{"title":"Featured Products","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"hooey-stick","title":"Hooey Stick","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis unique toy, also known as a Gee Haw Wimmy Diddle, is a traditional Appalachian folk toy that consists of a notched stick with a propeller on the end and a second stick to rub against the notches and make the propeller spin. Surprising to the uninitiated, the user is able to stop the propeller at will and cause it to change directions. Its Appalachian heritage is still celebrated at the Folk Art Center near Asheville, NC. The alternative name of Gee Haw Wimmy Diddle arises from the old animal-driving terminology in which “gee” meant turn right and “haw” meant turn left.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cbr\u003eUnique to this puzzle is its combination of simplicity and seemingly mysterious behavior resulting from a combination of friction, vibration, and rotational motion.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"New World Creations","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50963435487302,"sku":null,"price":10.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0836\/5903\/0598\/files\/HooeyStick_square.png?v=1794516870"},{"product_id":"puddle-jumper-flying-propeller","title":"Puddle Jumper Flying Propeller","description":"\u003cp\u003eThese are colorful and beautifully made hand-operated flying machines which are a perfect source of entertainment for children of all ages.  Puddle Jumpers come with Educational Flight manuals including the principles of Lift, Thrust, and Momentum, all while teaching you how to fly this fun fascinating toy\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"New World Creations","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50963437715526,"sku":null,"price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0836\/5903\/0598\/files\/RainbowWoodenPaddleswithRivets.png?v=1794424092"},{"product_id":"buttonhole-puzzle","title":"Buttonhole Puzzle","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis simple trick involves a pencil with a loop of string. The loop is a little too short to reach around the far end of the pencil. The set-up is quickly attached to the buttonhole of a spectator, and the goal is simply to remove it. Although attachable in just a few seconds, most individuals will not figure out how to remove given hours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Buttonhole Puzzle is a late 19th-century creation of the famous American puzzle master, Sam Loyd. The story goes that he created the puzzle for the New York Life Insurance Company for marketing purposes. The original version consisted of a small stick resembling a policeman’s Billy club and a green loop of cord that was shorter than the stick. Insurance agents would attach the device to a customer's shirt or jacket buttonhole and create a memorable interaction since, while easily attachable, it is almost uniformly very hard to remove. It was later commercially produced in the 1930’s by James J. Sanders of the Sanders Manufacturing Company under the trademarked name of the “Magic Holetite Pencil”. These can still be purchased at many online stores.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaking it yourself:\u003c\/strong\u003e  This is a simple puzzle to make.  Use either an actual pencil (ideally never sharpened and with no point) or a 1\/4 inch wooden dowel obtained at any hardware store or lumber yard.  Drill a hole through one end about 1\/4 to 1\/2 inch from the end and through this hole place a length of string.  Tie the string ends to each other such that the string is not longer enough to go over the opposite end of the pencil or dowel.  Don't make it too short or it will be more difficult to attach or detach.  But don't make the loop of sring long enough that it might be possible to stretch it over the end.  When I make them, I like to use some braided nylon or polyprolyline string and \"close the loop\" using a match to melt both ends and bind them to eachother.  This can be hard to do without burning your fingers, so be cautious if you try this method!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0836\/5903\/0598\/files\/Buttonhole_Puzzle_Insert.pdf?v=1794439254\" title=\"Buttonhole Puzzle Package Insert and Solution\"\u003ePackage Insert and Puzzle Solution\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"New World Creations","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50963437748294,"sku":null,"price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0836\/5903\/0598\/files\/ButtonHole_final.png?v=1794517563"},{"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\u003eA simple warning:  If you let a friend or family member spend TOO MUCH time trying to solve this, you risk evoking a bit of anger when they either figure out or are told the actual method of solving it.  Remember, you were not entirely forthcoming when you led your victim to think that the goal was to engage the rubber band.  So, I suggest you give them a few minutes, and THEN tell them how you snookered them!  At that point, your victim is likely to laugh and want to get one for their own use ...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis classic toy appears to have its origins in the Appalachian region of the US. It is packaged with a solution.  Or you can download the solution at the link below.  \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_square.png?v=1794516273"},{"product_id":"united-heart-puzzle","title":"United Heart Puzzle","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is a classic mechanical puzzle that has various names and has been produced in various forms over the years.  All versions include a fixed bar or other object from which a cord is attached and which has two hanging loops through which a bead or other object is threaded.  This version includes two halves of a heart that are on separate loops attached to the small wood block and the object is to unite them such that they are next to each other.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a moderately difficult puzzle, but not extraordinarily difficult! Solution included.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"New World Creations","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50963438338118,"sku":null,"price":10.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0836\/5903\/0598\/files\/United-hearts.jpg?v=1794416606"},{"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":"pythagoras-cup","title":"Pythagoras Cup","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis unique item is a cup or mug that is not made for drinking but, rather, is intended to be a puzzle or perhaps a practical joke.\u003c\/p\u003e  \n\n\u003cp\u003eWhen it is filled beyond a certain point, a siphoning effect causes the cup to drain its entire contents through the base, making a mess. The cup has been used to make statements about greed.  As long as it is not overfilled, it acts like a normal cup.  If overfilled, however, the fluid communicates with a separate column and, through the “siphon effect,” has the consequence of draining the cup.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"New World Creations","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50963438633030,"sku":null,"price":29.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0836\/5903\/0598\/files\/PythagoreanCup_2048.png?v=1794403246"},{"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":"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":"skyhook-toy","title":"Skyhook Toy","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe small, internally produced item we sell comes from Dick Schnacke’s 1973 book “American Folk Toys: How to Make Them.  It is perhaps the simplest take on a category of puzzle typically termed “balance folk toys”.  Balance folk toys are traditional toys whose action depend primarily on gravity, center of mass, counterweights, and equilibrium. They are often deceptively simple: a wooden figure or object appears to balance precariously on a tiny point yet remains surprisingly stable.  Some typical examples include the balancing eagle, tightrope walker, balancing acrobat, rocking horse\/rider, and the double-acrobat balance toy.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"New World Creations","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50963439288390,"sku":null,"price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0836\/5903\/0598\/files\/SkyHook.png?v=1794513657"},{"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\/old-fashioned-wooden-toys-puzzles.png?v=1794413570","url":"https:\/\/newworldcreationsllc.com\/collections\/impossible-dovetail.oembed","provider":"New World Creations","version":"1.0","type":"link"}