COMMUNICATIONS & ELECTRONICS

This pocket-sized mini-flashlight has (9) 405nm ultraviolet LEDs and myriad uses, from checking U.S. currency to working the door at your ultra-hip downtown clubs, spotting radiator and transmission fluid leaks, mineral identification, and (yes, it's true) locating lost scorpions in the dark. Measures approx 3-3/4" long x 1-1/8" dia with knurled sections so you won't lose your grip, and a wrist strap in case you do. You supply (3) "AAA" batteries and the scorpions.

Da Mare could use this to point out cracks in the infrastructure at Wrigley Field. You, having a forgiving nature, will resist the urge to point out cracks in da mayor's infrastructure. You will, of course, use it to point out chimney cracks to the tuck-pointer, a cracked limb to the tree-trimmer, and the crack in your profit picture during a slide presentation. You can do all that and much, much more with the highly visible bright light from this <5mW green laser pointer. It's an unbelievable tool. If you need a laser pointer that seems to go on forever and is so strong that you can actually see the beam in the dark, it will be the best low-cost investment you ever made. Or the coolest high-end toy. The 532nm (+/-10) light is 5-5/8" long x 1/2" dia, with (2) "AAA" batteries (not included), a momentary-on switch, pocket clip. An absolute necessity for astronomy, construction, surveying, warehousing, inspection and other large sites. And for playing in the dark.

Nothing personal, electricians, but these bright (60 lumens) COB LEDs are cute, wireless and mount via a magnetic back or the included double-sided foam tape. Twist-on, twist-off. Perfect accent lighting for under counters or bookshelves, but handy anywhere. Measure 1-1/8” dia x 1/2” thick, and swivel right or left inside the detachable mounts. Powered by a pair of button-cell batteries, included. Our each is (6) lights.

Think Tinkerbell after you clap. This 17-foot string of teensy yellowish-white LEDs are labeled “Soft Glow,” but they seem mighty bright to us. Smaller than a grain of rice and on a bendable wire, they're powered by a USB or a pair of AA batteries (included). Like their big brother LED sets, but much more delicate. We're thinking around windows, shelves, plants, wreaths, small Christmas trees (or trees on any sort), table centerpieces, hats, or even special hairdos.

If anyone at NPR ever needs a lamp for a concert, this is it. It’s about the cutest thing we’ve seen all year, a super-mini version of a swing-arm drafting table lamp that stands approx 4-1/2” tall when fully extended and 3-1/2” when folded down. Base is approx 2” dia and can be removed for the clip-on option. Has a power button on the dome and an extra bright light. Battery included. Great for microscopes with mirrors or inspection microscopes. Also great just to delight anyone who’s looking at it.

We don't like to brag, but it's tough not to in a case like this. This is a wonderful pen-shaped laser pointer, 5-1/4" long, flat black or silver with gold pocket clip and head. It throws a red point a loong way (we've thrown it two city blocks at night, and it would've gone farther, but buildings got in the way). And what are we so proud of? We've seen a very similar item-not identical, mind you, but essentially the same-in one of those glossy, toys-for-grown-men catalogs. Their price? $20! We're proud not to be profit-mongers, buy it here and you can take pride in your smart shopping habits. (2) AAA Batteries are not included.

Yes, the sun already lights your yard, but with this set of (100) solar-powered white LEDs, it will light up the yard at night, too. On a 36-foot cord attached to a solar cell and a NiMH rechargeable battery, it operates in steady-on or flashing modes. Recharges in the day and illuminates at night. Eight-hour charge cycle. Internal sensor detects ambient light and only turns on at night. Includes mounting hardware, mollies and a 7" mounting stake. Perfect for the holidays in remote locations. Great for modeling or doll houses.

Our common red or green pointer too blasé for you? Make your point violetly with one of these rare violet laser pointers. Its non-slip black rubberized case with silver accents is 6-1/8” long x 7/16”dia, with a momentary switch and a pocket clip. Does not Include the (2) “AAA” batteries you’ll need. 

You know about messages and ships in bottles, so it’s probably time for you to branch out with these terrariums in bulbs. It was bound to happen. Our very nice, clear-glass, upside-down light bulbs measure 7" tall x 3-1/2" dia at the widest. Inside they have polished rocks and plastic succulent foliage accented by a stylish 10-LED string of grain-of-wheat-style lights twisting through it. Featured flora include agave, aloe vera, torch plant and jade. Comes with four CR2032 coin cells for power. Just press the top to turn on the lights.

Sometimes there’s nothing for it but having your own plasma ball. This is the travel- or office-size, a manageable 3-1/8" dia acrylic ball standing on concentric blue disks, 5-1/4” tall altogether. Power it up with the included USB cord or (4) "AA" batteries and lay hands upon it and watch the soothing red and blue streamers wave and undulate your troubles away. Great for disco or psychedelic raves in your car or cubicle; you supply the soundtrack. Also great for just strapping to your head to make sure people look at you at music festivals. Get creative with it--take it everywhere you go

But here’s an 800 lumen nightlight for your driveway or backyard anyway! By iZoom®, and direct from the late-night infomercials, this quad beam solar-powered light has (98) white COB LEDs across its 4-faces and a rechargeable lithium battery inside. It’s motion and light-sensitive, and shines brighter when it senses motion . Measures 3-3/4" x 5" x 1-3/4" and comes with a self-adhesive pad on the back, plus screws and mollies. You supply the darkness. Sells for over $15 at a popular home retailer.

Bring back the '70s for nine bucks. Screw this red-green-blue LED prismatic, rotating bulb into any standard medium-base light socket and your room turns into disco heaven. Bulb will stand about 5" above or below the socket. Draws approx 6W. CJ recommends any Donna Summer album for use with it. Please note that the remote depicted on the packaging is not included.

Call it a gonzo version of our best work-light, this 4-5/8" x 2-1/4" x 1" cigarette-pack-size light has (60) white LEDs in a 3" x 1-1/2" window with a bright mode and a way brighter mode that would blind a turkey vulture, plus (4) more for a standard flashlight mode. Includes a flip-out easel, hook and a disc magnet. Comes with (3) "AAA"s. Manufacturer rates this bad boy at 900 lumens. 

Because there are no jobs that can’t be improved by a little light cubicle boogying. This disco light measures 3-5/8” dia x 3-1/2” tall with red, green and blue LEDs under a clear plastic prismatic dome that spins approx 36 rpm. Powered by the trio of “AA” batteries that you provide. And remember: what you do on your lunch hour is your business. Don’t work in a cubicle? Put one in your camper or tent. Again: what you do in your camper or tent is your business.

And you will, too, without even going to Folsom Prison, if you get this authentic-looking railroad crossing light. Has a flashing mode, and a light and sound option that includes locomotive noises that Pat called “awesome.” (He's a train guy.) Measures approx 10-1/2” tall x 6-3/8" x 2-7/8" (the light, not Pat), and you'll need to add a trio of “AA” batteries. For ages 3+.

We can never seem to find just the right communication aid when planning military campaigns, signaling for help or playing with kitties. This 3” laser pointer is perfect for all that and more, and since it’s also a keychain, it’s always handy. Switch out the (5) included tips to make shine a point, smiley face, dollar-sign, thumbs-up or heart (don’t hate us if yours are different). Includes (3) button cell batteries. Maximum output less than 1 MW.

How green is your thumb? Hard to tell in the dark unless you’ve got these nice solar garden lights showing off your hard work. No messing with wires or outlets--just stake them anywhere you want to add ambient lighting, flip on the switch and fugetaboutit. The 100-lumen beam can be focused to flood or spot so you can accent your flowers, pathways, garden gnomes or whatever you think needs accenting. Built-in solar panel swivels 360° to capture the sunlight and charge the 500mAh battery. Measures about 4-1/2” dia. and stands about 15” tall and they’re weatherproof with an IP54 rating. Great price, too! 

The Shape of Cool™ is trademarked. Really. And its owner is Lava® brand lamps. Accept no substitutes, we always say. Usually. Sometimes. Certainly in this case. These assorted Lava® Lamps are 14-1/2" tall in silver aluminum and it may have blue liquid with green lava; purple liquid with pink lava; or blue liquid with purple lava (our choice). All classic Lava® combos. Includes the 25W bulb in the base. Replacement bulbs are also sold by the 2-pack. UL.

Jarvis says: Lava Lamps are not expected to be available until Springtime, when it's warm enough that they don't freeze in transit.