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The fridge is a big white thing taking up half a wall… the inside is full, but what about the outside?

If you haven’t already covered it in magnets from your trips, you’ll want to see the Marmelada Magnetic Photo Frames. Aside from being the best way of giving the fridge some personality, these frames look very classy and have a special design (not to mention the yummy colors).

They come in two shapes, rectangular or elliptical, various colors, and each set has three frames of different sizes plus an extra magnet to hold up notes.

How much under $29.99?
A little: £12.99 on Mocha.uk.com.

Via Outblush

A Wireless Lark Remote Control Doorbell. Yes. The Engrish isn’t very clear, but it’s obvious it includes the actual plastic bird, it’s not just a sound.

Several questions arise, the first being “Why in the name of God?!” and the second “Who would pay for this thing?”. We’ll never know.

No matter; I’ll leave you in the company of the delightful description. A cookie for whoever can translate it in normal English.
“The lark bird remote control doorbell chime represents the technology of surpassing obstacles; Delicate smart part, makes the doorbell a saluting angel of dwelling house, work building, hotel, tire building, factory and so on, you will never miss any guest.”

How much under $29.99?
Some: $10.99 on SourcingMap.com.

Via RedFerret

This post should begin with something like “If you’re a chemistry buff, you’re going to love this”. But then I thought: why? You don’t have to be crazy about chemistry, the periodic table is elementary. And the Periodic Table Shower Curtain is way better than all the flowers and abstract patterns you can usually buy.

What’s not to like? It’s got pretty colors and it’s educational… it will at least give you something to do instead of stare at the walls when you’re in the bathroom. And you’ll have a good excuse to take long showers during exam periods.

How much under $29.99?
A little: $29.27 in our store, powered by Amazon.com.

Via MakeZine

Of all the weird things… Why on Earth would anyone want a cooking tool that sings opera?

The Al Dente Pasta Timer is, essentially, useful - at least for easily distracted people. A simple timer which makes some sort of noise at set intervals (7, 9 and 11 minutes in this case) is a good idea when making pasta.

But when the noise is actually opera music… coming from a tiny speaker… one can’t help but wonder who came up with the idea and, even more important, who would buy the gizmo. Especially at almost $30. Please, give me a reasonable explanation.

And, since I know you’re curious… the tunes are the “Triumphal March” from Aida, the “Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves” from Nabucco and 11 minutes “La Donna é mobile” from Rigoletto.

How much under $29.99?
Exactly $29.95 on Solutions.com.

Via bookofjoe

The kitchen wasn’t made for lazy people. Unfortunately, they (*ahem* we) need to eat too. Microwave food is faster to prepare, but not as healthy… However, lazy people who don’t mind spending some money can turn chores into kitchen fun.

Really, how cool is it to use a complex electronic device to peel a potato? The Rotato Express looks like something from an old SF movie, but it’s not an alien probe; all it does it peel fruits and vegetable.

It only takes three easy steps: skewer the future food on the bottom spike, lower the top spike, push a button and watch. (Emphasis on “watch”, as in “not make an effort”.)

Of course, it’s overkill. It’s just a potato. But after eating frozen fries for years just because you can’t be bothered to peel fresh ones… it might be worth it.

How much under $29.99?
Exactly: $29.88 on TaylorGifts.com.

Via Coolest Gadgets

Wasting water is bad, it’s been drilled into us in the past few years. Shower - good, bath - bad. Ok, but do you know how much water you use when you shower? Those “ideal” 3-5 minutes are an estimate, but with the different showerheads and flow rates you never know exactly how much water pours into your drains.

Or… well, you could. The Showerdrop does just that: measures water consumption and warns you when you go over 35 liters. It can’t force you to jump out of the bathroom, of course, but it might make you feel a little guilty. Or a little proud, if you notice you used less than the recommended quantity.

If you do the maths, less than $20 could save you a lot of money in the long run - especially if the whole family uses it.

How much under $29.99?
Some: ~$19 on Ecotopia.co.uk.

Via Coolest Gadgets

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

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