# If you could pick any one gift from this catalog **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 20, 2023, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-pick-any-one-gift-from-this-catalog/985838 "2023-06-20T15:32:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2023, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-pick-any-one-gift-from-this-catalog/985838/1 "2023-06-20T15:32:04Z")
The catalog is from my favorite “toy” company-Hammacher Schlemmer, [Hammacher Schlemmer - The Unexpected Gifts -Hammacher Schlemmer](https://www.hammacher.com/home). I have been a fan of this place for many years, because they always come up with fun stuff you never knew yow wanted…until you saw it for the first time there. What _one_ gift from that catalog would you like to get as a gift? What item would put a big grin on your face? My choice would be the Helicycle, I think. And you? ---
**Author:** ![tofor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tofor/32/13727_2.png) [@tofor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tofor)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2023, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-pick-any-one-gift-from-this-catalog/985838/2 "2023-06-20T15:47:49Z")
The Authentic Pac-Man Arcade ---
**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:** [June 20, 2023, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-pick-any-one-gift-from-this-catalog/985838/3 "2023-06-20T16:49:37Z")
The long reach hedge trimmers. Coincidentally, my gf has been looking at them form various sources to trim a beautiful weeping willow we have. We have a long pole chainsaw already. When can I pick this up? > **[The Best Long Reach Hedge Trimmer - Hammacher Schlemmer](https://www.hammacher.com/product/best-long-reach-hedge-trimmer?promo=tested-best)** > > This is the telescoping hedge trimmer that provided the best cutting performance in evaluations by the Hammacher Schlemmer Institute. ---
**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2023, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-pick-any-one-gift-from-this-catalog/985838/4 "2023-06-20T16:52:05Z")
I’ll take the $10,000 aqua-gym. Work and play! > **[The Aquatic Gymnasium - Hammacher Schlemmer](https://www.hammacher.com/product/aquatic-gymnasium)** > > This is the exercise spa that enables up to five people to workout in a soothing, low-impact environment. ---
**Author:** ![WildaBeast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wildabeast/32/6_2.png) [@WildaBeast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WildaBeast)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2023, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-pick-any-one-gift-from-this-catalog/985838/5 "2023-06-20T17:07:49Z")
I almost went with the rechargeable mini chainsaw, only because it would have been useful when I pruned my tree recently. But that’s boring, and at under $100 I can just buy one for myself if I really want; I don’t need to receive it as a gift. So if you’re getting it for me as a gift, and I can have literally _anything_ from the catalogue, I’ve got to go with the Flying Hovercraft. > **[The Flying Hovercraft - Hammacher Schlemmer](https://www.hammacher.com/product/flying-hovercraft?promo=the-unexpected)** > > This is the hovercraft that glides over land and water yet also soars in the air up to 70 mph with the aid of integrated wings. A 130-hp twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled gasoline engine -- turbocharged and fuel-injected -- drives its 60" wood/carbon... ---
**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:** [June 20, 2023, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-pick-any-one-gift-from-this-catalog/985838/6 "2023-06-20T17:15:27Z")
I wonder how quickly that goes through gasoline. A friend has an amazing fast speedboat. He gets a support crew together once a year to survey sections of the river. He speeds along a 5 mile course, turns around and returns. It’s breathtaking, but then he has to throw a party for his crew and work on the (antique) boat’s engine for a few days, then bed it down. He burns a couple hundred dollars of marine gas in a few minutes. ---
**Author:** ![Railer13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/railer13/32/9742_2.png) [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2023, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-pick-any-one-gift-from-this-catalog/985838/7 "2023-06-20T17:29:47Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > The long reach hedge trimmers. That device will “easily cut through branches up to 5/8” diam.". To which I say, Diam! ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2023, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-pick-any-one-gift-from-this-catalog/985838/8 "2023-06-20T17:44:41Z")
First I wanted the baseball glove chair, then I saw the baseball chair, and I couldn’t decide. The glove looks a little more comfortable (it’s $2000 more comfortable!) so I’ll go with that, please. PM me for my address. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2023, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-pick-any-one-gift-from-this-catalog/985838/9 "2023-06-20T17:47:38Z")
The references to the “Hammacher Schlemmer Institute” are hilarious. We’re supposed to imagine some sort of think tank full of nerds evaluating potential products, while it’s more likely someone looking through the Alibaba website for products that they could sell. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2023, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-pick-any-one-gift-from-this-catalog/985838/10 "2023-06-20T17:49:12Z")
Up until yesterday the [Five Person Exploration Submarine](https://www.hammacher.com/product/five-person-exploration-submarine?promo=sports-leisure-pool-water#) looked like a good choice. ---
**Author:** ![peccavi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peccavi/32/388_2.png) [@peccavi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/peccavi)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2023, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-pick-any-one-gift-from-this-catalog/985838/11 "2023-06-20T18:19:23Z")
> [@WildaBeast](#): > > So if you’re getting it for me as a gift, and I can have literally _anything_ from the catalogue, I’ve got to go with the Flying Hovercraft. I almost went with this (who didn’t dream of owning a flying hovercraft as a kid?) but then I saw the London Taxi: > **[The Authentic London Taxi Cab - Hammacher Schlemmer](https://www.hammacher.com/product/authentic-london-taxi-cab?promo=the-unexpected)** > > This is the authentic Hackney carriage that plied the streets of London over a quarter of a century ago. What a great commute car! And then, after retirement, if I want to pick up some extra cash, what Uber level is this, Uber Platinum? But I also have some questions: Is the Pepperphile’s Peppermill designed to be used as a bludgeon when guests laugh at the Pepperphile during dinner? Is the Celebrity Robotic Avatar Tom Hanks or is it Paulie Shore? Does the Killer Whale Submarine run on seals? Finally, is the Self Contained Hootenanny a whole lot of hoot and just a little bit of nanny, or vice versa? ---
**Author:** ![WildaBeast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wildabeast/32/6_2.png) [@WildaBeast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WildaBeast)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2023, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-pick-any-one-gift-from-this-catalog/985838/12 "2023-06-20T18:23:43Z")
I actually almost picked the London taxi, but… hovercraft! And it flies! > [@peccavi](#): > > if I want to pick up some extra cash, what Uber level is this, Uber Platinum? I always thought it would be fun to use an old Checker taxi as in Uber, although I’m pretty sure in reality Uber has rules about how old your vehicle can be. ---
**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2023, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-pick-any-one-gift-from-this-catalog/985838/13 "2023-06-20T18:23:48Z")
> [@peccavi](#): > > if I want to pick up some extra cash, what Uber level is this, Uber Platinum? Don’t those ride shares have a limit to how old your car can be? Be funny to be rejected because your authentic London taxi is from the 80s. [Edit: Semi-Ninja’d!] ---
**Author:** ![CairoCarol](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cairocarol/32/3825_2.png) [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2023, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-pick-any-one-gift-from-this-catalog/985838/14 "2023-06-20T18:34:40Z")
> [@peccavi](#): > > Is the Pepperphile’s Peppermill designed to be used as a bludgeon when guests laugh at the Pepperphile during dinner? That peppermill caught my attention as well. In a world full of many stupid things, it manages to stand out. Where does one store a three-foot-tall peppermill? And I don’t care how much you love pepper, unless you are running a restaurant you can’t possibly go through two pounds of the stuff so fast that it won’t start to lose its potency and fresh aroma before you empty it. Also, it’s got to be incredibly awkward to use. The thing weighs 7 pounds empty! It’s hard to believe that one isn’t an April Fool’s joke, but … I guess it is for real? ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2023, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-pick-any-one-gift-from-this-catalog/985838/15 "2023-06-20T18:57:43Z")
Huge catalog that I haven’t had time to thoroughly search, but after a quick browse I’m torn between the practical > **[The Smartphone Enabled 8X Monocular - Hammacher Schlemmer](https://www.hammacher.com/product/smartphone-enabled-8x-monocular)** > > This is the monocular that mounts to a smartphone with an adapter to provide magnified images before taking pictures or recording video onto a phone. and the less practical > **[Museum Quality Limited Edition R2-D2 - Hammacher Schlemmer](https://www.hammacher.com/product/museum-quality-r2-d2)** > > Don't miss out on this 4'-tall limited edition R2-D2? replica with authentic lights and sounds. Order this unique droid from Hammacher Schlemmer today. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2023, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-pick-any-one-gift-from-this-catalog/985838/16 "2023-06-21T20:08:00Z")
> [@ZipperJJ](#): > > The glove looks a little more comfortable (it’s $2000 more comfortable!) so I’ll go with that, please. Because I also arrived at that same conclusion before reading the replies, I think we came up with the correct answer. I can’t wait to see my wife’s reaction upon seeing it (and the receipt)! > **[The Authentic Baseball Glove Leather Chair - Hammacher Schlemmer](https://www.hammacher.com/product/authentic-baseball-glove-leather-chair?promo=ourfavorites)** > > Made by Rawlings, this is the chair crafted in the form of a gargantuan baseball glove, upholstered entirely with the same exceptional leather as the mitts used by professional ballplayers. ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2023, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-pick-any-one-gift-from-this-catalog/985838/17 "2023-06-21T20:37:07Z")
The two-person transparent kayak looks good. ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2023, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-pick-any-one-gift-from-this-catalog/985838/18 "2023-06-21T21:15:30Z")
The massive massage chair. I’ve wanted one of those for decades. ---
**Author:** ![Folly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/folly/32/3219_2.png) [@Folly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Folly)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2023, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-pick-any-one-gift-from-this-catalog/985838/19 "2023-06-21T23:13:34Z")
The realistic [flying RC Eagle](https://www.hammacher.com/product/rc-realistic-flying-eagle?promo=toys-games-remote-control-toys) looks good and on sale for $149.95! ---
**Author:** ![tofor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tofor/32/13727_2.png) [@tofor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tofor)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2023, 11:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-pick-any-one-gift-from-this-catalog/985838/20 "2023-06-22T11:29:44Z")
I’ve requested a paper copy of the catalog for more leisurely drooling. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-pick-any-one-gift-from-this-catalog/985838.md?page=2)