Getting a woman isn’t extremely hard, but you need to follow a few simple rules.
Rule no. 1: don’t buy an R2-D2 Pepper Mill. Or, if you need to have one, for the love of God hide it from her.
What’s wrong with showing a little love for a favorite movie? The problem is “a little love” – which this is not. It’s a lot. It’s a 5-inch robot that grinds pepper by turning its dome. For $25, no less.
This does not mean that all fan merchandise is somehow wrong and will automatically repel any member of the female population. But Star Wars meets kitchen…. no. Don’t.
Unless she’s also a fan, that is. In which case: you lucky bastard!
How much under $29.99?
A little: $24.99 on StarWars.com.
Via TechieDiva
The Knuckle Duster MUG! Mug has an unique design – and the word “unique” can mean a lot of things.
But first: what’s up with the weird name? Well, it goes like this: in Cockney slang “mug” means “fool”; someone who’s not a fool and wants to protect his breakfast sometimes needs to resort to drastic measures. Or something.
Although based on a funny premise, from a practical point of view the mug is not the best. Poking four fingers through the holes requires more effort than grabbing a handle, and something as basic as a mug doesn’t really needs improving. This knuckle duster is destined to be bought as a funny gift, then abandoned at the bottom of a cupboard… Unique is not always a good idea.
How much under $29.99?
A little: ~$24 on THABTO.co.uk.
Via BoingBoing
Kitchen gadgets are fascinating. But sometimes, even though they’re sold on regular websites, they’re fascinating and still utterly useless to the common user.
Today’s example is the French Fry Cutter. Slicing up potatoes in one move, brilliant! If you’re running a restaurant, maybe. A waste of money if you’re only cooking for 2 or 3. But why am I sure that many home users will buy this? There’s no limit to human laziness… Oh well, it’s their money, not mine, after all
(Alternately, you can just buy frozen fries.)
How much under $29.99?
Exactly $29.99 on FreshFinds.com.
Via bookofjoe
Cooking can be a real adventure for someone inexperienced. And it’s not just “will the contents of the pot taste like food”. The whole process can be quite complicated.
Is spending money on special utensils justified in this case? It depends on the sum, I suppose. The Veggie Peeler with Storage looks like a good tool for a newbie, but $20 is pretty steep. We all know what a veggie peeler is, so what’s different here? This one comes with an attached recipient to gather the peelings, which eliminates the need for a newspaper or trash can underneath.
Knowing my ability to knock things off the counter, I’d normally be all over this… but it’s $10 too expensive, so no thank you.
How much under $29.99?
Some: $19.98 on ShopGetOrganized.com.
Via bookofjoe
Big Halloween lovers who want to turn their house into a temporary tribute to the holiday face two problems: money and/or time. Buying decorations is expensive, making them takes time and skill. So.. how about a decoration that’s also useful and doesn’t cost much?
The Lite Up Jack-O-Lantern Mug is just 5 bucks and, although it’s got a high tackiness potential, it manages to look good. And it’s not restricted to one use. As cool as it is to drink out of a glowing orange skull (and scare someone if you’re doing it at night), it can also serve as a decent centerpiece for a Halloween-themed dinner. Just add some dead roses and fake spiderweb, turn on the LED and enjoy the creepiness. Or, if both partners are into celebrating, it could change the traditional meaning of a candle-lit dinner…
Crafty DYIers could use it for even more creative things, I’m sure. At this price you won’t even feel sorry when you ruin it.
How much under $29.99?
A lot: $5 on CenturyNovelty.com.
Via UberReview
When choosing a surge protector, the number and type of plugs it can hold is more important than aesthetics. But when choosing between two items with identical specs, why not go for the one that will fit your home better?
While a white surge protector shaped like an UFO might match a modern office perfectly, a traditionally-furnished room would go better with the Corner 5-Outlet Block. The color makes it almost blend in with a wooden floor, and since it fits in a corner it can be stashed away easier (you’d expect to see cables in the office, but in the bedroom they’d better be invisible).
With 5 plugs (including two with an over-sized transformer) and a circuit breaker, all for less than $10… what’s not to like?
How much under $29.99?
A lot: $9.97 on ImprovementsCatalog.com.
Via ChipChick
It’s unclear how the Lost Socks Hanger can be, you know, useful, but it could make such a nice decoration for an otherwise boring bathroom or closet… too bad it seems not to serve any real purpose.
It’s designed to hold mismatched socks, that much is obvious. Did a sock dissapear? Hang the surviving twin up and wait until the missing one resurfaces. Then again, the same thing can be achieved by simply putting them in a drawer; it’s not like anyone has hundreds of pair of socks and can’t look among them from once in a while.
I’m really not getting this, and I’m trying because I like it. But there’s no way I could justify spending $20 something like this. Perhaps if I had a kid with a sock-losing problem… but maybe not even then.
How much under $29.99?
Some: $19.95 on JackandFriends.com.
Via FashionablyGeek
Interesting ice cubes have no practical use, so why do people keep buying all shapes and sizes of ice trays? That’s easy: they’re very simple way of adding an extra touch to a drink.
There’s literally dozens, if not hundreds of different shapes to choose from, and today we have one aimed (heh) at gun lovers. The Bullet Ice Cube Tray is the silicone replica of an AK-47 magazine and delivers 12 icy bullets.
Unlike most trays, this one is a bit more complicated to operate: the two halves must be placed one over the other to create the bullets, so it’s going to require some attention. But if the result is anything like the pictures, it’s worth it. Ok, perhaps not if you’re inviting your son’s classmates’ parents for dinner.
How much under $29.99?
Some: ~$15 on Find-Me-A-Gift.co.uk.
Via UberReview
The Snack & Stack Utensils look like the kind of thing to keep the kids entertained at dinner – happily eating, not wreaking havoc. Yet why do I feel adults will go crazy after them?
I also have the answer: Lego. They’re obviously not licensed products, but the look is unmistakable. If you figure that Lego bricks would have painful edges, you’re right. That’s why these are made from silicon: comfortable and easy to grip.
Due to the distinctive shape, they’re also easy to stack, which makes them perfect for travel or lunchboxes. (Spork lovers, note that your favorite utensil is included.)
How much under $29.99?
Some: $17.50 on Amazon.com.
Via BoingBoing
I’m a tea lover (especially now, since it’s getting colder), but all the “accesories” I have are a cup and a teaspoon. And why would I need more? After all it’s just some leaves in water, not rocket science.
The Squeasy Tea Bag Squeezer sure makes having a cuppa look complicated. You need a piece of metal because otherwise you’d burn your hand on the teabag! a) I don’t think squeezing it with your hand is really sanitary; b) why not a teaspoon? I’ve never heard of anyone having problems with this tried and true method, so even $6.50 is a lot for something so unneccessary.
It’s difficult to imagine why anyone except a tea accesories collector would want one. And there’s probably just a few such people.
How much under $29.99?
A lot: $6.49 on ContainerStore.com.
