Home and garden TV (HGTV.com) has some good tips here on ways to repair clothes with holes or stains on them. Rather then throwing them away there are creative ways to hide the problems which I think parents of young children in particular will appreciate.

Instructables has a post here on how to make a small solar generator which can power small appliances or recharge gadgets. Or if you prefer to charge your gadgets on the go the DIY juice pouch instructable might be for you.