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Most of us can recognize the major constellations (Orion, the Big Dipper, etc.) but if we arm ourselves with the flat, plastic disc of the Miller Planisphere, we’ll be able to potentially learn and locate all of them. First, find your latitudinal position (map also available via retailer), then order the correct wheel. Once you have it in your hands, spin the wheel to pick the right date and time, and you’ll see all the constellations, stars, and planets above you, simple as that.
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If you plan to go outside anytime within the near future, you might just want to have a kite- you know, in the interest of having fun and enjoying the last weeks of summer and such. And, if you’re going to have a kite, have it be a sailing ship, for then you may have the opportunity to recite passages from Melville’s Moby-Dick, or any other classic literature that may feature a sailing vessel. Also, need I point out how this would make a lovely gift for a child?
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Bookmark this block set as a gift for your favorite little one, and save yourself the trauma of going into a toy store. This 30 piece set is waterproof (they float – think bath time) so kids from 3 years and up can safely throw them around without hurting anyone… or the furniture, as might be the case. And, who knows, maybe you can practice your construction skills alongside the little future architect/designer and learn a thing or two about unedited creativity. Also available in color.
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Jump Rope for Heart! Perhaps you participated in the American Heart Association’s program when you were in grade school*, and perhaps your older heart could be a tiny bit healthier than it is right now as you’re sitting reading this page on your computer/tablet/phone. How many minutes could you jump rope without collapsing in a sweaty mess? If you had this Tybee Jump Rope you’d be at least motivated to try, even if it’s just a few minutes each day. Made from turned walnut handles, leather cord, and paracord in the USA and available in blue, black, red, or rainbow.
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And you thought the soccer ball was just a soccer ball. Well, thanks to the company Uncharted Play it can be much, much more. The SOCCKET is soccer ball that harnesses and stores energy. Thanks to a pendulum-like mechanism inside the SOCCKET, a mere 30 minutes of play can generate a simple LED lamp for 3 hours. Innovative idea, isn’t it? An off-grid power source is obviously needed in many areas of the world, and by pledging $99 or more, you’ll help get more of these where they need to be- and you’ll receive your very own SOCCKET (with LED Lamp) to use. Spread the word.
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Use fruit for your keyboard! Tech-smart or not, there’s fun to be had with this simple circuit board kit. Turn almost anything into touchpads/keyboard/controller by attaching the included alligator clips, then connect to circuit board and computer. Think of it as an invention kit- might be a good way to familiarize yourself or others with electronics. See the video to see how it all works- and what possibilities await you.
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This is getting filed under toys instead of desk accessories, as the fun potential is much higher than the somewhat boring/functional office usage. They’re simply a set of 288 cardboard magnets, to be placed on your magnetic board/wall or fridge, for making shapes, animals, landscapes or whatever else your imagination wants. Share them with the kids or keep them in your office space, up to you.
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And just when you thought you were too old to enjoy the outdoors, Stick-lets comes along. Sure, they’re meant to help kids get back outside and build forts with sticks, but who says you can’t enjoy them too? Be sure to share with others (team building, anyone?), and stay away from trees and branches that don’t belong to you- that could cause some problems- but other than that, have fun. Made from 100% silicone, each Stick-let stretches to meet your construction needs, whether you use natural branches or wood dowels. On the count of three, what’s the first thing you’d build? (One..two…three) a TIPI! Other answers are acceptable, of course. Need it be mentioned that this could be an excellent gift?
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This certainly isn’t the only puzzle that features a major city, but it is one of the few that looks like it came from somewhere other than the dollar store. Maybe you don’t want to spend $20 on a puzzle, but consider the fact that putting together pieces of a city might just etch that city into your brain, making it easier to get around whether you live there or if/when you plan a visit. Also, in my experience, puzzles are always surprisingly nice to have at family gatherings, giving hands something to do while conversation comes and goes.

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Is it crazy to think that the little ones in your life might enjoy this Woodmobiel Starter Kit? Wooden parts and real tools will put their creativity to use, and maybe you’ll even have some fun helping out. With the starter kit, you can build about 9 different life-sized wooden toys (instructions included) with the 25 pieces and fasteners, or if you want to go big, there’s also the standard kit ($265) with 43 pieces (plus fasteners) that will build about 20 toys.
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Did you know that tops are one of the oldest recognizable toys found on archaeological sites? These set of 5 Tree Tops by Karl Zahn are both toy and holiday accent, so leave them out on a coffee or dining table for any and all to take for a spin. Made from Schima Wood, a genus of evergreen trees. Also available in a natural finish.
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Have you always itched to play the guitar? Or perhaps you know of a younger human who would like to learn? Either way, Loog Guitar is where you’d be wise to start. They have three versions of a small Beginner’s Guitar (Classic, Rectangle, and Triangle) all of which have three nylon strings so as to not overwhelm first learners. Assembly is required, but it only takes 15 minutes and will help you or a younger one understand and connect with the instrument, perhaps lessening the likelihood of it being tossed aside once the newness has worn off. You may also purchase the pieces of the kit separately, or add on some accessories like a Pickguard set, a cardboard Guitar-stand, or a Mini Headstock Tuner.
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Who doesn’t remember playing a memory game in their younger years? Such fun can be had again with Maharam’s set of nicely patterned cards. It’s a little harder to find nowadays, but YLiving and highbrowfurniture currently have it in stock. It’s worth pointing out that all age groups can play this together, making it a good family activity during the holidays. Each card features one of 36 fabric patterns designed by different Maharam artists.
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What better gift than the gift of science? If you’ve any young children on your holiday list, think about these Elemental Blocks from Uncle Goose. And, if the elements aren’t the right sort of subject, there’s quite a few other block sets that could benefit a young mind: Braille Math or ABC Blocks and several Foreign Language options.

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I picture these simple United States Flashcards being used before touch-screens and other hi-tech devices. Why not bring back some old-school schooling? Might make a nice gift to your favorite niece/nephew/child (if they appreciate flash-card variety games) or, hey, be selfish and use them decoratively. The Alphabet Flashcards are equally appealing (shown below).
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