For kids: Levitron Ion Globe, $71.90
Kids can stare in wonder at this levitating globe that really stays up with the help of a magnetic field. Pop open the globe to stick in a magnet that works with the electromagnetic base to levitate and spin itself.
You can even levitate other small items if you get bored — the magnet can levitate up to 12 ounces. The 4-inch globe can even entertain adults in the office, so long as there’s a power source nearby to plug in the base.
For adults: Molecular Gastronomy Introductory Package, $79.95
With this kit, the adventurous eater can make plenty of weird things in the kitchen: Pearls of balsamic vinegar. Arugula spaghetti. Ravioli made of goat cheese. The intro package includes both a cooking kit and a cookbook to introduce you to food science.
Five additives in the Cuisine R-Evolution kit will make food behave in an unusual manner:
• Calcium lactate (a calcium salt) and sodium alginate (made from brown algae) give liquids a spherical shape.
• Agar-agar, a thickening agent made from red algae, helps create jellies and gel spaghetti.
• Soy lecithin, used in many foods, keeps ingredients such as oil and vinegar mixed together in a process known as emulsification
• Xanthan gum, made from fermented glucose, stabilizes the emulsification process
There are ten packets of each additive, good for at most 50 recipes.
The gastronomy kit also comes with a DVD of 50 recipes—and the promise of an interesting dinner party.
