{"title":"Curiosities","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN\"\u003eThis is a broad category of objects that didn’t fit easily in any of the other categories and but which, in our opinion, are able to evoke a bit of joy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"classic-train-whistle","title":"Classic Train Whistle","description":"\u003cp\u003eMade of wood, this classic “train whistle” creates a multi-pitched whistle bringing you back to the days of the steam engine.  Kids love them!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"New World Creations","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50963437289542,"sku":null,"price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0836\/5903\/0598\/files\/TrainWhistle1000x1000.png?v=1794433481"},{"product_id":"chinese-finger-trap","title":"Chinese Finger Trap","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis classic item, also called a “Chinese finger puzzle” or “finger cuff”, is a simple woven tube that humorously traps a person's two index fingers. The natural reaction—pulling the fingers apart—makes the trap tighten. It is usually made from thin strips of bamboo, paper, ribbon, or plastic woven diagonally into a hollow cylindrical braid. You insert one finger into each end.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts operation is an elegant example of geometry and friction:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePull outward: the woven tube becomes longer and narrower, gripping the fingers more tightly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePush inward: the tube becomes shorter and wider, loosening its grip.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTo escape, you therefore push your fingers toward each other first, enlarging the tube, and then gently withdraw them.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"New World Creations","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50963437584454,"sku":null,"price":2.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0836\/5903\/0598\/files\/FingerTrap1000x1000.png?v=1794423634"},{"product_id":"idiot-stick","title":"Idiot Stick","description":"\u003cp\u003eForgive the politically incorrect use of the word “idiot”. This is the historical name of this puzzle and not a reference to you or the unsuspecting person asked to solve this “puzzle”.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe usual trick or toy consists of two wooden pieces. The larger piece is a short hollow block or tube. A smaller dowel or stick fits into the longitudinal hole and has a hook or notch cut into its inner end. The other end commonly terminates in a tapered, wedge-shaped, or cone-shaped wooden handle. A rubber band may be visible through a transverse hole in the body, apparently crossing the passage into which the hooked dowel is inserted. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe challenge given to the unsuspecting player is simple: \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDemonstrate how to catch the rubber band while saying, “Put the stick in, catch the rubber band with the hook, pull it out a little, and let the rubber band snap it back.”\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe owner demonstrates that he can do it easily.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe idiot stick is then given to the victim, who tries repeatedly to do the same thing—and invariably fails. That failure is the toy's entire point.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis classic toy appears to have its origins in the Appalachian region of the US. It is packaged with a solution!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePackage Insert and Solution:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0836\/5903\/0598\/files\/Idiot_Stick_-_Package_Insert.pdf?v=1794438307\" title=\"Package insert and solution\"\u003ehttps:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0836\/5903\/0598\/files\/Idiot_Stick_-_Package_Insert.pdf?v=1794438307\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"New World Creations","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50963437813830,"sku":null,"price":15.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0836\/5903\/0598\/files\/IdiotStick_enhanced.png?v=1794423083"},{"product_id":"useless-box","title":"Useless Box","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is a tough item to describe. Admittedly, the title “Useless Box” sets expectations fairly low. This is a small box that is probably more in the category of a fidget toy. It’s a time waster. It’s also just plain funny. When the toggle switch is pushed forward, it activates a mechanism that opens the lid, extends an arm that pushes the toggle switch back to its original position, and then the arm retracts, and the lid closes. That’s it. You initiate the opening by advancing the switch, and the internal mechanism reverts it back to its initial state. And it will do so repeatedly! And it accomplishes absolutely no other useful purpose.\u003cbr\u003eBelieve it or not, most people, whether they admit it or not, get a kick out of this and have a tendency to mindlessly see the box open and self-close … again and again! Trying it opens the door to enjoying it.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"New World Creations","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50963438600262,"sku":null,"price":20.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0836\/5903\/0598\/files\/uselessbox_lg.png?v=1794415986"},{"product_id":"exploding-coin-bank","title":"Exploding Coin Bank","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis classic gag purports to be a piggy bank … of sorts. It is a rectangular box with what appears to be a coin slot, often with a quarter sitting on top, and with a warning saying something to the effect of “Insert coin at your own risk”.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe consequence of inserting a coin through the slot? Let’s just say a bit of calamity! \u003cbr\u003eContained within the box and with its “triggering mechanism” immediately under the coin slot, is a mousetrap. Set off by the falling coin, the entire box explodes into pieces. No, there is no actual explosion – just a bunch of wooden parts (the sides and the top) flying in various directions. Once set off, it can be carefully put together and prepared for the next victim!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"New World Creations","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50963438764102,"sku":null,"price":25.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0836\/5903\/0598\/files\/Exploding-bank_1200.png?v=1794404360"},{"product_id":"snake-in-box","title":"Snake in Box","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis hand-crafted prank box is made of hardwood, beautifully finished, and is the perfect way to startle an unsuspecting family member or friend. It looks innocent on the outside, but upon sliding open the opening on the top, a black snake with yellow spots and a red tongue pops out of the box to scare the victim. Aside from being fun, it is so nicely made that it might find a place on your \"treasure shelf\". This concept has been around for ages, but this is far and away the most beautiful version we have found. It is constructed in Morocco and imported directly to our store. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Art Point","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50963438796870,"sku":null,"price":25.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0836\/5903\/0598\/files\/snake-in-box_lg.png?v=1794401347"},{"product_id":"fiddle-stick","title":"Fiddle Stick","description":"\u003cp\u003eAccording to the original  Japanese manufacturer, the toy was devised by a man named Toshio Sato in 1997. It was first exhibited at a toy show in Nuremberg, Germany in 2001.  Formal production started at the Odawara Woodworking Factory in 2004.  In 2015, Concell became the main sales outlet.  It wasn’t until 2016 that a silicone rubber pad was placed on the ends of the Kururin to lessen the slipperiness and improve performance.  While the original Kururin was constructed of a light-colored hardwood with dark walnut for the ends, it later changed to pure birch and then maple.  In September of 2017, a new series was released using white ash, purple heart, and keyaki.  The toy enjoyed great success in 2016 and 2017.  The term “Kururin” is trademarked by Comcell Co., Ltd but it is not clear whether the design itself is in any way patented or protected.  Today there are many look-alikes being sold under a variety of names (fidget stick, tumbling stick, desk walker, Jammer).  It is mass-produced by toy factories in China and used for promotional gifts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"New World Creations","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50963438993478,"sku":null,"price":15.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}]},{"product_id":"yes-no-coin","title":"Yes-No Coin","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhile probably better considered a “gag” item to pull out of your pocket when facing an important decision, this could also be used for those tough decisions when you are truly on the fence about which way to go.  These coins help you get off the fence.  Beautifully made of metal and packaged as potential great gifts, these are a perfect gift for your indecisive friend or perhaps for your own use.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"New World Creations","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50963439157318,"sku":null,"price":2.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0836\/5903\/0598\/files\/Yes-No-Coin_whitebackground.png?v=1794423401"},{"product_id":"wright-wrong-coin","title":"Right-Wrong Coin","description":"\u003cp\u003eFor the decision you insist on going your way, this coin is the perfect solution for you. It’s a spinoff on the old “heads I win – tails you lose” proposal. It’s a faux “coin” designed to be flipped, and it says “I’m right” on one side and “You’re Wrong” on the other. Needless to say, this is not proposed to be a serious decision-maker, but rather a fun relief from the usual tawdry assessment of who is right and who is wrong. Can you get used to being right every time?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo be clear, this product is a single coin with \"I'm Right\" on one side and \"You're Wrong\" on the other.  \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"New World Creations","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50963439190086,"sku":null,"price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0836\/5903\/0598\/files\/Right-Wrong_Coin_hi_res.png?v=1794429062"},{"product_id":"hanging-bird-mobile","title":"Hanging bird mobile","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN\"\u003eAlthough there are many versions of a flying bird mobile that flaps its wings when pulling a cord dangling below the bird, this is far and away the most beautifully crafted one we have seen.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eIt is made of a hardwood, beautifully finished, and unlike most versions of this toy, the body is fully shaped and not simply a flat, two-dimensional shape.  It comes fully assembled, ready to hang.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"New World Creations","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51005670654022,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0836\/5903\/0598\/files\/hangingBirdMobile.png?v=1794436102"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0836\/5903\/0598\/collections\/FiddleStick_raw_4df3623a-18a9-4c4d-a462-34f761caf813.jpg?v=1794168729","url":"https:\/\/newworldcreationsllc.com\/collections\/curiosities.oembed","provider":"New World Creations","version":"1.0","type":"link"}