5.0 out of 5 stars Good item, helps me stay mindful in a good way

R.L.L. · June 27, 2025

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } I like it! It took me a minute to set up because I didn't follow instructions...I put in the current date before the target date, so I got an error message. So I put the target date in about 5 years from today (1999 days is 5 year and a bit) and then set the current date.Then I thought about to what I really wish to count down. Yes, I am old enough to retire in 5 years if I choose, but I'll probably work for 10 more. As a teacher, I decided getting through one year at a time is a goal! But for now, as it summer, I need to countdown until the end of summer (or count up to the start of school) to help myself do two things, 1) get as much preparation done as possible so I am not rushed or procrastinating, while 2) enjoying the summer and caring for myself better as I do my family already.So I set it for the end of summer/when school stuff starts, so I can see how many days are left with ease and make better choices about how I balance my time.I still haven't figured out how to get it to count up rather than down, but, at the time of this review, the description says it can do that...maybe I missed it in the instructions, but I don't think so. So I probably just need to play with it more. It is not a big problem if it doesn't or if I can't figure it out, as it is still a good item! I just like the idea of counting up as it seems more positive than counting down, if that makes sense. But positivity is in our minds and hearts, not in a clock, so I'll be okay. :-)Oh and for a minute I couldn't figure out how to turn off the alarm...I don't mean while it is sounding the alarm but how to not have the alarm set to go off at all. But, again, a more careful reading of the instructions and some trial & error soon had that resolved. (I still wish there was a simple switch or button just for that so it was easier, but at least I can do it and it will probably feel easier with familiarity. Or, I just won't use this as an alarm clock if I don't want to as I didn't set it to use as an alarm click anyway.)Give it a try and like the face plate I chose from the selection they sent says, "Make each day count." :-)

4.0 out of 5 stars Works as a visual reminder of an approaching special event

S. · July 6, 2025

It’s more than just a tracker of time it’s a visual reminder of anticipation. The design is simple and approachable, with a split-screen display that clearly shows both your starting date and the big day you're counting down to. While the included instructions may be a little vague at first glance, and small font, setting it up is actually pretty straightforward. You firmly press the button to activate the setup mode: the year starts blinking, you adjust it, press again for the month, once more for the date and you follow the same sequence to lock in the end date and corresponding time. Pay close attention to the "A" or "P" on the screen indicating am or pm if you have them incorrectly on the wrong side the clock will not count correctly. Once everything’s programmed, the display gives you a real-time countdown days, hours, minutes, even seconds to your chosen event.What really sets this apart is its playful personal touch. It comes with four paper borders one themed for retirement and three scenic options giving it just enough flexibility to suit different vibes. The paper frames attach with a magnetic edge, making it easy to swap backgrounds depending on the occasion. That said, the paper is quite thin and can tear easily, so it does require a bit of care when changing them.

5.0 out of 5 stars Countdown/up display of the current time, a target time (future or past) and difference for fun!

I. · June 29, 2025

This 9999 day count down timer displays the current time (left) and the target time (right) together with the elapsed or difference also displayed (below). Depending of if the target is in the future or past, the elapsed time counts down or up. For those who really want details, the times (current and target) can be set to the second!An up/down arrow shows whether the lower display is counting up or down.A daily alarm can also be set to the second (alarming with a chirp when it matches the current time). There is no snooze function, but the alarm will automatically repeat daily or be switched off. Pressing any button quiets the alarm until the time next day. I don't think it is very loud - it would not wake me up if sleeping.There are 4 white LEDs that provide a bright backlight for 4 seconds with any button press.The unit uses 2xAAA standard batteries. There is no means to power it externally.A button switches between 12 hour AM/PM and 24 hour mode.Only years in this century can be selected - 2000 to 2099.No wall mounting or wall-hanging holes - this is meant to be set on a desk or shelf.There are 6 "masks" included (see my photos) which frame the displays. Two are directly dealing with Retirement, and one is a general "To Make Each Day Count", and a general "9999 days countdown timer". The back side of these 4 is blank white so you could personalize them by drawing your own. Then two more blank white on both sides masks are included. The bezel pops off easily, holding the "frame mask" and bezel in place magnetically, a nice touch.When the target time is reached, the countdown becomes a count up of days/hours/minutes/seconds. There was no sound when the target time was reached. But with as quiet as the daily alarm is, I doubt most people would use it (and it would just draw down the batteries). I am not going to take a rating star off for this - I don't see it's main function as a daily alarm clock but a novelty "how much time until retirement, vacation starts, Christmas, I turn 25/50/75/100 years old, how old I am into the 21st century, etc." In summary, I judge that this timer is meant more for fun than your daily wake-up alarm -- and it does that job well!