1. Stellar seconds
Here’s a way to keep icky old empty laundry detergent bottles out of landfills, because that’s exactly what was used to make the Confetti Clipboard (Blu Planet, $8 at The Container Store). Plus, it has a low-profile clasp, so it’s easy to slip in a backpack or bag.
2. Appetizing aliens
You’ll want to chomp on these aliens, because they’re actually candy pops. Alien Pops (Impact Confections, under $1 at Wal-Mart or Kmart) come in eight great flavors: banana, blue raspberry, cotton candy, grape, strawberry shake, vanilla shake, watermelon and wild cherry.
3. Life preserver
Cuddle your Beanie Babies to your heart’s content–these Collectors Clipps (Clipp Designs, $1.50 at Zany Brainy; or call 1-800-494-3936) will keep those tags in totally top shape. They’re clear-plastic, heart-shaped cases made to fit the tags just right.
4. Instant eats
Your refrigerator may be disappointingly snack-free, but this teeny volume that sticks to its door can save the day. Break open “The Magnetic Cookie Cookbook” (by Gina Steer, Sterling Publishing Co., $6 at bookstores) and whip up something yummy from the 10 recipes in the book. Or just leave it on the frig to give someone else a hint. We loved the Double Chocolate Chip Cookies.
5. Rub a dub dub
Sick of singing in the shower? Too old for the rubber ducky in the tub? Entertain yourself with Washy Squashy Magical Modeling Soap (SunFeather, $6 each at H2O+). Mold it, mush it, sculpt it, smoosh it. Air-dry to harden; moisten to soften. It comes in three divine scents: Lemon, Tangerine and Merry Minty.
6. Colorama
You don’t get what you see with Crayola Color Mix-up Crayons (about $2 for a box of 16). Pigment bubbles burst when you draw, making strokes that have three distinct colors. We love Rainforest, which is forest green, dark blue and royal purple. Look where school supplies are sold.
