Gallery: 36 Playtime Products That'll Make You Feel Like a Kid Again
Justin Fantl01cover
When the work week is done, be prepared for some maximum relaxment. These products will get you there.
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__Monster Mashup__ Every kid deserves a chance to play Dr. Frankenstein, but a scary monster shouldn't be scary hard to put together. This kit comes with an assortment of heads, hands, feet, and patterns, and the countless combinations are easy to assemble with the included dowels. [__Uncommon Goods Stack and Scare Blocks | $48__](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GW3HK4I?ie=UTF8&tag=wiredte-20)
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__Field of Dreams__ Lytro's latest shooter looks like a high-end mirrorless—and snaps a photo like the best of them—but it's actually a light-field camera. It records the entire depth of field within a scene, allowing you to refocus the picture, make a 3-D image, or create perspective effects in post-production. [__Lytro Illum | $1,599__](https://preorder.lytro.com/lytro-illum-pre-order)
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__Self Construct__ This Kickstarted toy uses flexible silicone connectors—think of the material in the head of a rubber spatula—to join wooden sticks together, letting you bend and wriggle your constructions into cubes, domes, double dodecahedrons, or models of methane molecules. No more forcing your K'Nex into weird shapes. [__Joinks | $45__](https://www.fatbraintoys.com/toy_companies/fat_brain_toy_co/joinks.cfm)
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__Tour de Sofa__ Fitted with spheres instead of wheels, this bulbous, futuristic, foot-powered vehicle simplifies cycling to the point where 10-month-olds can toddle around the living room safely. It's perfect for tykes who have just learned to walk but already want to get on a bike. Also for parents who idolize Elroy Jetson. [__Sperovelo Rider | $99__](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009VU4A9W?ie=UTF8&tag=wiredte-20)
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__Available Light__ Film is precious, so don't waste it. Plug this dome-shaped dongle into your iPhone's audio jack, load the companion app, and your handset transforms into a light meter. Dial in the recommended aperture, shutter speed, and ISO settings on your old-school camera to snap a more perfect picture. [__Lumu iPhone Light Meter | $149__](http://shop-us.lu.mu/)
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__Mental Blocks__ Your kid's not going to be the next Andre Agassi, but they could be the next Alvar Aalto. Start training those brain muscles now with this collection of 60 hardwood building blocks in a variety of shapes, from basic cubes to arches and columns. [__Melissa & Doug Standard Unit Building Blocks | $70__](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GFZMYS?ie=UTF8&tag=wiredte-20)
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__Clay Power Play__ Give Gumby a good jolt with this home electronics kit, which has all the ingredients for making conductive dough. From there, kids can pimp out their clay creations with Arduinos, LEDs, crocodile clips, and buzzers. Safer—and more fun—than hacking your light switches. (Pictured here: Not a working circuit.) [__DIY Electro-Dough Kit by Technology Will Save Us | $25__](http://www.techwillsaveus.com/shops/diy-kits/)
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__Prance Party__ Is your daughter's birthday celebration a “costume required” affair? Sure, you could spend a month assembling the perfect Petyr Baelish ensemble. Or you could spend exactly five seconds pulling on this latex unicorn head. You can't really see all that well through the mouth hole, but who cares? You're magically radiant! [__Unicorn Critter Mask | $32__](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E1AEEPC?ie=UTF8&tag=wiredte-20)
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__Movie Vehicle__ An onboard 1080p camera makes this whirlybird more than just a toy for buzzing the mailman. The drone streams HD video to your phone or tablet as it flies, and you can program its path to create sweeping, cinematic shots of your street, your neighborhood, or your whole city. [__Parrot Bebop Drone | Price TBD__](http://www.parrot.com/usa/products/bebop-drone/)
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__Aperture Rapture__ With a 16.5-megapixel sensor, intelligent software, and the ability to utilize any of Leica's exemplary T- and M-system lenses, this superminimalist camera captures images as sharp and beautiful as its own silhouette. Even the accessories are smart; the strap simply snaps into the camera's shell. [__Leica T | $1,850__](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00K0R53PU?ie=UTF8&tag=wiredte-20)
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__Hammer Time__ Unlike a traditional carrier with removable trays, this box lets you store larger tools easily. The front flap falls open, revealing a large main compartment. Smaller hand tools can still be stashed beneath the lid. [__Best Made Front Loading Toolbox | $94__](http://www.bestmadeco.com/products/front-loading-tool-box)
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__Top Trimmer__ Slicing your way through the unwanted limbs of your backyard plum tree shouldn't be a workout. Fiskars' slick shears have a handle that rotates slightly as you squeeze. The dollop of torque adds more leverage to every cut you make. Snipping branches up to half an inch thick is a breeze. [__Fiskars PowerGear Softgrip Pruner $30__](http://amzn.com/B007HZCR2A)
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__Turn of the Screw__ This set of matching screwdrivers is handmade in England from beechwood and brass. The six standard-size bits in the set are replaceable, so the tools will last for generations, darkening with age until they look like they were passed down from Geppetto himself. [__Hand-Eye Supply Elemen'tary Design No. 1 and No. 2 Screwdriver Set | $56__](http://www.handeyesupply.com/products/elementary-design-no-1-screw-driver-with-interchangeable-bits)
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__Draw the Line__ This digital stylus, built for the Paper iPad app, may as well be Harold's Purple Crayon. Sketch any number of creations on your Apple tablet; erase when necessary, or use your fingers to blend colors. The lightning-fast reaction time gives it the feel of a real pencil. [__FiftyThree Pencil | $60 (graphite), $75 (walnut)__](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JP12300?ie=UTF8&tag=wiredte-20)
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__Something Tweet__ Here's an elegant bird buffet worthy of even the rarest feathered friend. What's better: The stoneware feeding tube hangs from a single wire and see-saws downward when a squirrel alights on it, making it impossible for them to hang on and steal a meal. [__J Schatz Mobile Bird Feeder | $225__](http://www.jschatz.com/shop/birdfeedersandhouses/mobilebirdfeeders/index.html)
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__Hello, Sailor__ Become the scourge of the pool with this 8-inch-long nautical vessel. Designed in Switzerland and made in Portugal, the cork hull and polyurethane sail are sure to stand out amid a sea of plastic schooners. [__Materia & Big Game's Cork Sailboat | $48__](http://aplusrstore.com/product/1396/cork-sail-boat)
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__What About Blob__ Some might call the blobfish the world's ugliest creature. We call him adorable, especially with his toy-chest-ready makeover: The floppy abyss-dweller is supersoft, 2 feet long, 100 percent polyester, and surface washable. Perfect as a pillow, couch companion, or your kid's day-care conversation piece. [__Blobfish Plush | $40__](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JBQKY46?ie=UTF8&tag=wiredte-20)
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__Snappy Snapper__ Finally, a point-and-shoot that'll make you put away your smartphone. This luxe compact from Ricoh has a wide-angle lens, a 16-megapixel sensor, and 1080p widescreen video capability. The breakneck-fast AF snaps subjects into focus in 0.2 seconds, allowing for easy continuous shooting. [__Ricoh GR | $699__](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GXJ2G7W?ie=UTF8&tag=wiredte-20)
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__Hero Worship__ If Carl Linnaeus had been an *X-Men* fan, this 2- × 3-foot poster would have hung in his bedroom. It maps the superpowers of 600 heroes and villains, including many of the strongmen, telepaths, and human fireballs from Marvel, DC, and indie publishers. [__PopChart Lab's Giant-Size Omnibus of Superpowers | $35__](http://popchartlab.com/products/the-giant-size-omnibus-of-superpowers)
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__Word Score__ The exquisite materials used in this Andrew Capener-designed Scrabble set—solid maple tiles, walnut tile racks, cork-lined interior—are matched only by the beautiful typographic treatments on the letter tiles and playing surface. Just 2,000 sets will be made, so score yours soon. [__Scrabble Typography 2nd Edition | $200__](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F2ONWXG?ie=UTF8&tag=wiredte-20)
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__Take Charge__ Like BioLite's original compact CampStove, its new BaseCamp lets you cook your meal and charge your phone at the same time using a thermoelectric device in the cooker. This stove can earn you 5 hours of talk time while you grill your steaks. [__BioLite BaseCamp | $300__](http://biolitestove.com/products/basecamp/)
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__Chop Chop__ All axes are not created equal. This one-hander was designed in Finland, and it's a joy to use. With its hardened forged-steel head, shock-absorbing handle, and nonslip grip, splitting wood becomes a job you gleefully volunteer to do. [__Fiskars X11 Splitting Axe | $50__](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000AQLUE4?ie=UTF8&tag=wiredte-20)
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__Captain Cook__ You've got the grill. You've got the pork butt. But it's this sturdy canvas apron that makes you the charcoal champion. Three spacious leather utility pockets hold your tools, and a metal ring at the hip secures your towel. The included can of wax keeps the rugged smock looking sharp. [__Birdkage Peyton Waxed Classic Bib | $144__](http://www.birdkagestyle.com/collections-hide/bailey-utility/peyton-classic-bib-olive/)
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__Camp It Up__ Hauling a clunky chair to the beach or a campsite kills your relaxation vibe. Maximize your chill time with this lightweight lounger. It's only 1.6 pounds but easily holds a 250-pound person. The sling-shaped nylon seat adjusts to your body, and it assembles in an instant. [__Alite Designs Mantis Chair | $120__](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009UW2WM8?ie=UTF8&tag=wiredte-20)
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__No-Sweat Lodging__ Here's a cozy pop-up cottage for two: Its domed interior is surprisingly roomy, plus you've got ample headroom for seated adults, plenty of floor space, and large drop doors on either side. And it weighs only 4 pounds, 3 ounces, so home is wherever you care to carry it. [__Sierra Designs Flash 2 UL Tent | $400__](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HGB9VIS?ie=UTF8&tag=wiredte-20)
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__Sleep Around__ Are you a side sleeper? Then you know that most sleeping bags are too skinny to let you comfortably bend your knees. The Backcountry Bed, however, is cut to accommodate any position—even a stomach snooze—and the zipperless entry is truly zero fuss. An integrated comforter seals you up as snug as you like. [__Sierra Designs Backcountry Bed 800 | $400__](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HGB9Z7A?ie=UTF8&tag=wiredte-20)
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__Stealthy Sippin'__ It's bad form to show up to the beach bonfire without some primo hooch in tow. Made of rugged nylon and sporting an easy-pour spout, this carrier can hold a full bottle of your favorite wine and folds up when empty. Works equally well with Château Latour or Everclear. [__Vapur Wine Carrier | $12__](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EMDAI2Q?ie=UTF8&tag=wiredte-20)
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__Alpha Blockers__ A modern twist on the alphabet cubes of yore: Twenty-six beautiful chunks of mahogany and pine carved into stylized versions of the letters themselves. At just 2 × 2 × 1.5 inches each, they're the perfect gripping size for even the tiniest hands. [__Areaware Alphabet Blocks | $72__](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CADGJ3M?ie=UTF8&tag=wiredte-20)
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__Grill to Go__ Cooking some freshly caught trout? Don't roast it directly over an open campfire like a simple caveman. Grill it like a sophisticated caveman with this cooking grate. It has separate grill and griddle sections, and the whole thing fits over your SUV's spare tire, saving space inside the car for the cases of booze. [__Front Runner Spare Tire Mount Braai/BBQ Grate | $125__](http://www.frontrunner.co.za/front-runner-spare-tire-mount-braai-bbq-grate.html#)
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__Bright Squeeze__ This tiny squeezebox won't fill your life with music, but it will fill your dark corners with light. The flexible body packs down flat but springs up into a backyard-brightening lantern. Keep it flat and it works as a flashlight. To juice it up, use the hand crank or the included USB charger. [__Wind-Up Accordion Lantern | $28__](http://www.momastore.org/museum/moma/ProductDisplay_Wind%20Up%20Accordion%20Lantern_10451_10001_171059_-1_26707_26707_171063)
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__Sharp Cards__ On these playing cards for minimalist bluffers, all ornamentation has been reduced to ridiculously good-looking mini symbols. Regulations require cards to be marked on the back—in this case, a simple, thin diagonal stripe. [__Areaware Minim Playing Cards | $12__](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J9ICX8G?ie=UTF8&tag=wiredte-20)
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__Teutonic Titans__ These aren't just any old headphones. They're German-made, high-fidelity pleasure factories for your ears. Superlight neodymium magnets make for more efficient drivers, so they deliver more clarity, more nuance, and above all more volume than your ho-hum cans. Commence headbanging. [__Beyerdynamic T 1 | $1,399__](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0031RD3YY?ie=UTF8&tag=wiredte-20)
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__Jacques O'Lantern__ Pierre Paulin originally designed the Pumpkin line in the 1970s for the private lounge of France's president. But thanks to this modern-day reissue, you can show off the collection's timeless curves in your own living room. Choose from a sofa, love seat, armchair, and ottoman. [__Ligne Roset Pumpkin | $1,800 and up__](http://www.ligne-roset-usa.com/products/living/sofas/Pumpkin_1509.aspx)
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__Tube Top__ The first thing you learn about fancy headphones: A solid amp is definitely required. It's hard to find one more solid—or more beautiful—than this. It's stacked with some of the best capacitors, resistors, and vacuum tubes on the market. [__Schiit Valhalla 2 Headphone Amp | $349__](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LFTGSVA?ie=UTF8&tag=wiredte-20)
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__A Flat Major__ Your home theater rocks—every viewing of *Aliens* sounds like the Fourth of July. But your giant sound bar is an eyesore. Solution: the ultrasleek SoundPlate. Plop your TV on top—it supports up to 83 pounds. Your stand stays tidy, but the built-in subwoofers still bring serious boom. [__LG 120W 4.1ch SoundPlate | $300__](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FQEE0T2?ie=UTF8&tag=wiredte-20)
