Odd gifts they'll thank you for (eventually) - a list by esh

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About this list:

Growing up, Christmas gift giving was partly about finding something the other person would like and partly about finding something that the other person would never have guessed was inside that wrapping. It was a badge of honor to give the most unusual gift, something that perhaps nobody else in the world was receiving that holiday season. In your family, the expectant smile may turn into a puzzled "Huh?" but weeks later you'll get a "Thank You", or maybe it will take years, keep waiting...

Qualifications:

I am a bit odd myself

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Viewing 1-10 of 12 Items

Ziotek Power Strip Liberator Plus

First to recommend

Description

This solves the problem of losing more than one outlet in your power strip when you plug in a bulky power adapter. Not only does it save the space that was previously taken up by that adapter, it turns the single outlet into two (one at the end of the cord and one right on the back of the plug).

Updated Nov 16, 2006

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Kamenstein 4536 Perfect Tear Paper Towel Holder, Stainless Steel

First to recommend

3 people recommended this item

Description

An amazing feat of engineering. Easy to slide on a new roll of paper towels. No unwanted unrolling. Heavy base so it can be operated with one hand. Just the right amount of tension to allow you to pull out a new towel and to allow you to rip it off easily.

Updated Aug 20, 2006

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NukAlert Radiation Monitor and Alarm

First to recommend

Description

The hype about potential dirty bomb threats has died down a bit, but for about $150 you can still own this nifty gadget that detects radiation and alerts you to the approximate danger level. How cool is that?

I was trying to figure out how to test this device. I considered taking it up in an airplain which is where we are exposed to the most radiation in normal life, but then had second thoughts when I pictured trying to explain to the security fellows about the quietly ticking device with the nuclear symbol on it.

Note: Though the marketing material depicts this on a keyring, it's really too big to carry in your pocket all the time, and given the risks and likely stigma it would generate, it's probably not necessary. But as a gadget lover, it's pretty cool to own one.

Updated Oct 15, 2006

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The Art of Looking Sideways by Alan Fletcher

8 people recommended this item

Description

Bought this when I was an art major in college. Inspiring, surprising, captivating, stunning visuals. Eye candy for the graphic art lovers.

Updated Jan 28, 2007

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Sumajin Smartwrap

14 people recommended this item

Description

Saw the recomendations on ThisNext and bought some through Amazon. I'm glad I have them and would recommend them to others, but wish the ends closed a little tighter to better secure stiffer cords.

Warning: Do not purchase these from "IGgFactory Handhelditems" (an Amazon vendor). They only sent me half my order and never responded to any of my emails through Amazon or their own web site even though I provided my cell phone. When I posted about this on Amazon, they started sending me money offers to take down the negative feedback. Too late.

Updated Dec 10, 2006

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Kill-a-Watt Electricity Usage Monitor

First to recommend

7 people recommended this item

Description

Plug this unit into the wall. Plug your appliance into this unit. Instantly know how much elecricity the appliance is using (and calculate how much it is costing you to run).

Updated Aug 22, 2006

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Hyland's Calms Forte Sleep Aid

First to recommend

Description

I'm the last person you would have guessed would be recommending a homeopathic remedy. I barely believe in the effectivness of Ibuprofin, decongestants, and antibiotics much less the non-scientifically proven snake oils that are hyped in non-scientific marketing blather. On the other hand, my wife (an RN) has a suite of homeopathic solutions that she is quick to suggest for various maladies, and Calms Forte is one that she finally got me to try.

I occasionally have those evenings when I feel fidgety and exhibit symptoms similar to restless leg syndrome which make it difficult to get rest. I still believe it's just a coincidence that I fall asleep quickly and easily after using Calms Forte on those nights, but I will swallow a tablet or two to speed up that coincidence. Your mileage may vary.

Updated Nov 2, 2006

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Wee Ninja

89 people recommended this item

Description

For the wee ninja in us all. But it's ok, I can keep a secret. ThinkGeek even has the 5" pocket ninja for the super stealth missions. (via thinkgeek.com)

Updated Oct 16, 2007

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Sabrent SATA to USB 2.0 Cable Converter

First to recommend

Description

This cable lets me access my internal SATA disk drives by plugging them into a USB port (instead of shutting down the computer, opening it up, installing a drive, closing it up, and booting).

Updated Jun 28, 2007

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Lavender Infused Honey

3 people recommended this item

Description

Thanks for the recommendation, Liz. My grandfather was a beekeeper when I was a child and I appreciate the many different varieties of honey out there. I was a bit worried that the Lavender would be overpowering, but this honey had just the right hints and overtones.

Unfortunately, it came to over $15 with shipping, so I'm going to have to make this 9oz jar last.

Updated Oct 15, 2006

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Viewing 1-10 of 12 Items

esh

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