Do These Gadgets SOLVE Anything?

Rocks, balloons, and straws... oh my!

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It’s time for the next Freakin’ Reviews video, and newsletter subscribers like you get the first look a couple of hours before it goes live to everyone else.

In this one, I’m testing out some cheap gadgets that claim to solve everyday problems… but do they really? Plus, I’ve got some new deals, a flashback from five years ago, and a quick household tip involving straws.

Let’s dive in!

NEW VIDEO ALERT 📽️
Do These Cheap Gadgets Actually Work?

Are these gadgets solving actual problems?

Today I put three very different gadgets to the test: glowing rocks, “Impasta” straws, and a 3D-printed balloon knotter.

  • The glowing rocks promised to light up the yard but needed a little more help than just sunshine.

  • The Impasta straws claimed to be the premium eco-friendly alternative to paper, but how long do they really last in hot vs cold drinks?

  • And the balloon knotter… does it actually save your fingers, or is it slower than just tying balloons the old-fashioned way? Or both?

Some of these surprised me, and others… not so much.

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DEALS 🏷️
Blink Camera System: 66% Off

Thinking about adding some home security? This 2-camera Blink set is a solid entry point. The outdoor units are battery-powered (which means no messy wiring) and can be placed just about anywhere. Battery life is impressive, and this bundle also includes a plug-in Mini, all for less than half the regular price. A low-cost way to dip your toe into home security.

Pet Furniture Cover: 46% Off
We love our pets, but not what they do to our furniture. These washable covers can be tossed over couches or beds to protect from fur, scratches, and accidents. A simple, budget-friendly fix that lets you enjoy both your pets and your furniture without compromise.

Wireless Phone Mic: 40% Off
This one’s too good to pass up, and I actually just ordered it myself. It’s under $25, has strong ratings, and is currently the #1 Best Seller in its category. Perfect if you film with your phone and want better audio without spending a fortune (or worrying about losing pricier gear… like I have!).

Another Use for Straws… with STRAWberries!
If you’ve got a sturdy drinking straw lying around, you can use it to core strawberries in seconds. Just push the straw up through the bottom of the berry, and the stem and leaves pop right out the top. No knife needed, and you save more of the fruit. Works especially well with plastic or metal straws.

ON THIS DATE 🗓️
Ronco Ice Cream Maker (2020)

How well does a “new” 1974 ice cream maker work in the 2020s?

Exactly five years ago today I tested out a factory-sealed 1974 Ronco ice cream maker to see how it works all these decades later. I always enjoy unboxing something that old, and to its credit it DID work, but I can’t say the results were exactly worth waiting 50 years for! If you never caught my original review, check it out at the link below!

Well that’s it for this newsletter… and for September 2025! October arrives tomorrow, which means spooky decorations, pumpkin spice everything, and (like clockwork) Christmas displays creeping in a little earlier each year.

Before I go, one last tip: if your YouTube feed feels more random than usual, don’t forget about the Subscriptions tab. That’s where you’ll always find the channels you actually follow, and you may be surprised how many never pop up in your home feed.

Until next time,
James