If only I had a dollar for every time I’ve had to turn off or unplug toys, games, and gadgets that my kids have been playing, I’d have been a millionaire three years ago. I don’t expect to quit saying it any time soon, but with this new gadget from Belkin, I’m hoping to be saying it a whole lot less.

Just plug into the Belkin Conserve Socket and it will turn off automatically in 30 minutes, 3 hours, or 6 hours, depending on what you set it to thus greatly reducing the standby power you’re using. And yes, it does add up. While the socket works fantastically for kids rooms, I’m thinking of using it for my kitchen appliances (hello, coffee maker), hair dryer, and even our treadmill amongst a slew other things that I like to keep plugged in but don’t want to have to pay for in my electricity bill.

And if you have a habit of keeping your gadgets plugged in way beyond them being fully charged, you might want to check out the Conserve Valet, which shuts off once your phone or mobile device is fully charged. Smart for the environment, your budget, and your gadget life. –Kristen

Purchase the Belkin Conserve Socket and the Belkin Conserve Valet at Belkin.com or at our affiliate Amazon.com.

[h/t ben silbermann]