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Last minute tree trimming at our house usually consists of popcorn strings until the dog eats them. We wish we had gotten a Hallmark Keepsake Rock ’em Sock ’em Ornament. At least we would have had a fighting chance. At a size of 3 1/4 x 2 3/4-inches, push their buttons and their arms punch and heads bounce just like their life-size counterparts. It comes with a greeting card for $15.00.
For your trekkor friends, pick up the Star Trek II Keepsake. This one is 3 x 2 1/2-inches, has sound and flashing lights, and will set you back $28.00. We expect that if you wait (since it is probably closed today,) you can pick one up for sale when you return that cheesy Nut Bowl that your mother-in-law found at the back of the store in the markdown aisle.
Read More 
| Hallmark
Gallery: Hallmark Features Retro Ornaments
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Want people to think you are checking them out even though you can’t afford a pricey system? The Dummy Security Camera with blinking LED is just the thing to fool your friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Five times smaller than most of these types of cams, it is only 6 x 21/4 x 2 1/2-inches and housed in anodized aluminum so it won’t rust. The camera pans and tilts, and will run for about 2 years on 2AA batteries at a price of only $14.99. Makes you wonder about all the other security cams out there, doesn’t it?
Read More | ThinkGeek
Gallery: The Dummy Security Camera
If you or someone you know loves jigsaw puzzles, Firebox has a unique one for you. It’s the Zip Code Puzzle…a jigsaw of the neighborhood map of your choice! Just send in the house number, street name and zip code you desire, and voila! Firebox will create a one-of-a-kind, highly personalized jigsaw—a VERY detailed map featuring the chosen address. The coolest part? The centerpiece is your home address, shaped like a house (see above). The puzzle contains 400 pieces of “high quality millboard,” and measures 12.25 x 18.5”. Since each map is based on the U.S. Geological Survey, it will even contain water landmarks, buildings, main roads and more. Plus, each jigsaw comes with a gift label that can be personalized for the recipient. A great, one-of-a-kind gift. Available for $35 USD.
Read More | Firebox
Gallery: The Zip Code Puzzle Hits Close to Home
We always wonder when we find gadgets that we cannot trace farther than the vendor who tells you almost nothing about the product. Such is the case with the Crystal Pyramid Santa USB 2.0 4-Port Hub. We know it is 3.78 x 3.78 x 3.94-inches and weighs 11.36 oz. We are going to assume here that when plugged in it doubles as a snow globe. That could be a nice touch until the movement drives your entire office nutso. We didn’t notice an on/off switch. The Santa will silently ho-ho-ho for you at a price of $13.86 with free shipping for the holidays.
Read More | DealExtreme
Gallery: USB Santa Doubles as Hub
Last March, we told you about a Bush Countdown Key Chain that was ticking down the days and hours until the demise of our current president. We have found its companion piece. For those of you have made your political choice already, we are featuring the super-optimistic Hillary Countdown to Election Key Chain created by Bush’s Last Day. While Republicans will undoubtedly not appreciate the sentiment, we thought we might send one to la Winfrey for a chuckle, just in case she has a sense of humor. Pick this one up for $13.95.
Read More | Merch-Bot
Gallery: Count Down For Hillary
Kewpies Not So Cute Anymore
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Accessories, Smartphones, Toys, Videos,
For those who never got over the eerieness of kewpie dolls, we have found PQ Creepy Doll phone straps. There is a whole collection, including the Buff Q, the Melting Q, Grandpa, Skinny, Gross, Fat, and Nyoru. Did we forget to mention that they come in a food, samurai, and bondage series, too? The straps are priced anywhere from 609JPY ($5.69.) to 658 JPY ($6.14.) The only thing creepier than these Qs is their accompanying commercial.
Read More | Strapya World
Gallery: Kewpies Not So Cute Anymore
Tachikoma Tank Becomes RC Toy
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Internet, Misc. Tech, Toys, USB,
Cool toymaker Bandai has recreated the Tachikoma Tank from the popular anime series and video game “Ghost in the Shell.” The remote-controlled bot hooks up to your computer via USB and will read your e-mail, and write and carry out applications. The tank will also be capable of playing mini-games that Bandai will be developing in the near future. At a price of $199.99, it will be another excuse for you to stay on the computer. Look for its release in Japan around February.
Read More | AudioCubes
Gallery: Tachikoma Tank Becomes RC Toy
Give the Gift That Never Shuts Up
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Smart Home, Misc. Tech, Toys,
We file this under what to give this Christmas, Chanukah, or Kwanza to someone who irritates you no end. The Money Monster says over 20 obnoxious things when you feed it coins or bills such as:
- “Money, money, in my tummy.”
- “Mmm, it tastes so good!”
- “Oh, yes, jingle, jingle, in my belly.”
Even better payback is that it often burps after a feeding and will harass passersby when it is neglected. At a size 7½ x 8¾ x 6-inches, it requires 3 AA batteries (included.) Choose between the pink MeMe and blue Gobble for $24.95 apiece.
(Thanks, Jennifer)
Read More | Firebox
Gallery: Give the Gift That Never Shuts Up
Ever wonder what Santa does in his spare time (which, let’s face it, he has lots of)? Well apparently, he’s been taking drumming lessons, allegedly from the Little Drummer Boy, but we digress. Anyway, his enviable talents are finally on display via the USB Drumming Santa Claus. Just plug the cord into your USB port and…you guessed it…he starts drumming away to one of 5 built-in Christmas tunes. Plus, blue LED lights flash away to the beat of his drums. Love it! An adorable holiday gift or get one for yourself to decorate your cubicle and annoy
entertain your co-workers. Available for $18 USD. If Santa’s not your cup of cocoa, check out the equally talented USB Drumming Snowman instead….
Read More | Brando
Gallery: Rock Out with the USB Drumming Santa
Consumer Report Rates AA Batteries
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Cameras, Misc. Tech, Portable Audio / Video, Storage, Toys,
If you are planning on giving battery-operated gifts for the Holidays, Consumer Reports has decided to help you with their picks of best non-rechargeable AAs. They tested quick, intense charges like those for cameras, as well as on a low current steady charges, such as for CD players. They found nickel oxyhydroxide batteries to be the best for cams, with alkalines as a less expensive alternative. They recommend the Energizer e2 Lithium, followed by Panasonic Digital Extreme, and Rayovac. Kirkland Signature alkalines, which is Costco’s brand, are a good deal if you are interested in quantity.
Read More | Consumer Reports
