This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Advice to Santa

Santa, I'm window shopping (internet browsing) and I'm getting some ideas that I want to share with you. No, these aren't for me, that list is still being made...

Hi Santa,

I am still working on my letter, but since I know you are planning on delivering a lot of gifts, I thought I would make a few suggestions to you and the elves.  These suggestions are for the kids who make things... I know you'll know who they are...

Sparkfun Inventor's Kit
I LOVE this kit!  It's an electronics learning kit that has evolved very quickly (and well).  The giftees can learn the basics of electronics and (Arduino) programming in an easy, crafty, build-the-neural-trails sort of way.  I recommend doing the same projects multiple ways to reinforce the trails and explore. $95.
Video taken using an early version of the kit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBm040wytpc  Easy peasy.

Makey Makey
The Makey Makey - $50 - is a very cool toy that starts little minds thinking about themselves, their food, random objects as conductives.  Bananas, little boys and girls, parents and pets, can all be part of the game controller that can be created with the Makey Makey.  Got several kids?  They can share!  You can get it here or here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzyaGFnvUXY

3D Printer
Santa if you've got big pockets, you may want to get a 3D printer.  I have a few recommendations.  I like the DeezMaker Bukito, and I hear that the Printrbot Simple - $299 - is available at the Maker Shed.  Got $3K for a very, very, good boy or girl?  Replicator 2X, I'm sure!
Bukito: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cESwLgMYXDI
Printerbot Simple: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jllfxSkdLtU
Replicator 2X (and more): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsgsNZx87FA

MAKE: Ultimate Guide to 3D Printing
Santa, if you don't like any of the 3D printers I liked, or if the actual printer is too rich for your blood, perhaps you could give food for thought with a 3D printer Guide - $10.  This is the second annual and can get your little giftee drooling.

Fabric Play
If your giftee likes patterning and you want to give him/her a lot of little presents to open, Santa, I'm making a list within the list:  Lumi InkoDye $20 (a little potent, so for older giftees), Speedball Block Printing Kit - $40 - a few extra linoleum or speedy-cut blocks and an inexpensive (electric) multi-tool... the $10-$15 variety at Harbor Freight.  Let's call it an Un-Dremel.  Oh yeah, and a few yards of cotton fabric (beige, off white is nice), and a few white and other solid-color T-shirts for stamping.

Dremel
This brings us to a Dremel.  Your little giftee won't need it for cutting linoleum blocks, but maybe he/she wants to do wood blocks next...  Costs vary, but you can get one for under $100.

Santa, I've got lots more to recommend, and I hope you don't mind that I'm working up a list of my own... but that's all for now...

Love,
Squigglemom.

Next Up: Advice to Santa - Where to shop for your little Maker Giftees.


We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?