The classic Ker Plunk game updated to include those unabashedly adorable aliens from Toy Story. The strategy is simple; the game, addictive: Players take turns removing sticks from the “rocket ship” and try to avoid the kerplunkety action of the little plastic aliens tumbling to the floor. Whomever is responsible for the fewest fallen little green men is the winner.

Toy Story Ker Plunk Game, $18.19 at Amazon.com.

Maybe if she’d given me this i-dog Plush Puppy speaker, I wouldn’t have been so upset. It’s cute and cuddly and will play music from an ipod, CD player, or most any music source. The sound isn’t fantastic, but it’s decent enough for a kid’s room.

I bought this for my 7-year-old niece for Chanukah. I hope it’ll be a nice accessory for her new ipod. And if not, I’ll take it. It’ll go well with the dozens of other stuffed dogs I have, floating on a river of tears and resentment.

i-dog Soft Speaker, $14.99 at Target stores and Target.com.

1. Rockabye Baby: Lullaby Renditions of the Rolling Stones ($13.99, Amazon)

2. Taggies Clickety Twist ($13.99, Amazon)
Texturally stimulating rattle makes fun “clicking” noise when baby twists one of the three colorful sections.

3. Baberoo Organic Cotton Socks ($12.55-$13.99, Amazon)
In a variety of styles, including ballet slipper and nautical stripe. (Some styles in very limited quanities.)

4. Le Sac Baby Igloo 500 ($116-$136 based on size, Land Of Nod)
Cozy insulated fleece sac keeps baby warm and cozy, while you brave the wind and the cold and the rain. Babies have it goooood.

5. Diaper Dude Mini Diaper Bag ($36, Amazon)
Worn on the waist or as a messenger bag, the Mini Diaper Dude holds two diapers, wipes, and bottles for dads on the go.

Be sure to check out the rest of our Gift Lists.

Dear Present Professor, I am an Army spouse who has a few young soldiers from my husbands unit which I have adopted for the next 12 months as they have currently re-deployed. Because I have gone through 3 deployments now, I pretty much have a handle on what deployed soldiers enjoy and what not to get BUT after 3 deployments I am a little stuck on gift ideas this year. Most of them have their laptops with them so I am wondering what gift ideas you may have as far as technology goes. Because of the heat and sand, protecting their computer is a priority or even their cell phones. Yes, they have phone down there now… War has changed,huh? Any help you can give is greatly appreciated. Because they are in an area where they can only bathe every so often, bath stuff isn’t even feasible One of my adoptees is female. Thanks for your guidance.

Hi, Sarah! What a wonderful thing to do for the troops!

I love this little USB-powered mini-keyboard vacuum. It’s just $5 and uses the power from the computer itself to vacuum out the little bits of sand and dust that inevitably get into their technostuff.

I’d also suggest sending some fun ’80s DVDs for the soldiers to enjoy. A few months ago, a friend of a friend lamented that his young soldiers had never seen the likes of Goonies, Princess Bride, The Breakfast Club, Gremlins, or Ghostbusters. These are all fun flix — perfect for a little relaxation in a decidedly unrelaxed environment.

No, you don’t remember? Well, maybe you know someone who does. And that someone would probably enjoy the Holiday Treats DVD ($9.99), featuring classic Christmas episodes of I Love Lucy, The Honeymooners, Brady Bunch, Family Ties, Taxi, and more.

Sadly, “A Very Alf Christmas” is not included. In fact, I’m not sure that Alf ever had a Christmas episode. Dang, I miss Alf.

I’m trying to come up with a good gift for an entire famiy.  Two parents and six kids (ages 2-11). I’ve given up on trying to get them individual gifts and now would like to come up with something they can use as a family.  Got any ideas?

Hi, Susan! Try a DVD boxed set–one with plenty of content for the whole family to enjoy for many years to come. The Disney/Pixar Ultimate Collection, on sale right now at Amazon for $109.99, includes the first eight Pixar films (Toy Story, Toy Story 2, A Bug’s Life, Monsters Inc., The Incredibles, Finding Nemo, Cars, and Ratatouille). You might also want to consider a collection of Looney Tunes cartoons, introducing the children (and quite possibly, the parents) to hilarious shorts from the early days of animation. Looney Tunes: Volume I ($24.99) is a great introduction to everyone’s favorite wascally wabbit. Additional volumes are similarly priced.  The Muppet Show DVDs are also quite funny and appropriate for everyone ($22.99 per season, 3 seasons available at Amazon). And maybe, if you’re lucky, they’ll invite you over to watch. (Don’t forget the popcorn!)

2. Sesame Street Old School, Volume 2, $26.99. Picture it: 1974-79. Mr. Hooper is still alive. Elmo has yet to be formed out of a devilish blaze of red felt. Richard Pryor reinterprets the alphabet. And Fonzie and Richie Cunningham brush their teeth.

3. Nick & Nora footie pajamas, $24.99 at Target.

4. The Wild Planet Spy Gear Spyfire, $14.99, can shoot foam darts up to 25 feet via remote control–or, if you’d like, convert it to a handheld and go all Terminator with your bad self.

5. Lip Smackers lip gloss, under $5 (click here for stores) in fun flavors like cotton candy and Cherry Coke. Because you totally want to look your best for that hottie in your Spanish class.

Kwik E Mart hat, $14.99 at Fox Shop.

Twilight is also an unrelated Susan Sarandon movie from 1998. This post is not about that movie. Much love to you, Susan.

What was my point? Oh, yes. Twilight: The Complete Illustrated Movie Companion; $11.89 at BarnesandNoble.com and in stores.