We've already established that I'm a big fan on the mullet magnets, but now that I've heard about the potential dangers of refrigerator magnets, I'm a little worried about my recommendation. According to a story on the BBC, the strong magnets used as decorative fridge accessories can actually interfere with pacemakers and other heart devices.

Close proximity to the powerful neodymium magnets can be enough to destabilize heart devices. These powerful, shiny magnets are relatively recent additions to the home decor marketplace, but because they are inexpensive and easy to produce, neodymium magnets are starting to appear in other electronic devices, like toys and computers.

However, not all magnets are a threat to weak hearts. (Phew!) Ordinary magnets made of iron pose no threat to pacemakers. Since I was unable to determine whether or not the mullet magnets were made from iron or neodymium, if your hostess has a heart device, just go with the log vase, okay?

This week, I will be visiting a friend of mine in New York. She's kindly agreed to put me up for a few days and for this, she deserves a gift. The only trouble is that she's something of a high roller, which means the usual gift suspects -- truffles, wine, candles -- seem a little chintzy. Anything she could possibly want for her home or her closet, she probably already has. The other difficulty is that she is on some sort of strange sugar-free diet, so I couldn't go the gourmet food route to begin with. Out of desperation, I started looking for funny gag gifts.

Luckily, she has a very good sense of humor, which leads me to believe that she would be truly amused by a set of mullet magnets. The five magnet collection features Mullet classics including the Kentucky Waterfall, the Shorty Longback (Sho-Lo), the Tennessee Top Hat, the Mudflap and the Squirrel Pelt. As an ex-Southerner, I'm sure she'll find these magnets amusing for weeks to come. I'll consider it the gift that keeps on giving, for only $11.95.