This video introduced me to Jaimie Mantzel. He not only builds toys, he builds everything else! The top comment at reddit tells more about him.

This guy is a complete and total bad-ass. Seriously. (He’s also nearly constantly manic too, but I digress.)

He has this giant tree-house he built in the middle of the woods by hand which he actually lives/lived in. When he realized he needed a lumber mill to build a giant workshop to go along with his tree house in the woods, he made one himself, with two tires, a motor, and some aluminum poles (no joke).

Why did he need a giant workshop in the middle of the woods, you ask? To build a working life size version of this robot of course! And he did it using 99% junk yard scrap MacGyvered together (like everything else he does). He also wore chain-mail while doing all this to ‘stay fit’.

He has a video blog with tons of videos on YouTube. This guy is so interesting he has caused countless people to spend 10+ hours watching his videos in a single sitting (myself included!). Just look at the other comments here and you’ll see how common an occurrence this is.

P.S. Almost forgot! His “tree house” has a giant trampoline in one of the rooms integrated into the floor (one of those giant backyard ones).

P.P.S. He also somehow convinced his lady-friend to move out into the middle the woods and into his tree-house with him while he did all of this.

Anyway, this toy does not yet have a name, but he is working with a toy company to eventually produce it. -via reddit

Love Rat – $4.95

Are you still searching for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift? Look no further! Get the one you love a Love Rat from the NeatoShop. This adorable rat, with printed heart design, is also a squeaky toy. Your sweetheart will be floored by your thoughtfulness.

Be sure to check out the NeatoShop for more great Valentine’s Day ideas!

Link

Instructables member TigrisLi make a tank for her kitten out of cardboard, and posted the instructions so you can make one, too! Even if you don’t want a kitty-sized cardboard tank, don’t miss the short film she made of her kitten using it to blow the enemy away. Link -via Laughing Squid

Lalaloopsy Silly Hair Doll – $59.95

Tis the season to go insane trying to find those toys that your kids really want. Don’t worry the NeatoShop has your back. Just in time for the holidays the NeatoShop now has a very limited supply (and we do mean limited) of Lalaloopsy items. We have dolls, backpacks, and pencil toppers that are sure to make any little girl smile.

Be sure to check out the NeatoShop for more great Toys & Games!

Link

Mace the ninja dog takes on his arch enemy the plush turtle. His greatest assets are his stealth and amazing self-control. -via I Am Bored

There, steel saws were used to gain access and the mewing prisoner was revealed – as nothing more than a squeaky toy.

Kelvin Owen, who owns the engineering firm, said: ‘Once we got into the bin we heard the miaowing – it sounded just like a cat and we all started to carefully search the bags.

‘Then I found a bag of toys and picked out a toy. I said: “It couldn’t be this, could it?” As I held it it went “miaow, miaow”. Mystery solved!’

The sounds came from a talking plush toy resembling Marie from the Disney movie The Aristocats. Rescuers had a good laugh at the 12-hour effort to rescue the toy. Puss Puss is still missing, but may have been taken in by someone unaware of the search. Link -via Arbroath

Chuck Norris Talking Plush – $13.95

Do you wish you could cuddle up with your favorite action star? Well now you can with the Chuck Norris Talking Plush from the NeatoShop. Chuck Norris comes complete with two plastic model machine guns.

Push plush Chuck’s belly and he will tell you all kinds of wonderful Chuck Norris facts like:

• Chuck Norris doesn’t read books. He stares then down until they give him the information he needs.
• If at first you don’t succeed, you’re not Chuck Norris.

Be sure to check out the NeatoShop for more Plush Toy fun!

Link

]]> http://www.neatorama.com/2011/11/23/chuck-norris-talking-plush/feed/ 0 http://www.neatorama.com/2011/11/17/strongs-spiked-mace/ http://www.neatorama.com/2011/11/17/strongs-spiked-mace/#comments Thu, 17 Nov 2011 18:40:49 +0000 Tiffany http://www.neatorama.com/?p=56050 Strong’s Spike Mace – $15.95

Do you feel it is your right, nay duty, to introduce your nieces and nephews to the world of medieval weaponry? Why not start them off early with Strong’s Spike Mace from the NeatoShop. This soft spiked plush mace makes adorable rattling and clattering sounds as you swing it around. Also available:

• Strong’s Armor
• Strong’s Shield
• Strong’s Helmet
• Strong’s Sword

Be sure to check out the NeatoShop for more Dress-Up & Pretend Play fun.

Link

Want to take your pillow fights to the next level? These pillow weapons were designed with you in mind! Guaranteed to cause less bodily harm than a real scimitar, or lightsaber for that matter, they will make you fee like you’re armed with a real weapon when the pillows start flying. Now go forth and plush the heck out of each other!

Link

Those funny false teeth that move on their own -it seems like they’ve been around forever. But they were the invention of Eddie Goldfarb in the 1940s. They were called Yakity-Yak Talking Teeth. Collector’s Weekly has everything you ever needed to know about chattering teeth, from their inspiration, how they work, and how they became a hit. Link -Thanks, Ben!

If AT-ATs had wheels, they wouldn’t fall down so easy. But they were built a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, possibly before the invention of the wheel. However, Christopher Aleria improved upon the design by setting an AT-AT body atop an Axial Rock Crawler 4×4 remote control vehicle. Link -via Illuminations and Other Stuff

If you feel bad about your hamster’s efforts to run in the hamster wheel without getting anywhere, you might want to get him a car. It can run in place, on the floor, or on a track, and the wheel is detachable, in case the car is just not his style. Link -via Breakfast Links

This ball rolls around, light up, and acts like it has a mind of its own, which makes it the perfect cat toy. It does not have a mind of its own -it’s you, controlling it by Bluetooth! You can even control it and take video of its antics at the same time. $130 is kinda pricy for a cat toy, though, and it’s not even on the market yet. What it does to a cat’s pupils is priceless! Link -via Buzzfeed

Even adorable farting monsters want straight teeth.  Don’t believe me? Check out the Domo With Braces plush toy from the NeatoShop.  Hmmm … I wonder if he has to sleep in orthodontic headgear?

Be sure to check out the NeatoShop for more fabulous Plush Toys.

Link

What could possibly make such a cool looking Bowser figure, complete with movable arms, wrists and head and hammer, even cooler? Make him out of leather. This rugged little version of the big bad boss carries a price tag worthy of his royal stature-$300, over at the artist Megan’s custom toy site. This may be one expensive hunk of leather, but at least you’ll have something to brag about.

Link -via Destructoid

Celestial Buddies

Do you dream of snuggling up at night with a heavenly body? Well, now you can with the Celestial Buddies from the NeatoShop.  These fantastic plush toys are designed to look like the sun, earth, moon, and mars.

Be sure to check out the NeatoShop for more loveable Plush Toys.

Link

Arfsolut Vodka Plush Dog Toy – $11.95

Do you have a trendsetting dog who appreciates the finer things in life? Get him the Arfsolout Vodka Plush Toy from the NeatoShop.  Your sophisticated pooch will love this squeaky plush dog toy shaped like the iconic drink.

Be sure to check out the NeatoShop for more wooftastic Pet Stuff!

Link

“The order was definitely made,” says Maniera, “We have samples of the boxes so we know they were boxed up and shipped.

“The archives have copies of orders right from the beginning. We do know the orders were made, they were packed and shipped, but sadly to this day we don’t know what happened to the 3,000 bears.”

So how about that theory about the bears being lost at sea? Gunther Pfieffer, author of four books about Steiff bears, does not believe it.

“The mystery first appeared in 1953 with the 50th anniversary of the teddy bear. A clever employee of the marketing department was writing a little festival book and that’s the first time this story came up.

“So I guess it was just a good marketing idea, nothing else.”

But if they were shipped, why have none ever appeared in attics or auction houses?

Read the whole story at BBC News, then look in your attic to see if you might have a 55 PB. They are worth a ton of money! Link -via the Presurfer

(Image credit: The Steiff Museum)

Rob Surette send us this image of his latest art project: the world’s largest Lite Brite creation! The work is titled “World Peace” and features American faces on the left and faces the rest of the world on the right, gazing at each other in friendship. The piece is 20 feet long and 10 feet high, and contains 504,000 Lite Brite pegs! See more of Rob’s work at his website. Link

Handtrux Backhoe – $17.95

Can’t keep your kids out of the dirt?  If you can’t beat them join them. Get them the HandTrux Backhoe wearable digging tool from the NeatoShop.  Playing in the dirt or sand just got a whole lot more fun.

Handtrux Backhoe sold individually.  Remember to buy 2 for both hands.

Be sure to check out the NeatoShop for more great Toys & Games.

Link

A cute kitten spies a hamster ball and decides that’s where he wants to be. Which is perfect for a YouTube video. -via The Litter Box

The first time I got my eyes to move independently, it made me recoil.

Close one eye and you get to watch it open again with the other. Tilting or turning your head causes the mirror image to move the opposite way; it reflects you as other people actually see you, apart from the missing chunk of face between your eyes. Tilt the Looty 45 degrees and your reflection turns through 90. It also emphasizes differences in color perception.

It seems to be a source of brief amusement for anyone who picks it up. Yesterday, a guest turned it on its side and used it to inspect his nose hair.

If you’ve ever made or played with one of these, let us know what you think. Link -via reddit

Mergatroid - $14.95

Heavens to mergatroid!

How do you make a sock monkey even cuter?  You give him a nerdy spin.

If you love all things nerdy and geeky you need to check out the Mergatroid from the NeatoShop.  This little guy looks a whole lot smarter than your average teddy bear.

Be sure to check out the NeatoShop for more fabulous Plush Toys!

Link

Pocket Volcano - $3.95

Is that a volcano in your pocket or are you just happy to see me. Oh, it is just a volcano in your pocket.  How embarrassing.

Wow, that Pocket Volcano from the NeatoShop gives off some eruption.  Did you say it can be used over and over again?  That’s fantastic.

Be sure to check out the NeatoShop for more fabulous Science Toys.

Link

Are you looking for the perfect plush toy for your favorite little monster?  You need the My First Cthulhu from the NeatoShop.  Abject terror has never looked so cute and cuddly.  This is destined to be your budding science fiction lover’s favorite toy.

Be sure to check out the NeatoShop for more strange and fantastic Plush Toys and Cthulhu items.

Link

Wright spent over a year experimenting with different combinations of chemical compounds, hoping to produce a synthetic, “hard rubber” silicone that could withstand the high heat of jet engines or the freezing cold of nights on Navy ships. Towards the end of the summer in 1943, he and his team tried adding boron nitride as filler to an experimental silicone compound. But the scientists then learned that the substance they thought was boron nitride was actually a mixture of other chemical compounds, including boric acid. So they tried adding just boric acid.

The rest, as they say, is history. The resulting substance was gooey, not hard. Frustrated, Wright threw the goop onto the floor and to his surprise, it bounced right back up at him. A reporter from the Saturday Evening Post described the scene in a story (which, alas, is not online): “‘Golly,’ the scientist exclaimed as he dropped a ball of silicone putty, ‘look at it bounce!’”

They weren’t sure what to do with the stuff, but they had fun playing with it. Read how this mistake became the classic putty toy we all know and love. Link

Craftster member blupony808 made this awesome plush angler fish out of fabric, garden hose, a night light, paint, and imagination. Yes, it lights up, too! This project won the monthly challenge at Craftster. See more pictures of how she built it. Link -via Rue The Day

The Playmobil Apple Store is a preschool geek’s dream toy! It features the Genius Bar, kid’s corner, sales floor, and a conference room -and comes with over 60 accessories! And get this -you can slip your iPhone in place behind Steve Jobs and animate his presentation! The Playmobil Apple Store is a new item introduced today at ThinkGeek. Link

Wiener Schnitzel with Fries Plush – $16.95

Is your spring time diet preventing you from eating your favorite Austrian dish?  You need the Wiener Schnitzel with Fries Plush from the NeatoShop!  You may not be able to eat your favorite meal, but at least you can play with it!

The Wiener Schnitzel with Fries Plush comes complete with faux lemon slice and ketchup.  I don’t know who comes up with this stuff, but I am just so happy that they do!

Be sure to check out the NeatoShop for more strangely fabulous Plush Toys!

FAO Schwarz has a Muppet Workshop, where you can have your own “Muppet Whatnot” created just for you. You can design yours online with this generator. I made this one; others have designed Whatnots that look like Charlie Sheen, Bill Clinton, and others. Having it actually made into a Muppet will cost you $129.99. Link -via reddit

Attention Doctor Who Fans! We present the adorable Baby Adipose Plush from the NeatoShop. He is so cute and cuddly. Really, who doesn’t love an alien composed of living fat?

Be sure to check out the NeatoShop for more fabulous Doctor Who items.

Black Beast of Arrrggghhh (Mini) – $9.95

Do you love Monty Python and the Holy Grail? Well, you are going to love the Black Beast of Arrrggghhh (Mini) from the NeatoShop!  Even the animator’s fatal heart attack cannot save you from the adorableness of this legendary plush toy.

Are you on a quest for fabulous Plush Toys? Be sure to check out the NeatoShop!

]]> http://www.neatorama.com/2011/03/21/black-beast-of-arrrggghhh-mini/feed/ 0 http://www.neatorama.com/2011/03/19/domo-nerd-plush/ http://www.neatorama.com/2011/03/19/domo-nerd-plush/#comments Sat, 19 Mar 2011 19:22:03 +0000 Tiffany http://www.neatorama.com/?p=43433 Attention Domo fans! Behold the Domo Nerd Plush from the NeatoShop.  You know you want him!

What’s cuter than a farting, saw toothed creature who hates apples? A farting, saw toothed creature, who hates apples, and is dressed like a nerd! Oh, he is just too adorable.

Be sure to check out the NeatoShop for more fabulous Plush Toys.

Do you love Ninjas? Do you love Nesting Dolls? You are going to love the Ninja Matryoshka from the NeatoShop!

The Ninja Matryoshka can kick that regular, old and boring Matryoshka’s butt!  It will happen so fast they won’t even see it coming.

Be sure to check out the NeatoShop for more neat Nesting Dolls!

Princess Leia Star Wars Pop! Bobblehead – $9.95

Attention Star Wars Fans! Check out the Princess Leia Star Wars Pop! Bobblehead from the NeatoShop! Yes, we finally have a Princess Leia item! Isn’t she cute!

Be sure to check out the NeatoShop for more Star Wars fun!

Do you have trouble convincing people that you are a geek?  Try the Bug Eyes Geek Chic Toy Glasses from the NeatoShop.  Embracing a stereotype has never been so easy.

If you love the Bug Eyes Geek Chic Toy Glasses you will also love the Klutzo and Nerdtastic glasses.

Be sure to check out the NeatoShop for more fabulous Gag Gifts & Pranks!

Are you looking for a way to annoy your frenemies who have small children? Does buying a drum set seem like too much of an investment? Get the Train Whistle from the NeatoShop.

The Train Whistle from the NeatoShop is strong and durable.  It is also surprisingly easy to use.  Those kids will be making loud train sounds in no time!

Be sure to check out the NeatoShop for more fabulous Classic Toys and Puzzles!

Goodnight Moon Storybook Zoobie -  $34.95

The Goodnight Moon Storybook Zoobie from the NeatoShop. It’s the classic version. It’s not set in the Dune universe.

This cuddly plush bunny turns from a toy, to a pillow, to a blanket. It’s tame, super functional, and downright adorable. It makes the perfect companion for your active child.

I’ll admit, however, a Dune version would be cool too. But, probably not as cuddly!

Be sure to check out the NeatoShop for more fabulous kids items.

Darth Vader Talking Plush – $25.95

Do you have trouble sleeping at night? Try cuddling up with the Darth Vader Talking Plush from the NeatoShop. Nothing soothes the nerves like the heavy breathing of the Sith Lord.  Who knew the Dark Side could be so comforting and cute!

Be sure to check out the NeatoShop for more Star Wars fun!

]]> http://www.neatorama.com/2011/03/01/darth-vader-talking-plush/feed/ 0 http://www.neatorama.com/2011/02/23/the-drinking-bird-a-scientific-toy-for-the-ages/ http://www.neatorama.com/2011/02/23/the-drinking-bird-a-scientific-toy-for-the-ages/#comments Wed, 23 Feb 2011 16:39:57 +0000 Miss Cellania http://www.neatorama.com/?p=42369

I enjoyed watching the drinking bird at my grandma’s house, but could never have one of my own because I keep cats. The bird never stops, and since there’s no such thing as a perpetual motion machine, there must be some reasonable explanation for the bird’s persistence.

One can only wonder if the inventor of the dipping bird, Miles V Sullivan broke even from his invention.  The idea began years before the patent and originally, as you might suspect, it had nothing to do with the bird.  Sullivan was an inventor-scientist at Bell Labs but as a young man he enjoyed evenings out.

It wasn’t the music or the lights but the bubbles in the tube at the sides of a juke box that grabbed his attention.  He noticed that the energy wasn’t going anywhere and the inventor determined that something could be done with them.  What he wanted to do was to harness motion- the idea of the bird came along later to make it more entertaining.  Of course, while it is simply for fun it is the science behind it which makes it work.

Oh, you’ll get an explanation of how it works, and more, from Kuriositas. Link

Steve Spangler has produced several toys based on the Coke/Mentos reaction, such as the Mentos Geyser Tube and the Soda Geyser Depth Charge Kit. The newest, the Soda Geyser Car, was introduced at Toy Fair 2011, which is still going on in New York City. Cool Things has two videos of the car in action, so you can watch as this vehicle moves under its own “rocket power” fueled by Mentos and Diet Coke. Looks like a lot of fun for kids who have plenty of room outdoors and a water hose to clean themselves off before they enter the house! Link -Thanks, Sunny!

The monster from the Sy-Fy movie has been enshrined in plush! This is a one-of-a-kind Sharktopus was hand-made by Suzannah Ashley. See more pictures at her website. Link -via Laughing Squid

Ball of Whacks – $29.95

Another new item at the NeatoShop is the toy called the Ball of Whacks. It consists of 30 magnetic pyramidal pieces -just imagine all the weird shapes you can make out of them! A great stress reliever or boredom-fighter at work or at home. Also available in black.

Link | More New Items

A remote-control spider, a slick floor, and a kitten -what could be more fun? -via Buzzfeed

Did you ever own a Magic 8-Ball? Inside the ball, there’s a 20-sided die called an icosahedron that displayed one of 20 answers to your questions when it floated into the window. “Yes” is a given, but how many of the other 19 possible answers can you name in ten minutes without pulling your 8-Ball out of the closet? That’s the challenge of today’s Lunchtime Quiz at mental_floss. I never owned one, so when I tried the quiz, my first dozen guesses were wrong and I gave up! Link

Wouldn’t you like a Yuk-Man of your own? It might be hard to find, however. The only reference I could find for this toy was a newspaper article from 1986. You might try eBay. -via Tacky Raccoons

A newly-design Rubik’s cube seems to have one purpose: increase the number of people frustrated by the ever-popular Rubik’s cube.

Instead of colors, every square is covered with Braille, allowing the blind to endlessly turn cubes until eventually they throw their hands up in frustration.

This gives new meaning to putting a "stumbling block before the blind."

One of the more sensible concepts in a long time that hopefully will delight the sighted folks too! Maybe we’ll learn Braille in this process!

Link

From the Upcoming ueue, submitted by nmiller.

Less murder-y than a real chainsaw and more fun than any Texas Massacre.

Etsy artist SteffBomb has a limited-edition run of plush chainsaws available! Link -via Geekologie