Everything below $29.99

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

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Girlfriend Aggro t-shirt

Jen — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:25:11 +0000

The life of a gamer with a girlfriend who doesn’t like video games is complicated. It’s great that there’s a girl who loves him, but even she gets fed up with endless World of Warcraft or Fallout 3 sessions. Balancing a time-consuming hobby and a relationship can be tricky.

For gamers, “brb gf aggro” is a well-known phrase and all males can sympathize with the poor guy. The Girlfriend Aggro t-shirt is better worn when the lady is not around, but it would be a hit at any gaming convention… especially if you leave her in the car, tell her you’ll only say “hi” to the guys and end up staying for 3 hours.

Although, in that case, one minute won’t be near enough for her to yell at you.

How much under $29.99?
A lot: $7.98 on GameAmp.com.

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Are We There Yet?

Jen — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:13:35 +0000

A family trip can quickly turn into a small nightmare if the children suffer from short attention span and get bored easily. Poor parents need all the help they can get to keep the young ‘uns in check.

Are We There Yet? is a dreaded question (think Donkey in Shrek), but also the name of an activity game which might give kids an extra thing to focus on instead of bugging the driver. Every 50 miles, the brat in the back can open one of the compartments and get a plastic toy. It’s the Kinder egg of road trips.

Of course, in this age of entertainment such an old-fashioned thing is hit and miss. Don’t leave the gaming console at home, but try all options, you never know.

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