About six months ago, I attempted to order two pillow pets for the girls, so that they could have them for a long road-trip to Arizona. Unfortunately, they arrived at our doorstep the day after we loaded up the car and headed out. Needless to say I was so pleased with myself that I actually kept their ordering a secret: I am notoriously bad when it comes to surprises. And had they known they were en route but we might miss them by a day, the girls never would have gotten into the car sans pillow pets.

They like them just fine, it would seem. They’ve been in the car on many, many road trips and have even joined us on a flight to Chicago. We’ve since sent one to their little cousin in Texas for no reason other than they’re so darn cute, cuddly and cheap.

Seriously, you can get these things for about $15. And now they’re even selling them at Wal-Mart. And you know what? I’ve since changed my mind about them: I like them. I’m not usually one for cutesy, but the kids love them. They’re harmless, right? And again, they are so cheap! You can load up on them and give them to every kid you know this year for a Holiday gift.

You can’t imagine how many there are to choose from! Pea has the dolphin (whom she calls “Daphne”) and Coco has the Dalmatian (or as she says alternately, “donation” or “canation”). And we sent the unicorn to their cousin, who’s all about everything pink that glitters and exists in a Fantasy Realm.