Now that we’re almost halfway through December, it’s time to really get into the holiday spirit. I bet most of you have had your decorations out since Thanksgiving and there are probably only a handful of people out there without a Christmas tree already up. I’m not talking about your traditional Christmas embellishments – this is so much more festive.
What would the Christmas season be without the Chew-By-Numbers Christmas Tree (Perpetual Kid, $14.99)? Everybody knows that your Yuletide spirit is directly connected to how many pieces of gum you can successfully chew and assemble into a piece of art, so why not make that piece of art for the holidays? This gum-lovers set includes a GumArt board with a paint-by-numbers tree design on it as well as 32 pieces of gum to stick on it. As you can see by the photo, it’s not as easy as it might at first seem. I mean, look at the light string! Take a gander at those snowflakes! This is serious art!
I’m gonna go ahead and suggest this as a one-time-only type of deal. Please don’t save this gum board year after year because unlike wine, it will only get more disgusting with time.
3 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
- -Dimensions: 5″ x 7″
- -Includes: GumArt board, 32 pieces of gum, gum reference guide, and instructions
- -Use chewed gum to make art
- -Fun for the whole family
I can never make up my mind. If I’m trying to choose between two things, it never fails that as soon as I decide on one thing that I’ll immediately wish I chose the other. I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who suffers from this affliction. The obvious solution is to make sure that the choices you make can easily be changed later. Tattoos are a definite no.
Now, I know that a comforter isn’t exactly a life choice, but they can be expensive so it’s probably best to think this one over before you lay your money out on something you’ll hate six month later. The smart option is to get a generic comforter and dress it up with a duvet cover – bonus points if you choose the Doodle Duvet Cover (Not On The High Street, £45.00 – £70.00). Not only will this duvet cover allow you to alter the look of your current comforter, but you can further alter the look of the duvet cover itself! The duvet cover has a note paper design, complete with red margins and hole punches so it’ll feel just like doodling in class. Using the included doodle pens, you can draw on the duvet cover until your heart is content because it’ll all come out in the wash. Like your design? No prob, just don’t wash it for awhile. Mess up your drawing? Throw it in the washer and it’ll come out good as new.
You can write the great novel without even having to get out of bed!
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
- -Dimensions: 140cm x 200cm (single); 200cm x 200cm (double)
- -Semi permanent doodle blanket
- -Looks like notebook paper
- -Includes 8 wash out doodle pens
- -Designs stay until washed out
I like to think of myself as something of a music connoisseur and as such I’m constantly turning my friends onto new tuneage. The easiest way to get someone to like a new song or band is obviously to play it for them, but that’s not always possible. I usually have my iPod on me, but I don’t want my friends sticking my earbuds in their ears (no offense). I have a headphone jack splitter, but that only really works if my friend has headphones on them. Also, if you have more than one friend (go you!), then that’s not going to work either.
There are a lot of portable speaker options out there and I can assure you that most of them are absolute crap. If you’re a professional music appreciator such as myself, then you need the Tembo Trunks (Generate Design, $39.00). Sold as a two pack, these silicone wonders amplify your musical selections up to 80 decibels – that’s three times louder! With no electronic components or moving parts (that also means no batteries), you’re probably wondering how these things work. All you need is your earbuds. No joke, that’s it. Just put each earbud in its respective earbud holder located in the back of each speaker and press play. Because you’re basically just using your iPod to power everything, your battery will actually last longer than one song. There’s so many awesome things about these speakers, it borders on insanity.
Do you think elephants helped design this technology?
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
- -Dimensions: 6.5″ x 6.5″ x 2″
- -Amplify music up to 80dB
- -Music is 3x louder
- -Compatible with iPods of all generations
- -Apple earbuds recommended
- -No parts or electronic components
- -No batteries required
- -Waterproof
- -Shockproof
- -Stackable
- -Available in ruby, green, blue, grey, or white
- -Made of high grade silicone rubber
Sometimes even the best of parties need a little nudge to get things going. It can be hard to mix different groups of friends who don’t know each other so what you really need is a good icebreaker. Something tells me that the usual set of silly games you played in summer camp aren’t going to cut it now. As an adult, you need to be a little more creative, perhaps something like…
…the Dinner Party Napkins (Perpetual Kid, $7.99). Sure, the idea of games on paper napkins might seem a little juvenile, but hear me out. Yes, it is. You didn’t think I was gonna admit that, now did you? It doesn’t matter that it’s a little dumb, what matters is that you and your guests will have a blast filling out lists of your favorite things or taking quizzes to see what your handwriting says about you. The games are quick and easy so there’s not a lot of setup or instructions to each one.
You know, Thanksgiving is next week and you could sure use an effortless activity to enjoy while you digest. I think you just found it.
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
- -Dimensions: 6.5″ x 6.5″
- -Set of 16 dinner size napkins
- -Multiple games
My kitchen utensils are so boring. I mean, I have more than enough gadgets to get by, but they’re just not any fun. Wouldn’t you rather use a peeler that looks like a beehive hairdo than that generic one you got from the dollar store? My thoughts exactly.
Sure, I could buy a trillion basic toothpicks, but where’s the fun in that? Also, they’re disposable so you’re pretty much committing yourself to killing the Earth. If you’re a friend of Mother Nature’s and/or a geek, then you’ll appreciate the Foodfighters Party Picks (ThinkGeek, $9.99) as an exciting alternative to banal kitchen accessories. The set comes with twelve army men, six green and six grey, in a variety of poses with two toothpick feet attached to the bottom of each one. You don’t have to be a kid to enjoy concocting elaborate battle scenes with your food!
May the best man win!
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
- -Set of 12 army men toothpicks
- -Includes 6 green and 6 grey
- -Handwash recommended
- -Made of plastic
