Best education supplies & caft supplies according to redditors

Squiggle Wiggle Writer, Multicolor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0035477YK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_TtlYCbWXR36WW

Got one of these pens for Christmas and everything changed.

https://www.amazon.com/skills-Development-Occupational-Therapy-Ostrich/dp/B071XV9T11

>motorized pen

I thought it was going to be one of these totally not dildos.

Not the exact same one, but I have this one and it’s pretty great.

Here you go!

Penguin onesie - $55.89 and she promises a terrible dancing video if she gets it.

Calligraphy kit - $33.99

Penguin-opoly - $24.99

Poster - $19.99

There's $20 leftover for the small things on her list. I thought the necklace would work but it goes over with S/H. gah.


Edit: She commented that she wants this book which we could add onto these items.

I'm talking about a basic fisher-price level elementary school globe, here: https://www.amazon.com/Explorer-World-Globe-Assorted-Colors/dp/B00000J6JX

It's not dildo shaped. It's broom shaped. Do we need to ban young girls from playing with cylyndrical objects?

Should young girls not be able to use electric toothbrushes or squiggle writers because they are oblong and vibrate? Because people definitely use those things to masturbate. But like that broom, they're innocent items and not fucking sex toys.

Who cares if a kid uses something for a different purpose than intended? If we're going to get outraged over innocent items that kids (male or female) can masturbate with, buckle up because the list is long and we'll be here for a while.

Learning Resources Wooden Pattern Blocks, Set of 250 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000F8T8U0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_7eqFAb5YQWFGQ these aren’t plastic but look similar to what you described.

Step 1 - buy a world globe

Step 2 - look at it everyday

Step 3 - resist the temptation to travel to a new place everyday

Omigoodness I love the word crygraine, I'm totally stealing that.

I work with those all the way from two to young adult, and let me tell you, kids are way more kind and understanding about migraines than adults are.

Also, I don't know about you, but when I worked in the schools the fluorescent lights were terrible for my migraines. You can put up light filters (magnetic) over the lights (most come with a sheet saying they're not fire hazards) which really help. Bonus is that my high schoolers said it made school feel less like a prison (direct quote).
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001YT7DFQ/ref=sspa_mw_detail_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Alternatively, if you have a good school, you can ask them if you can take one bulb out in every light. That helps too. Or just get rid of the lights directly above your desk to give you a bit of a sanctuary.

Finally, a glare proof screen cover and the add on f.lux (if school will allow you to download it - they gave me permission) will seriously help when you have to use the computer.

You're welcome.

We use something like this for our classes. A 42 pocket is also available. We assign the kids a number, and they have to put their phone in the corresponding pocket. It's a pain in the beginning of the year, but they eventually do it without a fight.

I believe it is this one:
https://www.amazon.com/World-Warcraft-Two-Sided-Map-24-32/dp/B000MV44UE/
It's apparently double-sided (and quite expensive)

Squiggle Wiggle. The vibrating pen. There's zero way this isn't a vibrator for girls too young to secure a PO box. At least in my experience ...

How about some gold stars?

Also anyone who wants these: https://www.amazon.com/Learning-Resources-Wooden-Pattern-Blocks/dp/B000F8T8U0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1504426368&sr=8-1&keywords=wooden+Tangrams

Sure can.

https://www.amazon.com/Classics-Pencil-Assorted-1-5-Inch-TPG-16412/dp/B00GN1YN8U/ref=sr_1_5?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1522764007&sr=1-5&keywords=pencil+grips

My son uses them to help with his handwriting as he has poor motor skills due to autism.

Yep! Mine was orange. I can't believe they still make it.

My school admin supports teachers who want to use cell phone holders in classrooms. I have one of these hanging up. It's been life changing for me--like taking a time machine back to 2000 or so. I recommend it.

I was initially afraid of a few things: stolen phones, fake phone cases, students pushing back, etc. None of that came to pass in the last few years I've used it. The students actually seem to kind of like it.

http://www.amazon.com/Clear-Plastic-Easels-Plate-Holders/dp/B003CTSIG4/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1394378132&sr=1-1&keywords=mini+easel

http://www.amazon.com/Learning-Resources-Wooden-Pattern-Blocks/dp/B000F8T8U0/ref=sr_1_4?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1464739629&sr=1-4&keywords=pattern+blocks

I do only as the lady commands. Would some of these be sufficient?

Try using a guide. It will suck at first but you can retrain your grip and eventually not need it.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Pencil-Grip-Crossover-TPG-17706/dp/B001SN8HPI

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014FW44H8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1


I already got the map. The problem is framing something this big. It's hundreds of dollars and a hassle. I decided to learn to make frames myself so that's a project I'm undertaking before the map goes up. Going to do this:

https://www.primermagazine.com/2013/learn/make-this-giant-map-frame-for-only-30

Learning Resources Wooden Pattern Blocks, Set of 250 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000F8T8U0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_dtRFAbAV0EEQ3

http://www.amazon.com/Clear-Plastic-Easels-Plate-Holders/dp/B003CTSIG4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395784559&sr=8-1&keywords=display+easel+plastic these?

If you are going to try Broom Stick Lace, I suggest picking up a drafting ruler. The triangle shape makes it much easier to slip the hook in.

They have them on Amazon or at office supply stores.

Arteza 12" Triangular Architect Scale Aluminum Color-Coded Grooves (Imperial) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LY2BJ1G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_pa0BCbVWWWPEE

You can totally just buy gold stickers of amazon.

I have this up in my uni room its very nice:
World Executive, Poster Size, tubed : Wall Maps World (National Geographic Reference Map) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1597752088/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_pD0oybFCH7259

In general, you can just buy stuff from Amazon.

Like lab coats.

Or those gold stickers we used to have to work hard to get (http://www.amazon.com/Teacher-Created-Resources-Stars-Stickers/dp/B000YABDEI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1347649944&sr=8-1&keywords=gold+stickers): 120 gold stars for 4.05 (incl. free shipping with orders over 25$).

A glass display case with leds / lights is always best imo, and if you can get clear / transparent plate holders (something like this but obviously less tacky) that'd be amazing. I have my glass case, but I have them lying down, and it's just not that cool :(.

I have a few different sizes but these are what i use
https://www.amazon.com/Clear-Plastic-Easels-Plate-Holders/dp/B003CTSIG4

>i just want the satisfaction of receiving something because i did good

Place these on a coffee table next to where you play. Grab one each time you do good.

http://www.amazon.com/Teacher-Created-Resources-Stars-Stickers/dp/B000YABDEI/ref=sr_1_2?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1415830288&sr=1-2&keywords=gold+star+stickers

Thank you, I’ve learnt a bit through trial and error since I was diagnosed. Unfortunately I’m not a knitter (or at least a very poor one),this is all I’ve found.

https://www.verywellhealth.com/list-of-adaptive-aids-for-knitting-and-crocheting-1094601
https://www.amazon.com/Classics-Pencil-Assorted-1-5-Inch-TPG-16412/dp/B00GN1YN8U/ref=sr_1_9?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1542481296&sr=1-9&keywords=Pencil+grips I truly don’t know if these would work on a knitting needle or not.

Unfortunately I can’t find much on knitting with arthritis. Perhaps it would be worthwhile posting to the r/rheumatoid subreddit, they are very helpful there. And r/knitting has a lot of subscribers as well so hopefully you will get some good ideas there as well.

Sorry I’m not much help. It’s not often you find more on crochet than knitting!

To match message with medium, I was expecting it to be written with one of the vibrating pens that were popular in the mid to late 90s. They had a small ball point pen cartridge in the bottom and the top was an oversized weighted spinner top.

For nostalgia: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0035477YK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_hph8Bb1TAAEXW

If it’s in its own room, there is an adapter on Thingiverse for a 4” tube to go to a fan and such to vent out a window.

https://youtu.be/Rhyf_JttQEY watch this to learn how to properly hollow prints. You don’t have to for jewelry unless it’s really thick but otherwise it’s worth doing to save on that expensive resin.

I personally only use Anycubic resin. I tried one of the cheaper trains on Amazon (monoprice) and couldn’t get anything to print on it. Ended up slowly mixing that resin into some Anycubic resin to not have a waste of a bottle.

If you have Facebook, there are great groups out there for troubleshooting and discussion

https://youtu.be/roAqm5c3rfU this is the flint reed method of leveling the bed. I heard of it before I got my printer and used this method out of the box. Works perfectly

FEP Film for UV 3D Printers - 5mil (0.127mm) Thick - 6 Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CTT6JNR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_NQG5Bb1A0EJ4A

You’ll eventually need to change out the film. These work great and cost way less than the official $10 single sheet. YouTube how to change out. Pretty simple after you do it once.

When using the Photon slicer, I always use medium or heavy supports. Had several failures trying to use just light supports

That’s all I can think of for now.

These look dumb but I used one of these growing up to improve my writing. It forces you to learn how to hold a pen/pencil properly to get the cleanest writing.

After that, it's just time spent on practicing and developing the muscles in your hand so it doesn't get sore after writing half a page.

What kind of turntable are you using? If you have a technics with an s-shaped tonearm the Technics Alignment Tool is the bee's knees.

Otherwise I like the mirrored protractors you hook on the spindle and align by eye. They're more tedious to use than the alignment tool but not too bad.

This is the one I own: Cartridge Alignment Protractor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OS7VO2Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_y3y8ybFW7BR6Q

Easy to make: print off the images you want, and then put in one of these: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Capsules-Containers-Holders-Different-Available/dp/B01GC17LRK

You might want to pad it out with cardboard.

https://www.amazon.com/Teacher-Created-Resources-Stars-Stickers/dp/B000YABDEI/ref=sr_1_1?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1481343338&sr=1-1&keywords=gold+stars

[Frame easel were the words I wanted.] (http://www.amazon.com/Clear-Plastic-Easels-Plate-Holders/dp/B003CTSIG4/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1449262035&sr=8-14&keywords=frame+easel) I have the worst case of stupids today.... anyway, these come in various sizes down to an inch and up to 14", and can be gold, black iron rod, bronze, etc.

Edit: as a follow up, I'd get the plastic ones. I'd then spray paint them the color I wanted and if the item was delicate i'd use rubber glue on the edges. Let it dry and it's like a sticky cushion and protects paint from scratches.

I bought them on Amazon. Here's the link: http://www.amazon.com/Clear-Plastic-Easels-Plate-Holders/dp/B003CTSIG4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377989469&sr=8-1&keywords=plastic+easel

Yep! Just went back to my Amazon history, here is the link to the map: World Executive Poster Sized Wall Map (Tubed, World Map). I absolutely love it. I paired it up a rustic, smooth grain frame, similar to this one (but in a 3x4).

Thanks! Glad you like it! This is the map (National Geographic World Map) and these are the pins.

go for it! I used this map; it's 24"x36" but they have larger sizes too. And if you're only interested in Europe, they have a Europe specific map. I would watch a few videos about modge podge if you haven't done it before because it can get messy, especially when dealing with larger prints. Also, make sure your cork board isn't too thick for the frame; I think I used 1/4" thick cork board. This was the original inspiration for my map

I would bet it has something to do with mis-alignment or anti-skate.

The needle is most likely riding in the groove incorrectly.

If you printed your alignment protractor, make sure it was printed correctly. It needs to be exactly right. Might wnat to buy one of these:

https://www.amazon.com/Sleeve-City-Cartridge-Alignment-Protractor/dp/B00OS7VO2Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468248741&sr=8-1&keywords=alignment+protractor

Test your antiskate on a blank disc.

>globe.

Go Rams! Drafting is drawing the various pieces of the set to scale and often from multiple angles. For example, 1/4" = 1' would be scaled down to 1/48th of the original size, so a 4' x 8' standard platform would be drawn at 1"x2" in the drawing. Get yourself one of these bad boys and once you learn how to use it, it can help handle the math for you.

I bought these and they have been working just as well as the included fep, correct size and everything.

Have you considered getting a pen grip made from a gel or cushion-y material for your Staedtler Fineliners, as you seem to like those the best but they hurt your fingers? I've seen tons of options at office supply stores -- something like this, perhaps?

https://www.amazon.com/Classics-Pencil-Assorted-1-5-Inch-TPG-16412/dp/B00GN1YN8U/

or

https://www.officedepot.com/a/products/595233/Office-Depot-Brand-Gel-Pencil-Pillows/

Fine Motor Skill Development Toy - Blue Walking Ostrich - Occupational Therapy Finger Toy https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071XV9T11/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_41JACb744J11B

Interesting. I though I was done screwing with the cartridge, maybe not :( I ended up using this protractor instead of printing one. I thought it would be better to have "the real thing" but the mirrored coating makes it a pain in the ass. Do you know whether that's Stevenson? I don't know much about the ins and outs other than what to do with what I have. There is surprisingly no mention whatsoever in the listing or the reviews what standard it is. I assumed it was Stevenson since it's so commonly used.

Should the tonearm actually be completely parallel on the Orbit?

There are the usual's, set up a place to study, reduce distraction, yadda yadda, and that helps to a degree, but for me, I can't just have one place to study, sometimes my usual place just bugs the crap out of me, so have a few places you can study, like in your room, at the table, at maybe at the library or something similar, I used to love going to my local bookstore/coffee shop until the hipster crowd decided it was "in" and now it's crowded all the time (good for the store owners, not so much for me).

Next, take stock of the things that distract you. For me it's sounds more than anything, so I use the headphones and grey noise to mitigate that. Plus using the headphones habitually helps to train my brain that when their on, it's time to focus. There are also acoustic soundtracks on youtube and spotify that are designed for study sessions, give them a listen, you may find they help you focus better.

My biggest problem, and a huge reason that studying felt like smashing my head on a brick wall, is because I have issues with visual processing. Things that feel visually cluttered, too compact, or otherwise "off" will make it nearly impossible for me to register what I'm trying to read. This means I can read something a million times and it's just not going to sink in if it's not formatted properly. So, when you can, get your books in e-format and adjust the size of the font, this reduces the visual noise that comes with small font. Also download a blue light filter like lightbulb, and put on an antiglare screen protector to reduce eye strain. Some e-books/e-readers also have an audio option where you can listen to the text as you read along and this can really help a lot.

When e-books and audio books are not an option, try using a reading guide like this one, this one, or made out of a piece of paper with a slot cut in it to help you focus on just one line at a time. If your problem is visual clutter you'll notice a difference in a hurry using these methods.

On top of these methods, when you are reading/studying, take one paragraph at a time, read it, then write a single sentence that summarizes the paragraph. It doesn't have to be anything spectacular, it can be as simple as "birds dance and sing to attract mates" to summarize a paragraph describing the mating ritual of the peafowl. This forces you to break up large amounts of information into bits small enough to process easily. Then when you go back over your notes you're more likely to recall some of the finer details from the chapter, even if you didn't specifically write them down.

Most importantly, be patient with yourself. You know you are smart, your brain just processes differently so you have to find what works best for you. Once you do, you'll do a lot better and things will start to fall into place for you. But the journey to get there can be hard and very disheartening, so don't give up.

I have found you awesome birthday gifts!

Here they are:

• A Travel Scratch Map
  
  
• A Hippo Attack Mug
  
  
• A Batman USB
  
  I got a rock

As a follow-up. The theory of different colors for reading has pretty much been debunked, but he may be able to focus better on different colors. Here is a pack from Amazon that has clear and different colors.

They're tabletop easles i think. I was given them by my future sister in law who used them for mirrors. I saw them on amazon https://www.amazon.com/Clear-Plastic-Easels-Plate-Holders/dp/B003CTSIG4

I second that this should be a teach-by-teacher decision. I'm not exactly sure what age the OP or anyone for that matter is talking about, but in my high school, cell-phone use is pretty well maintained. There is a relatively popular phone holder thing (this->

https://www.amazon.com/Numbered-Classroom-Calculator-Hanging-Organizer/dp/B01EX0IZ0Y/ref=asc_df_B01EX0IZ0Y/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198090886690&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7621553335386985087&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9003234&hvtargid=aud-801381245258:pla-349816256389&psc=1)

that some teachers have at the front of their classroom, but only use for certain classes. Most teachers have a mix of classes, some of which are super nerdy kids with whom the policy against cell phone usage is most easily enforced by simply calling the student out. An awkward situation is the best natural consequence against a kid who wants the teacher's respect. In other classes, students might be more rebellious, and if the phones become a problem, the teacher simply makes students put their phones in here at the start of class. Banning phones from schools just seems like an unnecessary restriction which will make kids feel like they are being micromanaged. Plus, the phone addiction issue is just as problematic if not more outside of the classroom, so eventually there has to be some good resolution for that. In the meantime, though, just let the kids do their thing, and let teachers spend 12$ on amazon (worst case scenario if the school won't pay for it) and buy one of those organizers, fixing the problem for good.

Well, now you've inspired me to practice my tattoo skills:

https://www.amazon.com/Hart-Squiggle-Wiggle-Writer-Multicolor/dp/B0035477YK

I didn't delete my comment, it just had so many downvotes it got buried. Either that, or a mod deleted it, I have no idea.

Look, I get it, you're a nice guy. It was a quick comment that OP should learn how to draw and paint or be destined be another script kiddie that spends a day trying to find the exact right photo reference to copy when if they could link up their hand with their brain they unleash their imagination.

But I'm a dick so don't sweat it. To prove my dickishness, here's a fun piece of unsolicited dick advice: Don't forget to top off your [supply] (https://www.amazon.com/Teacher-Created-Resources-Stars-Stickers/dp/B000YABDEI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1481505706&sr=8-2&keywords=gold+star+stickers)

be the change

Hey! I'm not sure if this would be of any help to you, but they make special pencil grips for people who aren't used to holding a pencil correctly. You should check them out:

http://www.amazon.ca/The-Pencil-Grip-Crossover-TPG-17706/dp/B001SN8HPI

http://www.writingclaw.com/

Having one of these on your pencil at all time for a while should help. Otherwise, it really just comes down to making a conscious effort to correct how you write. The way we hold pencils is pretty automatic in that we do it without much thought. You have to put that thought into it in order to change it. Good luck!! :)

looks like simple picture easels to me, you can get a bunch of them for cheap at a craft store (if i'm not right, it's a great idea anyways)

https://www.amazon.com/World-Warcraft-Two-Sided-Map-24-32/dp/B000MV44UE

look at side 2

Good news, everyone!

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000F8T8U0?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_pd

Yep

Closest I could find to what I remembered. It also looks the same as this picture. Definitely going on my wish list.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000F8T8U0/ref=psdcmw_12900351_t1_B00S2XPLVA

They are several programs and apps that can help with spelling. I didn't have the luxury of using them but I am sure someone here can suggest some.

I learned how to write in cursive and how to use a calligraphy pen. It helped me write neater and kept me from writting down the page. It takes some time and practice and isn't for everyone.

You already mentioned overlays. I use these to help keep me from dropping or skipping lines when I read.

Color printer paper if you need to print something out for him to read. My color is goldenrod.

Another thing you may want to look at in the future is a text to speech app. I use dragon but it cost alot and they are some free or less expensive out there. This is because he could hear or see a word many times but not correlate it as the same word.

The last thing is a calendar and a note pad. Even though people know we have reading problems, we also have problems with memory. Having someway of keeping track when something is going to happen or due helps alot. He can use the note pad to just write down anything he needed to remember like meeting with friends or doing homework. Teach him this early and it will become 2nd nature.

I doubt the bot is equipped for lego education sets. So here's a link. The prices fluctuate I was able to get them for $32 each.

I used to have this one in my bedroom. It's not massive but it looks really cool (Especially the old looking side.

http://www.amazon.com/World-Warcraft-Two-Sided-Map-24-Pc/dp/B000MV44UE

https://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Education-Community-Minifigures-4598355/dp/B0085Y3MTO/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1466201841&sr=8-3&keywords=lego+city+minifigures

23 City-style minifigures, plus various accessories and scenery.

I guarantee you that there is at least one German penguin living somewhere underneath these scratchings. ;)

Oh, and for the record, my nickname has been Penguin since I was a kid and I do have German heritage. So, there's that. haha!

Ich liebe Pinguine.

Theres a poster version and a travel version - tbh the travel one is pretty big anyway!
I've brought these as gifts before and was pleased - I always added a nice coin.

Official site - https://www.scratchmap.co.uk/

US Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Scratch-Personalized-Poster-Travel-Edition/dp/B005J4OTM2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1371134136&sr=8-1&keywords=scratch+map

Here you go...Just in case you didn't get your fill.

Here you go guys ;)
https://www.amazon.com/World-Warcraft-Two-Sided-Map-24-Pc/dp/B000MV44UE

Pretty sure this was released by Brady games, maybe with a strategy guide? If you flip it over do you see the other image on this page? See also http://www.insidemacgames.com/news/story.php?ArticleID=13575.

I'd really like to get one of these myself but a hundred bucks is pretty steep for a poster. Wish Blizzard would release a new one.

http://www.amazon.com/Vintage-World-Giant-Poster-College/dp/B002HPNDCS/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1405810739&sr=8-10&keywords=world+map

http://www.amazon.com/World-Executive-Poster-National-Geographic/dp/1597752088/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1405810764&sr=8-4&keywords=world+map

I use pencil grips. They slide on easily and stay on pretty well. I haven’t had a frayed cord since I started using them. Plus they are kind of cute. Similar to these: https://www.amazon.com/Classics-Pencil-Assorted-1-5-Inch-TPG-16412/dp/B00GN1YN8U

Believe it or not this map has Australia on it!

Oh, and if you also weren't aware, /u/nacho_cheezus is the sexiest mod ever...apologies /u/thesmy

https://www.amazon.com/Wooden-Pattern-Blocks-Set-250/dp/B000F8T8U0

I have learned they are called pattern blocks. Seems like they must have had another name but all the places on page 1 of Google are focused at selling them to math teachers

Judging by the size and shape in pictures, I think you could just get those rubber grips for pencils. https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00GN1YN8U/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Capsules-Containers-Holders-Different-Available/dp/B01GC17LRK/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=21mm+coin+capsules&qid=1555955373&s=gateway&sr=8-3#

Arrived in about 9 days. If you order one set it’s free delivery. So just do 4 orders of 1.

I just stole items that happened to vibrate,

LIKE A NORMAL 12yo!!!

https://www.amazon.com/Hart-Squiggle-Wiggle-Writer-Multicolor/dp/B0035477YK

For fluorescent lights, they make these light filters which are a LIFESAVER. A few years ago I was working in an office with horrible lights so I put these up and it fixed everything. https://www.amazon.com/Educational-Insights-Fluorescent-Filters-Tranquil/dp/B001YT7DFQ/

If you want to limit or filter additional fluorescent light, there are these shades that you can purchase online. They attach over top the existing light with magnets and give additional dimming/filtration to flurescent lights. I have used these over my desk for a while and they help me a lot. They come in a pack of 4. I just had to show the package information to someone in facilities to get an OK and then request that they install them over top my desk.

Source: Fine Motor Skill Development Toy - Blue Walking Ostrich - Occupational Therapy Finger Toy https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071XV9T11/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_aKCACbK7CB3D0

This is a bit of a kludge, but if you like the way the pen writes and want to have a bit more comfortable grip, it is a perfect size to slip on the little 'foam tubes' that are made to improve the comfort of a pencil grip. (Like these) You can just slip it on from the back end of the barrel (so you don't go over the inky nib) and right up over the gripping area, and then slip it off when you are done using the pen. When I wanted to write a couple of letters or something, this made it more comfortable.

This pen, and an identical model in a gun-metal blue, were the first two pens I purchased when I got interested in FPs about seven years ago. Purchased from Ron Zorn at Main Street Pens, whom I've remained friends with since then.

Like this guy
http://www.amazon.com/Luckies-London-Scratch-Edition-USLUKSTRA/dp/B005J4OTM2/

Found them on Amazon.ca, available in lots of slightly different sizes:

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01GC17LRK/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awdb_t1_cROMAb8DT0TQT

Alternatively, you can buy the Fan kit, which I managed to get from here, when it was briefly in stock. It will likely come in stock again, just not very often. Add yourself to the notification list.

https://www.boardgamebliss.com/products/orleans-fan-kit?variant=5667342209

Plus side of this is that it adds a 5th player to the game.

I've used lighting panels for recessed ceiling lights similar to these.

They're hard to cut, so I score them and then snap them instead of cutting with a saw.

One 2'x4' panel will cover about 3 standard 20gallon tanks, so it's a cheap way to get covers. You can replace them with glass if you like one tank at a time.

Since they're made to hang with just the edges supported, they're stiff enough in a smaller size for a tank.

Thanks for all the suggestions.
In the end I got him a scratch off world map to show all the places he's been:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Scratch-Travel-Size-Personalised-World/dp/B005J4OTM2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1481276188&sr=8-2&keywords=scratch+off+map

Stars, you say?

This is a good idea! They sell transparent ruler-type things (example) to be held over the page and moved downward as you read that can be really helpful for this, too. They're usually recommended for people with dyslexia or other eye/attention issues but are pretty awesome across the board (bonus - they make convenient bookmarks!).

1. I had one of these to help me write properly.

I would LOVE to get a Lego minifigure set for my nephew to play with when he visits.

Hope training went well! thank you for your service!

How "vintage" are you looking for it to be?

http://www.outlookmaps.com/shop/world-antique-style-wall-map

https://www.metskers.com/39576/650200/Themed-World-Maps/Illustrated-Modern-World-Antique-Style-Map.html

https://www.amazon.com/Pyramid-World-Vintage-Style-Poster/dp/B00AHAMLS2

https://www.amazon.com/National-Geographic-Executive-inches-Reference/dp/1597752088?tag=brilliantmaps-20

https://zmaps.eu/products/modern-world-map-with-hidden-frame

They are called Pattern Blocks.

Here they are on Amazon

A bit more expensive, but so worth it if you travel

I have one of these in my kitchen and it's a great conversation piece, and super satisfying scratching off a new country every time you travel!

Up up and away

these?

Like this one? https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01LY2BJ1G/ref=mp_s_a_1_3/132-3557358-8743653?ie=UTF8&qid=1494559555&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=Architect+scale&dpPl=1&dpID=51s9kGRO8IL&ref=plSrch#immersive-view_1494559967675

I'm guessing I'd use the marks on the green side labeled 1?

I bought these sheets, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CTT6JNR/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1. 6 sheets for $30.

Oh wow, ok great, thank you, got it! I purposely ordered escudo notes that had been used a lot, because I liked that they cleared contained some real "history" in the real world. Actually, if you're interested, I already also ordered a bunch of other currency as well - I had planned to order it along with those first banknotes, but wasn't sure if that would be too much, but after she and her two sisters and the nephew himself all were so surprised and thrilled with that, I went ahead and immediately ordered these as well when I got home:

3 of these Brazilian dollars for each of the 3 sisters, who have told me that the kid is so smart and loves to read - these I got in mint condition, because I simply preferred that for this one -

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTQ1NFgxNjAw/z/aBgAAOSwaNBUfFwY/$_57.JPG

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=brazil&_from=R40|R40|R40|R40|R40|R40&_osacat=3411&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.Xbrazil+100+cruzados&_nkw=brazil+100+cruzados&_sacat=3411

This coin, which depicts the Pope carrying a sculpture of the Virgin Mary as the patroness of Brazil -- one of the girls (the kid's mother) posted a picture of that figure on her Facebook back in October when it was the Brazilian holiday about it -

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTYwMFgxMjk2/z/MXoAAOSwEK9T~MlL/$_57.JPG

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=2014+1+DOLLAR+BRITISH+VIRGIN+ISLANDS&_from=R40&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.X2014+1+DOLLAR+BRITISH+VIRGIN+ISLANDS+POPE&_nkw=2014+1+DOLLAR+BRITISH+VIRGIN+ISLANDS+POPE&_sacat=0

Info:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Lady_of_Aparecida

Then I ordered this coin the other day (just a couple bucks), which depicts Portugal's first Chief Cosmographer, Pedro Nunes -

http://www.ebay.com/itm/100-Escudos-2000-Bi-metallic-PEDRO-NUNES-/111583904507?pt=US_World_Coins&hash=item19faeb42fb

Info - and I may print out part of these two articles, and in this case, I'll just use Google's English translations, as corrected by me:

http://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedro_Nunes

http://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosm%C3%B3grafo-mor

And lastly, this globe (which I used to have) -

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00000J6JX/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=1944687522&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B008C4RX5G&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1RRMGR1V0KCAA2JKKZXV

I think it will be a really cool addition to their home, and the kid can learn geography from it. And yes, this is up-to-date and it includes the nation of South Sudan, which became a country in 2011. I plan to present the 2 preceding coins at the same time as the globe. First, I want to show those the two coins, side by side (like with the symbolic visual meaning of Christianity being brought to the world--these girls are very religious, at least in the sense that they talk about God's role in their lives very often), and then present the globe and place the coins against it, with the Nunes one where Portugal is, and the Aparecida one where Brazil is! As you can see, I like to give gifts that people can learn from and find some special meaning in. All the things are scheduled to be delivered by February 7, which is not too many days away, so I'm very excited about all this!

22 figures for $45 in the LEGO Education Community set

While they're like $2 and change each, they come in a variety of styles and are all city.