On February 20th, 2026 The Giz Wiz Show reached it’s 20th Anniversary! It’s one of the longest running podcasts in the country! And in all those years, the quality never changed. It never got better! But we do have fun gadgets, a great chatroom, and actually learn stuff, sometimes!

More fun stuff from Toy Fair 2026.

We Look At Two Thames & Kosmos’ Toy of the Year finalists

The SolarFlower – there are four solar flowers available and they use an interchangeable building system. Mix and match petals from other SolarFlower sets to create new and unique flowers. Kids learn as they build and explore mechanical systems like motors and planetary gears and discover how solar cells generate electricity. When the kit is completed these motorized flowers have petals that spin, thanks to the power of the sun. (Or a flashlight or most indoor lighting.) The movable solar cell with suction cup allow kids to move it closer to a natural power source.

And for something a bit more invovlved —- The V8 Race Car!

When a child assembles the V8 Race Car they discover how it works from the inside out with this stunning retro-style build. Expertly engineered model includes a real, working four-speed manual transmission, eight-cylinder engine, rear wheel differential, left- and right-hand drive steering, and shock-absorbing suspension. A completely visible engine allows them to see firsthand how the parts work together. 233 pieces — shipping in June.

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/aORGqkMOFMY

Solar Flower kit on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/2B6F3AAC-DB2F-4687-9263-143F8F5BDEB0/search?terms=solar%20flower

V8 Race Car on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/2B6F3AAC-DB2F-4687-9263-143F8F5BDEB0/search?terms=V8%20Racecar

All Divisions of Thames & Kosmos stores on Amazom: https://www.amazon.com/stores/ThamesKosmos/page/2B6F3AAC-DB2F-4687-9263-143F8F5BDEB0

As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases. You pay no more.

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/2081

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What are the “Just Add” Science Kits? They’re designed as science kits for kids age 8–12 offering a balance of challenge and fun. It is often chosen by families looking for the best science kits for kids that feel engaging without being overwhelming. Activities support developing skills while remaining easy to follow, making it suitable for family learning, classrooms, or shared educational experiences. The latest kits is the “Just Add Marshmellows”. It will be available later this year.

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/8kKK2dM-OAc

Griddly Kids Store “just add” kits on Amazon: https://amzn.to/40FlVRH

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/2081

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Folkmanis, you know their world famous puppets, but here’s a bit of their back story.

Everyone loves this adorably irresistible, Folkmanis White Poodle Puppy!

Still headquartered in Emeryville, California, today Folkmanis, Inc. has grown to become the premier manufacturer of plush puppets worldwide. Folkmanis® Puppets offers over 200 of the most heartwarming and realistically designed creatures—both exotic and familiar—on the market today. And, after more than 35 years, Folkmanis, Inc. is still a family business. Judy and Atis oversee both the creative and operations sides to ensure that the quality and love of the natural world they wish to convey through their toys remains true to their original vision.

At Toy Fair 2026 We Saw An Array of Amazing New Puppets From Folkmanus – and you’ll see them on this show too!

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/cU5ZUZtnhZ4

Folkmanis on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/folkmanis-puppets/s?k=folkmanis+puppets

As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases. You pay no more.

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/2081

Please subscribe. It’s free and it helps the show! https://www.youtube.com/@TheGizWiz?sub_confirmation=1

It’s February and Chad’s new Cheap Gadget Theme for the month, voted on by our loyal Patreaon members is: Fun Holiday Gifts Chad received from family and friends.

Chad’s final gift was the ALLCAMP Picnic Backpack – This nifty backpack packs a lot! There’s a insulated Cooler Bag with Compartment, Detachable Wine Glass Holder with glasses, a Throw Blanket & Cutlery Set. It’s a perfect 2 Person Picnic Set for Family Outings. The company makes this is variety of features and styles. I found them on Amazon started at about $42.00.

The ALLCAMP Store on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4cYxIls

As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases. You pay no more.

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/2081

Please subscribe. It’s free and it helps the show! https://www.youtube.com/@TheGizWiz?sub_confirmation=1

Our email is from Mo Torres, our most loyal fan, and frequent contributor. Mo emails us:

Mo discovers he has an Amazon warehouse near his house? But can he use it?

I just finished watching GiZ WiZ episode 2069, where you guys were speaking about Amazon setting up a 40min delivery service, interesting enough I think NYC would be prime for this as Amazon has large to mini warehouses all over NYC, & across the Hudson River, amazon has one of there largest warehouses in the country,  i could see Amazon hiring boats to take products from NJ, to the west side of NYC,  where Dick lives, how long would it takes to cross the Hudson river in a boat ?
This video shows how close one of those Amazon hub warehouses is to me in Queens.

YT: https://youtu.be/V3W3RkmSV34

Mo

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/2081 

Please subscribe. It’s free and it helps the show! https://www.youtube.com/@TheGizWiz?sub_confirmation=1

Letter of the week:

Hi Dick,

First of all congratulations for the 20th Anniversary of Giz Wiz podcast. I have been a listener from the beginning and a patreon since the independence from Twit. I still remember when I listened to the first episode (Docupen).

Last summer I was in a used bookstore looking for audio-cds but I found some Signet Mad books. They were just one euros each. I picked one with your name on the cover (The Return of a Mad Look At Old Movies). A couple days later I went back to get more, this time the Finnish versions, I bought one with some of your stuff on it (also Don Martin).

Currently I am finally watching When We Went Mad! documentary. I got it already in October but didn’t have time to watch it until now. At least it didn’t take as long as the creation of the documentary took, as I backed the project in 2013 and I think you did too. Fortunately it was worth the wait. Really nice to see old clips of everyone, especially Gaines and You.

Thanks for the What the heck is it competition as I have gotten my name on site multiple times and also two posters, one for myself and one for my daughter, and also for the Facebook friendship, I think since about 2009.

Vesa from Finland

From the Giz Wiz: Thanks so much, Vesa. It’s amazing to have devoted fans from SO far away!