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The second most obvious phenomenon generated by anime (after a lot of money changing pockets) is an increased interest about Japanese language and culture.
But let’s face it, not many anime fans can actually learn Japanese. However, there’s an easy way of leaving a Japanese mark on whatever you want: the DIY Japanese Name Stamp Set.
There’s not much DYI involved, actually. You get a list of Hiragana characters and their English phonetic equivalents, decide on how you’d spell your name with them, slide them into the stamp and tada!
Why someone would want to stamp their Japanese-style name all over the place is unclear, but this is much easier than actually having to write it down.
How much under $29.99?
Some: $14.99 on ThinkGeek.com.
Few internet memes even come close to the level of annoyance of the Bananaphone. An obnoxious voice and childish lyrics, what’s to love about it? It started out on a children’s album, but has become an internet hit… perhaps the web really dumbs users down?
Either way, true bananaphone fans simply need the Banana Cell Phone Holder. It’s tacky, it’s in-your-face, it’s all those things that made the tune popular in the first place. It will probably make the phone difficult to use and people will point and laugh… but do you care?
How much under $29.99?
Some: $14 on FredFlare.com.
Via BoingBoing
I have no idea why a regular Jane like me would need a 5-in-1 Egg Slicer, but damn, I want it.
It’s just fascinating: one kitchen gadget that can cut eggs, not in one or two shapes, but in five! It can slice, dice, pierce, wedge and halve in just one movement (not all at the same time, naturally), but how useful is it?
If you have a restaurant or a catering company, the answer is “pretty useful”. At least it’s faster than doing it manually.
Otherwise… just another gizmo you’ll use twice a year, at the Christmas and New Year’s parties.
How much under $29.99?
Some: $14.99 on ChefsCatalog.com.
Via bookofjoe
I don’t think there’s someone who can say they like dusting. It’s a chore and it can only be less unpleasant (especially when compared to something like washing the windows… ugh).
The Dust Bunny Microfiber Duster promises to make it fun - or at least trick the kids into helping. While the first isn’t very likely, the second just might happen.
The biggest problem, from my point of view? The bunny is so cute you won’t want to get it dirty! Yeah, it’s machine washable, but how can you put that adorable face on that filthy TV screen?
How much under $29.99?
Some: $14.99 on PerpetualKid.com.
Via ChipChick
Is talking about ice cream inappropriate at the end of autumn?
Hmmm… nah, there’s no such thing as a bad time for ice cream. And, even when it gets cold outside, it’s rarely cold enough to stop it from melting… so the Zak Ice Cream Tubbies come in handy all year round.
So, how do you keep 1 pint of ice cream cold for 1 hour even during summer? Simple (or not): you make a container with foam-core insulation nestled between double-walls of durable plastic, then add a freezable gel lid to top it off.
Now, is this someone would need on a regular basis? Probably not. But surprising the boyfriend on his lunch break with some home made ice cream is priceless.
How much under $29.99?
Some: $12.99 on LaPrimaShops.com.
Via Gizmodo
A multifunctional hook can come in useful in many ways, but how much would you spend on it? How does $16 sound?
Too much, if you ask me. However, the Shed Hook isn’t just your regular coat hook; it can hold bags, clothes, keys, even the mail, and it looks pretty sturdy.
On the other hand, it’s still just a hook and it doesn’t even look special. Perhaps you could save the money and invest in a coat rack when you’ve got more?
How much under $29.99?
Some: ~$16 on Domesticity.co.uk.
Via Outblush
For those inclined to twisting their brains in various ways, puzzles are the best gift ever. And there’s never a shortage of new models…
Today, the Bedlam Cube Game. Although it’s apparently simple - combine 13 pieces to make a cube - there’s actually 19,000 ways of solving it and even reaching the first one might be complicated. The pieces are complex, composed of several smaller cubes, and the solutions are not obvious, so hours of entertainment lie ahead.
(Some would call it frustration, but what do we know…)
How much under $29.99?
Some: $15.98 on ThingsYouNeverKnew.com.
Via bookofjoe
One of the best thing about the newer laptops is that they come with built-in card readers. Extra camera cables or external devices are a pain, so being able to just insert a card in a gadget you’re already using is bliss.
That’s why the USB SDHC Card Reader + Mouse could’ve been a good idea. Some people really don’t need a high quality mouse, and adding a card reader inside a peripheral is just so convenient.
However, this will only be useful if all your gadgets use SD or microSD cards. And in this day and age when we all have so many gadgets, what are the odds of all of them using the same format?
How much under $29.99?
Some: $15 on Brando.com.hk.
Via Pocket Lint
There’s iPhone cases in a hundred shapes and sizes, so why not one for car lovers too? Especially since it looks so cool.
Aptly named, the Vroom for iPhone 3G features a distinctive tire track pattern on the back… and it does it all without even requiring a car to run the phone over. Of course, the rubber case isn’t just for show: it also offers protection (pun unintended… I’m not talking about that).
As you’d expect, it’s not only the back that’s scratch-proof: the Vroom also includes full face screen protection.
And seeing it’s not expensive either… why aren’t you off buying it right now?
How much under $29.99?
Some: $14.99 on Case-Mate.com.
Via GearDiary
I can’t count the times I’ve tried to use a makeshift tripod. Balancing the camera on a friend’s shoulder or the back of a chair works sometimes and fails miserably at others.
There’s lots of people in the same situation, so the Bottle Cap Tripod is one of those “why didn’t they think of it earlier?!” products. It turns any regular water bottle into an instant tripod, so you’ll have a quick solution virtually anywhere. Even if you’re in the middle of a desert with no store in sight, you need to have some water with you.
Unless you’re planning to drink from springs and sleep under the stars, in which case a camera wouldn’t be the number one object on the “to take” list.
How much under $29.99?
A lot: $10 on CharlesandMarie.com.
Via Coolest Gadgets
