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: $11.57 on Amazon.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

A multifunctional hook can come in useful in many ways, but how much would you spend on it? How does $16 sound?

Too much, if you ask me. However, the Shed Hook isn’t just your regular coat hook; it can hold bags, clothes, keys, even the mail, and it looks pretty sturdy.

On the other hand, it’s still just a hook and it doesn’t even look special. Perhaps you could save the money and invest in a coat rack when you’ve got more?

How much under $29.99?
Some: ~$16 on Domesticity.co.uk.

Via Outblush

As far as a gadget is concerned, it doesn’t always need to be useful. Sometimes the “wow” factor alone is worth it… but it has to be real wow-worthy.

Unfortunately, the Plasma Mug fails on both counts. First, what it is: a double walled cup placed on a special coaster with colorful lights that “follow” your finger if you touch it. For someone who’s never seen plasma gadgets, it might be exciting; but since plasma globes are (or at least used to be) common, you’d have to have lived under a rock for years to not see one.

As for useful… it’s an overpriced mug. Seriously, why? You can’t even drink while enjoying the light show, since it needs the coaster to work. I’ll pass on this one.

How much under $29.99?
A little: $24.99 in our store, powered by Amazon.com.

Via Ubergizmo

If the mug on your table goes “moo”, go see a doctor. If it has udders… that’s not something to worry about. It’s just the Calf and Half Jug, one of those things that no one needs, but everyone wants.

Ok, that some people want. People in love with cows. No, not like that!

Anyway, a simple jug was transformed into a piece of whimsical kitchen art with the help of an internal chamber shaped like cow’s udders. When it’s empty, it will look ordinary at a glance, but when you pour something (preferably milk) in it you’ll get a surprise.

Of course, since it’s artsy and funky, it costs a lot more than a regular jug. Is it worth it? I’d be inclined to say “yes”, based simply on the “wow” factor. Impressing guests is a fun sport.

How much under $29.99?
A little: $23 on Firebox.com.

“Do we really need something to organize our mail and keys? Aren’t there other ways of doing that?”

That’s what I asked myself when I saw the Swoop Magnetic Key Panel. It’s just a big magnet, so why should I get it?

Well… honestly, the visual factor is important. The design is simple, but it looks very good. And, even if there’s other solutions, there’s some elegance to having all the keys lined up with no nails or screws in sight. The mail storage is just an extra bonus, and if you think about the pile of envelopes gathered on some cabinet… I think you’ll agree it’s a good idea. As long as you don’t get a lot of mail, at least, since it doesn’t seem to be able to hold that many papers.

How much under $29.99?
Some: $18 on Chiasso.com.

Via Outblush

A trip to KFC will mean (beside a bellyful of something that might be chicken) a lot of greasy fingers. Everywhere around you.

Some like it because it makes it socially accepted to be dirty; some hate it because it hinders other activity (can you answer the phone if your fingers are coated in grease?).

For the latter, the answer is called Trongs. It sounds like a race of aliens from Star Trek, but it’s actually an utensil designed to make wings or ribs less messy. Dubbed “chopsticks on steroids”, the Trongs serve as a sort of glove for three fingers… but they don’t look exactly comfortable to use.

Bottom line: like with chopsticks, what’s simple for a person might be difficult for others. You might look silly using them in a fast-food, but if clean hands are more important, who cares. And they’re dirt cheap, so even if you decide they’re not for you, the loss will be insignificant.

How much under $29.99?
A lot: $4.99 for 6 pairs on Trongs.com.

Via bookofjoe