It seems like you never have the tools you need to do even the simplest of tasks. I mean, who wants to go hunting for a screwdriver when all you want to do is tighten one measly little screw on the kitchen cabinet? By the time you finally track down the toolbox and fish out the corresponding tool, you’ve probably forgotten why you needed it in the first place. And then the whole vicious cycle starts all over. Sure, you could carry about a myriad of tools, just in case you might need them, but that could get very cumbersome. Plus, there’s only so many screwdrivers and hammers you can tote around before people start branding you a psycho killer.
In an effort to help you not look like a crazed lunatic, the Screwpop 4-in-1 Tool (Amazon, $4.95) is a fun-sized gadget that fits comfortably on your keychain. With four unique tools, it’s hard to imagine a task that you can’t conquer with the help of this tool! Well, ok, that’s not really true, but you can do a few things with it. The tool includes two kinds of screwdrivers, Phillips and Flathead, that fit into a cylindrical shaft. When the cylindrical shaft is emptied, it serves as a hex driver that can tighten loose bolts. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, the top ring sports a notch that serves as a bottle opener. With all these items in one small yet convenient location, you’ll be able to fix things/drink booze with little to no effort.
Imagine all the times you’ll save the day with your magical device! Somebody need a beer opened? I’m there! Got a screw loose? Phillips or Flathead, I’m on it! Need a loose bolt tightened? Move over! Um, that’s about it.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: .4375″ x 1.375″ x 3″
-Includes Flathead #2, Phillips #2, 1/4″ hex driver, and bottle opener
-Easy to use
-Reliable
-Keychain friendly
-Lifetime warranty
I am a major proponent of the theory that anything can be made more interesting if it’s presented in a fun and unique way. This idea applies to abstract concepts but also, more specifically, tangible items. I’ll venture to guess that some things that are already pretty amazing could be even more awesome if someone just took the time to improve on them. For instance, I’m sure all the boozers out there love them some alcoholic beverages, but they would have to agree that some beverages are better than others. Of course, this is all very subjective so there’s no way that you’re going to please everyone by upgrading one type of liquor. However, you could make the method of consuming the hooch all the more pleasurable. I know, it’s hard to believe that’s even possible, but I assure you, it is.
The Yin Yang Power Bomb Shot Cups (KegWorks, $8.50 for 6) take an already fantastic idea (shots) and make it even more splendiferous. How’s that? By separating a four ounce shot glass into two chambers at a 3:1 ratio, you can achieved the perfect way to consume mixed shots. See, everyone loves a Jager bomb (how could you not), but it can get a little less tasty when no one knows how to properly measure out the ingredients. Then you end up with a bomb that’s either so much Jager that it’s like eating a handful of black licorice or has so much Red Bull that your teeth fall out. With perfect portion control, these reusable cups have the power to make your binge boozing experiences completely successful. Best of all, when you tilt the cup to drink, both compartments will mix together to yield a perfectly mixed shot.
In case you’re not a fan of Jager bombs (simply impossible, but we’ll go with it), that doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy these cups. Irish car bombs are another example of tasty drinks that work much better with portion control. And if shots really aren’t your thing, you can even use the cup to put a shot on one side and a mixer on the other. See, I’m all about problem solving.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 3.25″ x 2.75″
-Capacity: 4 oz total (3 oz & 1 oz chambers)
-Portions drink ingredients perfectly
-Reusable
-Made of durable clear plastic
The worst thing about living with roommates is the shared space issue. Chances are, you’re living in a space the size of a one person apartment with at least two roommates – not exactly ideal. But hey, it saves money and there’s always someone to hang out with when you want to avoid your responsibilities (there are actually a lot of perks to living with someone, but those are the top two reasons). But going back to the shared space issue, it can be tough to divide up your common areas amongst a group of people so most of us don’t even bother. Sure, what’s mine is yours, which can include food, possessions, and most importantly, booze. What’s the problem with sharing? A lot of people think it’s Latin for “take it all.”
I can’t help you protect all your stuff, but the Lock Stop (Drinkstuff, £10.00) will at least keep your booze safe. This device fits into the top of most bottle necks to stop unwanted persons from accessing its alcoholic goodness. Well, I guess you could try using it on bottled sodas, but who really drinks those anymore? The lock is equipped with a four-digit combination so you can grant access to as little or as many people as you like, provided they are of a trustworthy nature (memorization skills might come in handy as well).
Yes, you might come off as a bit of a hard-ass for putting your liquor under lock and key, but try to explain to your friends that it’s not them you’re worried about, but other people who come over. And when that little gem falls flat, tell them that it’s all their fault. I mean, if they were able to keep their hands off your booze in the first place, then you wouldn’t have to lock it up. Am I right, or am I right?
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 68mm x 43mm
-4 digit combination
-Securely seals valuable bottles
-Gift boxed
-Works on most bottle necks
-Made of stainless steel
-Not available for delivery in the United States or Canada
I hate it when you go someplace and they’re all, “No outside food or beverage allowed” because they might as well just put up a sign that says, “You’re going to get ripped off.” Seriously. I know everybody needs to make a little bit of money, but do you really have to charge $5 for a bottle of water that we all know costs, at most, $2? The answer is no. But what are you to do? If you follow the rules, then at every concert, baseball game, even movie theater you’re going to paying through the nose just for a bit of nosh. It seems like they’re almost taunting you, forcing you to cross over to the dark side by sneaking in your food and beverages.
As your partner in crime, the Disposable Plastic Flasks (KegWorks, $8.95) have totally got your back when it comes to the whole sneaking in an outside drink thing. Granted, these flasks are probably more for the alcoholic beverage variety than a cup of Juicy Juice, but the principal purpose remains the same: you won’t have to pay an outrageous for a drink. These come in a set of four with two plastic funnels to help you easily fill the flasks with your beverage of choice. And just because they’re marketed as disposable doesn’t mean that they won’t last – each flask is designed to withstand several uses before disposal. The flask fits comfortably in your back pants pocket or inside your jacket, so you probably won’t even notice it’s there (hopefully security won’t either). The great thing about these flasks being disposable is that if the fuzz should catch onto your stunt and make your toss it, you’re not out that flask you got for being the best man at your buddy’s wedding. And hey, you’ve even got three more, so it’s really a non-issue.
If I were you though, I wouldn’t be wasting these babies on anything other than hard liquor. I think they would be perfect for sporting events, especially those where they don’t pat you down that thoroughly. Then all you have to do is buy a mixer while you’re there, or you could just go all hardcore and enjoy your booze the way it was meant to be enjoyed.
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 4″ x 6″
-Capacity: 7.5 fl oz
-Set of 4
-Includes 4 plastic flasks and 2 plastic funnels
-Disposable
-Designed for several uses before disposal
-Cold liquids only
-Convenient screw cap lid
-Fits comfortably in pants or jacket pocket
-Freezes safely
-Empties completely flat
-Lightweight
-Made of durable plastic and nylon
It’s always hard to buy a gift for someone when you’re either not sure what they already own or you know that they own just about everything. You’ve got to pick out something unique, but that can be pretty tricky. You’re walking a fine line between interesting item that they’ve always wanted but never realized and totally ridiculous piece of crap that they’ll throw away the minute you walk out the door. Like I said, it’s a very fine line. So your best bet is to find something both interesting and useful that not everyone already has. Challenge accepted!
The Fruit Infusion Natural Fruit Flavor Pitcher (Wrapables, $24.95) isn’t particularly flashy or exciting, but it is an interesting concept. With the whole push to be healthier, a lot of us are trying to do something as easy as drinking our daily allotted amount of water. Guess what? It’s kinda hard. I mean, I’m a pretty big fan of water, but there are just some times when it’s like, really, more water? One of the ways you can make water more appetizing is to flavor it. Sure, there are tons of prebottled versions of flavored water out there, but this is a recession. Buying bottled water is expensive, not to mention it hurts the planet. With this pitcher, you can make your own flavored water at home, thus being healthier while saving money. The removable center container is outfitted with tiny holes that allow whatever fruit you choose to infuse the water without getting nasty pulp or seeds into your drink. Simple, yet clever, no?
For those of you out there who are staunchly against drinking healthy beverages, relax. You can also use this pitcher for alcoholic drinks, like infusing vodka or sangria. See, something for everyone!
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 10″
-Capacity: 92oz
-Holds 2.9 quarts
-Removable fruit container
-Fruit container has open holes to allow flavor infusion
-Made of clear acrylic
