The Glow Brick has to be the next best thing to remote-controlled lighting. In fact we’ll stick our neck out and say that it’s even better because you don’t have to lift a finger to switch it on. A strangely lovely phosphorescent green light bulb is entombed in a clear acrylic brick which lounges about by day quietly soaking up solar energy then takes centre stage by night. At dusk the light starts glowing all green and mysterious showing an awesome staying power throughout the darkest hours. The overall effect is of a disembodied shining light bulb suspended in mid air which you’d have to agree is not something you see every day. On a functional level it makes a handy low-maintenance security light. On a frivolous level it’s a jolly nice talking piece for people who like to talk in dark rooms. 11×7.8×7.8cm No batteries required

• Gift – Home & Office

Price : £ 19.99

Read more…

Solar energy really seems to be taking off and it’s about time too. The 6 in 1 Solar Robot Kit takes full advantage of that flaming ball of gas not 93 000 000 miles away we lovingly call the sun. It’s a DIY beginner’s kit that’s perfect for anyone with more than a passing interest in robots (which is everyone surely?). You can build the kit 6 different ways which means once you’ve finished making one robot you can take it apart and turn it into a solar powered boat windmill or car and that’s just 3 of them. The diagrams are very easy to follow we even let the office luddite have a go at building one. Not only is it really fun to make but it’s great for showing you solar power in action so it’s educational as well as fun to make. If you live somewhere that doesn’t get a lot of sunlight (anywhere in mainland UK for instance) you’ll be very happy to hear that the sun isn’t the only source of energy this kit can draw power from. A 50 watt halogen lightbulb will do the trick meaning you can even play with your robot on those rainy winter days. The 6 in 1 Solar Robot kit is just the ticket for the eco conscious roboteer.

• Gift – Toys

Price : £ 9.99

Read more…

Solar energy really seems to be taking off and it’s about time too. The 6 in 1 Solar Robot Kit takes full advantage of that flaming ball of gas not 93 000 000 miles away we lovingly call the sun. It’s a DIY beginner’s kit that’s perfect for anyone with more than a passing interest in robots (which is everyone surely?). You can build the kit 6 different ways which means once you’ve finished making one robot you can take it apart and turn it into a solar powered boat windmill or car and that’s just 3 of them. The diagrams are very easy to follow we even let the office luddite have a go at building one. Not only is it really fun to make but it’s great for showing you solar power in action so it’s educational as well as fun to make. If you live somewhere that doesn’t get a lot of sunlight (anywhere in mainland UK for instance) you’ll be very happy to hear that the sun isn’t the only source of energy this kit can draw power from. A 50 watt halogen lightbulb will do the trick meaning you can even play with your robot on those rainy winter days. The 6 in 1 Solar Robot kit is just the ticket for the eco conscious roboteer.

• Gift – Toys

Price : £ 9.99

Read more…

Have tonnes of fun building six different solar toys and watch them come to life in sunlight. Learning about solar energy has never been so much fun, whatever your age!

Price : £ 19.95

Read more…