By Jessica Harlan

Those mega-sets of Legos will outlive us all in the landfills, and the insipid voice of that talking Elmo doll is enough to drive the most even-keeled parent nuts. Luckily, there are some toys on the market that are made with sustainable materials, and will help nurture kids’ creativity while encouraging them to make the

If you have kids — and maybe even if you don't — you probably have your fair share of junk toys.

Here are some smart ways to get rid of them.

Are we merely a brain in a vat? A floating glob of flesh receiving and transmitting electronic signals, independent of bodies, or even worlds? While Wikipedia features a page dedicated to brain in a vat thought experiments and popular culture references, now you can have a physical, real-space conversation piece to remind you of these existential dilemmas. Invite your friends or just stare into the mystery all alone. It glows. It bubbles. And best of all, it comes fully assembled. The instructions say to just add water. Invite your friends or just stare into the mystery all alone.