Tag Archives: practicality

Ditch the Drips and Dull Lunches – b.box is the Clever Aussie Brand Revolutionising School Gear

If you’re a parent, you’ll know the daily struggle: soggy sandwiches, leaky bottles, and lunchboxes that barely survive a term. Enter b.box – a smart, kid-focused brand founded by two Australian mums with one mission in mind: to make parenting that little bit easier.

Now available in over 55 countries, b.box is winning over families with their practical, well-designed essentials that combine functionality, independence and fun. And if you’re looking for a better way to keep your child hydrated and well-fed throughout the school day, the b.box Tritan drink bottle and b.box lunchbox are absolute game changers.


The b.box Tritan Drink Bottle – Built for Busy Hands and Busy Days

The b.box Tritan Drink Bottle – Built for Busy Hands and Busy Days
The b.box Tritan Drink Bottle – Built for Busy Hands and Busy Days – Image courtesy of b.box

Let’s talk about the b.box Tritan drink bottle (£19.99 from Amazon). First up, it doesn’t just look cool with its triangular design – that shape actually makes it easier for little hands to grip. Whether it’s being hauled around the playground or slotted into a schoolbag, it’s lightweight, durable, and most importantly: leakproof when closed. That means no more puddles in the bottom of the bag!

Key features:

  • Easy push-button lid and carry handle

  • Soft silicone straw for easy sipping

  • Protective base bumper absorbs drops and knocks

  • Made from ultra-tough Tritan™

  • Top rack dishwasher safe

It’s the kind of bottle you’ll only need to buy once – unless of course, you want one in every colour!


The b.box Lunchbox – Fresh, Flexible and Fuss-Free

The b.box Lunchbox – Fresh, Flexible and Fuss-Free
The b.box Lunchbox – Fresh, Flexible and Fuss-Free


Image courtesy of b.box

Say goodbye to squashed sandwiches and hello to a fresh-packed lunch that actually survives the school day. The b.box lunchbox (£19.99 from Amazon) is an absolute revelation – designed with compartments that make sense for real food, not just dry crackers and grapes.

What sets it apart?

  • Customisable layout with sliding dividers

  • Room for a whole sandwich, bagel or wrap

  • Comes with a gel ice pack to keep food fresh

  • Whole fruit compartment with a flexible silicone lid

  • Leakproof design for yoghurts and even watermelon

  • Top rack dishwasher safe

It’s lunch prep made simple – and snack time made joyful.


Why b.box Deserves a Spot in Every Family's Routine

 

Both the bottle and the lunchbox are designed with one thing in mind: making life easier for parents and more independent for kids. They’re tough enough to handle a tumble, smart enough to keep food fresh, and stylish enough that your kids will actually want to use them.

At £19.99 each, they’re not the cheapest options on the shelf – but when you factor in the clever design, durability and no-spill peace of mind, b.box products are well worth the investment.


Final Thoughts from The Gadget Man

I love a product that quietly solves a problem without overcomplicating things. The b.box Tritan bottle and lunchbox don’t try to reinvent the wheel – they just make it roll a lot smoother. Whether you’re kitting out your child for school, day trips or picnics in the park, these are two items I can confidently recommend.

Clever design, thoughtful features, and no more soggy sandwiches. What’s not to love?


🔗 Find them on Amazon:

Got a gadget that makes parenting easier? Drop me a line – I’m always on the lookout for smart solutions for real life.

– Matt Porter, The Gadget Man

Gear Up for Minecraft: The Movie with These Brilliant EXG Pro Collectibles

As Minecraft: The Movie prepares to blast into cinemas on April 4th, there’s never been a better time to bring a bit of blocky brilliance into your own world – and EXG Pro has just the thing.

Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a redstone rookie, these official Minecraft-themed Cable Guys and Holdems are the perfect way to celebrate your love for all things pixel-perfect – while keeping your gear tidy and your setup looking sharp.


🎮 What Are Cable Guys and Holdems?

If you’re new to the world of EXG Pro, here’s the lowdown: Cable Guys and Holdems are collectible device holders that double up as awesome display pieces. They’re designed to hold controllers, phones, earbuds, and more, making them the ideal mix of practicality and fandom.

Let’s take a look at the Minecraft lineup…


🧱 The Full Roster of Blocky Legends:

Steve Cable Guy R.E.S.T – £29.99

The original icon. Classic Steve is here to hold your controller, phone or even your snacks (we won’t judge). A must-have for any Minecraft purist.

Gear Up for Minecraft: The Movie with These Brilliant EXG Pro Collectibles
Gear Up for Minecraft: The Movie with These Brilliant EXG Pro Collectibles

Creeper Cable Guy R.E.S.T – £29.99

Sssssstylish and strangely charming, this explosive little number brings the game’s most infamous mob to your desk – without the damage.

Gear Up for Minecraft: The Movie with These Brilliant EXG Pro Collectibles
Gear Up for Minecraft: The Movie with These Brilliant EXG Pro Collectibles

Steve in Diamond Armour R.E.S.T – £29.99

Decked out in shimmering diamond gear, this version of Steve is the premium pick for those who’ve fought their way to the top – in-game and IRL.

Gear Up for Minecraft: The Movie with These Brilliant EXG Pro Collectibles
Gear Up for Minecraft: The Movie with These Brilliant EXG Pro Collectibles

Enderman Cable Guy – £29.99

Tall, dark and mysterious, the Enderman adds some height and intrigue to your gaming space. Just, uh… try not to make eye contact.

Gear Up for Minecraft: The Movie with These Brilliant EXG Pro Collectibles
Gear Up for Minecraft: The Movie with These Brilliant EXG Pro Collectibles

🟩 Mini Marvels: Minecraft Holdems – £17.99 each

Gear Up for Minecraft: The Movie with These Brilliant EXG Pro Collectibles
Gear Up for Minecraft: The Movie with These Brilliant EXG Pro Collectibles

Perfect for phones, earbuds or just to look good on your desk, these compact versions of the big hitters are ideal for tighter setups.

  • Steve Holdems – A pixel-perfect pal in miniature form.

  • Enderman Holdems – Small, spooky and stylish.

  • Piglin Holdems – Straight out of the Nether and full of flair.

  • Zombie Holdems – Shuffly, snappy, and surprisingly useful.


🎥 Get Ready for the Big Screen Adventure

With the Minecraft movie just around the corner, there’s no better time to upgrade your setup with a themed holder that screams style and loyalty to the block-built world. Whether you’re bingeing on survival mode, watching YouTube Let’s Plays, or getting ready for the cinematic debut, these figures make the perfect companions.

Plus, they make brilliant gifts for Minecraft fans of all ages (8+, officially) – especially with Easter and birthdays on the horizon.


🛒 Where to Buy

All of these EXG Pro collectibles are available now from Smyths Toys and other retailers. Prices start from just £17.99 – so whether you want one for your desk, your car, or every room in the house (hey, no judgement), there’s something for everyone.


🧡 Final Thoughts

Minecraft has always been about building your world your way – and with these brilliant EXG Pro Cable Guys and Holdems, you can carry that spirit into your real-world setup. Fun, functional and seriously cool, they’re the perfect celebration of Minecraft’s leap to the silver screen.

Until next time – keep mining, keep crafting, and keep your gadgets held in style.

Matt, The Gadget Man

Gear Up for Minecraft: The Movie with These Brilliant EXG Pro Collectibles
Gear Up for Minecraft: The Movie with These Brilliant EXG Pro Collectible

Introducing the World’s first ‘out the box’ kettle with Alexa

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At the heart of any kitchen, the iconic kettle can now be controlled by voice, using any device, creating personalised commands and routines unique to the user. From the simple task of turning the kettle on, through to changing the temperature of the water, or simply asking Alexa to keep the water warm, this technological evolution and advancement in modernising this most traditional of routines, will be a total game changer for so many.

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Controlled by voice or the Alexa app
The kettle can be activated remotely to boil water to the desired temperature the moment a homeowner walks in the door and at any time, in any room, via the Alexa device.

Routines and personalised commands
Designed to fit with the users schedule, the kettle can be activated using favourite phrases and programmed to boil based on routine. A breakfast, mid-morning and afternoon routine could be programmed for example. These can also be duplicated and adjusted, so the weekend breakfast routine is set to go-live at a later time to the weekday settings.

Water levels and descaling
The Alexa app will also advise users when water is running low and a refill is required, plus highlight the number of boils left until the next descale is required.

Sync activation with phone alarms
The Swan Alexa Kettle delivers next generation convenience and can be set to boil automatically as part of the daily morning routine.

So easy to set up in 4 easy steps… 

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Once the water has reached the selected temperature, the kettle will bleep twice and then automatically keep the water warm for 2 hours… many consumers will simply love the technology and convenience the product delivers…

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For others, it will deliver a welcome practicality:

– For heating a baby’s bottle to a specific temperature and not having to wait for it to cool down

– To keep a full kettle heated for when guests are visiting to top-up drinks

– Preparing herbal teas and serving at a recommended temperature

– Avoiding the need to ‘switch on the kettle’ which may be useful for some users

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The energy efficient solution for the future of hot drinks… by programming the temperature ‘boil’, users are able to manage exacting amounts of energy usage: an 85 degree boil for a traditional cup of tea, a 90 degree boil recommended for a coffee and there is even the option to boil-up at 60 degrees (or less) to loosen a jar of honey.

The Alexa Swan Kettle comes with a 2 year Guarantee. 
SRP@ £99.99

swan-brand.co.uk

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With its cordless base (including cord storage) and dry boil protection with automatic cut-off, there’s no need to worry about safety or cluttering in the kitchen. The Alexa kettle conveniently also has a removable, washable scale filter for easy cleaning, prolonging the kettle through a lifetime of daily use. Its stainless steel inner ensures durability and a 1.5L capacity makes 8-10 cups from just one boil.

Fashioned with a black gloss finish and digital touch panel controls, this stylish and effortless kettle will be a cool, sharp addition to any kitchen.