhesive, so they can stick to pretty much any flat surface, and when you push them all the way in, they flash brightly using their built-in battery and LED. $3.99 USD. (Via Gizmodo.)

Fossil LED Watch

2006-12-10T17:59:00.000-05:00

Retro fashion somehow defies the laws of trendiness and manages to stay hip even today, which makes me wonder: how long until older current retro-hip fashion becomes the new retro-current retro-hip fashion? Anyway, this Fossil LED Watch uses those brightly glowing red LED numbers that we all recall, fondly or otherwise, from our childhoods, and looks snazzy doing so. It's minimalist-cool and its leather band and chunky stainless steel body would look good on anyone's wrist. $39.95 USD.

Bumbo Seat

2006-12-10T14:52:00.000-05:00

Attempting to securely prop your baby into a sitting position is doomed to failure, but it's important for babies to practice sitting up. It helps them develop muscle control and lets them look around and participate in whatever's going on. The Bumbo Seat is a deep, comfy seat which holds a baby upright and allows him or her to practice sitting without the danger of falling over. It's safe, hygienic, and handy! $39.95 USD.

Hot Dog Toaster

2006-12-09T09:52:00.000-05:00

If you love hot dogs — and really, who doesn't? — then this little device will certainly make your life easier. The Hot Dog Toaster has slots for two hot dogs and two unfolded buns, and it'll toast each of them perfectly in a matter of moments. This will simplify breakfast, lunch, dinner, and your midnight snack! $39.95 USD.

Flo Faucet Deflector

2006-12-09T07:57:00.000-05:00

This simple and useful gadget is a great addition to any bathtub, solving a frustrating bathing issue that bugs us all at one point or another. Simply clip the Flo Faucet Deflector onto your faucet (no installation required, since it's just a spring-loaded clip) and rather than pour straight down along the side of the tub, the water will cascade outwards from the faucet about a foot, making it much easier to use for washing and rinsing. Plus, it has a built-in button controlled bubble-bath dispenser to allow kids to easily add loads of bubbles to any bath. $14.99 USD.

USB Eye Warmer

2006-12-08T13:21:00.000-05:00

Wrapping up our giant USB heating spectacular, we present this USB Eye Warmer. It's a comfy eye pillow with USB-powered heating elements, including the never-before-seen innovation of an integrated heat-level control dial. If you're feeling overwhelmed or headachey, strap this puppy on and give your eyes a little warming up. Just don't turn the dial all the way up or you might do permanent corneal damage. ¥1980 JPY (about $17.22 USD). (Via Gizmodo.)

USB Warmer Slippers

2006-12-08T09:20:00.000-05:00

Here at Just What I Wanted!, we're devoted to keeping you abreast of all the latest advances in USB heating technologies, which is why we have declared today Gifts To Keep You Warm At Your Computer Day. Our first offering is these USB Warming Slippers, which keep your toes toasty while you're sitting at your computer via the magic of USB heating action! Anyone with chilly feet would appreciate these. $33.17 USD. (Thanks, Gunther!)

Gangster T-Shirt

2006-12-07T18:21:00.000-05:00

Do you want to roll with the gangsters, but you're too white and nerdy? Holla some shouts out to your home-boys by wearing this Gangster T-Shirt. Better than a blue hanky in your left pocket... or is that a red kerchief tied around your right calf? This shirt lets gangsters know that you, too, are from the streets. $16.89 USD.

Smittens

2006-12-07T06:47:00.000-05:00

Surely you have a sickeningly cute pair of lovebirds on your holiday gift list, and you're not sure what to get them. While it's almost painful to encourage their disgusting loveyness, a pair of these Smittens would be funny and adorable at the same time. They're mittens designed for hand-holding, so two people in love don't have to have any pesky fabric getting in the way when they're taking a romantic walk through the snowy countryside. $32 USD.

An Inconvenient Truth

2006-12-06T15:33:00.000-05:00

It's the breakout environmental documentary of the year, and highly recommended by people across the globe, treehuggers or not. It's Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth, which tells the real story about global climate change, and is a great gift for those already concerned about the environment and those who aren't yet but should be. Give one, give many, and maybe enough people will care enough to make a real difference. $17.99 USD.

Strollometer

2006-12-06T06:51:00.000-05:00

As everyone knows, parents with a small baby get no exercise. Babies like to sit quietly in one place all day, so their parents just lie around losing muscle tone and getting out of shape, never having to lift a finger. It's nice that all babies are incredibly easy to take care of, but it's dangerous to not be in good shape, so this Strollometer will help encourage parents to get out and try out that brand-new stroller. It measures speed, trip time, total trip distance, air temperature, and more so they know exactly how well they're doing. $39.95 USD. (Via Gizmodo.)

Gloomy Bear

2006-12-05T13:27:00.000-05:00

For those with a morbid sense of humor on your list, Gloomy Bear is a pink vinyl figurine that is both adorable and rather disturbing. His cute little pinched ears and soft rosy color are at odds with his empty, soulless eyes and the blood dripping from his fangs and claws. Perfect for anyone who likes to freak people out a little bit. $16.95 USD.

Janie Dry Stick

2006-12-05T06:36:00.000-05:00

If you're a fan of both light-colored clothing and colorful foods, chances are good you've managed to accidentally stain your shirt in public at least once. Why use caustic bleaches or chemical spot-cleaners when you could just grab your Janie Dry Stick, rub some of its natural stain-removing powder into the stain, wait a few moments until it's dry, and then brush it away with the included brush. A quick, easy, and effective way to get rid of stains as soon as they occur and avoid embarrassment in social situations. $5.50 USD. (Via Core77.)

Klever Kutter

2006-12-04T13:43:00.000-05:00

Give one of these to everyone (uh, except not little kids) first thing on Christmas morning and you'll save them all a lot of package-opening hassle. This tiny little Klever Kutter has two razors tucked away where they won't cut you but they'll quickly cut through just about any packaging you care to open, whether it's paper, cardboard, plastic, shrink wrap, or much more. Plus, they're really cheap! $1.96 USD.

Papa Pack

2006-12-04T08:17:00.000-05:00

While I've featured both The Goodfather CD-ROM and The Baby Bandolier here in the past, not until now have these two great tastes that taste great together been offered in a single whoppin' gift pack for brand-new dads. Separately, the two items would cost you $75, but now you can get both items in the Papa Pack for a total of ten bucks less. Help a dad-to-be learn all that he can about raising his new baby with the funny, useful information on the Goodfather CD-ROM, and then let him tote his baby's belongings around in style and comfort with the handy Baby Bandolier. Only $64.95 USD! (Thanks, Dr. MOZ!)

Voltron

2006-12-03T14:00:00.000-05:00

If you grew up in the eighties and you liked really cool stuff, chances are good you'll be familiar with the giant multi-lion-robot-humanoid hero Voltron, who defends the universe against the forces of the evil King Zarkon and Prince Lotor of Planet Doom. Now, for the first time, the entire cartoon is being released on DVD, and the first two sets are available for your viewing (and nostalgic!) pleasure. $17.87 USD. (Thanks, John!)

Aerobie

2006-12-03T08:19:00.000-05:00

If you know a kid with a large open field, chances are they'll love getting an Aerobie as a gift. These are extremely lightweight, seriously aerodynamic flying rings — like a Frisbee™ taken to the next level. Anyone who enjoys playing outdoors with friends will appreciate one of these! $9.85 USD.

Private Preserve

2006-12-02T09:33:00.000-05:00

Many wine enthusiasts know the problem that faces them when they decide to open a bottle of wine. Do they try and drink it all in one sitting, or let it sit in the fridge overnight, getting steadily worse-tasting because it's exposed to oxygen? For those people, a bottle of Private Preserve will provide a solution. It sprays a mixture of heavier-than-air inert gases into the top of the bottle. They settle on top of the remaining wine, creating a barrier that doesn't let the oxygen come in contact with it, so it can't react and spoil the wine. Now opened wine will keep well for days longer than usual! $9.95 USD.

Inside-Out Ball

2006-12-02T09:26:00.000-05:00

Everyone loves playing with a ball. You can toss it, squeeze it, roll it, bounce it... but this particular ball has a whole bunch of neat extra features which come factory-standard and pre-installed for your ball-playing enjoyment. It's called an Inside-Out Ball because you can turn it from a regular spherical ball into a spiky sea urchin by turning it inside out. Plus it is very squishy and glows in the dark. All that for the low, low price of $2.75 USD.

Baker's Edge

2006-12-01T13:58:00.000-05:00

Most people agree that the best part of a brownie is its slightly crunchy, slightly chewy, totally delicious edge. But when you make a pan of brownies, there are all those annoying edgeless brownies in the middle of the pan! Well, with Baker's Edge, you can eliminate that horrible problem. This pan's ingenious design ensures that every brownie you bake has at least two tasty edges. Mmm! $32.50 USD. (Thanks, ParserGirl!)

Frigits

2006-12-01T06:54:00.000-05:00

As long as we're exploring the world of build-it-yourself marble mazes and such (see Cuboro), check out this set: it's a bunch of wacky plastic chutes, tunnels, and toys, each magnetized to stick to your fridge or any other metal surface, with which you can build a fancy marble-carrying machine in any configuration that strikes your fancy. It's Frigits, and it's by far the most fun you can have with fridge magnets. $29.95 USD. (Via Gizmodo.)

Stompers

2006-11-30T19:51:00.000-05:00

These are about the simplest toy ever. You could probably build your own (crappy) set with some string and a pair of aluminum cans. But somehow, when I was a kid, I loved stomping around outdoors with these Stompers under my feet. They made me six inches taller, and turned my feet into loud, clompy hooves! They may seem pointless, but they're just the sort of toy that lets a kid have some fun and use his imagination. $8.79 USD.

SparX

2006-11-30T08:11:00.000-05:00

This past weekend while out on the town, I happened to pick up a tube of SparX in a little food store, just on a whim. They're little candies made entirely without sugar, but with xylitol instead. Xylitol has been popular throughout Europe, Scandinavia, and other parts of the world, but has only recently been introduced in America. It's a natural sugar substitute that is much better for you than sugar: it actually fights tooth decay, helps improve bone density, can help fight oral infections, and more. These little candies taste great, don't have the weird flavor that other sugar substitutes often give, and are fun to snack on knowing they're actually good for you. $1.42 USD per tube, but trust me, you'll want to get a bunch.

Sherpa Coffee Sleeve

2006-11-29T13:48:00.000-05:00

If you're a frequent coffee-drinker, you probably go through your fair share of little insulating coffee sleeves around your take-out cups. Those little sleeves aren't really all that effective at helping keep your coffee hot, and using them once and then tossing them just creates lots of extra waste. Get yourself a Sherpa Coffee Sleeve, just like the ones used by the Sherpa of Nepal to insulate their Starbucks triple-grande organic extra-foam caramel mocha macchiato, and keep your coffee warmer longer while reducing waste. $16.95 USD. (Via The Slumbering Lungfish.)

The Handler

2006-11-29T06:52:00.000-05:00

Picture this: you're using a public restroom and doing your best to keep germs off your hands. They've installed automatic-flush toilets, and sinks and paper towel dispensers with motion sensors so you don't have to touch anything. Then you go to leave, and the grimy, germ-covered doorhandle stares you in the face. What do you do? Try to use your foor or your elbow to pull the door open? Go get another paper towel and leave it lying on the floor when you're done? No! Get yourself The Handler, a handy keychain-sized pop-out hook made especially for grabbing and pulling things you don't want to touch. The hook is silver-plated, making it naturally and effectively antibiotic, so your hands and your hook both stay clean. $10.95 USD. (Via Gizmodo.)

Heated Mouse

2006-11-28T15:39:00.000-05:00

If you're like me (and most of my family), your hands are prone to being chilly, and when winter rolls around with its naturally cold temperatures, this can get to be a big problem for those of us who like to use computers a lot. Typing with bulky gloves or mittens on isn't an option, but using this Heated Mouse certainly is! Drawing power via USB, it has a heating element nestled snugly inside it, which will keep your mouse hand nice and toasty. You'll have to keep your other hand warm on your own, or learn some two-handed mousing techniques. ¥2980 JPY (about $26 USD). (Via Gizmodo.)

Be the Coolest Dad on the Block

2006-11-28T06:38:00.000-05:00

If you're a dad and you really want to impress your kids, this book is the perfect way to do it. Filled with fun and simple games, riddles, craft projects, brain teasers and jokes, Be the Coolest Dad on the Block is a handy tool to amuse and entertain your kids for hours on end. Great for rainy days, long car rides, or just dispelling boredom. $9.56 USD. (Via BoingBoing.)

Cuboro

2006-11-27T15:15:00.000-05:00

This gift idea makes me sad that it's so expensive, because it's also really cool. Cuboro is a set of wooden blocks with grooves and tunnels for marbles to roll through. By stacking the blocks atop or next to each other, you can create complex, twisty pathways for marbles to roll through. It sounds like a lot of fun, but the starter set has 30 blocks for $119 USD, or about $4 per individual block!

Giant AnglePoise Lamp

2006-11-27T08:09:00.000-05:00

It's time once again for Extravagant Gift Monday, the day when I post gift ideas that are really, really expensive and not all that helpful unless you're fabulously wealthy. Let's get things started with this Giant AnglePoise Lamp. While it looks just like the bendy, repositionable desk lamps we all know and love, this one's absolutely huge! It's a useful light source, a cool piece of décor, a conversation piece, and a work of art all in one. It can be yours for the low, low price of £1660 UKP, or about $3196 USD.

i-Dog

2006-11-26T16:40:00.000-05:00

Many kids, like me, are allergic to animals and so, sadly, can't have cute, furry pets. However, with today's advances in robotics, it's possible to give allergy-ridden kids a fun, friendly pet to love that won't give them hives or asthma attacks. For instance, give a kid who loves dogs this i-Dog, an alien-looking robotic dancing dog with seven sinister, glowing eyes. Just plug it into a music player and it'll dance and move along with the beat, blinking its eyes at you as if to say "just get close enough and I'll take over your primitive brain, humanoid!" $29.95 USD.

Day of the Dead Purse

2006-11-26T10:17:00.000-05:00

You missed Dia de los Muertos this year, but I know you're planning to head down to Mexico and party with the skeletons next year. To do that, you'll need appropriate accessories, such as this cute little Day of the Dead Purse. With its lovely colorful and festive design it'll perfectly complement your giant sombrero. $18 USD.

Felt Fried Egg

2006-11-25T14:31:00.000-05:00

I know you all bought yourselves some Felt Food back in June, but by now you must be getting tired of having the same felt meal all the time. Spice things up by adding a gourmet Felt Fried Egg to your plate! It comes in a handy metal shell which you can crack open to reveal the delicious felty egg. $4.95 USD. (Via BoingBoing.)

Magnetic Photo Rope

2006-11-25T10:00:00.000-05:00

Putting your photos on display in frames is so passé, seriously. Photos behind glass with wooden or metal borders, hanging against the wall? Puh-leeze. The new hip way to display your photos is with a Magnetic Photo Rope. with its little powerful magnets it'll hold photos securely in place against its metal cord, and the loop at the top can be hooked over any nail or tack. Get two, get six, get a dozen, but don't get caught still using frames. $12 USD for one, cheaper for more.

Dog Poop Soap

2006-11-24T13:55:00.000-05:00

Disgust adults and seriously confuse little kids by putting this Dog Poop Soap on your soap dish. It looks awfully realistic but is just regular old soap, and smells like coffee. Use it to convince your arch-nemesis' kids that all dog poop is actually soap, and watch the hilarious antics ensue next time you're at the park. $7.99 USD. (Via Gizmodo.)

i-Tattoo

2006-11-24T09:49:00.000-05:00

What kids don't enjoy drawing on themselves? Whether it's just some simple shapes or a complex design, adding temporary tattoos to your skin can be a fun activity. Give it an added dose of realism with this i-Tattoo, a kit with three different-colored markers, a vibrating tattoo pen, and 30 unique stencils. Let kids know what getting a real tattoo is sort of like, so that when they're drunk on Spring Break in Cancun getting "KISS ROCKS" across their backs they're not entirely shocked. $14.99 USD. (Via BoingBoing.)

Claymation Christmas

2006-11-23T20:18:00.000-05:00

Now, I'm not going to get in the habit of posting reruns, but this particular item proved so popular last year that I thought I'd probably better feature it again just in case it helps someone else find a great gift.

Here's a seasonal gift that's perfect for people who grew up in the 80s watching televised Christmas specials. Claymation Christmas is a DVD featuring the hilarious half-hour stop-motion animated Christmas special from the same guy who did all those California Raisin commercials (they make a cameo appearance in the special itself). $17.60 USD.

Night Vision Dart Launcher

2006-11-23T07:33:00.000-05:00

These are so neat! Mount these Night Vision Dart Launcher goggles on any kid's head and they'll turn into a stealthy suction-dart-shooting sniper. While the goggles aren't true night vision goggles (they're just equipped with small LED flashlights and a green tinted lens), kids will still love creeping around wearing them at night. $19.95 USD. (Via Gizmodo.)

Mini Power Minder

2006-11-22T15:22:00.000-05:00

If you're trying to do your part to cut down on your power consumption, whether it's to save money on your electrical bill or to try and help save the environment, it's always annoying to find yet another appliance that constantly draws power even when it's supposedly turned off. The Mini Power Minder is a pair of outlets. When the device connected to the top outlet is turned on, the bottom outlet is given power as well, and when the top device goes off, so does the bottom outlet. This way, when you shut down your computer (for instance), whatever you've got connected to the bottom plug (like a printer or some speakers) will also be turned off -- and you'll know it's off for sure! $14.95 USD. (Via Treehugger.)

Shocolate Vault

2006-11-22T07:59:00.000-05:00

Here's a sneaky dieting aid: this nifty Shocolate Vault jar lets you lock your favorite guilty treat inside and set a timer. If you try to open the jar before the timer runs out, you get shocked! A good way to keep yourself honest about how often you get to eat chocolate, candy, or even smoke cigarettes. £9.99 UKP. (Via Gizmodo.)

Thermometer/Laser Pointer Mouse

2006-11-21T17:15:00.000-05:00

If there's one thing I want my computer mouse to do, it's tell the temperature. And also work as a laser pointer. Oh yeah, and it would also be nice if it would control the little pointy arrow on my computer screen for me, and be easy to stash away in my bag due to its retractable cord. Oh look! The mouse of my dreams is this Thermometer/Laser Pointer Mouse! Finally, a gadget incorporating several functions that I've never ever considered essential to mouseness. $16.99 USD.

Mini Iron

2006-11-21T06:49:00.000-05:00

Business travelers and those of us who want to look good while on vacation know that unsightly wrinkles and creases in our clothes are a sure-fire way to make people look askance at us. If we carry this Mini Iron with us, though, we can quickly and easily make our shirts and slacks look sharp whenever we need them, ensuring we're dressed to impress at a moment's notice. $5.94 USD.

S'More Necklace

2006-11-20T16:21:00.000-05:00

Everyone loves sitting around the campfire, toasting marshmallows, and then squishing them between two graham crackers with some chocolate. Mmm, s'mores! Now you can have a little reminder of the delicious goodness of these treats by wearing a scented S'More Necklace. Handcrafted with delicate precision, these cute little creations will make you smack your lips and long for summertime and camping season to roll around again. $12.50 USD.

Will Return Clock

2006-11-20T08:07:00.000-05:00

You'll always be exactly on time when you put this Will Return Clock up on your wall or door. Your coworkers will glance at it, wondering when you'll be back, and whenever you do get back, it'll be pointing at the right time. Or, try setting it a little bit ahead so that everyone thinks you'll always be back soon. A fun novelty for any office worker. $9.95 USD. (Via Gizmodo.)

BeatBuckle

2006-11-19T15:40:00.000-05:00

If your friends are the types to always manage to get their hands on the latest and greatest brand-new technologies, then you might know someone with one of those new-fangled iPod portable music players. If so, then this little accessory might make a good gift for him and her: it's the BeatBuckle, a handy belt buckle that doubles as a secure holder for an iPod Nano or iPod Video. Just snap your iPod into the buckle, and your hands can be free to throw in the air and/or wave like you don't care. $29.95 USD. (Via Gizmodo.)

Pentel Pocket Brush Pen

2006-11-19T09:18:00.000-05:00

While artists know that merely having good tools doesn't make you a good artist, it's still important to feel comfortable with the tools you have. Buy a budding artist this Pentel Pocket Brush Pen and get them started with one tool that many successful cartoonists have used over the years. Its fine brush tip and rich, intense black ink allow artists to create lines of varied widths, the better to render their images exactly how they want them. A great gift for someone on your list who loves comics and longs to draw like their favourite artists. $18 USD.

Perfect Pod

2006-11-18T16:37:00.000-05:00

Many people these days use coffee machines that take "pods" -- little paper filters of ground coffee that get brewed at the touch of a button. I call these people "Pod People". Unfortunately, almost every pod-based coffee machine requires you to buy all of the pods from the machine's manufacturer. If you know a Pod Person, get them a Perfect Pod and they can make their own pods from whatever type of coffee they want, even blending flavours or making tea pods. $39.95 USD. (Via BoingBoing.)

Finger Drum Mousepad

2006-11-18T08:41:00.000-05:00

Do you enjoy tapping your fingers along with a catchy song? Do you imagine a rhythmic beat in your head to go along with any tune you hear? This Finger Drum Mousepad lets you tap out drum solos to your heart's content and hear them played using real drum sounds. Eight different instruments are available (bass, toms, a snare, and cymbals) and you can play along with pre-recorded beats as well as recording your own. $39.95 USD. (Via Gizmodo.)

USB Beverage Heater

2006-11-17T15:47:00.000-05:00

We've previously featured a USB-powered beverage chiller on this site, becase we know that sometimes you want a nice frosty drink by your computer. However, just as often you want a toasty mug of coffee, hot chocolate, tea, or apple cider instead. Next to your chiller, now you can place this USB Beverage Heater which will keep any drink nice and warm all the way to the bottom of the mug. Now you're living in real luxury! $12.99 USD. (Via Gizmodo.)

iGlow Hair Gel

2006-11-17T07:09:00.000-05:00

After you've finished bathing in glow-in-the-dark bubble bath, maybe you want to take some of that freaky glow with you. Rather than walking around covered in suds, try getting yourself a dish of iGlow Hair Gel. This luminescent gel doesn't need UV, neon, or black lights to do its thing. A (safe) chemical reaction causes it to glow brightly for 4 to 6 hours after application, making you the hit of the rave. $8.95 USD. (Via BoingBoing.)

Lego Ice Cubes

2006-11-16T13:15:00.000-05:00

Next time your kid's having a play date and you really want to impress the other parents, try mixing up their martinis with some Lego Ice Cubes. Shaped just like the colorful little plastic bricks your kids are playing with at this very moment, they're fun and funky and sure to get a laugh. Just don't be too disappointed when the castle you build melts into a puddle. $7.99 USD.

Snack-Size Deep Fryer

2006-11-16T07:02:00.000-05:00

Everyone likes fresh french fries, onion rings, or mozzarella sticks, and when you have a deep fryer, you can make them at home. But regular deep fryers often use a ton of oil, making them impractical to use just for a small amount of stuff. This Snack-Size Deep Fryer, on the other hand, is tiny, just the right size to make a couple servings of whatever greasy, delicious food you desire, and only uses five cups of oil at once. Perfect for a fun, fried night at home. $39.99 USD.

Thaw Light

2006-11-15T19:00:00.000-05:00

Candles always add a touch of elegance to any gathering, but at some point they all start to seem like the same old thing. There's very little you can do to really spice them up. Different scents, different colors, sure, but that's old hat. Why not get a Thaw Light and watch people's eyes light up. Before using it, just fill the silicone ice mold in its base with water, stick it in the freezer, and let it get completely solid. Then, pop the ice out and place it over the lit candle. As time goes by, the ice will melt back into the mold in the base. How cool! $49.95 USD.

DiaperWallet

2006-11-15T11:09:00.000-05:00

When you have a baby, it's important to try and maintain your hip, easygoing style. That's hard to do when you have to lug a giant, bulky diaper bag around with you everywhere you go, even on short trips where you won't need more than one or two diapers. The DiaperWallet is a cute and stylish solution to this problem. Made with designer fabric to look cool, it holds wipes, diapers, a changing mat, and a wet bag, and has extra pockets for you to carry whatever you might need. $23.50 USD.

Skeeter Bag

2006-11-14T16:51:00.000-05:00

If you have outdoor pets, chances are in the summertime they get bothered by mosquitoes just like we humans do. To help them out, you can either regularly douse them in stinky insect repellent, or get yourself a Skeeter Bag. By hooking this thin fabric bag to the back of a powerful box fan and setting it up near your animals, you can easily suck thousands upon thousands of mosquitoes out of the air and trap them in the bag where they'll die, keeping them from bothering your animals. $9.95 USD.

Disc Eraser

2006-11-14T06:39:00.000-05:00

Those of you who store sensitive files (finances, perhaps, or angst-ridden teenage poetry) on CDs have probably been faced with the need to securely destroy a CD before. How do you do it? It's difficult and dangerous to try and break a CD by hand. Scratching it up with a pair of scissors might not be effective, and putting it in the microwave, while a pretty sight, isn't very good for the microwave. The Disc Eraser is a simple little doodad that makes it easy to destroy the data on any CD without hassle. Just insert the disc, press down, and slide the slider across the disc surface. The resulting groove destroys every data track on the disc surface, making your data unreadable. Do it a few times in different locations just to be completely sure that you've gotten rid of those embarrassing Mariah Carey MP3s once and for all. $12.99 USD.

The Wienerstick

2006-11-13T16:08:00.000-05:00

Do you grill? Are you sick of foods getting charred on the outside while still being undercooked inside? Then your technique probably needs work. But one way to help things cook a little more evenly is by getting The Wienerstick, a metal stand that lets your hot dogs or other foods cook while standing upright, and which transfers heat up the rods to the middle of the food at the same time. It makes grilling simple and quick, and if you have several, you can fit a lot more food on the grill. As all Americans know, more food is always better. $22.74 USD including shipping. (Via The Technology and Gadget Blog.)

Onion Goggles

2006-11-13T09:06:00.000-05:00

Have you ever read the online newspaper The Onion? It's hilarious! Their writers seem to see the world in a completely different way from the rest of us. Maybe if you wear these Onion Goggles you too can... oh, hang on, my mistake. These are to keep onion fumes out of your eyes when you're doing dinner prep in the kitchen. Okay. Bummer. $19.95 USD.

DaysAgo

2006-11-12T19:58:00.000-05:00

Nothing's worse than grabbing that leftover casserole from the fridge, opening it up, and getting a big whiff of spoiled, moldy food. Keep track of the age of the items in your fridge with DaysAgo, a digital day counter. With either magnetic or suction bases, these little counters simply count the time since you reset them. Attach them to any container (or anything else around the house) and quickly tell at a glance how long they've been there. $12 USD for two, with free shipping.

BabyToupee

2006-11-12T17:14:00.000-05:00

It is a shame that babies are often born without gorgeous cascading hair tumbling down about their ears, since a beautiful head of hair is one of life's true joys. Help out some poor bald kid by getting him or her a BabyToupee! Now any infant can look like L'il Kim, The Donald, Bob Marley, or Samuel L. Jackson... and who can resist a lineup like that? $24.99 USD.

Orbiculus Thumbtacks

2006-11-11T21:02:00.000-05:00

Don't you wish everyday tasks could be accomplished just by pushing the "OK" button, or dismissed by hitting "Cancel"? Well, they can't, but at least you can make those buttons available on your bulletin board with these Orbiculus Thumbtacks. Designed to look just like the buttons on a computer screen, these tacks add a little graphical user interface to anything you pin up. Get the regular English set for a variety of fun choices, the Russian set to confuse people, or the "Everything is OK" set (every button says "OK") if you're feeling quite positive. $10.63 USD. (Via Gizmodo.)

Remote Control Beetles

2006-11-11T08:40:00.000-05:00

It's always cool to flip through the channels and come across a nature documentary on PBS showing those awesome horned beetles duking it out for control of their area. Now you can simulate those battles right in your own home (which I know you've always wanted to do) with these Remote Control Beetles. With rechargeable batteries and a remote that doubles as a display stand and charger, these little beauties come in three models and can be made to walk in four directions as well as lift and attempt to flip any opponents. $38.90 USD per beetle.

SquidSoap

2006-11-10T13:43:00.000-05:00

Kids don't like washing their hands, and even when you can get them to do it, they probably don't do it very thoroughly. But when kids push down on the SquidSoap dispenser, ~~a black~~ an orange ink mark is made on their palm, and unless they scrub enough to remove it, you'll be able to tell they haven't washed well. It takes 15 to 20 seconds of washing to remove the mark, which, coincidentally, is the doctor-recommended hand-washing time. $15.99 USD for four.

Sun Jar

2006-11-10T09:18:00.000-05:00

Here in the frozen north, the days keep getting shorter, and thanks to Daylight Savings Time ending, it seems like the sun goes down shortly after lunch. For those of us who feel pretty blue when we don't get a good daily dose of sunlight, this Sun Jar might be a worthwhile purchase. It sits quietly on your windowsill all day, sucking up whatever sunbeams it can catch (even on cloudy days!), and then when night falls, it glows serenely, giving you a nice dose of sunlight even though the sun's gone. £20 UKP.

Finger Forks

2006-11-09T18:06:00.000-05:00

Do you ever feel rather uncouth at parties when you're forced to use your dirty, nasty fingers (who knows where they've been?) to pick up appetizers? I know exactly what you mean. Touching food and then eating it just makes me shudder. As far as I can see, there are two solutions to this problem: either spend thousands of dollars on costly therapy, or pick up a set of Finger Forks, tiny (clean!) stainless steel utensils that fit right on the ends of your fingers and allow you to spear and eat your food in style. £3.99 UKP. (Via BoingBoing.)

USB Mini Vacuum

2006-11-09T12:51:00.000-05:00

Take a look inside your keyboard. Go ahead, I'll wait. Disgusting, no? All those hairs and crumbs and bits of... what is that stuff? Eww. I bet you'd really like to clean that up quickly and easily, right? Get yourself a USB Mini Vacuum, plug it into your computer, and suck all that nastiness right up. Clean your entire desk area while you're at it, you lazy bum. $14 USD.

Glow-in-the-Dark Bubble Bath

2006-11-08T15:25:00.000-05:00

This stuff sounds straight out of a superhero-origin story: "At the age of eleven, shy, scrawny Ted Harrison tried a new product he had bought from a shady junk dealer outside of town: Glow-in-the-Dark Bubble Bath. While the soothing greenish light of the bubbles was awesome to look at, Ted didn't know it was actually radioactive! After getting out of the tub, he felt stronger, faster, more sure of himself. The next day, when local bully Tyler Jedd started picking on him, Ted lashed out -- and Tyler ended up sprawled against a tree fifty feet away."

Where was I? Oh, the bubble bath. Anyway, if you feel like submersing your naked body in greenish glowing ooze, this is definitely the product for you. $19.99 AUD.

LightInSight

2006-11-08T07:21:00.000-05:00

While visiting the frozen north, I had the opportunity to drive a vehicle equipped with a LightInSight, mounted at the top of the windshield. The photo doesn't do it justice; when you pull up to a traffic light but are too close to actually see the light, you no longer have to lean over the steering wheel and crane your neck to watch for it to turn green... the little plastic lens stuck to the windshield allows you to comfortably see the light without any problem. It's the sort of thing you'll quickly realize you never want to be without. $12.50 USD.