This years' favorite gadget purchase is a tie! It was a close race between a few contenders, but the Kebtek Cordless Pruning Shear lands in the top two gadgets purchased this year.
Which begs the question as to what product did the Electric Pruning Shear tie with ? The Cordless Leaf Blower which is another household favorite with the split vote of which product wins best purchase of the year.
Power
I found the shears very powerful. Powerful enough to cut through medium size tree branches with ease. The small size of the shears hide the amount of power generated.
Operation
One safety feature is the shears do not cut continuously without pushing the button to engage. So if a branch needs four cuts that would be four times the button must be pushed; mentioning for those with tender hands.
Charging
One of the best features of the Kebtek Pruning Shear is the inclusion of two batteries and the very smartly designed charging unit. The convenience of having two batteries charged and ready to go really makes this unit a stand out. Competitors charge additional for a second battery. The batteries are 2ah rechargeable lithium.
Storage Case
A hard sided plastic storage case comes with shears for easy storage. The case has a handle for carrying and is slim so can quickly be stored in narrow spaces.
Gift Idea
This is definitely on the list for the gift a homeowner didn't know they needed! But will love the gift and appreciate your kindness to make their gardening and DIY lawn maintenance so much easier and maybe more enjoyable too!
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Your young child would love going to this zoo! It was yet another quality children's toy playset made by Mattel and Fisher-Price, designed to encourage lots of imaginative play and learning.
With this set, your little one learned to recognize animals through sight and sound. He or she also learned to recognize the animal habitats, which included grasslands, north and south poles, jungle and water.
HOW DID IT WORK?
The set is electronic and recognized wild animals when your child placed a toy animal figure on a peg and pressed it down. It then named the animal and, with a second press, provided the associated animal noise. The set came with a lion, gorilla, polar bear and a zookeeper named Jack. Of course, the set would not have been complete without Fisher-Price's usual assortment of fun music and phrases.
ADDITIONAL PIECES
Additional pieces that could be collected for this set included animals that were sold individually, like an alligator, hippopotamus, camel, leopard, elephant, ostrich, seal, dolphin or gorilla. Additionally, three of the animals came with a book and finally, there were two vehicles. The first, a safari truck or jeep, which came with a zookeeper named Eddy (who had a frog on his shoulder) as well as a lion cub, a giraffe and a food or animal feed bin. The second, a train with a Ferris-wheel car, came with a a zookeeper named Michael, a white tiger and a koala bear. These additional animals greatly enriched the set and the vehicular toys added an entirely new level of play value.
TECHNICAL DETAILS OF THE ZOO:
Recommended for Children Aged 1 1/2 to 5 years old
Bilingual English and French
Requires 3 AA Batteries
Original Box Measured 25" (W) x 16" (H) x 5" (D)
Release Date 2011
Retired 2014
Model W1710
UPC Code 746775033514
BUY YOUR ZOO TALKERS PLAYSET & REPLACEMENT PIECES:
As mentioned above, this set was released in 2011 and discontinued in 2014. This means that it is difficult to find a complete set. However, you can still find it on eBay where resellers do the work to find the discontinued items that you are looking for. Sometimes you might find a new and therefore complete set; other times, you can find a gently used and nearly complete set. You will also find some of the additional animals and the vehicles. Once again, you will find them in new and in used condition. Click here to see which of the Fisher-Price Zoo Talkers itemsare available on eBay today.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
I recently discovered Milk-Bone Holiday Treats for puppies! I was so
excited to find these adorable treats for our new puppy. He deserves
something special for the holidays, just like everyone else.
The Milk-Bone holiday treats come in a collectible, reusable tin. The
treats themselves are shaped like stockings, Christmas trees and dog bones
with "engraved" hearts. They are also colored in green, red and the
bones are the traditional brown. Perfect for a special gift for a
special dog or puppy.
Our puppy is 15 weeks old and he received his Christmas Milk-Bone treats in
the specialty tin, the day after Thanksgiving. He loves them and we
love the size. They are small enough for even a puppy to
enjoy.
I'm not sure if I will save the tin just for Christmas use, or if I will
refill it with regular puppy Milk-Bones when it is empty. I do know I
will reuse the decorative tin for doggy treats.
The tin is available for a limited time only. I hope that means the
Milk-Bone brand will continue to have an annual tin. What fun they
would be to give each year for Christmas to all of our puppy friends.
The Milk-Bone Holiday Treats
The shaped Milk-Bones in this tin are suitable for all ages,
from puppy to senior. I wasn't sure if the shapes would matter to the
pups or simply entertainment for us, but I have noticed that our baby dog
seeks out the red stockings. Will that continue? I don't know,
but it makes for a fun doggy game to see which one of the 3 shapes he will
choose first.
Puppy is a Bit of a Blur as He Zooms in for the Red Stocking Treat
24 ounce Reusable Tin filled with Milk-Bone Treats
Stockings Shaped Treats in red, green & brown
Shaped Christmas Tree in green, red & brown
Brown Doggy Bones with "Engraved" Hearts
Available for Limited Time
Helps Clean Teeth
Freshens Breath
12 Vitamins and Minerals
Another fun game for the humans in a puppies life would be to guess the count
of treats in the holiday tin. We did count ours just for fun and
discovered there are/were 148 treats in our puppy's 24 ounce tin.
You Might Not Want to Turn Your Back on a Puppy with an Open Tin of Milk-Bone Treats!
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
The best gift ideas come from the recommendations of people who spontaneously tell you about an item they use and love. This happened a couple of weeks ago when my friend told me about his Pentel GraphGear 1000 mechanical pencil. My friend is artistic and he is also familiar with which tools folks that work in engineering and drafting depend on. While showing me his GraphGear 1000, he also produced an old Pentel mechanical pencil that his Grandfather used. That they have used these pencils over generations are a glowing review alone.
the Pentel Arts Premium GraphGear 1000 set on Amazon
Pentel Arts GraphGear 1000 Premium Mechanical Pencil
Online information about the Pentel GraphGear 1000 Premium Mechanical Pencil:
superior drafting pencil; tip length is for use with rulers and templates
dual-action retractor to advance and retract lead; avoiding lead breakage
soft, latex inlaid metallic, chiseled grip
Pentel's Super Hi-Polymer lead sizes: 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm and 0.9 mm size lead available
4 Mechanical pencils, in 4 different colored barrels
4 lead refill tubes (1 tube of each size)
4 eraser refills
(Currently on Amazon with a 4.8 out of 5 stars rating resulting from over 2,200 reviews!)
If you are hesitant about buying this boxed, gift set there are many options for purchasing just one Pentel Mechanical Pencil at a time. Which is what I am going to do for myself. I am constantly looking for a pencil. when I do find it, the lead needs sharpened. Now that I realize mechanical pencils can be used across decades, I have decided that I need one in my life. I am partial to the one with the light, bright blue grip.
My Personal Thoughts
Some of the students I work with, prefer to use mechanical pencils for their personal reasons. I have tended to think of mechanical pencils as inexpensive and semi-disposable. What quickly caught my eye about my friend's GraphGear 1000 mechanical pencil with the beautiful chiseled markings on the metallic pencil grip. It was clearly not a disposable pencil.
My friend showed me the difference in appearance between the lead sizes; thin to thick. He also talked to be about the differences in lead softness/hardness (H, HB, and B) and how that appears in drawings. The gift set I am reviewing comes in the HB level of hardness. There are other lead refills and pencils that can be purchased in the H and B levels. (note: there are other levels of hardness, but we did not go that in-depth in our discussion).
While writing this review, my friend and I looked up information on his Grandfather's mechanical pencil. The pocket clip carries a stamp "SKILCRAFT". By doing a quick search, we learned that Pentel mechanical pencils began in the 1960s, and the SKILCRAFT version was produced during that time. His Grandfather's pencil is also stamped "U.S Government" and was likely obtained during his work at Bethlehem Steel all of those decades before. The history of this Pentel pencil shows to me that these pencils can be passed down through the generations.
A little piece of history
Find the Boxed Set of Four Pentel GraphGear1000 Premium Mechanical Pencils on Amazon here.
The Pentel Store of America on Amazon carries a huge selection of pencils, markers, art supplies.... pages, and pages of craft, art, and gift ideas.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Your young
child will love playing with Fisher-Price’s Laugh & Learn Fun with Friends
Musical Table. This toy features four
modes with more than 50 songs and activities and four corners for learning fun.
Each of those corners has a character that lights up and encourages your child
to explore. The legs are removable so the youngest child can sit and play. Put
the legs on and enable your slightly older child to walk around the table.
TECHNICAL
DETAILS:
Recommended
for children aged 6 to 36 months.
Bilingual
English and Spanish. Requires 3
AA batteries. Measures 22
by 5 by 16 inches.
UPC Code 027084631357
FIND YOUR MUSICAL
TABLE
This toy was
first released in 2008 and re-released in 2011. At some point since then, it
was retired. You can still buy it but you will have to turn to eBay. When I
checked today, there were a couple available but more of the more recent DJ
Tables. See for yourself what Laugh & Learn Fun with Friends Musical
Tables are available today by clicking here to eBay.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Whenever I think about wooden jigsaw puzzles, I think of young children's puzzles with pieces thick enough for little hands and large enough to not be a choking hazard. But that was before I received a bunch of CraftHub Premium Wooden puzzles from friends. I have recently found that wooden puzzles for adults are pretty amazing; similar to jigsaw puzzles with pieces and pictures to assemble and similar to mental puzzles that require more brain power to solve.
CraftHub Premium Wooden Puzzles
I had not heard of these type of wooden puzzles for adults until my friends gave me an assortment of them after they were de-cluttering. The tiny puzzle boxes continued my preconception that wooden puzzles were for children. Thank goodness that I'm nosey enough to give one of the puzzles a try before passing them on to charity donations.
The Tree of Life puzzle was the first one I tried and I was enchanted. I love jigsaw puzzles. I work on jigsaw puzzles multiple times a week, almost daily in fact. The unique shapes increased the level of difficulty. The hook shaped "arms" connected the pieces firmly while other pieces only abutted next to each other.
The CraftHub premium wooden puzzles are described as:
Laser Cut Details
Interesting and unusual shapes
Vibrant colors
For older children and adults (smaller pieces are choking hazards)
A3 size = finished size approximately 11" x 16"
A4 size = finished size approximatley 8 1/2" x 11
Variety of themes - Harry Potter, DC comics, Lord of the Rings, Animals, and Scenery
My Experience with My First CraftHub Puzzle
I enjoyed these little puzzles immensely. As I said above, I only opened the box because I was nosey. I was in the middle of chores and other activities and had originally planned on just looking at the pieces. The colors were so vibrant and the pieces so unique that I could not stop returning to that puzzle over the weekend to work on it. Then I couldn't wait to start on the Owl puzzle.
Some of these puzzles were unopened and some had been used. The used puzzles showed absolutely no wear or damage. With some jigsaw puzzles, the pieces can become bent. Or the picture layer can begin to peel from the lower, solid layer. These wooden pieces showed none of that.
Some folks may consider these puzzles as too difficult. Or stressful. But I enjoyed the challenge and felt accomplished after I finished. I am looking forward to completing the remainder of the puzzles passed down to me, then adding new designs to my collection.
I think these puzzles would make great gifts for jigsaw puzzle aficionados. The themed puzzles would make great gifts for folks who do not usually gravitate toward puzzles but would love having the item of certain themes. For example, the castle of Hogwarts puzzle would be an awesome gift for someone who collects all things Harry Potter.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Follow along on our review of Fisher-Price’s Laugh and Learn Love to Play Puppy, a wonderful and affordable gift idea for the little one in your life. Puppy is a soft, cuddly toy who responds when your child touches with various silly sayings and sing-along songs including familiar ones like the Itsy-Bitsy Spider.
Puppy is designed to be played with while also helping your young child learn the alphabet, numbers, colors and parts of the body. You chose one of two modes: learning or musical. As a fun bonus, his dog collar lights up or twinkles to the beat of the music.
A version of this dog, with slight changes and a even a new name, has been released pretty much consistently by Fisher-Price since 2003 and buyers continue to praise the quality and educational aspects of this toy.
The Puppy I have featured at the top of this page has a purple shirt and paws that are red with a musical note, green with the word hand, yellow with the word foot and orange with the on and off button and controls for the learning or musical mode. He was made in 2008.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Recommended for children aged 6 months to 36 years of age.
The Puppy shown here is model number C6325 and had the UPC code 027084131413.
Requires 3 AA batteries.
FIND YOUR LAUGH & LEARN PUPPY
If you are not looking for an older version of Puppy, you can find a new version of the Laugh and Learn Puppy by clicking here to Amazon. He has a slightly different name, which is Fisher-Price Baby Toy Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Puppy, but he still represents good value for a well-made, educational toy.
If, however, you are looking for an older version that you remember from the past, you will want to try eBay. You will find all of the versions of the Laugh & Learn Puppy available on eBay by clicking herewhere you will also find many different versions of this toy including pianos, walkers, rattles and more.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
I recently received a very thoughtful gift. I was given a Bird Snap video/audio bird feeder. My children set it up within minutes, including the app on my phone, and installed the feeder on my deck near my existing cluster of bird feeders. Such a fun and modern way to watch the birds at my feeder, whether I'm home or not.
I was gifted the Bird Snap bird feeder with camera and solar panel offered on Amazon. There are many, many versions of video feeders offered with a variety of prices and options.
Fellow Review This Reviews contributor Mary Beth Granger reviews and recommends the Smart Bird Feeder Camera that she was given last year. You can see her review here. I had thought about buying myself a Bird Feeder Camera on her recommendation then but it was one of those wish list items that I didn't end up buying for myself.
Bird Snap Camera Bird Feeder
There are many brands and versions of bird feeders with varying degrees of video and audio capability. I am hoping that with my review of my set-up, you'll be able to consider which options are important in the feeder camera you choose.
Motion detection
Live video
Live audio and Two-Way audio
160 degree wide viewing angle
Real-time notifications
TF card included
Solar panel and cord
IP65 Weather proof
1.8L bird seed capacity
detachable liquid nectar holders (hummingbirds); fruit holders (orioles, etc)
Free app for viewing and downloading videos and/or activating the live camera.
Optional AI bird identification subscription
The phone app allows for a variety of choices (with no subscription fees): live video, review of videos on the cloud or TF card, downloads to your phone gallery, an alarm, real-time audio (listening) and real-time audio (speaking from my phone to the outdoors), sleep option, and ability to snap photos.
There is an AI Bird Identification subscription that can be purchased to identify the species of birds that visit your feeder. I have not subscribed and cannot comment on this feature.
My Thoughts - Dual Purpose (Bird Watching AND Security)
After my Bird Snap was set up, I noted the very wide angle. And initially, I thought I would move the camera in order to exclude my "working homestead" area from view; chicken coop, lawn mower, water catchment, and other "clutter". After all, in general, we are often encouraged to share images that are pretty and "Instagrammable". Fortunately, I am often slow to do things on my to-do list. Before I re-positioned the bird feeder camera, I realized that motion near the chicken coop and in my driveway (both at the house and near the road) was being recorded. If I do decide to move the feeder, I will likely move it to have a better view of my driveway and the front of my house; clutter be darned. Similar to a security camera at a person's door bell, I would be able to see, record, and speak to anyone coming and going.
So far, aside from showing my cluttered work area to the world, I've only had two initial hesitations about this product. 1) even though it was placed next to my existing cluster of bird feeders, it seemed to take awhile for the birds to trust and visit this new feeder. I believe they could hear, feel, or see the motion from the camera activating causing them to fly away before the video started. 2) During a very windy day, I received notifications on my phone all day. But that was user error, as I had forgotten that I could set "sleep" on the feeder remotely, and eliminate all of those leaf-blown notifications.
The birds now seem to be braving the new feeder without hesitation. And I know that on windy days to "sleep" the feeder to stop the excessive notifications.
Preferred Bird Seed
I love bird-watching and have done it for years. I am not expert at bird identification but I can easily recognize the regulars around here. I am excited to try to lure the Orioles and other fruit eating birds next year! Meanwhile, I offer a variety of bird seed here to try to attract a variety of birds. I have noticed the trend that the Nut and Fruit blends are preferred.
Video clips from my Bird Snap; showing both birds at the feeder as well as things happening near the chicken coop.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
My son recently gave to me a handmade, beautiful and thoughtful gift. He had purchased a handmade wood crochet hook with a metal tip. Exactly the type of crochet hook I have grown to love. This crochet hook was made by A Couple 2 Tree and my son found them at a booth during the Connecticut Renaissance Faire 2025.
Turned Wood Crochet Hooks
The crochet hook my son chose for me is a combination wood and epoxy handle with a commercial made metal tip. The wood is light colored. The epoxy appeared only white to me initially. But I quickly discovered that it has a very subtle glimmer. A glimmer that reminds me of the Aurora Borealis or the Milky Way. All of you who know me, know that I do not gravitate toward big bling or neon bright colors. But I love a subtle sparkle, like the sheen of a peacock's chest feathers and dragon fly wings.
With this thicker epoxy and wooden handle, it is easier for me to use for longer periods of time. This would make a great gift for folks with grip difficulties such as arthritis. The epoxy and wood are smooth and silky, but not slippery. I am currently using this hook for a project and find it to be very comfortable.
In addition to wood-handled crochet hooks, A Couple 2 Tree also offers other great gift items:
Bottle Openers
Ice Cream Scoops
Coffee Scoops
Charcuterie boards
Decorative Items and Fidgets: Eggs and Mushrooms
Bowls
The combinations of wood, metal, epoxy, and fractal burning make unique, one-of-a-kind items that are unique gifts.
Supporting Small Businesses
This small business, according to social media and website information, has been a small, part time hobby/passion for years and has just begun to turn toward full time. I celebrate that leap of faith and following a passion. A Couple 2 Tree appears to have offered the majority of their items during fairs and festivals. They do have a website and an Instagram page. If you don't see a large selection, or the item you would like, on the website I encourage you to leave a message. When I had left a message, I received a response that same day (despite it being during the time they were at the Renaissance Faire)
One Wish - Maybe
There is only one thing that I might (or might not) like added to my next A couple 2 Tree crochet hook. Because of the handmade handle, the spot where the metal crochet hook size is usually displayed is covered. Perhaps, if the size of the hook (for example, a US hook size is "G") could somehow be stamped into the flat end of the handle, it would be useful and wouldn't mar the beautiful aesthetics of the rest of the handle. But perhaps, it would mar the appearance of the handle. Or make a roughness that would snag my yarn. I am not familiar with epoxy so I'm not sure if the size could be place there discreetly or not. However, unlike very experienced crocheters I cannot determine the size of the hook by sight alone. I have to hold it up to other crochet hooks for comparison in order to remember which size this is.
Fortunately, my son reported that he spoke with the helpful folks with A Couple 2 Tree, who helped determine which sizes of yarn I most often use (worsted) and the size hook that I most use.
For more information:
Check out the A Couple 2 Tree website for https://amzn.to/47wsiepmore information.
I am very hopeful that you will support this small business owner with his wood shop business. However, I realize that some folks prefer using Amazon. In that case, there are many Wood Crochet Hooks to choose from.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
The Conbola cordless fan was recommended to me by a friend who is an avid gardener and lives in a state that is farther south, with a warmer climate, than where I live. She used the fan while gardening on warm days. I may live farther north but I can't stand our humid and hot days. This fan made this summer's camping trips so much more comfortable.
The Conbola Portable Cordless Fan
The Conbola Portable Cordless Fan is advertised as a durable, portable fan that can be used while camping, garages or jobsites, fishing, and in combination with beach umbrellas. This fan can also be used in kitchens, at desks, and in any area that you'd like just a bit of a personal breeze. It is a quiet fan. Our building at work is an older building with heating and cooling issues. I know that I will take this fan with me to work so that I can work at my desk in comfort when the building feels like a sauna. I am not exaggerating. Almost anyone who works in an old building
Portable; cordless
Quiet Fan; four speeds
LED light; 3 settings
270 degree rotation
hooks for hanging
24 - 48 hours of operation
USB-A port that can be used to charge your other devices
rechargeable, USB C, 25400mAh Battery
charging cord included
This fan comes in different styles. I choose the fan with the USB-C charging system. Before camping trips, I am able to fully charge the fan at home then pack it in with my camping gear. There is also a solar recharging version if you would prefer.
Camping
I have never enjoyed hot and humid weather. But I love to go camping. I prefer primitive campsites which means in a tent, or a sleeping bag on the ground. Maybe in the back of the bed of the truck. Definitely, without water or electrical hook-ups for RVs. I'm older now, so I have an A-frame, pop-up camper which provides some conveniences but I still choose the secluded sites with no water or electric hook-ups.
This summer I was thrilled to have a Conbola fan with me. On one particular camping weekend, the weather was hot and humid. Even while I was parked under a thick stand of shade trees, I had a hard time being comfortable. But I had the Conbola fan in the pop-up camper. This fan moves far more air than I had expected. And the battery lasted much longer than I had expected. Initially, I ran it for only short periods of time (an hour at a time) to try to ensure having a fan for the entire weekend. After that first day, I ran it for hours at a time, with confidence.
Portable Cooling on the Homestead
I may decide to use this fan in the winter to better circulate the hot air from the woodstove. I had also thought that this little fan would be perfect if I still had rabbits. Rabbits have fur and are easy to keep comfortable in cold weather. But rabbits are like me in that they don't do as well during hot summer days. Rabbit owners are often sharing tips with each other to help keep their rabbits cool. This fan would easily hang on their cage and provide a cooling breeze (note: under roof or other protection. I do not believe these fans are water resistant). I imagine that there may be other situations in which pets and animals would maybe require cooling. And, as my gardening friend demonstrated with her Conbola fan, some folks benefit from taking a fan with them while gardening.
As a Gift
This fan would make a great gift! I'm thinking of dorm rooms, craft/art studios, attic bedrooms, folks who have booths at summer festivals, and people who like to be prepared for low or no power emergency situations. Or, do you know people who live in the same home and participate in "thermostat wars" because one person is too cold and one is too hot? This would make a great gift for the person who prefers to have a personal breeze blowing. I am positive that you are able to think of someone who would put a quiet, cordless fan to good use.
If you prefer to shop the Conbola website, you will also find a large variety of their fans, lighting, and energy storage.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Wednesday is a popular Netflix series based on Wednesday Addams of the Addams Family. The first season, which aired in 2022, saw Wednesday, who is played by Jenna Ortega, try to solve a murder at Nevermore Academy.
The series received positive reviews from the critic with Wikipedia saying that it was "the second most watched English Netflix series." The second season was released in 2025 and the show has since been renewed for a third season.
DOLL DESCRIPTION
The show is
popular enough to have created some interesting merchandise including the American Girl doll named Wednesday who appears here on this page. The Hollywood Reporter says that the American
Girl doll company has “gone goth.” For this doll, American Girl partnered with Amazon MGM
Studios.
Packed in a special collector box with a certificate
of authenticity, she sold for $295 U.S. According to American Girl Fandom, she was released on July 21, 2025 and
sold out six days later on July 27, 2025. The limited-edition doll, with a run of 6,000 individually numbered dolls, was available on both the American Girl and the Amazon websites.
Wednesday is
like many other Truly Me American Girl dolls, measuring 18-inches with opening
and closing eyes, a vinyl head and limbs and a soft body. This doll, of
course, looks like the Wednesday character that many love. She has black pigtails, bangs that are called ‘curtain bangs', painted eyelashes, feathered eyebrows
and freckles. Her black velvet dresshas a white sateen Peter Pan-style collar and long sleeves. The
dress features an embroidered pattern that looks like a floral print and has
interesting black buttons. She wears black tights and panties and shiny black
patent kitten-heel Mary Jane-style shoes. Her accessories include a Thing figurine, two bags
of piranhas and a fake silver-colored obsidian necklace.
Better Homes and Gardens predicts that, at least in part because of the popularity of
Wednesday, this Halloween will see a trend to “dark academia, gothic,
Victorian, and downright spooky style and decor.” I agree and think that this
doll would make a great part of anyone's Halloween decor collection. Plus, because of the fact
that it is a limited-edition doll, I believe that it will increase in
value in the years to come.
UNBOXING VIDEO
Here's a short video unboxing of Wednesday:
BUY WEDNESDAY
Since Wednesday is sold out, you will have to look to resellers to find her. Click here to find your Wednesday Addams American Girl doll on eBay. If you can get your hands on one of these dolls, you’ll be doing the Wednesday Dance for sure!
OTHER MERCHANDISE
Other Wednesday
Addams toys have included a Monster High doll and a Fisher-Price Little People figurine
set. You will find thousands of new, used and vintage Wednesday Addams-themed merchandise on eBay by clicking here. I even saw a pair of Dr. Martens Wednesday
themed boots!
Don't miss out on the Wednesday merchandise at Amazon, either! Click here to see the collection there.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Faraday Bags Allow You to Block Tracking, Prevent Credit Card Data Theft & Key Fob Signal Theft
Electronics are great! Many of us enjoy the convenience of email,
online banking & shopping, reading books on electronic devices and even
starting our cars with remote control. However, with these fabulous
conveniences come opportunities for theft.
Thieves can use other electronic devices (rfid readers) to steal our credit
card information without ever touching our wallets, or even the physical
credit card. There are other devices to transfer your car key fob's
signal so they can unlock and start your car in order to steal
it. And, of course, we can all be tracked by our
phones.
Let's face it. If we can electronically do anything, there is also a
way for a thief to hack our devices and get entry to our information and
property. In order to protect our assets, we need Faraday bags to
block their intrusion.
I purchased a set of Faraday bags because I wasn't quite sure what size
would be best for my needs or how I would want to use them daily. It
turns out, they are all needed. I put the largest bag inside my
backpack and use it as if it were a liner to the backpack. I drop my
keys & wallet in it and retrieve them (just as I would from the
backpack) when I need them. That keeps them from being exposed to
thieves when I am simply carrying them while shopping, eating in a restaurant, or walking simply for exercise. I
gave the single key fob Faraday bag in the set to my son for his car key. I can
tell you from experience that it works! We have since purchased several single key fob Faraday bags.
Keeping our electronic devises in a Faraday bag at home is also wise. I recently read that thieves can stand outside your home windows and use devices to steal your data or signals while your wallets and key fobs are idly laying around your home. I hate to say it, but that could also mean when you have workmen around your home.
Additional benefits of Faraday bags are that they are water and
fire resistant. Of course, that is limited protection against water or
fire, but electronics could be saved by a Faraday bag if retrieved soon enough.
Rest stops, restaurants, or a friend's driveway are examples of the kinds of places I might stop for a short period of time and not want to carry in my iPad or cellphone.
Hotel rooms are also extremely venerable places. If you usually set your cell phone, keys and/or wallet on the night stand in a hotel room while you sleep, a Faraday bag would be essential.
What's in the Set
Large Faraday Bags (12.2 X 9.2 inch) - for Laptops & tablets
Medium Faraday Pouch (10.63 X 6.8 inch) - for tablets
Small Faraday Phone Pouch (7.87 X 4.72 inch) - for cell phones or passports
Extra Small RFID pouch (5.9 X 3.15 inch) - for a key fob
Each bag has a top velco strip closure. Simply fold the top over to press the velco strips together for closure
These are the Faraday Bags I Purchased Separately for a Laptop and Additional Key Fobs
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
If you've always loved Play-Doh, monsters and/or Halloween, Kenner's Count Creepyhead and Friends Play-Doh set is one you should own. It allows you to create your favorite monster faces and includes four masks representing Dracula or a vampire, a werewolf or the wolfman, a mummy and an evil countess, villain or queen.
The set includes the figure or body, his hair, a cape and the four masks referenced above. It is recommended for individuals aged 3 and up and is marked set number 24210 with the UPC code 076281242101.
Here's the original television commercial for the set:
And here's a review by Mike Mozart from The Toy Channel on YouTube. Mike does a great job of reviewing the toy in action and of making you want to own the set.
Unfortunately, it is a vintage 1984 playset, which means it is retired, rare and expensive. What is it worth today? The price does vary and I have seen a new set sell for $399 but today's results are somewhat lower than that and, of course, you can find used sets for considerably less. See for yourself what the Count Creepyhead and Friends Play-Doh set is valued at today by clicking hereto eBay.
What an great addition to a Play-doh or Halloween-themed toy collection!
Finally, this set is perfect for anyone who works in the medical world.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Opening a bottle of wine should feel like the beginning of a relaxing evening, not a battle with a stubborn cork. That's where the rechargeable electric wine opener comes in, making it a simple task to open a bottle of wine.
Our daughter and grandsons got this electric wine bottle opener for her birthday. We always have a couple of bottles of wine on hand for special occasions or just a relaxing glass of wine in the evening.
Fran and I definitely have different tastes in wine. Fran likes a dry wine, and for myself, it has to be on the sweeter side.
Features of the Electric Wine Opener:
Easy push-button operation. Press the "down" button to insert the cork, and the "up" button to extract the cork. No twisting or pulling required.
After a full charge, the wine opener will open 30 or 40 bottles of wine, depending on the model.
A foil cutter and vacuum wine stopper are included with our model.
Whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet glass at home, the rechargeable wine opener adds a touch of convenience and class. It's helpful for people with arthritis or reduced hand strength, as it eliminates the need for manual effort.
This is a perfect gift idea for friends and family who enjoy a glass of wine. I would say the electric wine opener is not a must-have, but a nice-to-have.
You will find a variety of Electric Wine Bottle openers on Amazon.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
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