A cool keychain doesn’t necessarily mean an interesting photo or design. It can be more than that – even though complex things are not very practical: you either get a too-large keychain, or a too-small game or gadget.

The Chutes and Ladders Keychain looks just the right size for a pocket – which probably means the game would be very difficult to actually play (unless you have unusually small hands). But if you like miniatures this is impossible to resist. Even more so if you were a fan of the game when you were young.

How much under $29.99?
A lot: $4.99 on UltimateKeychains.com.

Via BoingBoing

We’re living in the internet age and (although I am not very sure why) I am surprised to see interesting “low tech” toys. Especially when they are not exactly for playing with.

Would you like a paper model of a lock? I find the idea incredibly fascinating. I always want to know how things work, but after a few disasters I realized that, while I can take them apart, I can never get them working again… The Cylinder Lock is a downloadable model of a Yale lock you have to print and assemble according to instructions, so you’ll maybe save a couple of locks that would have otherwise died an ugly death.

Recommended for inquisitive kids who like arts&crafts – or adults who still wonder how the world around them works.

How much under $29.99?
A lot: ~$5 on Flying-Pig.co.uk.

Via BoingBoing

IQ puzzles are evil. (Which just might be an excuse for a certain person who is very bad at them…) However, if you have the right type of brain (or you’re masochistic), you’ll appreciate one more for your collection.

The Wooden Virus IQ Puzzle is basically just a couple of wooden sticks and a red ball – but it looks pretty complicated to put together, since the sticks create a very complex pattern. It’s also supposed to train your IQ and EQ, and both left and right sides of your brain.

And if it doesn’t… at least it’s fun!

How much under $29.99?
A lot: $6.50 on Brando.com.hk.

Via name

I don’t do my nails very often, because it only lasts until the first time I do the dishes. And really, it’s not worth the trouble. And there’s plenty of that, especially with dark colors and especially when I do my right hand… I’ve got shaky fingers and I can’t do shit with my left hand, so the right ends up in less-than-perfect shape.

All this lenghty introduction for this brilliant product: the Sally Hansen Color Quick Nail Pen. Forget the quick coloring and fast drying; the real innovation here is the way it works. You get a “pen” filled with nail polish with a brush attached on one end, which works more or less like shoe polish: you shake it, click it a couple of times then apply. Since the pen is much easier to hold than a regular brush it gives much more control and the chances of the polish ending up on your skin instead of the nail diminish.

How much under $29.99?
A lot: $9.49 on Amazon.com.

Say you have a nice idea for a phone charm. Not particularly original, but good enough to guarantee decent sales. Then, what do you do to increase the chances that bimbos with less taste than their dogs will buy it? Why of course, add Swarovski crystals.

The Swarovski Chip Doughnut Cell Phone Strap would be a funny and cute charm (oh look, a tasty doughnut on your phone, now I’m hungry, ha ha)… and it got turned into an ugly blingy… something.

The one good thing: it’s cheap. One of the bad things: the shipping probably isn’t worth it.

How much under $29.99?
A lot: ~$4 on Strapya-World.com.

Via ChipChick

Sticky notes are extremely useful – especially for the chronically forgetful – but sometimes plain white or yellow just doesn’t express enough feeling. Feelings such as “I hope you all rot in Hell” or “If I spend one more month in this company I am going to go insane”…

For those cases simple post-its aren’t enough. You need @*$%#-its. The recipients of your notes will maybe get the message… even more so if you leave the suggestive pad in open view. Maybe, just maybe they’ll leave you alone. Or they’ll have to suffer.

How much under $29.99?
A lot: $6.50 on PhilosophersGuild.com.

Growing up in the 80s was great, but sometimes I feel sorry I’m not a kid today. So many cool toys and activities…

Of course, the 3D Drawing Pad can also be used by adults, but I am sure it’s much more fun for children. Seeing your doodles in 3D must sound very exciting when you’re 10 (damn, it even sounds fun at 20-something). The trick is the special paper in the notebook: it has a fine red and blue grid pattern which makes the drawings appear three-dimensional when looked at through the 3D glasses included in the kit.

It would make a great way of keeping inquisitive kids entertained and it could even turn into a bit of a fun science lesson. Who said learning things is supposed to be boring?

How much under $29.99?
A lot: $4.95 on Amazon.com.

Via Gizmodo

Carrying a phone or mp3 player in your hand is sometimes a real pain and, while cases can make a device easier to attach to your belt or a bag, they might make it more difficult to operate.

The Cliphanger offers a simple solution. This thin piece of plastic sticks to your gadget with industrial adhesive and makes it easy to clip where it’s convenient.

I have to admit I’ve never felt the need to attach my phone to my purse, for example, but i always keep it on a lanyard, which makes it very easy to find; this could be an alternative for people who can’t stand lanywards. But what does bug me is how (if?) you can get it off your phone. “Industrial adhesive” doesn’t sound like something that comes off easily, so I’d be reluctant to use this unless I was very sure I wouldn’t get bored with it in a few months.

How much under $29.99?
A lot: $7 on Amazon.com.

Via Coolest Gadgets

Fun in the kitchen again! Do you remember the paper fortune tellers kids used to play with? Like primitive origami? Someone’s borrowed the shape and made an kitchen “glove” out of it.

Unlike ordinary oven mitts, the Get-It Finger Guard is flexible so it makes grabbing small (and hot) objects, such as eggs or baked potatoes, much easier. It’s made from silicone that can withstand heat up to 600ºF and comes in 3 colors: red, Mediterranean blue and wasabi. And it looks cool enough to make me want to try it, even though I have no problem picking up eggs with my bare hands (just let cold water run over them for a minute, geez).

How much under $29.99?
A lot: $6.95 on BroadwayPanHandler.com.

Via bookofjoe

A week ago, a new acquaintance told me a long and descriptive story about ticks. Since I live in a big city and I don’t like going to the mountains too much, I never had the pleasure to run into these delightful little insects. Now I hope I never do.

Because of my lack of first-hand experience, at first I thought the Tick Key was completely useless. Now, after reading up on the subject a bit… I changed my mind. If you like hiking, or if you live in a tick-infested area and you need to take your dog out, or any other similar scenario, this could be a very welcome addition to a house.

It’s very easy to use: you put the tick’s body through the large opening then slide the device until the tick is in the smallest part, then remove it from the skin. Which sounds pretty disgusting, but I think that once you have one of them burrowing under your skin you care less and less about things like this.

How much under $29.99?
A lot: $5.99 on HealthyHappyPetNetStore.com.

Via Coolest Gadgets