I have a terrible memory. Really, both my short-term and long-term memory are seemingly incapable of retaining any knowledge. Most of the time I can get by fine with a Post-it note here and a short list there, but sometimes it’s just not possible to utilize those high tech tools. For instance, it’s a little hard (not to mention unsafe) to write notes and make lists when I’m driving, but how else am I supposed to remember to pick up milk after work?
While the Recording Car Note Pad (Taylor Gifts, $19.98) isn’t really implementing any groundbreaking technology, its simple design has everything a driver needs to take notes on the go. Windshield mounted via suction cup, this notepad has your standard book of notepaper as well as removable pen. I mean, a reminder isn’t very helpful if the only place you can read it is in the car, now is it? The notepad also features a built-in light for when you need to take notes in the dark (driving directions come to mind). But arguably the most important feature is the hands-free recording device. With the touch of a button, you can record important memos, messages, directions, etc. The device allows you to keep your mind on the road while at the same time making it easier than ever to keep track of your honey-do list.
What a fantastic idea, right? So fantastic, in fact, that all those smartphones out there got in on the action. Now you can’t throw a stick without hitting some sort of mobile device that does anything and everything (besides making phone calls, that is). So it’s up to you – spend $200 on some tricked out phone that will become obsolete in a few months or $20 on a little piece of technology that never goes out of style.
3 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 5.5″ x 2″ x 10″
-Includes removable pen, notepad, and built in light
-Mounts to windshield with suction cups
-Record, store, and playback memos
-Requires 3 AA batteries (not included)
-Made of plastic
Whether you’ve just started dating someone or you’ve been a couple for ages, one thing is for certain: you never know what to get the other person for Valentine’s Day. There are just too many holidays out there that it gets to the point where there’s really nothing to get for your significant other, especially if you’ve been together for awhile. So then you end up getting them something ridiculous that they never would have even thought of asking for in the first place. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it does make it extremely difficult when shopping for a gift.
Along the lines of “never in a million years did I think I would buy this,” the dlight Ur Heart (Generate Design, $189.00) is a great gift for your snugglebear. Sure, a light up pillow is a little strange, but I’m telling you, she’ll love it. For one, it lights up, which is always a fun thing but even more so when it’s unexpected. This heart-shaped pillow is also covered in a thousand soft roses, so you’re covering your bases with both the unexpected and the traditional Valentine’s Day gift aspects. You can choose from pink or ivory, depending on just how over the top romantic you want to get. Because it runs off AA batteries, she can take it anywhere and everywhere with her. You know, to show off to everyone how luminescent your love is.
*Warning: There is a good chance your girlfriend/wife will look at you and say, “What the hell is this?!” instead of being overjoyed at your thoughtful gift. But that’s a chance you’re going to have to be willing to take. Oh, and ladies – please don’t attempt to give this to your man because there’s no way he wants it. And if he does, RUN.
3 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 17.5″ x 10″ x 6″
-Available in pink or ivory
-Requires 4 AA batteries (not included)
-A thousand roses
-Stays lit for up to 4 hours continuously before dimming
-Includes AA rechargeable battery charger and 5 volt AC/DC adapter
-Warm white LED
-Made of 100% polyester
Sometimes, you just need a reason to have a party. There’s no special occasion you want to celebrate or any spectacular milestone that you’ve reached, you simply need to participate in a joyous occasion. I find that a spontaneous party is highly enjoyable, one might say even more so than a strategically planned event. I mean, say you’re having an absolute shit week at work – would a party make everything all better? Probably not, but I bet it wouldn’t hurt. It would get your mind off the mistakes you made during the week and give you a chance to unwind with friends as well as new potential acquaintances.
I’m not saying that decor has to play a big role in a spontaneous gathering, but I don’t think it could hurt matters when trying to get everyone in a festive mood. The illoom Balloons (Drinkstuff, £8.99) do an absolutely perfect job of exuding merriment without looking like you’re trying too hard to throw an awesome shindig. While balloons are standard party fare, they’re usually reserved for going away parties, birthdays, retirement, surprises, and things of that nature. For a regular get together, balloons can be a bit much. So what makes these balloons worthy of an everyday bash? They light up. Each balloon contains a colored LED light and will last up to 15 hours. All you have to do to activate the lights in the balloons is pull at tab and inflate, your choice whether you want to go with helium or good ole air. Each pack comes with 15 balloons and a variety of colors.
It’s been awhile since I’ve thrown a decent party, but I have to say that my favorite are costume parties. Because my favorite holiday is Halloween, it makes perfect sense that I would leap at the chance to have a theme party. The problem with theme parties is that you’ll always have your fair share of party poopers and you need give a substantial period of notice for your guests. One theme party that will always work last minute? ’80s party. Seriously, who isn’t hanging on to their Members Only jacket waiting for this one to happen? Just me? Ok, fine.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Set of 15
-Each pack contains 3 of each color: blue, green, red, white, and yellow
-Can be inflated with helium or air
-Each balloon contains a colored LED
-Balloons last up to 15 hours
-Pull tab and inflate to activate
-Safe for use with children above 36 months
-Patented design
-Perfect for parties and special events
-Not available for delivery in United States or Canada
I feel like I’ve skimped on the home decor aspects of Christmas this year. I mean, they’re just as important, if not more, than the actual act of gift giving. Who doesn’t like to start their Christmas season by going out and getting a freshly cut Christmas tree from some sketchy parking lot? Ok, so there are some of us who prefer a faux tree to a real one. Some possible reasons for that are cost – real trees can range from $25-$60 every year, so think of what an investment a fake tree would be. Also, a fake tree doesn’t need to watered and doesn’t lose its needles, so there’s far less maintenance required (one might even say none at all). Sure, you don’t get that fresh pine scent, but you can fake that with a nice candle.
For those of us out there who are full of Christmas spirit, but somewhat lacking in the cash and space departments, there’s the Wall Hanging Christmas Tree (Walter Drake, $39.99). Yes, it’s a fake tree, so all you haters out there might want to shut your eyes for a few minutes if you don’t like it. It’s only three feet tall, so it’s a bit of a baby tree, but it’ll get the job done for small spaces. Also, since it’s wall mounted, you’re actually saving a ton of extra space, perhaps for a banging recliner or ping pong table. This tree is already pre-strung with 50 white lights, so that’s one agonizing light untangling step you can skip. All you have to do is attach the tree to the wall, throw some ornaments on there, and plug it in. Ta da! Easy Christmas cheer for the lazy person in us all.
Ok, so even if you’re already down with the whole fake tree concept, you might want to reconsider this wall tree. Why? Well, let me ask you, do you have any pets? Does it get to be a hassles, real or fake tree, to keep your animals from constantly harassing your Christmas tree? If it’s wall mounted, it’s just a touch more difficult for them to run into it and knock all the ornaments off. Just a suggestion.
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 3′ tall
-Pre strung with 50 white lights
-Life like pine needles
-Bendable wire branches
-Metal brace pole
-Space saving
I believe I’ve mentioned before that I’m not really the outdoorsy type. Now, I’m not saying that I quarantine myself indoors, but I don’t really like the idea of “roughing it” in the woods. An afternoon out in the park playing catch? Sure. A picnic? Absolutely. A three day camping trip in the middle of nowhere? You’ve got to be kidding. I prefer the finer things in life, like indoor plumbing and electricity. That being said, I wouldn’t mind a camping trip if it wasn’t so rustic. I know, I know, that’s the exact “appeal” of camping, but just hear me out. What if there was a way to keep the nature aspect of a weekend away while still incorporating some simple luxuries?
The Coleman LED Quad Lantern (Amazon, $53.83) makes such a mythical idea seems possible. I’ve seen camping lanterns before and I can categorically say, they’re nothing impressive. So you’ve got a light, who cares? I have tons of those in my house, you know the place away from the precipitation and insects? But I’ve gotta say, this lantern is the shit. For starters, it’s four lanterns in one. The lantern is comprised of four light sections, each of which is fully detachable and rechargeable. So you can keep them all together while you’re eating dinner around the campfire, but if someone has to go off into the woods to use the “bathroom” then you can break off one of these lights. And you don’t have to worry about losing light for either the campsite or the poor soul traipsing around the woods because there are 24 white LED lights in this lantern. Basically, you’ve got one solid glow emanating from each lantern section. Each section has a built-in handle to make it easy to carry around the woods while looking for campfire sticks or to hang on a tree when nature calls. The lantern’s rechargeable core runs on eight D batteries, so it’s incredibly practical for a night or two out in the middle of nowhere (it’s not like there’s an abundance of outlets in the forest).
Ok, so we’ve got a touch of electricity going on here, but I’m not sure if it’s enough to persuade me to venture into the great unknown. I’m holding out for decent sleeping quarters and real bathrooms.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 13″ x 8.2″ x 8″
-Weight: 4.6 lbs
-Run time: 30 hours
-Use as a single super bright area light or four separate rechargeable flashlights
-Fully charged separated sections will run for up to 1.5 hours each
-Each section has a built in handle for easy carrying or hanging
-Twenty four 5mm white LEDS
-Each section contains NiMH rechargeable batteries (included)
-Uses 8 D batteries (not included)
