Rubber Bands That Are Doggone Cute

Item: Animal Rubber Bands

Price: $4.95 (24 rubber bands)

Where to Buy: Brainchildproducts.com

Review: An office supply that's practical and cute at the same time?

These animal rubber bands are molded into the shape of dogs, cats, pigs, ducks, rabbits and turtles. Stretch them out and they look like a normal, albeit colorful, rubber band. Take them off your item and they revert to their natural animal shape.

How can you resist that?

Best yet, the purchase of these animal rubber bands is sure to help the environment at least a bit. Who's going to toss a rubber band in the shape of a kitty into the landfill?

Additional themed rubber band packs: basic shapes, zoo animals, and -- get this -- underwear.

Image from: Brainchildproducts.com

Pet Psychic Reading

Item: Pet Psychic Reading

Price: $50 for a half hour

Where to Buy: Hom Bay Ridge, Sunday, Jan. 18 only!

Review: OK, so a pet psychic session may not be the thriftiest gift I've ever recommended, but if you're looking for a unique present for a pet lover, I'm not sure it gets any better than this.

Funny thing is, your pet doesn't even have to be present at the session. Just bring a photo of man's best friend (or your parakeet, or your iguana, or your rabbit or ...) along with a description that includes your pet's name, age, breed and gender.

Then you can find out what you've always wanted to know-- is your sweet kitty cat plotting to kill you? Or, if you prefer, ask some of the questions Hom suggests: What would make your pet happier? How does your pet feel about a specific person? What does your deceased pet want you to know?

I'm not sure I even want to know the answer to the last one.

But if you want to know and you'll be in the New York City area between 1 and 7 p.m. Sunday, get thee to Hom for a pet psychic reading. Reservations are required: Call 718-238-4466.