Is it wrong that I really, really want a Bug Trapper?
It’s silly, yes. Most people just smack the bugs with a slipper and are done with it. But if you’re too disgusted (by the insect or the result) or unwilling to kill a living, albeit icky thing… well, you either use the old glass-and-cardboard technique or this modern version of it.
The 16″ long pyramid can cover most* bugs and, when turned 180°, lets a door slide closed the trap the intruder. To let it go free simply flip it back and let the door open. I want one next summer when the moths come back…
*If yours is bigger, call the exterminators before it eats you.
How much under $29.99?
A lot: $7.95 on LeeValley.com.
Via bookofjoe
Most bottle openers only need to do one thing and do it right: let people open their booze with ease. But if you’re a bartender (or the designated person-in-charge-with-drinks) and want to impress, check out the Kolorcoat Bottle Openers.
Underneath they’re good old stainless steel openers, but the special Kolorcoating process decorates both sides and the edges with full color artwork in literally dozens of designs. From girly to grunge, to sports to naughty and even neon colors, they’ve got it all… even some holiday themes, if you’re lacking gift ideas for the moment.
And it gets better: most models can be printed on various styles of openers, if the classic isn’t your thing.
How much under $29.99?
A lot: $9.99 on BarProducts.com.
I missed this on in the big post about circuit board presents, but that’s no reason not to feature it now.
Following the reusable computer parts trend and targeting the eco-tech crowd, the Recycled Circuit Boards Notebook is made from components that would’ve otherwise ended up in the landfill. (That’s not the portable computer type of notebook, by the way, it’s the kind you use a pen to write on.) A unique, if not very practical means of recycling and turning an ordinary object into something novel.
The notebooks come in two sizes, and I strongly hope the circuit boards aren’t too heavy and that they’ve been covered in some sort of protective varnish to keep the pointy bits from getting tangled in clothes or pricking fingers.
How much under $29.99?
Some: £6.97 – £9.97 on FirstImpressionsLastLonger.com.
Since no one actually eats fruitcakes, enterprising folk have started offering some less wasteful alternatives. We had the Inflatable Fruitcake here a couple of days ago, and now it’s time for something a little more realistic-looking: the Family Heirloom Fruitcake.
It looks like the real thing, and tastes like it too, according to the tagline: “Inedible – Just Like Grandma’s!” Don’t leave it laying around though… you never know who’s a closet fruitcake lover, and the taste of foam won’t make them happy.
And it doesn’t stop here! Alongside the delicious treat comes a book for all the family to enjoy: 50 Uses for Your Fruitcake. We don’t know if it includes throwing it at younger siblings, but this is what will happen once the kids learn it’s not real.
How much under $29.99?
Some: $11 on Amazon.com.
Via OhGizmo!
It might look like a laser from a 50s B-movie, but the Zero Fog Blaster isn’t a weapon. Not in the traditional sense, at least.
What it blasts enemies with is fog. 2 to 6 inch diameter, non-toxic fog rings that can fly 10 feet and more. And it’s not as easy as it looks… creating the large, further-traveling rings requires some skill in handling the gun, which you’ll acquire as you use it.
Unlike Nerf guns, this isn’t even potentially harmful, so it’s suited for both office wars and home fun with the kids.
But the best part is that you’ll learn about physics: the rings are rotating toroidal (donut shaped) vortexes (whirling motion of liquid or air with a low pressure area in the center). No, I don’t understand much of that either, but it sounds cool.
How much under $29.99?
Some: $19.99 on ThinkGeek.com.
Yes, I am only featuring this because of the flowers.
Now that we’ve got it out of the way… The USB Revolving Hub offers 4 ports, conveniently placed to allow differently sized and shaped gadgets to be powered (yes, even the infamous humping dog will find a spot there).
Of course, about 24792 other hubs can do this, so what’s special? Honestly, nothing. But I like the flowers, and the design of the device is very practical. It comes in black with white flowers and white with black flowers.
How much under $29.99?
Some: $12 on USBGeek.com.
Via Coolest Gadgets
Although color isn’t by far the most important feature of a keyboard, I can’t help but love the Funkeyboard Designer Keyboard Stickers. Plain black and white keys are ok, but why not go for more?
The stickers comes in two types: glowing and patterned. If you work at night (and aren’t the best at touch typing), then glowing symbols on the keys could be a great help. They’re not typical glow-in-the-dark either – the fluorescent print actually reflects even faint sources of light, so the monitor should be enough to make them visibile. They come in 4 colors: pink, blue, orange and yellow.
The second kind work best when they can be seen. Each set completely covers a keyboard with a different pattern, and they come in a very diverse selection, featuring designs such as pirate, flowers, rainbow or soccer.
There’s no mention whether they are removable or not, though. It would be great to be able to change the look of your desk once in a while for so little money.
How much under $29.99?
A lot: $9.99 on Amazon.com.
Via ChipChick
Keychains aren’t vital for the state of the world, and yet people constantly buy them. Think about, how many do you have? You could carry the keys tied together with a piece of string, but a piece of colorful plastic or metal is somehow better.
Personally, I like two things about keychains: they make keys easy to tell apart and they say something about me. Part 1 is easy to do… but if you want a truly impressive keychain, you can’t just get the first silly souvenir off the side of the road.
The MicroFlower Keychains come from Japan and they’re different from anything else: they each have a tiny plant growing inside. No, it’s not plastic, it’s real – which also means that at some point it will outgrow its enclosure and you’ll need to transplant it. If you’re not done impressing the keychain elite by this point, you can just locate another small plant and replace the old one.
And it looks like the retailers have considered others’ opinion, so you can get these as a set of 4. Cousin Jimmy complimented your mini greenhouse? Give him one too.
How much under $29.99?
Exactly $29.95 on SmartMiracles.com.
Via bookofjoe
Aww, what a cute little kitty! Is this the most adorable keychain ever or what?
Actually… not really. Like any real cat, this one can scratch pretty bad. The Black Cat Keychain isn’t just decoration, it’s also a self-defense device: when clutched in the hand, the eyes become finger holes and the ears become spikes, so an attacker might be in trouble if they try anything funny with a lady equipped with this friendly feline.
No, we won’t pretend it’s really a weapon or that you can walk alone in the dodgiest neighbourhood and feel safe just because you have it, but it can’t hurt to have. Sometimes the surprise element can save you.
How much under $29.99?
A lot: $7.99 on Amazon.com.
Via CoolMaterial
What does a coffee drinker do when stranded in a place with no electricity and no means to grind real coffee? Judging by some people’s reactions to this scenario, the answer is probably “die from lack of caffeine”.
Those people would order the Traveler Handheld Coffee Mill in a flash. It’s well designed for travel: the handle detaches for easy storage, it’s 9″ tall and weighs 10 ounces and can make a respectable 6 to 9 cups of coffee.
But it’s completely useless. No, you won’t die without the perfect brew. Two words: instant coffee. Blasphemy? No, just convenience.
How much under $29.99?
A little: $27.99 on ThinkGeek.com.
