Fireworks that can now be enjoyed indoors without hurting the environment. (Credit: Sega Toys)
With Singapore's National Day celebrations coming up in August, we've been catching glimpses of firework trials along the Esplanade waterfront. Ritz-Carlton, a ritzy five-star hotel with an excellent view of the fireworks, charges a very nice premium for Singaporeans planning a stay-cation during its National Day two-nighter from S$2,200.
So if you're feeling the pinch in these recessionary times or want to avoid the throngs, Sega Toys' Uchiage Hanabi Fireworks Projector (15,540 yen; US$166) brings the pyrotechnics and fiery colors right into your (preferably darkened) living room, complete with sounds but minus the cordite tang.
Powered by four AA battery good for 3 hours, the device measures about 190 x 205 x 200mm. I'd take a raincheck, though, on customizing my own fireworks by drawing on the special plates, since they'll just come out looking like toxic fallout on the walls.
The Uchiage Hanabi projector comes with five projection lenses plus special plates you can customize. (Credit: Sega Toys)
Sample fireworks from the kit. (Credit: Sega Toys)