Awesome Desk Toys

This set of miniature hand tools from Japanese outfit Meta Mate are what happens when your tools get mixed up with some Pym particles. The kit comes with 11 injection-molded mini metal tools, including scissors, nippers, pliers, a monkey wrench, caliper, bow saw, vise and more. Each tiny tool works just like the real deal.

AltDynamic is back with two larger sizes of its Superegg desk plaything. The machined metal eggs feature a superelliptical shape, and now come in 2.4″ (Mighty) and 2.88″ (Mega) variants. Each can be ordered in stainless steel, copper, or titanium, with mirror, satin, or machined finishes. Mini and Classic sizes are also available during this Kickstarter campaign.

The latest desk toy from the makers of the Mezmoglobe series offers up a hypnotic illusion that will have you scratching your head. Give its outer helix a spin, and it appears that its metal sphere is floating weightlessly in its center. It’s completely mechanical and uses no magnets or electricity. Choose from black, dark titanium, or silver helix designs.

The latest creation from the talented artists of AltDynamic puts a new spin on the machinist’s practice object known as a Swiss cube. Their version twists the cube in the middle and will have you wondering how they engineered such a thing. The palm-sized cube is CNC machined from solid aluminum in the USA, and comes in raw metal or anodized colors.

This teensy top from the makers of the Mezmocoin and Mezmoglobe is small enough to carry on your keychain or a zipper pull. It spins smoothly on its ball-shaped tip, and clicks into a quick-release ring so you can carry it everywhere. Available in stainless steel or brass with an optional glass or magnetic base.

AltDynamic created this metal model based on data from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. The miniature moonscape replicates the topography of the Linné Crater. Each is CNC-machined from a solid aluminum bar and comes as a 5″ x 5″ or 5″ x 8″ scene, with the larger model available in a blue or red finish.

This desktop plaything is a tiny marble track under a dome. It’s a great distraction from work and stress as its marbles climb to the top and roll down its track with the push of a lever. Its mechanism uses no electricity, and it’s built with quality parts including glass, metal, and cork. Measures 10.5″ H x 6.3″ Diameter.

Chicago-based EVE Company makes these metal curiosities inspired by classic machinist’s tests like the Swiss cube and Turner’s cube. The Cubit collection includes three variants: the Ripple Cubit, Matrix Cubit, Infinity Cubit. Each one is CNC machined from 6061-T6 aluminum, and measures appx. 2″ x 2″ x 2″.

This desktop plaything from the makers of the Mezmoglobe and Mezmotop tricks your eyes when you spin it. The mirror finish aluminum toy looks like a stack of coins, and its smooth spinning mechanism creates a wavelike illusion as you get it up to speed. Sold in standard and nano sizes, as well as a bundle with both.

This slimline spinner toy is designed so its middle seems to vanish once it’s up to speed. Despite having an asymmetrical design, it’s been engineered to balance perfectly on its tungsten carbide pivot point. Available in stainless steel, brass, and copper wrapped around an aluminum core, or a special titanium edition.

Bored at your desk? Give your fingers something fun to do with this series of miniature games from Running Press. There are tiny versions of Skee-Ball, tetherball, shuffleboard, cornhole, ping pong, basketball, and even mini boxing and weightlifting sets to give your digits a workout when they’re not typing.

Makers of cool metal objects AltDynamic are back with another really sweet design. The Tesseract is a CNC-machined aluminum cube within a cube that looks like a rare totem from another dimension. It comes in three sizes: 1.9″ Mini, 2.4″ Mighty, and 2.9″ Mega, in raw aluminum and three anodized colors.

Machined from a solid hunk of aluminum or brass, the Flipo Flip offers a unique take on the desktop fidget toy. This metal plaything is designed to feel great in the hand, and is perfectly weighted for flipping, spinning, and manipulation with your fingers. Available in hexagonal and square designs.

Designed by serial crowdfunder Kristaps Krišjans, this unique spinning top mimics the look of a droplet of water splashing into a pond. Its lower part resembles pond ripples whether at rest or in motion. Available in CNC-machined stainless steel or titanium, polished or matte finish, and with or without a matching base.

AltDynamic’s wonderfully tactile plaything is CNC-machined from a solid block of aluminum. Each one features an open-structure geometry inspired by a design found among Leonardo daVinci’s drawings. It measures 2.5″ at its widest point, and is available in raw aluminum, bead-blasted satin, or anodized colors.

It’s like, how much more black could this be… and the answer is none. None more black. This conversation piece incorporates a superblack nanotube surface to absorb virtually all light, resulting in an extremely flat, matte-finish object that looks like a gateway to nothingness, no matter what angle you view it from.

A fun play on classic diner menu sign boards, ThreePotatoFourCo’s 10″ x 3.5″ black-on-white desktop version challenges you to spell out your thoughts with the utmost economy of language. Includes an oak wood base and 145 interchangeable letters and numbers.