Tools & toys

Epson LabelWorks LW-600P is shown in this photo.
Epson LabelWorks LW-600P is shown in this photo.

What’s to love: A label maker that works with your smartphone or tablet.

What does it do: Download the app of this portable Epson label maker to your phone or tablet and then design customized labels that can be printed on a variety of adhesive surfaces up to 1 inch wide. Prints on iron-on labels, which is great for kids clothing, and even prints on ribbons, which is great for weddings, parties and presents. Work wirelessly using a Bluetooth connection. The label maker works quickly and an automatic cutter makes it easy to print multiple labels. The portable label printer sells for $99. Label cartridges are sold separately and include ribbon and adhesive tape in a variety of styles, including clear, reflective and metallic.

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MAX 1 Alarm is shown in this photo.

MAX 1

What’s to love: This device works with a homeowner’s current smoke or carbon monoxide alarm to alert family members who may be hard of hearing.

What does it do: Plug into any outlet and when this device detects either a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm going off, it emits its own alarm in high and low frequencies. Lower frequencies are often easier for the hard of hearing to detect. It also lights up brightly when sounding an alarm and the homeowner can remove it from the outlet to use as a flashlight. Lastly, once the family is safely out of the house, a USB plug can be used to charge cellphones. The device, made by MAX SmartHome, sells for $39.99.

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