Toys / Tools / Technology

BIO HYBRID FUTURE CAR // biohybrid.com

The Bio-Hybrid is a concept vehicle that tries to bridge the gap between bicycles and gas-powered cars. It has four wheels for stability, and weather protection, unlike a bicycle. It's small enough to travel on bike paths and to park in small spaces, but large enough to carry some cargo.

Powered by an electric motor and the driver's muscles, the Bio-Hybrid has less environmental impact than gasoline powered vehicles and even large electric cars. Range on one battery charge is approximately 50 km.

Bio-Hybrid will be available in two versions: passenger and cargo. For more information, see biohybrid.com.

NUTCRACKER // kikkerland.com

Before it was a ballet, the nutcracker was an essential household tool. According to Wikipedia, nuts were historically opened using a hammer and anvil, often made of stone. Some nuts such as walnuts can also be opened by hand, by holding the nut in the palm of the hand and applying pressure with the other palm or thumb, or using another nut.

Kikkerland's nutcracker is more toy than tool, but who says you can't play with your food? Pull the spring back and let go to crack nuts with ease. The bright red knob and shiny coiled spring are irresistible.

The Pull & Crack Nutcracker sells for $10.

PIZZA MEMORY GAME // genuinefred.com

Memoroni is a cheesy game that challenges your concentration and memory. Players try to find pizzas that are exactly the same. The goal is to be the player who matches the most pie pairs. There are 48 discs with 24 pizza toppings, with options like Meat Lover's and Hawaiian. The cards are packaged in an authentic looking pizza box. (Tiny plastic table not included.)

You don't have to be rolling in dough to buy this. Memoroni sells for about $10. If you can finish a game in 30 minutes, it's free to play again.

GIANT FROSTY // hammacher.com

Do people come from miles around to see your Christmas lights each year? Does it seem like you're in competition with your neighbours to make the most spectacular outdoor display? If so, I've got just the thing.

The Video Projecting Frosty The Snowman from Hammacher Schlemmer is guaranteed to make you a local legend. It's a ten foot tall inflatable snowman that plays clips from the classic 1969 on its belly. The built-in projector plays scenes from the movie and alternating messages on his candy cane sign from an SD card (included).

Setup takes just minutes, with the attached electric air pump. Frosty's durable polyester exterior is made to withstand snow, wind, and sun. The package comes with eight stakes and four tethers to keep him from “hurrying on his way”.

If you want something bigger, Hammacher also sells a 15-foot inflatable Rudoph, 16-foot inflatable Snoopy, and two-storey inflatable Grinch.

Frosty sells for US $350.

MANGROOMER // amazon.ca

Most Barbers are happy to cut your hair and shave your face, but that's where it stops. If you want a smooth hairless back, you're on your own. Until now, that is.

Enter the Mangroomer Ultimate Pro, the ultimate back shaving tool. The ultra wide back groomer blade shaves large areas and longer hairs; the second foil body groomer head is designed for maintenance, shorter hairs and a perfectly smooth shave.

Mangroomer also features the Power Burst button. Press at any time for an added burst of power, to effortlessly shave through extra thick or coarser areas of hair growth.

Throw away that old razor and broom handle contraption you've been using and let a professional tool take over. The Mangroomer sells for about $65.

HOT RATZ BOOT DRYERS // seirus.com

Seirus wants you to stay warm this winter. A winter coat is not enough; you also need to protect your head, hands, and feet. For this, Seirus offers fleece masks, heated gloves, and electric dryers shaped like rodents.

Hot Ratz boot dryers slide into the top of your ski or snow boots and blow air inside to dry them out. Seirus promises the fans are "whisper-quiet" so they won't disturb you as they blow, all night if necessary. Hot Ratz are compact and portable, so you can take them along for ski trips or winter camping. AC adapters are provided for both home and car use. A set of Hot Ratz costs about $50.

DESIGNER HEATER // lasko.com

Every house has one room that always seems cold, no matter how you adjust the furnace. The wind blows from that direction, or the windows need better insulation, or... something. Whatever the problem is, the space needs more heat.

Check out the Lasko 6405 - a space heater designed with both form and function in mind. Its ceramic heating element warms up quickly and keeps things toasty. And it looks great - more like art or furniture than an appliance. You can set and forget a specific temperature or just turn it on manually for low or high heat. The built-in timer will turn off the heater automatically after 1-7 hours. Optional oscillation function will swivel the heater back and forth to distribute heat in the room. Cool-touch exterior makes the heater safe to touch, even after running for hours.

The Lasko 6405 is available for about $85.

STORM KIT

Are you ready for winter storms and extreme cold weather? Winter storms may bring power failures, cell phone outages, and icy roads. Plan ahead to keep your home and family safe.

Do you have matches and candles handy? Do you have at least one good quality flashlight, with spare batteries? Modern flashlights and lanterns with LED bulbs will last longer than older ones with incandescent bulbs. Some models, like the Streamlight Siege Lantern, provide bright light for hundreds of hours on a single charge.

Mobile phones should be set to low power mode as they won't last long without a charge. For short-term power outages, it's helpful to have a USB power pack that can provide one or more charges to mobile devices.

You should also have a plan to use up perishable foods. A hard shell cooler can keep fruits and vegetables fresh for days in the event of a blackout. Frozen foods can be set outside in a garbage bag. Propane or charcoal grills can be used to cook outside, provided you can get to them.

For more information about emergency preparedness, check out redcross.ca or getprepared.gc.ca

SHARED STORAGE // zipstored.com

Texas-based Zipstored is looking for two kinds of people: those who need storage space and those who have extra. They provide a storage connection and take a fee from both sides. It's like AirBnB for your stuff.

“By using non-traditional spaces like homes, garages, and offices, Zipstored brings low cost storage to our customers and helps our hosts pay their bills,” says entrepreneur Asker Ahmed.

The service goes beyond matchmaking. They also provide pickup and delivery services, to get the stuff from place to place.

Zipstored has just launched in the US, and expects to expand quickly.

/ SANDY MCMURRAY writes about games, toys, and gadgets at funspot.ca.