I’m a fairly fidgety person, especially when I’m nervous or stressed. More than once my coirkers have heard the dreaded sound of a pen being rapidly clicked as I search for someone. I do the same thing while writing; I’ll drum my fingers, tap the keys, or tap my fingers together. Mother Dearest can attest to this habit, more than once I’ve driven her to distraction by drumming my fingers while sitting at the table. I’m usually not even aware that I’m doing it.

Recently while browsing on Kickstarter, I came across a device that’s supposed to help with this – it’s called the Thinket.

It looks pretty, but the thing also looks massive. I have small hands and short fingers (thanks for that genetic legacy, Dad) so I have a problem with intricate manipulations like that.

And it doesn’t look all that complex. Judging by the video, it’s a cylinder lined with magnets and a steel plunger. That’s it. It does look like it would be fun to play with for a little while, but then I’d probably go back to clicking pens or something that wouldn’t give me hand strain. If I were really interested, I’d make my own “thinket” with a bit of PVC pipe, some magnets, and a bolt from the hardware store. That way when I got bored with it, I’d only be out five bucks rather than forty.