Puzzles are a timeless way to unwind while keeping your mind sharp. This 3-D wooden bee puzzle was made by Robotics Team Magma 3008, a group of Kalani High School students, using a laser controlled by computer-aided manufacturing software. It’s suitable for older children, teens and adults. Numbers on the 27 pieces show where they fit together. When assembled, it’s a handsome little insect with a 7-inch wingspan. Other puzzles include “Star Wars”-style aircraft, geckos and dinosaurs. Order for $15 at magmarobotics.com; sales benefit the robotics team. — John Berger

Let off some steam with festive pot aids

While perusing Red Pineapple in Ward Centre, I found Fred Escape! Lid Lifters ($14) — silicone, color-changing hooks in the shape of an octopus tentacle or crab claw that sit on the rim of a pot, raising the lid to let steam escape and minimizing evaporation of liquids and the risk of boiling over. Call the store at 593-2733 for availability or check online retailers. — Michelle Ramos

Compressed teas cut down on prep time

I love tea and keep lots of loose-leaf varieties at home, but sometimes I’m just too lazy to make it and opt for sugar-saturated juice instead.

Sashee Chandran also found it difficult to enjoy a fresh pot of tea while working in an office, because of all the implements and time involved. So for 2-1/2 years she worked at eBay by day and spent evenings experimenting in her kitchen. The result is Tea Drops, compressed organic teas and spices that can simply be dropped into a cup of hot water any place, any time. The drop dissolves and, voila, you can enjoy hot (or cold) tea in flavors such as Cardamom Spice, Chocolate Earl Grey and Citrus Ginger, all with a touch of organic sugar. Sugar-free options are coming this fall.

The teas are available at Nic’s Island Cafe in Kukui Plaza in single-flavor boxes at $16.50 for 10 drops, or a giftable wood box that can be customized with eight drops for $18. Nic’s is at 50 S. Beretania St. Call 200-7416. — Nadine Kam

Sleek disc illuminates cavernous bags

I don’t carry cute bags barely big enough to fit my cellphone. I have a mommy purse — a cavernous tote filled with Band-Aids, tissues, bags of fruit snacks and a few Happy Meal toys in addition to my wallet, sunglasses and other essentials. When I need to find my keys, I fish around and around, pulling out lip gloss, an umbrella and three pens before I finally locate them.

Tired of waiting by the passenger door as I searched, my sister bought me Soi, a 2.5-inch disc that somehow senses when my hand is near (I don’t have to even touch it!) and illuminates with a soft white light — and it doesn’t turn on when just jostling around in my bag. Genius. Three AAA batteries make the magic work. Soi is $29.95 at thegrommet.com/soi. — Donica Kaneshiro

Makeup artist transforms hard-to-control eyebrows

I struggled for years with unruly eyebrows. No matter how I tweezed and tried to shape them, they had a mind of their own. When I retired and moved back to Hawaii, I discovered makeup artist Gerry Brown at J Salon, 210 Ward Ave. She worked her magic and has made a huge difference in my appearance.

Well-groomed eyebrows give an instant face-lift. When guests visit from the mainland, the first thing they do is call Gerry for an eyebrow appointment. She’s that good! The first appointment with consult takes 30 minutes and costs $45; subsequent appointments take 20 minutes and cost $35. Call 550-4441. — Geri McBeth, Kaneohe