I stumbled across a nifty gift for someone who has a fireplace and a newspaper subscription.

The newspaper log roller looks a little like an old-fashioned printing press, which is apropos. Just feed your newspapers from the recyling pile into the roller and it creates tight rolls suitable for use as kindling. It’s one of those ideas that makes you say, “Now why didn’t I think of that?”

I’ve only found the roller online through Duluth Trading Co., but it wouldn’t hurt to check with a local merchant like Erb’s Hardware to see if they can get it in. It retails for $49.99.

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