'High School Musical 3: Senior Year' Troy Doll

$19.99 > BUY

I'm not some "High School Musical" fanatic (honestly), but like cute, insane, little Chucky, this doll called to me from across the crowded aisle. And if Mattel's perfectly plucked boy in the purple tuxedo summoned me, imagine the overwhelming (and alarming) shrieks of joy this plastic rendering of Troy (Zac Efron, if you live under a rock) will bring the little (or big) lady or man in your life. Because, let's face it, you may think your friends or family are too cool for this stuff, but there's at least one "HSM" fan among them. Trust us.

'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button' by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Illustrations by Calef Brown

Barnes and Noble, $12.95 > BUY

David Fincher's version (starring Brad Pitt) looks like it could be one of the best movies of the year (the buzz is sky high). So why not complement the director's potential masterwork with its brilliant source material, F. Scott Fitzgerald's famed short story of the same name? The haunting story of a man who ages in reverse makes for great reading as well as viewing.

Mr. Potato Head, Taters of the Lost Ark

Target, $12.99 > BUY

This item excited me more than its inspiration, the latest Indiana Jones movie, "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull," but then that's not exactly hard to do. So let's just forget about Indy's most recent tedious adventure and focus on Indy as a Tater, complete with leather jacket, fedora, bullwhip and small golden tater idol. Fun! And to top it off, you can listen to Indiana Jones' theme by simply pressing Mr. Potato Head's hat. Made by Playskool, this is a perfect gift for any child, ages 2 and up, or for any father fed up with yet another Big Mouth Billy Bass. Seriously, stop buying that thing for your fathers!

'Juno' Soundtrack on Vinyl

Urban Outfitters, $13.98 > BUY

We tried not to drag "Juno" into the Yule-tide season, but, dazzled by the beauty of orange vinyl and the musical stylings of (among others) Mott the Hoople, the Velvet Underground, the Kinks, Sonic Youth and Belle & Sebastian (two songs!), we simply couldn't resist. Since legions adored Diablo Cody's quippy teen pregnancy comedy, there is absolutely no way you can go wrong presenting your friend or family member with Rhino's gorgeously designed soundtrack album. And yes, that annoying Moldy Peaches song is on there.

'The Exorcist' Regan Spider-Walk Figurine

Hot Topic, $16.99 > BUY

Forget watching "It's a Wonderful Life," "A Christmas Story" or "Miracle on 34th Street" this year. If you really want to believe, like truly "The power of Christ compels you" believe, take in "The Exorcist." OK, so maybe that won't wash down so well with eggnog (ugh!) but this gift sure will, especially for those freaky over the William Friedkin horror classic. Yes, one's very own "Exorcist: The Version You've Never Seen" Regan Spider-Walk doll, complete with the bloodstained staircase she horrifyingly crawls down. Split pea soup sold separately.

'Iron Man' and 'The Incredible Hulk' Boxer Shorts

$14.99 > BUY

You think only kids are into comic books and Underoos-inspired undergarments these days? Nerd, please. You need to get out to the movies more. Or in this case your local H&M, where you can have a blockbuster battle ... in your pants (thank you, I'm here all week) with these Marvel-ous boxer shorts for men. Even better, the green meanie and the Iron hottie are fighting it out on your fanny, which ... makes me realize these are perfect for the lady in your life, as well. Come to think of it, I want a pair.

Essential Art House 'Rashomon' DVD

$19.99 > BUY

Janus Films released many of the greatest films ever made, so you'll have no problem finding a favorite among its catalog of art house classics. If you've got major moolah, you can indulge the movie lover in your life with the gorgeous Criterion 50 DVD box set spanning 50 years of films -- from "Pandora's Box" (1929) to "Paul Robeson: Tribute to an Artist" (1979) -- but you can easily find titles under twenty dollars. Kick start your collection with Akira Kurosawa's much-imitated, multiperspective masterpiece.