5 gadgety gifts for cottagers

Dad was right to hang on to his old vinyl LP collection: Records are totally on trend now. Not only is this three-speed player a turntable, but it’s also an AM/FM radio and has audio input for plugging in an MP3 player. Far out, man. $99.95 US, crosleyradio.com

Caframo’s ingenious lantern harnesses the energy from one tea light and turns it into 70 lumens (by using the Seebeck effect to produce electric current, for those who know their physics). That’s enough juice to provide light for off-grid reading. $119, leevalle.ca

This waterproof case means iPhone 5 owners can go ahead and drop their precious device into the lake (or toilet, hot tub, or beer glass) and it will stay bone dry, thanks to a protective rubber gasket that seals the screw-on cover of the case. $49.95 US, outdoortechnology.com

So long, repetitive strain injury! Thanks to this award-winning tool’s design—the painter’s arm carries the weight of the brush (nearly any size) instead of the hand and wrist—your favourite putterer can avoid cramping during a marathon makeover session. $24.99 US (or $9.99 US for the Freehand DIY model), galaxg.com

Who doesn't love a hot breakfast at the cottage? Especially if it's completely cuztomizable. Faster than you can say, "let's hit the drive-thru," chefs can compile and cook tasty breakfast sandwiches using almost any bread and fillings they choose. $29.99, hamiltonbeach.ca