Gift tip for kids - educational, funny, snuggable germs

This post is not really about a travel related item, though it is certainly something that could fit easily into your hand-luggage. I'm talking about Giant Microbes, a stuffed critter with a difference. To quote the website:

GIANTmicrobes® are stuffed animals that look like tiny microbes — only a million times actual size! They're humorous, educational, and fun!

Each of our GIANTmicrobes® comes with an image and information about the real microbe it represents. They make great learning tools, as well as amusing gifts for anyone with a sense of humor.

You can buy plush and cuddly versions of stem cells, brain cells, the germs that cause the flu, the common cold, ear ache, cholera, plague, and more. At first it sounds kind of icky, but it's also rather hilarious. My 5 year old is an avid stuffed critter lover and has three already: ear ache, mad cow disease and a stem cell. She LOVES them.

I'm plugging them here today because I think they are unique, funny, well-made and have educational value as well. Talking about cells, germs and various microbes with kids becomes a lot more real when you can show them what these things look like (minus the plush fabric and the eyes!).

So there you go. Just a small tip and recommendation for someone you love this holiday season: get them some germs.