I Looked Left and Right for These Political Gifts

If you're at all like me, you never have a clue what to get people for the holidays. But there are some gift possibilities out there for people who happen to be political junkies.

As we head into a full-blown presidential campaign, here are some gift ideas for friends and family who can't stop obsessing about politics.

For Young People

Political gifts for kids seems like the toughest task. Let's face it, politics puts kids to sleep. That's not a problem if you have a little Republican in the family. The GOP has a lovely and plush stuffed elephant that's as cute as a Goldwater button and would make an excellent addition to any child's animal collection. It does not, however, have a matching piggy bank for saving up for political donations.

If you're a liberal or just a Bush critic who has young children, consider getting them a George W. Bush Coloring Book. Not only can you encourage your child's artistic side, you can also impress your friends by having your child recite famous Bushisms. It's a sure conversation-starter at the holiday table.

When buying for teenagers and college kids, you have to consider fashion. "Hoodies," or sweatshirts with hoods, prove popular with youths. Most of the major campaigns carry them, like this hoodie from the McCain campaign store.

College kids have to face incredible peer pressure. Campus rumor has it that being an Obama supporter is the in-ticket for popularity. You're in luck, because the Obama store has gear for college kids with the number 08 on it, of course.

This gift has the side effect of encouraging greater political participation by our youth. You could buy a few extra T-shirts for you college student, and they could invite friends over to watch a debate. I hear kids play drinking games. Why not toss in some mugs from Hillary Clinton or Mitt Romney?

For Adults

There's much more material to choose from for adults. The standard fare would be books on politics, such as The Political Brain: The Role of Emotion in Deciding the Fate of the Nation by Drew Weston, for Democrats. Enemies of Hillary will enjoy For Love of Politics: Bill and Hillary Clinton: The White House Years by Sally Bedell Smith.

Most people approach politics from the lighter side, however, and probably prefer some humor from their political gifts. Your liberal friends will think better of you after getting them the George Bush Countdown Clock. It keeps track of the time remaining until Bush's last day in office: Jan. 20, 2009.

Playing poker seems like a great time to make fun of politicians. Conservatives can chug a cold one and enjoy making fun of the Deck of Weasels from newsmax.com. Wouldn't you love to fold on a pair of Kennedys? The deck takes its style from the infamous Saddam playing cards.

One place humor can be a little risqué would be the office party. It might seem like a great idea to give someone an action figure, such as this Rudy Giuliani bobblehead, but I would be careful bringing The Hillary Nutcracker. The nutcracker won't go over well with most women, unless you're friends with Ann Coulter.

I hope these ideas helped, but you might want to hurry. There are only six days left until Christmas.