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

Options for This Page

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

For people who like:

This is:

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

List that features this:

For people who like:

Comment

This is:

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

List that features this:

For people who like:

Comment

This is:

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

Lists that feature this:

For people who like:

Comment

This is:

The Art of Looking Sideways by Alan Fletcher

First to recommend

9 people recommended this item

Description

If your job requires creativity of any kind, it just might be sparked by opening to a random page in this unusual visual and mental "book". I don't know how to categorize this huge collection of art, random facts, optical illusions, poetry, brain teasers, and so much more.

This large and heavy volume would be very suitable for a coffee table book that would actually be interesting for guests to peruse. They're sure to find things that you never saw because I doubt you will ever sit down and go through the whole thing. But, you're sure to flip it open occasionally to get another dose of whatever appears on the pages before you.

Updated Jul 25, 2006

List that features this:

For people who like:

Comment

This is:

Sumajin Smartwrap

14 people recommended this item

Description

This product rocks! It keeps my long earphone cords coiled up so that I only use what I need. Great for people who live in a city such as NYC or athletes. Comes in tons of colors even some tie dyed. Great as stocking stuffers! (via Sumajin)

Updated Nov 27, 2006

List that features this:

For people who like:

Comment

This is:

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

Lists that feature this:

For people who like:

Comment

This is:

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

For people who like:

Comment

This is:

Wee Ninja

89 people recommended this item

Description

Chuck Norris and Jack Bauer respect the Wee Ninja, nuff said. (via marimello)

Updated May 3, 2007

For people who like:

Comment

This is:

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

Lists that feature this:

For people who like:

Comment

This is:

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

Lists that feature this:

For people who like:

1 comment

This is:

Viewing 1-10 of 12 Items

esh

esh - photo

ThisNext co-founder.

Sites

Give esh a compliment

ThisNext: Become a Member

  • Shopping ideas just for you
  • It's easy and free
  • Takes less than a minute

Sign up now

Lists

Image of esh

I might be carrying

Updated Feb 8, 2008

If you mug me, here are some things you might get to take home.

Image of esh

Puzzles, Challenges, and Playthings

Updated Dec 29, 2008

Stuff to put on your desk at work to stimulate your mind and entertain co-workers. They also make interesting gifts for family...

Image of esh

Gifts for Sharp Nephews and Smart Nieces

Updated Dec 29, 2008

These games will not only be fun for the young folks you give them to, but you will enjoy playing them, too.

Image of esh

Unusual Favorite Movies

Updated Apr 9, 2007

Movies you would not put on your favorite movies list but which are on mine

Image of esh

Gadgets I Trust

Updated Jul 18, 2008

Electronics, tools, office supplies, and other cool and useful things.

ThisNext Information

Copyright ©2005-2009 ThisNext, Inc.