Who knew?

[pbray]

In that great holiday tradition, people ask me what I want for Christmas. My default answers are:
- Make a donation to your favorite charity
- A gift certificate for a bookstore
- Pick a book/CD/DVD that you think I'll like

But then there are those who request more specificity, so while putting together my list I discovered things that I don't need, but nonetheless find fascinating, including:

A toy CSI DNA lab (I kid you not) that includes a working centrifuge and electrophoresis chamber. Also available in this CSI series are: Field Kit, Forensic Lab, Forensic Entomology Kit, Handwriting Kit and Impressions Kit. Two different companies offer facial reconstruction kits. The Smithsonian offers their own Crime Lab investigation set while the Discovery Channel store has a fingerprint set that includes an ALS.

If you want more adult toys, police and forensic supply websites offer everything from crime scene tape and toe tags to fully stocked forensic evidence kits--professional versions as opposed to the educational science toys you find on Amazon.com.

Moving briefly away from my obsession (okay, I'll confess that I added the CSI board game to my Christmas list but that was totally and completely justified as a game), one mustn't forget the many fine products offered by Thinkgeek.com and Despair Inc. Then, of course, there's the marshmallow shooter that comes in two sizes (regular and mini-marshmallows), along with the bow & arrow version that's entitled "Bow and Mallow" perhaps proving that the marketing department took one too many shots to the head.

Well, that's enough about me. It's time to stop shopping for myself and seek out the truly obnoxious toys (defined as bright, loud and hopefully requiring water, sand or other messy supplies). It's my solemn duty to corrupt the next generation--and ensure that "Aunty Patricia" remains the coolest aunt.

Comments

[allaboutm-e.livejournal.com]

Have fun securing your position as the coolest aunt.

If you aren't already, I recommend giving your membership number, when applicable, to folks who are making charitable donations in your name to reduce the likelyhood of ending up on mailing lists multiple times...

[jjschwabach.livejournal.com]

Good advice!
Last year, my father gave me a beautiful dragon from the Smithsonian, and I, loyal member for lo, these 12 years, am now on their mailing list twice. Which makes it very difficult to figure out when my subscription's up.

If you run out of nieces and nephews to buy obnoxious toys for, there's always Toys for Tots. At work, we do a drive through the Knights of Columbus. Fun, but this year, having to check everything for lead and roofies.

[pbray.livejournal.com]

Good idea! Though usually it's a combined donation, so I'll just get a note saying "You're 1/3 of a kitchen sink" or "Part owner of a sheep that's going to a good home." Which is fine with me.