It's gift-buying time, for whichever ecclesiastical reason you personally buy your gifts. So here’s a nifty trick question for the daughters/nieces in your life after they’ve opened their presents: how old would Barbie be in real life? The easy answer is that she would be 52, as she was introduced in 1959. But not so! She was introduced as a teenager, of course (let’s say sixteen), so the actual year of her birth would be 1943. And do you know who else was born in 1943, do ya? This guy. READ MORE

There are actually maybe sorta-good reasons for prenatal sex selection, apart from crazed first-world selfishness and a passing interest in eugenics. There are, in fact, reasons to avoid having a girl-child as wide-ranging as things like "Miley Cyrus" and "institutionalized sexism" (note to self: are those same thing? Do some research later!) but really the greatest reason is American Girl, the tween-oriented "historical" doll makers (and now movie creators), whose dolls have backstories ranging randomly from the American Revolution to the swingin' 70 (this includes Addy Walker, fugitive slave girl in 1864!). Obviously, American Girl is designed to sneak into girls' minds like a corporate tribble, compelling them to plead for ever-larger, increasingly expensive products. Hence the new "Lanie's Camper," which weighs 43 pounds, requires intense adult assembly, retails for $295 and is only suited for those giant houses in the suburbs which are big enough to contain a playroom and also are too expensive to heat, so that said tween will be playing with the dollhouse-camper whilst clad in sweaters and two pairs of leggings. Someday there'll be a late-00s era historical doll about girls who played with historical dolls.

"Cool sophistication in breezy Palm Beach! Sporting a dashing jacquard-patterned jacket with a light pink polo shirt and crisp white pants, Ken doll is ready for Palm Beach social season, sunning by the pool and a stroll with his little companion. Fashion designed exclusively for the Silkstone Barbie doll body. Includes Ken doll, jacket, pink polo shirt, white shoes, dog with leash, swim trunks and accessories, doll stand and certificate of authenticity. For the adult collector. Order yours today!" Is it legit? Who even knows anymore? But whatever, I've found my Halloween costume. [Via]