Which is why it should come as no surprise that I am absolutely crazy about the M-Cups Measuring Cups (Perpetual Kid, $12.50). I mean, sure there are plenty of measuring cups out there (I bet you could even get a decent set at the dollar store), but I just can’t help myself. I need to have these. The set is designed to look like traditional Russian matryoshkas, which nest together so that it looks like just one doll, or in this case, measuring cup. This set of six is actually three doll shaped measuring cups, meaning each doll is made up of two measuring cups. So basically you get three dolls with six different measuring capacities, ranging from 1/4 cup to 1 full cup. They’re made of heavy duty food safe plastic, so you know they’re going to last awhile. Plus, since they’re nesting, they take up a fraction of the space of a regular set of measuring cups.

I used to think that if I continued to indulge in these fanciful gadgets, I might never be considered “grown up” or “mature.” But I’ve sorta come to terms with that, so now I just collect as many as I can. You’ve got to be a big fan of the kitchen though, because a lot of these things have to deal with cooking. Did you know that there’s a whole line of kitchen utensils out there that are shaped like animals? I did.

5 out of 5 stars.

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It seems as though someone has heard my prayers because they’ve presented me with a solution: the Emily (Generate Design, $129.00). Now, I know it can’t help with people waking me up at odd hours with phone calls or loud parties, but it will help with my alarm clock placement. See, this alarm clock is different because it’s designed to be mounted on the wall. I mean, how was it not obvious that an alarm clock is best viewed sideways, as in the angle you would see it when laying in bed? Obviously the buttons can’t be on the top like a generic alarm clock, so they’re in the back. The clock’s design is fairly simple, just the bare bones of style and a whole lot of functionality. You can easily lay in bed and set your alarm for the next morning. Also, you won’t really have to worry about knocking your alarm off the nightstand or throwing it across the room in a fit of sleeplessness because it’s attached to the wall. Come to think of it, it’s also a mini space saver because that’s just one less thing you have to fit on a table next to your bed. It just hangs there, effortlessly, waiting to alert you to the start of your day.

This is just one of those things that you can’t believe someone didn’t think of sooner. I mean, duh, how obvious is it that you shouldn’t have to sit up in bed just to read a clock? Pretty much anything that’s interestingly made and uber functional instantly transforms into my new favorite thing. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I’m going to take an uninterrupted nap, with the help of my new alarm clock.

4 out of 5 stars.

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If you had the Indiana Jones Room Booby Trap Set (Perpetual Kid, $59.99), you would no longer be plagued with incessant break-ins and burglaries. This set comes with two different booby traps, inspired by the Indiana Jones movies, designed to ward off potential intruders. At the heart of each booby trap is an idol replica, one of which shoots darts and the other drops spiders (don’t worry, they’re fake). All you need to do is attach your idol of choice to the outside of the door you want to protect, and then wait for a lurking intruder. The set also comes with an educational field notebook so you can document your findings.

Alright, so maybe this isn’t the most sophisticated protection system and a lot of you might be a little too old for something like this, but you have to admit that it’s pretty neat. And just think of how cool you would be if you got this for your son/daughter or niece/nephew. Well, you might want to include a copy of the movies for them too, because they probably have no idea who Indiana Jones is. Just leave out the latest one. No one wants to see that.

3 out of 5 stars.

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Once you set eyes on the Utili-Key 6-in-1 Tool (ThinkGeek, $9.99), you’ll know just what I’m talking about. At first glance, it might look like a plain old key, albeit a little funky, but a regular key nonetheless. Take a closer look. Go on, get all up in there. It’s not just a key, is it? Nope, it’s a cleverly hidden multi-utility tool that conveniently fits on your key chain and blends in seamlessly with the rest of your keys. Included within this mini tool set are flat, Phillips, and eyeglass screwdrivers, as well as a bottle opener and a semi-serrated knife blade. This self locking “key” snaps at 90 degrees or full extends to allow you to choose which function you need at that exact moment. Because it’s made of 420 stainless steel, you know it’s going to last, but if you happen have some sort of problem this utility tool also comes with a lifetime warranty.

Ok, so the fact that you can easily carry this tool anywhere is pretty nifty. I mean, maybe you don’t want to carry a pocket knife around with you everywhere. It could be that it’s just another thing in your pocket, or maybe you’re afraid that it’ll get confiscated, but you don’t have to worry about that if you have this guy. Nope, you could just go through airport security, and after a quick look at your keys it would look like one key among many. I told you it was useful.

4 out of 5 stars.

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Luckily, it looks like I won’t have to make such a sacrifice. The iPhone 3G/3GS ID Credit Card Case (case-mate, $29.99) not only protects my precious iPhone, but it also has a built-in wallet attachment. Seriously, how has it taken someone this long to figure out that this is a good idea? Now, don’t go thinking that you’re gonna be able to fit the entire contents of your Russia-sized wallet in here. You can easily fit a credit card, your ID, and maybe a little bit of cash in here. But really, what else do you need? This setup is perfect for going out to the bar or a nice dinner, when you don’t want your pockets overloaded. The set also comes with a screen protection kit to protect your screen (duh) and an ez-slide protection film so you don’t scratch your phone when attaching the case. And in case you thought this case was going to cramp your style, don’t worry about it – you’ll still have complete access to all the ports and controls on the outside of the iPhone.

This is a seriously good deal. I mean, you’d probably pay the same price for an iPhone case and then have to pay it all over again to get a slim front wallet. It’s basically a 2-for-1 deal going on here. And who doesn’t like a good deal? My thoughts exactly.

5 out of 5 stars.

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