Can you buy anything for five bucks these days? Anything good, that is? The answer is yes, if you know where to look. I have already started my Christmas shopping, because I have learned that if you wait, things disappear very quickly. Even if you only wait a week or two, you will go back to where you first spotted that gift idea and -wham- it's gone!

This hub is the first in a series of hubs spotlighting gift ideas for Christmas. I thought I would start at the bottom and work my way up. A new poll released this week said that people will most likely not buy for acquaintances but come on - You don't want to look like a cheapskate, do you? Here are some unique gift ideas that you can pick up for the price of a submarine sandwich, and everyone will love you for it.

Got five bucks? Get one of these!

The Pickle-Pult or Chicken Chucker — No home should be without them!

This is a perfect stocking stuffer for your kids. What little kid wouldn't enjoy chucking mini rubber chickens or little green pickles at his brother, or at his sister's slumber party guests?

The pickles even have little screamy faces, so that when you launch them, they look terrified, which just adds to the fun. Just lock and load and off you go!

These gifts would also be great stress relievers for your co-workers, or a fun way to score points with your boss. At least he would remember you - I mean, who else would give him (or her) something this unique and funny?

Heck, why not get one for yourself as well? I know I can't do without one, now that I know such a thing exists.

Each one sells for under five dollars and I think you get a lot for the money!

How about a groovy Affirmation Ball?

Feeling blue? Do you feel like you could use a positive friend who will never say anything to bring you down? Perhaps you know someone who could use positive affirmations every once in a while.

Then the Affirmation Ball is just what the doctor ordered. First of all, it is bright yellow, which automatically cheers up anyone. Then it has a big happy smiley face, which make you want to smile just looking at it. Meditate for a moment, then turn it over, and it will reveal a positive affirmation just for you.

Try one today, or get one for someone else. It's more fun than flowers and lasts a lot longer too! It truly is the gift that keeps on giving.

Cute mini-plushies for Christmas stockings

What little girl wouldn't squeal with delight when she finds one of these cute little fuzzy creatures in her Christmas stocking? Heck, anyone would like one of these, actually.

Webkinz makes a wee tree frog, tiny polar bear, cute little stuffed lamb and many others all under five dollars! These mini plushies are very cute and very well made.

The best part is, each toy comes with a secret code that your child (with parental guidance) can enter on their website to play games or interact with fun puzzles and other fun stuff.

Your child can create little environments for their fuzzy friends at the website, and nurture them while learning about the exciting world of computers, all under your close supervision.

These little creatures would make great stocking stuffers and be a welcome gift from mom, dad, grandma or grandpa.

They also teach your child about the animal itself, what its world is like, what it eats, and how to care for it. Once your child creates its virtual world, they can visit the site and care for their little pets and watch them grown and develop. There are also fun games for them to play.

Check 'em out today!

Don't bring me down, man.

Are you a peace lover and proud of it? Do you know someone who needs just the right banner or flag for his dorm room? Do you just like smiley faces and peace signs?

Then you need a Happy Face Smiley Flag and its companion banner, the Peace Sign Flag. These brilliant flags are unusual and really cool. Imagine that ginormous smiley face hanging over your bed, or at your next party.

If you have a niece or nephew in high school or college and have no idea what to get them, but you want to get them something other than the usual CD or DVD, then you might want to get them one of these.

They're just plain groovy.

Coming up: Jesus Pencil Toppers!

Finals week is just around the corner. What better gift to give a nervous student than some stunning Jesus pencil toppers?

Jesus wears a red robe and holds his arms up to bless you as you take that calculus exam, sign those divorce papers or that rubber check to the loan company. Jesus will watch over you and just might help you pass that test, keep your ex-wife from cleaning you out and the bank from repossessing your truck.

With Jesus atop your pencil (or pen), all thing are possible. Get some today!

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