I have a whole page of iPhone apps that are simply digital substitutes for mindless activities like twiddling my thumbs or whittling, a number of which also have the potential to entertain a small, restless child during dinner at a restaurant. I figure a three year-old can easily pass 5 minutes popping bubbles on the screen, another 5 minutes playing tiny drums with his fingers, maybe 2 minutes pouring digital milk over my head, and another 3 minutes slashing the air with a tiny on-screen lightsaber that changes colors and makes nice sound effects (watch out with this one, though, my iPhone went flying out of its case the last time I waved the lightsaber around like a maniac).

If you're a fan of slot machines - or even if you're not - Lucky 7 Slots from Griffin Technology might amuse you for a few minutes while waiting in the checkout line at the grocery store. The game starts you off with 1,000 credits, and you play 1 to 3 credits per spin (with sound effects), while it tallies up your winnings. It's just $1.99, about the price of a candy bar, which you can also pick up while waiting.