I never had an imaginary friend when I was little (or once I grew up, for that matter). I recently read some people's stories about their imaginary friends from when they were kids, and I started to get a little envious. I just think there's something neat about your mom setting a place at the dinner table for your friend, even though she can't see him, and carrying on conversations with him all night with you as the interpreter. I don't know, maybe I wouldn't think it's so neat if it had ever actually happened to me. And to my mom.

Even better than imaginary friends, though, are these cushions from Zid Zid Kids. I don't see how a child could own one of these things and not make pals with it--they're fun, they're super-cute, and there's something about them that's just really friendly (parent-friendly, too: the polyfilled cotton flannel cushions are washable). They're great for playtime, storytime, bedtime, just about anytime. And if your child happens to think they're great companions for dinnertime, then at least you'll know where to face during the table talk.