Thanksgiving is behind us
Christmas is less than a month away
you need to buy some presents and you need to be bought some presents too.
So, as sort of a wish list for us and you and everyone we collectively know, we decided that over the next 2 weeks we we will do a nice little gift guide for you.
In installments. And categories.
(making lists is our favorite thing in the world, in case you didn’t know).
Second up, geek toys. As always, comment with more suggestions.
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What: We’re not talking your standard laser pointer here, these can light cigarettes and pop balloons, shine for 14 miles, and they look like a midget light saber. They can also blind you instantly. Super sweet. Why: If you have to ask why you need a laser that can melt stuff, you probably shouldn’t be reading this column. How Much: Between $50 and $2000 (yes, $2000) Worth it? Um, yes. Get em at http://www.wickedlasers.com/ |
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What: A theremin is a musical instrument that can be played without touching it. They are usually a wooden box with two metallic wands that you control volume and pitch with by moving your hands closer and farther away. And it sounds like 1950’s flying saucers. This portable little theremin has a volume knob instead of a volume wand and a metallic dome for pitch, but adds it’s own built in delay level and timer knobs for extra sci-fi effects. The range is kinda lacking though, so you can’t do superfly karate chop staccato moves with it. Why: Because anybody can be a musician with a theremin How Much; Around $150 Worth it? Sorta. It’s a little pricey for what it does, and well, a real theremin is way cooler. But it’s still a lot of fun. Available at http://www.stevesmusiccenter.com/HiwattEchoTheremin.html |
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What: Like the old-timey wooden labyrinth game where you rolled the marble through the maze, but this is a track that’s inside a clear plastic ball so it’s 3D and you gotta twist it all around and there is a built in timer and fun little shoots and drops and I dunno, it’s hard to explain but so so super fun. Unfortunately it was discontinued so it’s only available on Ebay now. Why: Cause anybody will instantly become addicted to it. How Much: Varies Worth it? If you can find a good deal on one, absolutely. |
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What:A beautiful light toy that projects nebula like laser patterns all over the ceiling of a dark room. It’s a really classy product, not something you’ll find in Spencer’s. It comes with some neat accessories to make it look like a modern version of the lava lamp. Plus it’s easily portable cause it can run off three AA’s. Why: Looks really cool, plus a good way to get chicks on your bed with the lights off. How Much: $70-100 Worth it? Yep. Available at http://www.laserpod.com/, but cheaper at http://www.thinkgeek.com/ …but if you like this kind of stuff you might want this instead: |
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What: Like the LaserPod on crack. Although it’s a little cheaper feeling in it’s plastic star shaped casing and the patterns are a little more repetitious and gaudy, the amount of green stars this thing projects on the ceiling is simply phenomenal. Why: Once again, get’s chicks on your bed. How Much: Around $170 Worth it? It’s a little pricey, but at the end of the day you’ll be happy with it. Available at http://www.thinkgeek.com/ |
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Play Set  |
What: A plastic unicorn toy with three victims to impale - a mime, businessman, and my favorite, the new age lady. Also includes interchangeable horns - classic spiral, chrome, glow and pearlescent. Why: Cause who doesn’t want their own unicorn? How Much: $12.95 Worth it? I can’t think of anything better to spend 13 bucks on. Available at Geek Toy heaven: http://www.mcphee.com/ |
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And check out the previous installment:
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BYT Gift Guide: Music to your ears |
Sigh. If only the Avenging Unicorn came with a Katherine Harris doll. Then, life would be grand.
November 28, 2007 at 11:16 amlately i’ve been having a blast with my new WRT54GL flashed with DD-WRT. a holiday classic and a gift the family can enjoy.
November 28, 2007 at 11:26 ami own the unicorn too!!!!
avenging unicorns for everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Anyone who has built their own theramin will smash smash smash a store bought one on site. It’s not only a matter of pride, it is also a requirement when you build your own theramin. You have to sign something to that effect. Seriously.
Anyone who has built a real theramin also has to punch punch punch anyone who advocates buying a store-bought theramin. Also in the rules.
November 28, 2007 at 1:09 pmthese are all ok but if it doesn’t fly AND shoot lasers I don’t even wanna hear about it…THIS MEANS YOU MOM.
November 28, 2007 at 1:24 pmIf I point lasers at my balls, will they warm up or burn? I’m afraid to find out. But I think I will.
November 28, 2007 at 2:22 pmanyone who doesn’t like mythical creatures in plastic are no friend of mine.
the astros/stars projector…no further elaboration needed. totally does the trick every time, even minus the smoke machines and laser shooters. it’s pretty godly.
echo theremin - just like d-d-r, you look silly playing it, but it’s so much fun.
November 29, 2007 at 1:44 pmI want the unicorn. And the mime.
December 5, 2007 at 7:03 pmGreen lasers & laser pointers are the best things to have lying on your desk or stuffed in your gadget back.
March 29, 2008 at 4:43 am
I have said unicorn at my desk at work and I aodre him, but the mime is missing, booo.
He’s currently impaling the new age lady and is located between a Beastman action figure and bobblehead Jesus…
November 28, 2007 at 11:06 am