Just What I Wanted!

I'm still writing!

2007-01-03T20:42:00.000-05:00

While I'm done with Just What I Wanted, I'm not done writing about gadgets and technology. My work here attracted the attention of the editor of UberReview, a professional blog about gadgets and technology. As a result, I've taken a position there as a part-time writer. I'll be posting regularly about nifty tech stuff that catches my interest, and while not everything will be as affordable as the gift ideas I've posted here, hopefully some of it will still be great for buying for yourself or loved ones.

My first post is up: NukAlert Keychain: You Can Never Be Too Safe. Please add UberReview to your blogreader or visit the site on a regular basis to catch more of my writing!

Thanks!

...and I'm spent.

2006-12-31T08:29:00.000-05:00

With that, my time here at Just What I Wanted! is done. I've posted about 580 gift ideas in the last fifteen months, with help from friends, family, random visitors, and, notably, the wonderful Jen. I've spent countless hours scouring the web for interesting and unique and sometimes stupid gift ideas, and tried my best to write informative and (sometimes) funny posts about each one. I've written over 50 thousand words for this blog, and now I'm spent.

It's been loads of fun and lots of work, and I'm glad that I was able to help out so many of you with your gift-shopping. Thanks for reading!

Ryan

Ice Cream Cone Cupcake Pan

2006-12-31T08:24:00.000-05:00

While everyone loves cupcakes, the standard no-frills cupcake shape is so boring and passé. Snazz your next party up a little by baking a bunch of cupcakes shaped like ice cream cones with this Ice Cream Cone Cupcake Pan. It's nonstick, so despite the beautiful waffle-cone details on the cupcakes, they'll still slide right out. Top with a generous glob of frosting to complete the ice cream look, and you've got a sure winner on your hands. $32 USD. (Via GiftZen.)

Heat Indicator Spoon

2006-12-31T08:18:00.000-05:00

How many times have you sat down to a nice bowl of soup or stew or oatmeal and taken a bite, only to scald your tongue and cheeks when the far-too-hot liquid entered your mouth? It's happened to me more times than I'd like. But no more, my friend! From now on, this Heat Indicator Spoon will save me from the pain of burning my tender inner mouth-flesh and the embarassment of allowing a bunch of soup to dribble down my chest. It turns white when stuff's very hot, and turns to blue as it cools. Just pay attention and learn what color's right for you, and then you'll always know when your soup's safe to eat. $9.50 USD for 3. (Via Gizmodo.)

Tetris Magnets

2006-12-31T08:15:00.000-05:00

If you're like me, occasionally you go through a period of intense addiction to that old simple yet fun videogame Tetris. When you're seriously addicted, you begin to dream Tetris and think constantly about playing more. These Tetris Magnets will allow you to feed your addiction by playing a little Tetris right on your refrigerator or other metal surface when you can't get to a computer, console, arcade, or portable music player. Like that ever happens. $9.89 USD. (Via Fresh Fodder.)

Stain Detector Light

2006-12-31T08:10:00.000-05:00

If you want to look like a snazzy detective while checking your carpets and furniture for those invisible stains and spills, this Stain Detector Light will do the trick. Looking straight out of Law & Order or CSI, it's a tiny handheld fluorescent blacklight that will illuminate those pesky stains invisible to the naked eye, allowing you to either clean them up with some high-powered stain remover, or throw out the offending item if the stain's just too tenacious. For extra fun, take it with you next time you stay in a cheap hotel! $6.99 USD. (Via Gizmodo.)

Solar LED Light

2006-12-31T08:05:00.000-05:00

This handy pocket-sized device will be able to provide a nice, bright light for you as long as it's been exposed to a little daylight recently. The Solar LED Light is an ultra-bright white LED hooked to a battery that gets charged via a tiny solar panel. On the opposite side is a handy mirror which you can use to signal for help when stranded on a mountaintop, or check your teeth for poppy seeds after lunch. $21 USD. (Via Treehugger.)

Inkless Metal Pen

2006-12-31T07:59:00.000-05:00

Sorry about disappearing for the last week. Holidays, travel, and families kept me quite busy! But now, to close out the year, I have no fewer than six great little gift ideas for you! First is this Inkless Metal Pen, with a stainless steel body and a point made from a mysterious metal alloy that writes just like pencil lead without wearing down nearly as quickly. In fact, it could possibly last decades before it runs out, as long as you don't lose it sooner. $29.38 USD. (Via Gizmodo.)

Wasabi Peas

2006-12-23T21:25:00.000-05:00

If you know anyone who likes spicy foods but hasn't tried these, it's definitely time to get them a can of Wasabi Peas. These are regular green peas dried and coated with spicy wasabi, the hot Japanese condiment. They're salty and crunchy and spicy, and, most of all, delicious. A somewhat unusual snack that's worth a try, and that you might find yourself seeking out again and again. $7 USD. (Thanks, Gunther!)

Desktop Air Conditioner

2006-12-23T07:11:00.000-05:00

A perfect companion to yesterday's desktop heater, this little device keeps you nice and cool when it's hot outside. The Desktop Air Conditioner doesn't use wacky chemicals like window air conditioners, and doesn't produce bunches of heat as a byproduct -- it works by blowing air across a frozen bottle of ice that you place inside it. Low-tech but still effective, and a great way to avoid heatstroke while stuck at a hot desk. $19.79 USD. (Via Gizmodo.)

Wallwords

2006-12-22T15:03:00.000-05:00

Here's a unique and attractive decorating idea: why not write out your favorite quotes, thoughts, or lines of poetry in pleasant fonts on the walls of your home? Wallwords prints decals for whatever quote you desire, in many different fonts and sizes, so you can convey exactly what you want. Plus, they have other wall-mounted graphic decals available so you can put together inspirational, relaxing, or dynamic scenes that are just right for your living area. $29.95 USD for a ten-word quote, custom pricing available. (Thanks, Vito!)

Desktop Heater

2006-12-22T07:40:00.000-05:00

With these chilly winter days upon us, it's important to keep warm. If your computer doesn't pump out enough heat on its own, you might want to pick up a Desktop Heater. It's not USB-powered, but it's small and sleek and will keep you nice and warm through the cold hours spent typing and mousing your life away. It also has a non-heating fan mode so you can use it to help keep cooler in summer. $39.95 USD. (Via Gizmodo.)

Circuit Board Ornaments

2006-12-21T13:35:00.000-05:00

It's probably too late for this year, but if you want your tree next Christmas to be the geekiest one around, get some of these Circuit Board Ornaments to replace your boring old shiny bulbs. Plus, they're a nifty way to keep old circuit boards from just ending up in landfills, so you can feel good about helping the planet. They're available in five different shapes, shown here: bell, star, snowman, tree, and... van. Ah, the old Christmas van. £2.49 UKP.

LED Hourglass

2006-12-21T07:28:00.000-05:00

If you need to measure a specific amount of time but don't want the soothing, pleasant steady flow of sand from one glass chamber into another, or you're an android who loves all things electronic, perhaps you want this LED Hourglass. The advantages it has over a traditional hourglass are 1) you can specify exactly how long it runs (up to an hour), and 2) it beeps and flashes when it's done, so you don't miss it. $19.99 USD. (Thanks, Gunther!)

Vinturi Wine Aerator

2006-12-20T21:39:00.000-05:00

Wine connoisseurs all agree that wine should be allowed to "breathe" (i.e. sit exposed to the air) for a while before you drink it. But most of us lead busy lives, and we're not necessarily "with-it" enough to remember to open and pour the wine half an hour before we want to actually drink it. The Vinturi Wine Aerator is designed to solve just that problem: you pour the wine through it, and it draws air in and mixes it with the wine in just the right amount to thoroughly aerate it, giving it a more pleasant taste, aroma, and feel without all the waiting. $34.95 USD.

Ball of Population

2006-12-20T06:51:00.000-05:00

In 2006, the world's population officially passed the six billion mark. To commemorate that historic event, you might consider getting a Ball of Population. It's a ball of squishy rubber people, each with their head attached to the others. Fun to squish, throw, or just look at. $3.99 USD.

Steady Sticks

2006-12-19T19:45:00.000-05:00

If you know anyone who enjoys picnicking, camping, or just lounging around outdoors, and who is a wine drinker, this set of Steady Sticks will be a handy and stylish addition to their outdoor-dining experiences. Just stick them securely into the ground and they'll helpfully hold your wine bottle and glasses safely for you, keeping the pesky ants away and keeping you from spilling your syrah. $30 USD.

Big Feet PJs

2006-12-19T06:54:00.000-05:00

If you've never known the joy of having foot-covering pajamas, then you're missing out on one of life's great pleasures. They're not just for little kids anymore! Even grownups have realized that wearing a snug, warm one-piece pajama with feet to keep your toes warm is a smart idea on cold winter days. These Big Feet PJs, despite their name, have regular-sized feet. They're made out of thick, soft fleece and are designed to keep you seriously warm. Great for a lazy Saturday morning or an evening in front of the fireplace or the TV, and you can even choose one with an unbuttonable bottom! $44.99 USD.

Iconoclasps

2006-12-18T15:30:00.000-05:00

Every now and then, someone comes up with a new, innovative version of one of life's basic tools that just makes you think, why wasn't this done sooner? These probably aren't like that, but they're still cool. Take regular paper clips and make them cute little symbols and shapes, and you've got Iconoclasps. Made of sturdy metal with rubberized non-slip padding, they'll catch people's eyes and brighten up their day. $4.99 USD.

Log Pillow

2006-12-18T08:18:00.000-05:00

When I think of pillow fights, I generally picture happy people with big fluffy white pillows. But if you're a pillow-fighter and you're serious about your duty, maybe you need a more serious fightin' pillow. Get this Log Pillow, shaped like a hefty wooden club, perfect for smacking your laughing opponents right in the gob. Plus, when it's all over and everyone else is unconscious slumped against furniture and walls, you can lie down and sleep like... a log. $34 USD.

Forkchops

2006-12-17T21:13:00.000-05:00

If you're a boy scout, or you just want to always be prepared no matter what cuisine you encounter, you might want to carry around a pair of Forkchops when you're going out to eat. With a fork and knife on one end and a pair of chopsticks on the other, these handy multi-purpose utensils have got you covered whether you're faced with a big ol' steak or a bowl of pad thai. Available in 19 different colors or a six-person place setting. $5 USD.

Play-Doh Cologne

2006-12-17T08:37:00.000-05:00

For the creative type on your wishlist, the person who's been busy creating artistic masterpieces since he or she was a tiny child, this scent will bring back nothing but truly fond memories. Crafted by the aroma artists at Demeter, it's Play-Doh Cologne. Conjuring up images of lazy childhood afternoons spent sculpting wacky people and crazy objects, it's sure to make anyone's eyes open wide with wonder and nostalgia. You might want to buy some actual Play-Doh to give with it, just in case the recipient feels an uncontrollable urge to play. $18.99 USD.

Booksling

2006-12-16T14:43:00.000-05:00

This is a nifty little invention, and while it's not a fancy electronic gadget, and it won't change the world, I bet nearly everyone could find a use for it. The Booksling wraps around the cover of any book and provides a handy penholder and bookmark all in one, so you can always keep your place and your writing implement close at hand. $5.99 USD. Plus, enter FREEPICO at checkout to get a free PicoPad. (Via Gizmodo.)

Credit Card Case Clock

2006-12-16T09:09:00.000-05:00

This handy little device has two functions: it's designed to both tell the time and hold credit cards for you. It's a Credit Card Case Clock. It looks snazzy with its brushed steel case and transparent LCD display that shows the time, the day, and the date, but here's my question: if it's full of credit cards... how can you see the clock face? Oh well. £9.95 UKP. (Via Gizmodo.)

Pinhole Camera Kit

2006-12-15T14:26:00.000-05:00

Want to give a photography hobbyist something new to experiment with without going broke buying expensive photography gear? Pick up a copy of this Pinhole Camera Kit. In just a couple hours of careful assembly, you can build a high-quality pinhole camera made of thick black paperboard and a pair of plastic spools for advancing the film. Then with any 35mm film, you can play around with making unique pinhole photographs. $25 USD.