Rocketry-related gift ideas, 2024

[dvdsnyd]

Now that we got Halloween out of here, and we are firmly in November all the good girls and boys(probably the naughty ones too) will be polishing up their gift lists.
I thought I would ask the community what your thoughts are on good gifts that are rocketry related.
Please keep prices around the $50 mark.

What are some of your favorite building tools?
Anything that has come in handy out at the range?
Any obscure piece of kit for the person who has "everything" rocketry related should have?
Keep it open to all aspects of rocketry, low-high power, experimental, you name it!
Have fun with it - There aren't any silly answers.

Dave

 

[Azamiryou]

A.C.M.E. Spitfire. Anyone would love that, right?

 

[NTP2]

shear pins, good ones. I'm always out...

 

[Wrightme43]

got a cat?

https://www.etsy.com/listing/100255...823fbee4d%3A1002552097&organic_search_click=1

I ordered one for Tank Underfoot the giant ginger cat of doom.

Should come in Monday.

 

[David_Stack]

Annual “Rockets of High Power” wall calendar by Nadine Kinney

 

[jkovac]

Mesh shooting vest with pockets. Great for holding everything needed at pad, tracking receiver, etc. for launches in really hot weather.

 

[dvdsnyd]

Long forceps like these are really handy for packing shock cords of smaller low power rockets as well as other task!

 

[bad_idea]

• LiPo charger.
• LiPo batteries.
• For someone who already has a LiPo charger, Eggtimer electronics. Could probably get an Apogee or Quark with a battery and a low-end but usable soldering iron to assemble it for around $50, maybe less.
• Magnifier hood for those over 40, or for anyone assembling complex kits (rockets or electronics).
• For longer rockets with tight innards, HOUSes (Hemostats of Unusual Size), which aren't as precise in their operation as smaller hemostats, but are a Godsend for working inside deep, skinny tubes.
• For someone who works with cardboard tubes and already has a laminating epoxy system, Soller sleeves are a great way to "up-armor" cardboard.
• Speaking of cardboard, 34" tube and coupler stock from BMS.
• Take your pick of low-power through H motors.
• Any number of kits. LOC Park Flyer kits land squarely in this price range and are sturdy and well-appointed. BRM has the Park Flyer Hawk for under $30 right now, and also has the larger 2.6" Standard ARM for under $50. AC Supply has Estes kits for 20% off and Quest and Custom brand kits for 30% off.

Much of the above will be on sale many places later this month.

 

[jqavins]

There aren't any silly answers

Challenge accepted.

Anyway, one thing I'm glad I have is a second tackle box or toolbox (that is, not the one with all motors and other launching stuff) outfitted for field repairs. Some basic tools, glues, sandpaper, bits and pieces of balsa, etc. My own is labeled "Rocket surgery", and needs restocking for next flying season. For anyone who hasn't got that stuff, a pre-outfitted box would be a good gift. For me, keeping it separate helps with finding what I need efficiently.

Second, a set of two or three sizes of sky hooks to help with prep and field repairs of larger rockets.

 

[Azamiryou]

A telescoping 30' pole with a boat hook on the end, $80.

 

[dvdsnyd]

Small pipettes for thin CA. Can probably be used for medium and thick too.
These can be combined with disposable CA tips.
I prefer to leave the cap-tip of the CA bottle intact. I unscrew the cap and use pipettes to suction and dispense CA as needed.
The disposable CA glue tips can be slipped over the end of the eye dropper for your precision CA needs.
Good little stocking stuffer

 

[Hobie1dog]

$100 Gift Certificate to be used to get what YOU want at your Vendor

 

[cwbullet]

“A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds.”​

FRANCIS BACON​

 

[NTP2]

“A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds.”​

FRANCIS BACON​

I think that’s in the wrong thread, or is the wisdom of a man named after a cut of meat a good rocket gift?

 

[jqavins]

Anything to do with bacon is a good gift!

 

[NTP2]

Anything to do with bacon is a good gift!

not if you have heart disease, but far point but it has to be crispy no soggy bacon!

 

[Aeva]

not if you have heart disease, but far point but it has to be crispy no soggy bacon!

there's always turkey bacon the sad but healthier cousin of REAL bacon

One thing I bought for myself was the IFT5 mission patch (the one w/ landed booster) from spacex (not that they need my money). There are few items on the spacex store that are great for under $50, and also everyday astronaut has some great rocketry related items too.

 

[NTP2]

there's always turkey bacon the sad but healthier cousin of REAL bacon

I like turkey bacon...

 

[jqavins]

I like turkey bacon...

Some people like "vegan cheese", but it ain't cheese!

 

[Aeva]

I like turkey bacon...

I've never been more disappointed in you lol (/s)

 

[NTP2]

Some people like "vegan cheese", but it ain't cheese!

"vegan cheese" that's just weird.

I've never been more disappointed in you lol (/s)

It's good! not as fatty.

 

[jqavins]

It's good! not as fatty.

But "not as fatty" means not as good. The basic recipe for fundamental bacony goodness is equal parts fat, salt, and smoke plus a quarter of a part or so of sweet.

Anyway, if it don't come from a pig, it ain't bacon. In case it wasn't clear above, turkey-based bacon substitute may be to your liking, just as vegan cheese substitute may be, but one ain't cheese and the other ain't bacon. (Actually, neither of them is cheese and neither of them is bacon.)

 

[Hammster]

This year I've asked for BT-80 tube, 18-24mm motor adapter, and D to E engine mount kit.

 

[cwbullet]

I think that’s in the wrong thread, or is the wisdom of a man named after a cut of meat a good rocket gift?

It is. No idea how that happens.

 

[jadebox]

A while back, Chris of Chris's Rocket Supplies introduced me to the GCI Freestyle Rocker folding chair. If you regularly attend rocket club launches, I highly recommend it. It folds flat and has two different handles for easy carrying. It is strong enough that it doesn't complain when I sit on it. And ... it rocks (literally).

It is sale-priced for Black Friday right now at Amazon.

 

[lr64]

Small pipettes for thin CA. Can probably be used for medium and thick too.
These can be combined with disposable CA tips.
I prefer to leave the cap-tip of the CA bottle intact. I unscrew the cap and use pipettes to suction and dispense CA as needed.
The disposable CA glue tips can be slipped over the end of the eye dropper for your precision CA needs.
Good little stocking stuffer

With some of these, you can load the glue in and then stretch the end of the tube so it necks down. Then you can snip it at the narrow spot and have a narrow tip.

I suppose a face shield isn't a fun gift, but some of us can use them.