Banana trees are pretty easy to cultivate, but getting them to yield fruit is unlikely unless you’re in the tropics – or own a large greenhouse. But with luck, you can get some nice leaves and use them to wrap sticky rice (recipes). The banana growing kit above is s $12.98 and comes complete with a plastic monkey.
…even more presents after the jump…
In Thailand, kids make hobby horses from banana stems. The stems, which are not really stems – since bananas are not a tree, but an herb – are very sturdy (the Polynesians may have used them to build their long-distance ocean rafts.) You’ll have to wait until your plants grow up – four or five years – or go overseas and get one yourself .
Finally, if you’re looking for something to wear next halloween, or if your local flag football team is lacking a costumed mascot, or if you just want to “wow” the neighbors with your “wacky” personality, this banana suit might be the perfect thing. A bargain at $800.
You could also buy my book for everyone – or at least someone, for corn’s sake – on your list.
Nobel Prize winner Paul Krugman 
