Everything below $29.99

DIY Japanese Name Stamp Set

Jen — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 19:45:23 +0000

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.

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Banana Cell Phone Holder

Jen — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 17:55:44 +0000

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

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5-in-1 Egg Slicer

Jen — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:29:02 +0000

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

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MobiGrip

Jen — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:06:56 +0000

Although my camera strap is sacred, it never occured to me that a phone would need a similar something. But if you think about it… the idea isn’t bad. At least for clumsy people.

The MobiGrip is a finger strap with a base that attaches to the back of a phone, so that the user can hold the phone more securely. Although I’m sure the initial reaction is “why the hell would I want that?”, just think of all those people who somehow manage to drop their phones to the floor or - even better - in the toilet. They won’t admit it, but they need this.

However, there’s one downside: you need to glue something to the back of the phone, which might make it more difficult to slip into pockets… and the idea of adhesive on my pretty shiny mobile isn’t something I like contemplating.

How much under $29.99?
A lot: $9.95 on MobiGrips.com.

Via ChipChick

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Houdini Automotive Escape Tool

Jen — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 01:25:12 +0000

How many of the people involved in accidents thought it could never happen to them? Most of them, probably. And while bumping into another car might not be a tragedy, a serious accident could result in the car exploding or submerging… in which case the people inside should get out as soon as possible.

Houdini is here to help. No, the magician didn’t come back to life, but the Houdini Automotive Escape Tool uses his name to get the point across. A simple keychain could save someone’s life: it features a window breaker, a seatbelt cutter, a safety whistle and a LED flashlight, the basics for making sure no one remains caught inside the vehicle.

Unfortunately, being a careful driver doesn’t ensure road safety. You never know when someone runs into you… and “better safe than sorry” is the phrase that best applies here.

How much under $29.99?
A little: $24.95 on HoudiniTool.com.

Via AutoMotoGadgets

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Dust Bunny Microfiber Duster

Jen — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:01:29 +0000

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

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USB Heating Slippers

Jen — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:36:12 +0000

For someone who has cold feet (literally) even in the middle of summer, the mention of “USB heated slippers” triggers an “I want!” reflex. But then, when the whole thing registers…

USB heating. Hmmm. How do you wear slippers attached to a computer? Actually, the USB Big Slippers are even weirder: “they” are actually one slipper, large enough to fit both your feet, so there’s no way to move anyway (unless you like hopping around). They come in two styles, monkey and strawberry, and they actually look pretty cute.

On the other hand, there’s three models of regular slippers (panda, for men, for ladies) which could be used to walk around the house, if they weren’t tethered to the PC. Yes, the cable can be unplugged, but wanna bet how often you’ll remember to do that? I don’t see a bright future here.

How much under $29.99?
A little: $25 on Gadget4All.com.

Via Ubergizmo

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Recycled Skateboard Circle Necklace

Jen — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:18:32 +0000

Recycled products are a good idea in general… but we shouldn’t buy something just because it’s “greener”. Why buy a thing you won’t use or wear because it’s too impractical/ugly?

Fortunately, today’s recycled product is not only environment-friendly, but also an interesting piece of jewelry. The Recycled Skateboard Circle Necklace is made from an old skateboard, so it features a part of the model it used to have. But while the pictured pendant looks good indeed, there’s no two alike, so it’s ultimately a game of luck; you can’t choose the color or model to match your clothes.

But sometimes a surprise is welcome… or would be, if this wouldn’t cost $28. Seriously, why? It’s just a piece of wood; handmade, but still just that, and you have no control over how yours would look like. So, while it might be a cool idea, I wonder how many people will be interested…

How much under $29.99?
A little: $28 on UncommonGoods.com.

Via ModernEcoHomes

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Zak Ice Cream Tubbies

Jen — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 18:56:35 +0000

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

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3D Christmas Tree Kit

Jen — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:50:05 +0000

Desk Christmas decorations have been the hit of the past few years, but many of them are of dubious quality. For someone who doesn’t want anything currently on the market, there’s two alternatives: not buying at all or DYI.

For those who prefer the latter, the 3D Christmas Tree Kit is a simple and inexpensive solution. It does require a certain level of electronics knowledge (and soldering skills), but just 8 easy steps will result in a cute and geeky cubicle decoration. It needs a 9V battery to work, which can also be used as a stand.

Who needs tealights for atmosphere when you’ve got a bunch of homemade trees?

How much under $29.99?
A lot: $8.99 on MakerShed.com.

Via Makezine