Pillow Pets

A gift fit for younger kids, Pillow Pets can be a stress-relieving and comfortable choice for friends or siblings who are young at heart. Get them the plush version of their favorite domesticated pets or zoo animals, or even a pillow-fied version of a favorite team’s mascot.

Many varieties, prices vary: most regular sized are $19.99-$24.99
From Toys “R” Us and other retailers

Air Swimmers

Maybe as a kid you had or saw remote controlled cars, boats or helicopters. Now, large flying inflated fish are all the rage. It is easy to assemble (helium not included), and flies anywhere that it can fit, even up or down stairs. Pranksters and inner adult kids alike will enjoy this novelty. Small tanks of helium are sold at party stores, or you can find helium at most flower shops or grocery stores that sell balloons.

Flying Shark or Flying Clownfish types: $39.99
From Toys “R” Us and other retailers

Universal remote control pillow

For the roommate or friend who is always losing their (or your) remote, ring in 2012 without any more inconveniently misplaced television controls. This Brookstone pillow is a fully functional remote control, and has a database of programming codes for over 500 remote control devices.

One color: Brown: $39.99
From Brookstone (in the Pentagon City Mall), Best Buy (in Columbia Heights or Pentagon City), or other retailers