I used to be very anti-Apple. Then I bought an iPod. Not too long after that, I bought an iPhone and just this year I became a proud owner of an iPad. It’s safe to say that the jig is up. Now that I own these lovely devices, I can’t imagine putting them in harm’s way. It’s not just the cost, although the mere thought of all the money down the drain is enough to give my heart palpitations. I have come to depend on my little iElectronics like they were part of the family.
So you can imagine my apprehension at the thought of submerging one of them in water a la the iSwim Waterproof Case w/ Headphones (Latest Buy, $26.95). This case insists that it can keep your precious music machine alive with the power of its double ziplock seal, making the whole deal waterproof enough to listen to music whilst swimming. To sweeten the pot even further, the set also includes waterproof headphones, lanyard, and an armband that attaches to the waterproof case. And if you want to blow your mind even more, make sure you catch an air pocket in the case before sealing and it’ll even float in the water!
I always want to believe in the power of a waterproof case, but I think I’d just be way too paranoid to use one. I’d always be worried that my case would be the defective one and that my iPod would turn into an expensive paperweight the moment I stepped foot onto the beach. I said I was paranoid, didn’t I?
3 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 5.5″ x 2.7″ x 0.78″
-Waterproof iPod case and headphones
-Includes armband, headphones, case, and lanyard
-Listen to music while swimming
-Double ziplock
If the idea of summertime barbeque seems far away to you, I can assure you it’ll be here before you know it. Not only is January basically over, but the forecast this week is downright balmy weather. Seriously, it’s like Mother Nature is playing a sick practical joke on us and we’ll wake up one day in June to a snowstorm.
Grillers, arm yourselves with the Grill Sergeant Apron (Perpetual Kid, $19.99)! More than just your traditional apron, this bad boy has space for everything you could possibly need to make that awesome barbeque idea a reality. Alright, so it doesn’t have meat pockets (wouldn’t that be disgusting), but it does have three extra large tool pockets as well as four sauce pockets and six (!) beverage can slots. This manly apron also includes a bottle opener and two spice pockets, which I think should just about cover all your grilling bases.
Don’t worry if you’ve grilled yourself one delicious steak too many because this apron is one size fits all.
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Holdall apron
-3 XL tool pockets, 4 sauce pockets, and 6 beverage can slots
-Includes bottle opener and 2 spice pockets
-One size fits all
-Made of 100% cotton
I have a pretty extensive hoodie collection. For awhile, it was all I really wore. Who needs a jacket when you’ve got a hoodie? A hoodie will not only keep you warm but it renders fussy umbrellas obsolete. As a side note, I find it hilarious when people think an umbrella is a good idea in the middle of a windy thunderstorm. Not only is it going to turn itself inside out almost immediately, but it’s also just a fancy lightning rod.
If it’s one thing I don’t need, it’s another hoodie. That being said, I really do need the HoodieBuddie (Convenient Gadgets & Gifts, $34.95). It looks like your standard black zip-up (perfect for any occasion – even formal!), yet it’s oh so much more. Finally giving those useless drawstrings a purpose, this hoodie features integrated headphones built into the drawstring ends. Follow the embedded cables down through the hoodie to the front pocket where you’ll find a standard headphone jack ready to plug into your musical media of choice. And if that’s not enough to dazzle you, the whole shebang is machine washable – headphones included!
Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll look a lot less goofy than the guy in the banner pic. No guarantees though.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Zip up hoodie with built in headphones
-Available in unisex sizes small, medium, large, and extra large
-Headphones built into drawstring ends
-Standard headphone jack
-Compatible with most mobile devices
-Machine washable (even headphones)
Have I mentioned how klutzy I am? I’m sure I have, but in case you forgot here’s a refresher: I run into everything ALL THE TIME. My arms and legs are covered in so many bruises you’d think I was a cage fighter in The Octagon. As if that’s not painful enough, I also usually manage to mangle quite a few of my belongings on a regular basis just by existing. Nevermind the physical turmoil this is causing, but it’s getting pretty expensive replacing my gadgets and such.
Smaller items are most likely to meet their end as a result of my clumsy ways, so what I really need is something savvy like the Vintage Fold Up Wayfarer Sunglasses (Krudmart, $15.00). These sunglasses are ready for you to accidentally slam into a wall with them folded up in your pocket. See, it’s the folding that protects them from damage, unlike a traditional pair of sunglasses that would crumble into a million pieces of you looked at it wrong. I’m not saying that these things are indestructible, but they do have a leg up on the competition. I mean, they were manufactured in the 80s and 90s – what else would you expect?
Don’t try this with the sunglasses you already own. I promise, it will end badly.
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
- -Foldable sunglasses
- -Produced in 80s and 90s
Have you ever been mugged? These days, it seems like there’s so much temptation for street thieves that has nothing to do with the few dollars you have in your wallet. Who cares about a couple bucks when you could be walking around with a shiny new watch on your wrist or listening to some tunes on a brand new iPod? It would certainly suck to lose those materialistic things, but it would be even worse to have information stolen. Photos and documents are a goldmine!
They always say to just give a mugger what he wants, but what if he doesn’t know what to look for? The USB Locket (Generate Design, $229.00) looks like a generic piece of jewelry but actually encases a small flash drive. So instead of carrying your secrets around on a flash drive tucked into your purse or computer bag, why not put it where it would really be safe: around your neck. The locket comes in a standard size or mini and both styles include the 2GB flash drive that fits perfectly inside.
If your lovely lady is a techie nerd, then this is the perfect gift to completely geek her out.
3 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 1.5″ x 1.5″ x 0.5″ (regular); 1.5″ x 1″ x 0.5″ (mini)
-Length: 30″ (regular); 24″ (mini)
-Capacity: 2GB flash drive
-Includes locket and flash drive
-Brass chain
-Locket made of satin gold plated brass
