All posts filed under: Things for Fun

Spiderpodium

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Warning: This post is not for arachnophobics. The Spiderpodium from Breffo is a multifunctional travel accessory that works as both a holster and a stand. Available in a handheld or tablet size, this adjustable little guy features eight notched “legs” that allow it to hang from (or be secured to) a car mirror, car seat back, bicycle frame, desk, or other surface. While it can seem a bit creepy-crawly, it also looks like it’s very practical at keeping your device exactly where you need it to be. I just wouldn’t recommend renting a certain Jeff Daniels film while it’s around. Designed and manufactured in the U.K., Spiderpodium is made of soft rubber and comes in either black or white. $19.99 USD.

Animal Boxes

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These hinged Animal Boxes by American designer Karl Zahn for Areaware can work as a toy, treasure box, sculpture, or lucky charm. Made from sustainably harvested, new-growth Beech wood, the line includes a Bull, Rhino, Whale, Llama, Walrus, and Polar Bear to represent “power animals” or totems. Native American, Chinese, and other cultures associate certain animals with symbolic meaning; one could represent wisdom or creativity, for example. As a working mother, I’m going to go with the llama, as they are beasts of burden known for their endurance. Available in the U.K. from the British design house SCP  and in the U.S. through Areaware.

Brinca Dada Blocks

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These irregular, sculptural blocks from New York-based Brinca Dada are hand-carved from teak hardwood. According to Brinca Dada founder and CEO Doug Rollins, the blocks aren’t meant to be used in just one way but are “a puzzle with infinite solutions.” What I like, is that this means the set will still work even if you lose a piece or two (which happens constantly with small kids). Better yet, it’s not something that kids (or parents) will get bored with easily. Ideal for aspiring architects and artists of all ages, the sets are available at the Brinca Dada site for $59.00 USD.  

RAD AND HUNGRY: The Something Mighty Collection

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There is something so niche, so obsessive, so old school about The Something Mighty Collection from Seattle-based RAD AND HUNGRY. Launched late last year, this monthly series includes a carefully curated and packaged group of travel-inspired, locally sourced stationary items found by RAD AND HUNGRY founders (and unabashed consumerists) Sam Alston and Hen Chung. According to the team, “We’re taken by the concept that simple, daily items are given new meaning through travel. It transforms the mundane into something inspired.” Each new supply kit is based on a different country and includes a writing instrument, paper good, mystery item, and other surprises. Previous kits have included treats such as Mexican pencils, Korean white out tape, and German paperclips. Starting this month, the Panama Kit comes with a colorful Cuaderno Balboa (notebook), two Facela triangular pencils, and an eraser protector, wrapped up with obvious care in brown kraft paper. Kits are $16.00 a pop, or you can set up a quarterly or yearly subscription. You aren’t just paying for the goods themselves, as fun as they may …

Mr Jones Watches

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With clocks displayed on our cell phones, computers, and even on screens in the subway, no one really needs a wristwatch anymore. This doesn’t bother London-based artist/designer Crispin Jones however. His line, Mr Jones Watches, is about the concept of time. More than just another pretty line of jewelry, these pieces remind you that time is fleeting, help you to make split decisions, and give new meaning to the hours that make up our lives. In the ancient tradition of the memento mori (items intended to remind us of our mortality), Jones collaborated with comedian William Andrews to create The Last Laugh, a smiling skull where the time is displayed on the teeth (the gold teeth give it a bit of a Live and Let Die vibe).  The Accurate watch literally reminds you to “remember” (on the hour hand) that “you will die” (on the minute hand). Morbid? For some perhaps. But for those that always catch themselves getting too worked up over the small stuff, this is a fantastic way to remember to keep your priorities straight. …

Pleasure to the People from Jimmyjane

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Dear Penthouse Forum, I never thought this could happen to me. I am a design blogger and I want to write about an award-winning product line by one of the world’s top industrial designers. The only problem is that it’s a line of vibrators and the subject is a bit … awkward. What should I do? I’ve included a few photos. – designythings Dear designythings, First of all, great blog! You wouldn’t happen to be talking about the Jimmyjane Pleasure to the People line designed by Yves Béhar and Jimmyjane founder Ethan Imboden? That is one classy group of sex toys. Did you know that the Form 4 vibrator introduced in April is the latest of the three products in the line (doesn’t Form 2 remind you of the Starship Enterprise?? I’m just saying.) I see why you find it appealing to write about the collection, and how confused you must be feeling. Is it the fact they are rechargeable and waterproof (even bath safe!) that impresses you? Or the soft medical grade silicone and …