# Desk toys **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [August 29, 2019, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desk-toys/839412 "2019-08-29T13:54:39Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![DCnDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dcndc/32/2842_2.png) [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2019, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desk-toys/839412/1 "2019-08-29T13:54:39Z")
Tell me about your desk toys. I work in an office, and I have a significant amount of downtime every day. So I have a lot of crap on my desk, much of it not at all work related. I have a bunch of little sand-filled cloth animals: a couple of salamanders, a frog, a rhino, a penguin, a seahorse. They’re just hanging around on top of my computer monitor. I’ve got Homer Simpson and Mr. Burns bobble heads. I have a set of [wire puzzles](https://www.improvabrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/HTB1a10eJVXXXXbhXVXXq6xXFXXXp1.jpg) strewn about. I’ve got a couple of liquid motion toys (like [these things](https://ifavor123.com/ifavor/store/catalog/KPL76_1.jpg)) that I bought as souvenirs from the Kennedy Space Center and somewhere else. I’ve got a magnetic sculpture. I have [this one with the nuts](http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-133858970643862_2267_15913893). I’ve got a [miniature desktop zen garden](https://img1.etsystatic.com/051/0/8241508/il_fullxfull.716390605_otpd.jpg). I’ve also got a rubber-coated [infinity cube](http://static.dudeiwantthat.com/img/gear/gadgets/infinity-cube-luxury-edc-27405.jpg) that I mindlessly play with all day long. I have an aluminum one at home, but it’s too noisy for work; the constant clicking and clacking drives the co-workers in my vicinity absolutely nuts, but the rubber-coated one is silent. People like to hang out at my desk. 🙂 What do you have on your desk? ---
**Author:** ![TRC4941](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trc4941/32/6792_2.png) [@TRC4941](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TRC4941)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2019, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desk-toys/839412/2 "2019-08-29T14:04:37Z")
The only non-work related item I have on my desk other than family pictures is a magnetic “toy”. Mine has stars and moons, not bolts. I have to say I haven’t touched it in years except to dust! When I have downtime, I’m usually roaming around on the internet or playing a solitaire game - Tri-Peaks while listening to a podcast. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2019, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desk-toys/839412/3 "2019-08-29T14:17:41Z")
On my desk right now I have a[chuckit](https://www.amazon.com/Chuckit-Sport-Medium-Launcher-inches/dp/B00280MUIA?psc=1&SubscriptionId=AKIAIJ2OT2CAZZHS4PZQ&tag=woofwhisker-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B00280MUIA), a box of [tongue depressors](https://smile.amazon.com/Dealmed-Senior-Tongue-Depressors-Non-Sterile/dp/B01BVXENDO/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=3DBLE05ESNUJ7&keywords=tongue+depressors+wood&qid=1567087937&s=gateway&sprefix=tongue+dep%2Caps%2C315&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzVzQwUUhQUE9GTURHJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTQ2MjgzQ1RRMTUwNTJOOU85JmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA3NjY5NDBJR01LQTU0U0xKUlMmd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl), [assorted Kong toys](https://smile.amazon.com/cleaning-toys-toys-treat-ball-squeak-toys-small-balls-puppy/dp/B07KWQ2RQR/ref=sr_1_24?keywords=kong+dog&qid=1567088094&s=gateway&sr=8-24), and a [box of pig ears.](https://smile.amazon.com/PIG-SLIVERS-DOGS-One-Alternative/dp/B07W7Q45S5/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=pig+ears+for+dogs+made+in+usa&pd_rd_r=c3066ac7-0e9f-46c1-b175-667f2deeb4c0&pd_rd_w=qPEqx&pd_rd_wg=MzTUc&pf_rd_p=8ae6d416-c697-4484-b867-2340ed2c18c0&pf_rd_r=00K0906FWD0CK17RS2J3&qid=1567088205&s=pet-supplies&sr=1-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzVU5COFNITFpIRzdIJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMDc5NzA2MjVPRUpMNjVZOTNBUiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwODA4MDI1SktYR0wwSFFaTVNJJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==) Yes, I bring our dogs and bird to work with me. ---
**Author:** ![Rebo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rebo/32/13005_2.png) [@Rebo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rebo)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2019, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desk-toys/839412/4 "2019-08-29T14:33:44Z")
Mr. Bill – push his middle button and he says “Oh, Nooooo!!!” He’s not a dog toy, though! > **[Amazon.com: Multipet Mr.Bill Talk Dog Toy 10 Inch : Toys & Games](https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Bill-Talk-Dog-Toy-10/dp/B002W52NNI)** > > Amazon.com: Multipet Mr.Bill Talk Dog Toy 10 Inch : Toys & Games Purple Sock Monkey [https://www.google.com/search?q=purple+sock+monkey&safe=active&rlz=1C1GCEU\_enUS854US855&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=24rag6t4KvGBgM%253A%252CgRjzvW-WNmAqUM%252C\_&vet=1&usg=AI4\_-kRzx4Sa9hucuk1-D\_ZR3kBw7VV6Og&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiAiZXsoKjkAhVOlKwKHX8TBLQQ9QEwAnoECAcQCA#imgrc=24rag6t4KvGBgM:](https://www.google.com/search?q=purple+sock+monkey&safe=active&rlz=1C1GCEU_enUS854US855&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=24rag6t4KvGBgM%253A%252CgRjzvW-WNmAqUM%252C_&vet=1&usg=AI4_-kRzx4Sa9hucuk1-D_ZR3kBw7VV6Og&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiAiZXsoKjkAhVOlKwKHX8TBLQQ9QEwAnoECAcQCA#imgrc=24rag6t4KvGBgM:) A small pink Teddy Bear I got from my son for Mother’s Day. No link. Not a toy, but a cool fan I have. Mine is red. > **[Amazon.com: Vornado Zippi Small Personal Fan for Desk, Nightstand, Tabletop,...](https://www.amazon.com/Vornado-Zippi-Personal-Fan-Blueberry/dp/B01BF3XPK2)** > > Amazon.com: Vornado Zippi Small Personal Fan for Desk, Nightstand, Tabletop, Travel, Blueberry : Home & Kitchen ---
**Author:** ![RealityChuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitychuck/32/195_2.png) [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2019, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desk-toys/839412/5 "2019-08-29T14:53:36Z")
Rubber ducks. I have over 20, and that’s nowhere near the most in our office. I also have a random collection of foam “stress balls” in various shapes. My favorite is a brain given away by the Alzheimer’s Association, which is either very appropriate, or in terrible taste; I can’t do decide. There’s a small dancing robot, and a plastic crow skeleton. I also have a Rick Sanchez mask on my wall. ---
**Author:** ![DCnDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dcndc/32/2842_2.png) [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2019, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desk-toys/839412/6 "2019-08-29T15:01:11Z")
> [@RealityChuck](#): > > Rubber ducks. I have over 20, and that’s nowhere near the most in our office. Is that like an inside joke? Or do you work in rubber duck factory? 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2019, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desk-toys/839412/7 "2019-08-29T15:11:27Z")
I have, at home (sadly) a USB-powered Patriot missile launcher. Plug it in & software on the PC lets you change the direction & angle before launching Nerf-like Patriot missiles at your cow-orkers. Sadly, I’m not even sure it’ll work anymore (designed for older version of windows) or if it’ll work here since our USB ports are locked out - for data security reasons I can use peripherals like a mouse or keyboard but not a thumb drive. ---
**Author:** ![Sir\_T-Cups](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ed655f/32.png) [@Sir\_T-Cups](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sir_T-Cups)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2019, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desk-toys/839412/8 "2019-08-29T15:55:33Z")
A handful of ducks (they’re my favorite) A Funko Godzilla A 3D printed Garrus (from the video game Mass Effect) an old co-worker printed for me because she knows I’m a huge fan of the game. Non toy things include a photo collage Mrs. Cups gave me of us, another Godzilla poster, a coaster from said Mass Effect game and a bunch of snackies. ---
**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanub/32/132_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUB)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2019, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desk-toys/839412/9 "2019-08-29T15:56:31Z")
I have two Pez dispensers (Arlene and Nermal from _Garfield_), a mini snow globe from Holland, a gumball machine, a stuffed Grumpy Cat and a stuffed javelina. Oh, and one of those wire thingies that you use to make you scalp tingle. ---
**Author:** ![kopek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kopek/32/337_2.png) [@kopek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kopek)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2019, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desk-toys/839412/10 "2019-08-29T16:21:40Z")
I don’t have a work desk and my home desk is basically one giant toy where I visit places like this so -------- but I do keep a yo-yo close at hand there. ---
**Author:** ![MoonMoon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moonmoon/32/2959_2.png) [@MoonMoon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MoonMoon)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2019, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desk-toys/839412/11 "2019-08-29T16:49:02Z")
Sorry, I became so enraged at “a significant amount of down time” that I blacked out. How does one get such a job and are you hiring? ---
**Author:** ![DCnDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dcndc/32/2842_2.png) [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2019, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desk-toys/839412/12 "2019-08-29T16:52:45Z")
> [@MoonMoon](#): > > Sorry, I became so enraged at “a significant amount of down time” that I blacked out. > > How does one get such a job and are you hiring? I work in a DoD library. I run the Interlibrary Loan department here. Actually, more accurately, I essentially _am_ the Interlibrary Loan department. So if nobody wants anything, I don’t really have anything to do. It’s mostly a “feast or famine” type of thing; the requests tend to come in a lot at one time, then nothing for a while. And typically nothing is urgent, so I get to it when I feel like it. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanub/32/132_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUB)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2019, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desk-toys/839412/13 "2019-08-29T17:01:53Z")
What, nobody has a Magic 8 Ball at their desk? I had one for many years and seemingly nobody could resist playing with it. I don’t remember what happened to it (and I don’t currently work with people that I would particularly want to linger at my desk). ---
**Author:** ![HurricaneDitka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/96bed5/32.png) [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2019, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desk-toys/839412/14 "2019-08-29T17:04:57Z")
Buckyballs are awesome (and banned) ---
**Author:** ![Shoeless](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shoeless/32/7099_2.png) [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2019, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desk-toys/839412/15 "2019-08-29T17:09:39Z")
I have a Funko Batman. He’s brown and yellow. I opened a thread here back when my wife first gave him to me, asking which version of Batman he was supposed to be. I have a foam squeeze toy in the shape of a pill, that I got during benefits open enrollment a few years ago when we switched to a new prescription company. I have a small wooden moveable human figurine like what an art student might use. I have a plastic figurine of a Chinese dude in robes and a hat, which was a bonus gift I got in an order from Archie McPhee many years ago. ---
**Author:** ![BrotherCadfael](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@BrotherCadfael](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrotherCadfael)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2019, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desk-toys/839412/16 "2019-08-29T17:55:25Z")
I have a very nice [wooden](https://www.amazon.com/Puzzle-Wooden-Playing-Cards-Teaser/dp/B005K2WBKK/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=soma+cube&qid=1567101254&s=gateway&sr=8-4) [Soma cube](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soma_cube). ---
**Author:** ![Esprise\_Me](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/esprise_me/32/2947_2.png) [@Esprise\_Me](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Esprise_Me)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2019, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desk-toys/839412/17 "2019-08-29T18:34:45Z")
I have a monkey that repeats everything you say in a mocking voice when it’s switched on. It is side-splittingly hilarious for about 45 seconds every once in a while. ---
**Author:** ![begbert2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/begbert2/32/3357_2.png) [@begbert2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/begbert2)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2019, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desk-toys/839412/18 "2019-08-29T18:50:33Z")
If I had any toys on my desk I would get nothing done. At all. Ever. Hell, having a computer on my desk with internet (read: SDMB) access is damaging enough already. ---
**Author:** ![Personal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/b9bd4f/32.png) [@Personal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Personal)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2019, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desk-toys/839412/19 "2019-08-29T19:01:35Z")
Wind up chattering teeth, a Rubik’s cube, buckeyballs and a baseball. All are used regularly. Eta a harmonica, which is not used regularly. ---
**Author:** ![Jet\_Jaguar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jet_jaguar/32/3562_2.png) [@Jet\_Jaguar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jet_Jaguar)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2019, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desk-toys/839412/20 "2019-08-29T20:13:46Z")
Since a recent location reshuffling, none. But up until a few months ago my desk was decorated for Halloween year-round. I had cobwebs in a corner with a big, hairy spider, a glowing LED potion, one of those cauldrons with the fabric flames, and a life-size skull (which was everyone’s favorite). This stuff may all move back in again this Halloween. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desk-toys/839412.md?page=2)