Gadgets, Gizmos, and Games for Geeks

Remember making pillow forts as a kid? Those were the days, weren’t they? The only thing missing? Magnus, the magnetic play couch. It can be assembled as a children’s sofa or disassembled and built into various fort configurations using its integrated magnet system.

Stressed out? I think we all are these days. You need an outlet for that stress, or it will eat you up like the shark in Jaws. Enter these anti-stress Push Pop Pads, a stress-reliever and fidget toy for people like me who recognize they’re entirely too uncoordinated to operate a fidget spinner.

Because nothing says I’m eating like an astronaut like freeze-dried foods, this is the collection of freeze-dried candies available from Etsy shop Stellar Rabbit Foods. Available in Rainbow Puffs (Skittles), Worm Puffs (gummy worms), Mega Blasts (Starburst) and Tart Puffs (SweetTARTS) varieties, each 1-ounce bag costs $8 and is sure to put a smile on your face, and a cavity in that smile.

The brainchild of maker Greg Daville, this is an LED icosahedron crafted using a total of 2,400 LEDs, all placed individually by hand. Wow! I’m not sure if I would have had the patience for that, but I definitely don’t have the know-how to build an LED D20.

Do you know what would have Star Trek: The Next Generation even better? If the entire crew was made up of ducks. Well, thanks to the guys at Numskull Designs, that can now be a reality.

Volkswagen messed with people earlier this week by trying to convince us that they had changed their name to “Voltswagen.” It turned out to be an April Fools joke in the end, but it definitely ruffled some feathers because they made the announcement on March 30, which convinced journalists that it was actual news.

Tacos: you need something to hold them upright so none of those delicious ingredients spill out. Enter the $15 TacoCat taco holder (affiliate link), an upside-down cat that prevents your taco from falling apart while at rest.

Fingers: after a long day of typing they just want to let loose. And what better way to let your digits go wild for a bit than with some rhythm-based finger dancing with this $43 Finger Dance Machine available from Firebox?

Battle: it can come at you in the blink of an eye. So why not be prepared for combat with this medieval chain mail shirt and coif available from the Medieval Warrior Store on Amazon (affiliate link).

Because there’s a market for absolutely everything, this is a good luck Maneki-neko (“beckoning cat”) statue with a giant muscle arm. Obviously, if the luck it brings is directly proportional to the protein shakes the cat has had, you’re in for a metric ton of good luck.

You may or may not be familiar with audio equipment maker Naim, but they’re known for high-end component audio gear, as well as the exquisite sound systems found in Bentley automobiles. Their Mu-so speaker system aims at the more casual home user while retaining the premium sound, aesthetics, and build quality the UK audio maker is known for.

I don’t know about you, but I’m used to seeing Sonic the Hedgehog with his head attached to his body. But if you don’t mind having a decapitated blue hedgehog head sitting on your couch, then you might want to grab this colorful plush toy from Tomy and Club Mocchi- Mocchi.

Want to learn how to properly clean poisonous fugu (pufferfish) without serving an internal organ that might kill someone? Why not begin with this 3D Fugu Japanese Blowfish Dissection Puzzle available from the Japan Trend Shop.

Because Star Wars merchandise makes money hand over Mandalorian fist, Hasbro is releasing an $80 Galactic Snackin’ Grogu (affiliate link) this year in time for Christmas. The 9-inch interactive toy has over 40 sound and movement combinations and responds differently to the four interactive accessories included (bowl with tentacles, cookie, shifter knob, and spoon).

The spaceships and starbases in Star Wars are some of the most iconic and recognizable in the history of moviemaking. There are lots of ways that collectors can enjoy these ships at home, from LEGO Imperial Star Destroyers to drones that look like the X-Wing fighters.

You ever catch yourself staring at the sun and daydreaming about building your own rocket ship? Well, how about this NASA Space Rocket Deluxe Construction Kit? The 134-piece kit includes a bunch of plastic and metal bits that, when assembled correctly, resemble the Space Shuttle atop its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters.