Five rad and random DIY kits I found this week

The end-of-week dispatch from PopSci's commerce editor. Vol. 43.
Kitables DIY USB Portable Charger Kit
Kitables Amazon

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My job is to find cool stuff. Throughout the week I spend hours scouring the web for things that are useful or fun or ridiculously cheap. Often times, these choices coalesce into a guide of like items—for example, the ultimate guide to making cafe-style coffee in your own home or 19 things that make traveling less stressful. But I often stumble across some pretty awesome gear that doesn’t really fit into a list. So I made a list for those.

Bath Bomb Kit with Metal Molds

 Urban Kangaroo DIY Luxe Bath Bomb Making Kit with Metal Molds
Urban Kangaroo

If you want to make your own bath bombs—but don’t want don’t want to buy all the ingredients separately—this kit from Urban Kangaroo comes with everything you’ll need to make over 15 fizzy, scented bath bombs. The kit comes with essential oil blends—lavender and vanilla, bergamot and grapefruit, and eucalyptus and spearmint—as well as the molds and locally-sourced ingredients. $40.

DIY Digital Camera Kit

 Bigshot DIY Digital Camera Kit
Elenco

The Bigshot point-and-shoot digital camera kit comes with a booklet that teaches key concepts like image processing, optics, and electrical components. The camera includes a three-megapixel image sensor, 1.4-inch LCD, and a wheel on the front that lets you switch between three lens types (standard, panoramic, and 3D). Once finished, upload your photos to your computer via a USB cable. The lithium-ion battery is crank-operated. $50.

DIY Clock Kit

 DIY Clock kit
WHDTS

The clock you make with this kit has a four-digit LED display, and comes with a transparent case so you can see all of the components once it’s been built. The project will get you practicing soldering and circuitry. And, yes, the clock has an alarm. $9.

USB Portable Charger Kit

 Kitables DIY USB Portable Charger Kit
Kitables

The Kitables charger kit does not come with a soldering iron or hot glue gun—both of which are needed—but does include a laser-cut wood box, a rechargeable lithium battery, a micro USB charging module, an on/off switch, and all the requisite wires. The device takes two hours to reach a full charge and will provide two or three hours of charge time for your phone. There’s also a solar charger kit! $29.

Craft Crush Felt Succulents

 Ann Williams Group Craft Crush Felt Succulents
Ann Williams Group

For those who have managed to kill succulents (despite all claims that they’re difficult to mistreat), there are fake blooms. These felt succulents won’t die on you, and they look—frankly—adorable. Use the included chalk pieces to add some flair and character to your new houseplants. $19.

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Billy Cadden Avatar

Billy Cadden

Senior Director of Commerce

Billy Cadden is the Director of Commerce for the Camden Media tech group. He was part of NYC indie rock band The Postelles, and currently releases solo music under his name. His latest work is available on all streaming platforms.

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