Stress-buster monsters

These sand-filled monsters are available everywhere in Thailand, starting at every duty-free shop in Bangkok Airport, and every other shop in every other soi. Don't waste money buying them for your kids. These are for you. Though at first glance they appear to be toys, they're far more effective as stress-busters and are must-buys for short-tempered sorts in high-pressure work situations. Their soft, silky wrapping, which yields to the gentlest of touches - let alone high-powered punches - is a great stress-reliever and far better than those rock-hard stress balls made in Australia. They are, hence, particularly well designed for throwing at pesky colleagues. In between helping relieve feelings of exasperation and blind rage, they also make pretty paperweights. So go ahead and enjoy a good squeeze.