Unique Home Office Essentials: LEGO Typewriter, Kettles, And More | Vol. 5
Five editorially chosen picks: one hero, three supporting acts, and one wildcard. This drop is designed to be browsed as a full collection, not just a pile of affiliate links.
Hero Pick
LEGO Ideas Typewriter
An incredibly detailed LEGO set that mimics a typewriter, blending nostalgia with creativity.
At a glance
Everything in this drop
LEGO Ideas Typewriter
An incredibly detailed LEGO set that mimics a typewriter, blending nostalgia with creativity.
Fellow Stagg EKG Kettle
The Fellow Stagg EKG Kettle is not just a kettle; it's an experience for coffee enthusiasts and tea connoisseurs alike. With its sleek design and precise temperature control, it's the perfect companion for elevating your brew.
Peak Design Everyday Tote V2
A versatile tote bag designed to tackle everyday adventures with style and practicality.
Marshall Emberton II Speaker
The Marshall Emberton II is a portable speaker that brings a blend of style and sound quality, making it a must-have for music enthusiasts on the go.
Divoom Ditoo Pixel Art Speaker
A quirky Bluetooth speaker that's as much about pixel art as it is about sound quality.
Deep dive
Why each pick earned its place
LEGO Ideas Typewriter
An incredibly detailed LEGO set that mimics a typewriter, blending nostalgia with creativity.
Price
£348
Editorial rating
5.0 / 5
Let's be honest, we're all drowning in a sea of gadgets that promise to make our lives better, yet somehow, here I am, still searching for that elusive spark of joy. Enter the LEGO Ideas Typewriter, a glorious reminder of simpler times where a satisfying 'clack' and the sight of ink on paper ruled the world. This isn't just a building set; it's a ticket to the past that also doubles as a quirky conversation starter, or at the very least, a splendid way to show off to your mates how 'artsy' you are.
With its impressive attention to detail, this set effortlessly earns the title of Hero pick. It's like someone took the charm of vintage typewriters, sprinkled in a bit of nostalgia, and wrapped it all in LEGO bricks. To think I was only after a good distraction from adulting!
Let's face it, not all of us can actually write that next great novel, but with this stunning piece on our desk, we can at least pretend we're working towards it while we pen our shopping lists. Talk about killing two birds with one beautifully crafted brick!
The Irresistible
- The delightful nostalgia factor-every click transports me back to simpler days.
- It's a conversation piece that even your non-LEGO friends admire (shock horror).
- The building experience is surprisingly therapeutic; who knew connecting bricks could be a form of adulting?!
The Clever Part
- Perfect for creative souls who enjoy a bit of DIY with a retro twist.
- Collectible as it is functional-like owning a slice of design history but in plastic.
- The typewriter keys actually move when you press them, turning this into an interactive display model.
The Fine Print
- Can we talk about the amount of time required to build? I lost track somewhere around bag 7.
- Lego pieces tend to wander off, meaning I had to conduct a rather sad treasure hunt between the sofa cushions.
- Be prepared for the inevitable questions from friends asking why you own a LEGO typewriter-explain that one!
The Reality Check
- Not exactly travel-friendly-this beauty will have to sit proudly on your desk, gathering all the 'oohs' and 'aahs'.
- One small spillage of coffee will ruin its aesthetic appeal-trust me, I speak from experience!
Fellow Stagg EKG Kettle
The Fellow Stagg EKG Kettle is not just a kettle; it's an experience for coffee enthusiasts and tea connoisseurs alike. With its sleek design and precise temperature control, it's the perfect companion for elevating your brew.
Price
£156
Editorial rating
4.5 / 5
Ah, the humble kettle. A device we've all taken for granted since the dawn of time. Yet in our mad rush for life's daily caffeine fix, we might overlook its true potential: the Fellow Stagg EKG Kettle.
I've stumbled upon this gem in my quest to brew the perfect cup of coffee, and I must say, it is a game-changer. As a Supporting character in the grand narrative of kitchen gadgets, it's not out to steal the spotlight but rather to enhance the act of brewing.
Imagine making the perfect pour-over in a world where your old kettle is just too... well, average. The EKG allows you to precisely control temperatures-because who knew boiling water could be so complicated? It might just make your mornings slightly less chaotic and maybe even pleasurable. Let's dive into what makes this kettle a delightful addition to your countertop, shall we?
The Irresistible
- Looks downright stylish with its matte finish and wood accents-good luck pulling your eyes away from it.
- The gooseneck spout makes pouring a breeze; it's practically like having a barista in your kitchen, minus the hipster beard.
- Precise temperature control is a total game-changer for tea lovers and coffee aficionados alike-goodbye, guesswork!
The Clever Part
- Heats up quickly; no more standing around twiddling my thumbs while waiting for the kettle to do its thing.
- The 0.9 litre capacity strikes a good balance-I can brew coffee for me and still have enough for an oversized teapot.
- The BrewID feature remembers your last brew settings; it feels like this kettle actually listens to me. What a concept!
The Fine Print
- The price tag might induce a slight wince-Kettles don't usually come with an aesthetic degree, do they?
- The power cord is slightly short; consider positioning your kettle wisely to avoid an awkward stretch across the counter.
- There's a bit of a learning curve for the temperature controls; I accidentally heated water to boiling when all I wanted was a gentle simmer.
The Reality Check
- It's an electric kettle, which means if you fancy your morning brew while camping, the EKG will just mock you silently.
- No whistles or bells here, so if you're one for being alerted that your water is ready, you might need to set a timer-old school style!
Peak Design Everyday Tote V2
A versatile tote bag designed to tackle everyday adventures with style and practicality.
Price
£169.97
Editorial rating
4.0 / 5
Now, let's set the scene. You've just left the house, coffee in one hand, your laptop precariously balanced in the other, and half a mind on the sheer number of bags you're juggling. What you need in such a calamity is a dependable sidekick that doesn't scream 'I'm just a tote!' Enter the Peak Design Everyday Tote V2, your stylish answer to chaotic modern living.
Don't get me wrong: this isn't the main act-that's reserved for the overachieving backpacks and incredibly nippy messenger bags out there. But as a Supporting pick, this tote has cheeky versatility that makes it a practical alternative when you can't be bothered to strap on a backpack or when you're just popping to the café to grab a slice of normalcy (and cake).
With a weatherproof shell, FlexFold dividers, and enough pockets to make a conspiracy theorist proud, this tote is ready to turn your daily grind into an effortless stroll-if only the coffee shop queues could follow suit.
The Irresistible
- The weatherproof shell means no soggy documents if you get caught in a downpour-ideal for the British climate!
- FlexFold dividers keep everything organized, meaning you won't have to root around for that elusive pen buried under a crush of receipts.
- The option to carry it crossbody or over the shoulder makes it surprisingly versatile for both the hurried office worker and the weekend wanderer.
The Clever Part
- At 15L, it strikes that perfect balance-not too big, not too small; ideal for all those odd bits and bobs that clutter our lives.
- The internal and external pockets let you separate your tech from your lunch-no one wants a sandwich next to their laptop, thank you very much!
- It looks pretty sharp, which means you won't feel underdressed when accidentally entering a posh café (hello, overpriced avocado toast).
The Fine Print
- Unlike a traditional backpack, this tote doesn't come with a waist strap, leading to the inevitable shoulder asymmetry, which is a personal annoyance of mine.
- The main compartment's wide top access can lead to items flopping about if you're not careful, so it's not the best for those who thrive on chaos.
- While it's brilliant for lighter loads, if you're considering lugging around heavy textbooks, you might want to reconsider; your arms will let you know it.
The Reality Check
- It's not exactly the cheapest choice in the tote world-parting with your hard-earned cash comes with its own sting.
- If you are a fan of vibrant colours, you might be a bit disappointed; black is lovely, but sometimes a pop of colour can brighten up your day!
Marshall Emberton II Speaker
The Marshall Emberton II is a portable speaker that brings a blend of style and sound quality, making it a must-have for music enthusiasts on the go.
Price
£127.33
Editorial rating
4.5 / 5
Let's face it: in a world where our phones carry the weight of a thousand playlists, the last thing we need is yet another dive into the tangled mess of cables to get decent sound. Having become a self-proclaimed connoisseur of portable speakers (read: I've been through a few duds), I was positively chuffed when the Marshall Emberton II came along.
As a supporting act to our more extravagant audio gear, this little beauty isn't just eye candy; it complements your setup brilliantly without overshadowing the showstopper. It's like the trusty sidekick in your favourite superhero movie - always there when you need it, bringing joy and style in equal measure. Who knew that good sound could come in a package so chic?
Plus, what better excuse to carry it around than to finally have a decent soundtrack for your strolls? Don't let a forgotten speaker ruin your 'cool breezy afternoon' vibe; let's get into why this speaker is a delightful addition to our audio arsenal.
The Irresistible
- Impeccable sound quality that belies its size; perfect for impromptu dance parties.
- Water resistant, meaning your poolside vibes won't be interrupted by a spritz of unexpected splashes.
- Classic Marshall design - I mean, who wouldn't want a piece that looks this good on their desk?
The Clever Part
- Easy Bluetooth pairing means less faff and more time enjoying your tunes.
- Decent battery life; I've forgotten to charge it and still had music flowing days later.
- Lightweight and portable, it's like carrying a compact book that just happens to belt out amazing sound.
The Fine Print
- No built-in mic for calls; it's not the best multitasker out there, so don't expect it to handle your phone chats.
- The battery could last longer - if you're a heavy user, you might need to charge more often than you'd like.
- No included carrying case, which I found odd for something designed to travel.
The Reality Check
- Seriously, it's not cheap, which perhaps reflects how much I enjoy it probably a bit too much.
- With all that style, just know it's hard to resist showing it off, leading to minor jealousy from friends.
Divoom Ditoo Pixel Art Speaker
A quirky Bluetooth speaker that's as much about pixel art as it is about sound quality.
Price
£67.42
Editorial rating
3.5 / 5
I've never considered myself a techie, yet here I am, obsessively rearranging pixels on a speaker. The Divoom Ditoo Pixel Art Speaker is the Wildcard in my gadget line-up because it takes the ordinary world of Bluetooth speakers and shakes it up like a highly caffeinated cocktail.
Suddenly I find myself contemplating whether my morning coffee should feature a pixelated avocado or a cat wearing sunglasses. You know, the pressing issues of our time. It's that delightfully odd combination of announced nostalgia and modern whimsy, transforming drab interiors into mini art installations, all while playing my eclectic Spotify playlists.
And let's face it, in a world where nearly everyone has a boxy sound system, bringing this pixelated hero into my life feels a bit like riding a unicycle to work. Stylishly odd and just challenging enough to earn some 'cool' points.
So, why did I let this curious contraption into my home? Because it tickles both my inner child and my grown-up love for fair enough sound quality. And who doesn't want to bring a bit of playful quirk to their life?
The Irresistible
- The pixel art display is mesmerising, offering endless creativity possibilities.
- Surprisingly decent sound quality for its size-works better than it looks.
- It doubles as an alarm clock and mechanical keyboard, which is just brilliant!
The Clever Part
- Control your art and settings via a handy app, making it easy to customise.
- Supports TF cards and radio, giving it versatility beyond Bluetooth playback.
- The retro design is a head-turner; it fits right in with my quirky décor.
The Fine Print
- Setting it up can feel a bit convoluted if you're not tech-savvy-prepare for some fiddling.
- Battery life is decent but can be short if you're playing pixel art and tunes non-stop.
- The LED screen is bright, which might not suit those of us who like sleeping in complete darkness.
The Reality Check
- Dusting it off regularly is a must; it attracts finger smudges like a magnet.
- It may lead to existential questions about why pixelated waffles are necessary in life.