Without the internet, little glass screens, and a lot of computer chips, we wouldn't be where we are today. It's a mind-bending realization that so much creation is locked inside tiny devices the size of a Fruit Roll-Up. People need a break sometimes. These gifts are for the person you know who would appreciate the chance to step away from the computer and hold something in their hand. We've got escape tools, time sinks, and more for your gift-giving season.
Things Teens Actually Want, Gifts for Music Lovers and Audiophiles, and Smart Gifts to upgrade your beauty routine are some of the other gift guides.
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Scalextric Ginetta Racers Slot Car Set.
Slot car racing has more skill than meets the eye. The racer has to know when to give the car the boost and how much to give if they lose the race. Scalextric has started putting computer chips in its digital slot car sets, but this 1/32 scale analog set races like the slot cars of the old days. The person you give it to will need someone to race, and that is a plus.
The 2WD Short Stadium R/C Truck was manufactured by Traxxas.
This 1/10-scale remote-control truck is powered by an electric motor, so its owner doesn't need to charge it. There was no fiddling with the fuel. Four-wheel independent suspension and enough travel to handle flying over unpaved terrain is what it has. The electronics have been waterproofed so the driver can blast through puddles and wet pavement.
Let your special person build their own mid-century typewriter with your Lego nostalgia in mind. The keys work and the carriage moves left to right, just like a real typewriter, while it won't actually put ink to paper. The kit has 2,079 pieces, so it's marketed toward adults.
I like to play darts. When you take away the fake noises and sirens of the digital versions, it's a lot simpler. The thin-gauge wire makes bounce-outs less likely, and Sisal-fiber material is the benchmark for traditional dartboards. Buy your special person some quality darts, too, while you're at it.
Discraft 175-Gram Ultra Star Sport Disc.
My friends and I used to go to a nearby Frisbee golf course for nine or 18 holes of relaxation during lunchtime. It's a good way to clear the mind during a busy day, and Frisbee golf courses are everywhere. Your friend's disc needs to be upgraded from the dusty junk in his garage. A 175-gram disc is a standard weight, so if your friend gets into Ultimate Frisbee, it will serve well for that as well.
$10 at Dick's.
Enjoy every subtle hiss and pop from pure analog audio. The best turntables for their classy good looks were given top marks in the guide by associate reviews editor and audio engineer Parker Hall. It comes with a built-in belt drive, which is quieter than a direct-drive turntable.
The concert is called Kala KA-CG.
Ukeleles are popular for a number of reasons. They're fun and sound great. It's just stating a fact. They're easy to learn. You don't have to pay a lot to get a nice one. The gift of music is given by this gorgeous ukelele. It's concert-sized, meaning it's a little bigger than the tiny Soprano Ukelele, but still small enough to be adorable. If they're new to the instrument, we recommend that they read our guide to learning how to play music online.
The film camera has a chrome pinhole.
For a moment, forget your digital camera's claim to accurate color representation. If you know a true artiste, give them a film camera that can take pictures. The HydroChrome is a type of camera that makes images with soft edges and colors. The liquid-filled lens produces very weird, artistic photographs.
Bell introduced the Bell Model 500 rotary telephones in 1950. If your friend's school colors are orange, or if they just like pink or red, they come in a lot of other colors. Make sure the person you're giving it to has an old, analog phone.
The Notre Dame Puzzle is a 3D puzzle.
This 3D puzzle is more than just a pretty exterior. It has true inner beauty as well. The architect can open it 180 degrees to view the interior of the cathedral, which is 1/250-scale. The builder will be busy for a while.
The board games might be bigger than ever. Surprised? The appeal of in-person gaming is still strong despite the popularity of video games. In 2004, Ticket to Ride came out, but it's still considered a new thing. It's built up a large fan following due to its deep strategy, easy to learn nature, and re-playability.
A bullet journal is a combination of two methods. Condensed into a form of shorthand that's heavy on bulleted lists, the writer can write whatever they want. Over time, the author can look at their thoughts and accomplishments. These thick pages are smooth to write on and don't bleed ink through to the other side. We have a list of our favorite paper planners.
The Estes Tandem X Model Rocket Launch Set is a model rocket launch set.
If your friend is new to model rockets, the larger Amazon rocket is the one to start with. It comes mostly preassembled, is easier to spot in the sky, and tops out at only 650 feet altitude. The smaller Crossfire rocket can reach an altitude of 1,200 feet. The kit comes with everything your friend needs, except for engines and recovery wadding.
Mountain Hardwear 20L Pack.
This lightweight daypack is a great way to encourage your friend to discover the outdoors. This 20-liter pack is ideal for day trips where they'll be home by dark, and it has an exterior water bottle pocket, which isn't always found on small packs like this. Check out our guide to the best gear to start hiking.
Lydia Horne, WIRED's former editorial business manager, said that the SpeedPixels fit more like a sneaker than a boot. She likes them because they work outdoors as well as they do on a roller rink, and just change the wheels. They don't have as much ankle stability as heavier models of roller skate, but they offer a greater degree of control for tight turns and short stops. Check out our guide to the best roller skating gear.
There are many cocktail books. Most are OK. These two are among the best because they do more than just give instructions. The Cocktail Book and The Joy of Mixology break down why cocktails need to be mixed and balanced in a certain way to taste great. These two are on any cocktail drinker's bookshelf, along with Adam Rogers's Proof: The Science of Booze.
