Online - February 12, 2007

Toy Story

Solar-Powered Desk Toys

Keeping your battery-powered gadgets and widgets in working order is sucking your bank account dry. At the rate you go through AAs, you could have a controlling stake in Energizer.

But since that isn’t the case, make sure your next gizmo is solar powered. (No, not one of those.)

We’re talking about a cute-as-a button desk toy, which is just the thing to brighten an otherwise dreary day. The kid-like colorful characters include Nohonon, who nods his head with a calming and happy smile. And the FlipFlap flower, whose petals dance when drenched in sunshine. Kotoridayori is a bird that lets out a little tweet, and Les Flufleurs blossom and glow in the presence of noise.

No batteries necessary, either: The mini guys all use the energy around them, be it sound or light, to get their motors purring. The results: little three-second jolts of happiness.

Just the kind of good vibrations you’re used to.

Available online at dynamism.com.