Wolf Files: Unusual Holiday Gifts

Dec. 9 -- — 'Tis the season for families to join together to explain the meaning of light-up lingerie, battery-operated corkscrews, and other unbelievable holiday gifts.

Elders naturally wonder if a generation raised on electronic spin-the-bottle will ever function normally under the mistletoe.

Perhaps our children will kiss only under computer-generated, dolphin-safe, free-range mistletoe. Time will tell.

For now, we can just look at a vision of tomorrow reflected in products on sale today — fingerprint-scanner door locks, mink slippers, home defibrillators and Breathalyzer pens.

What new gadgets, gizmos and fads will be waiting for you under the tree? And what will you leave for your loved ones? Here's what caught my eye:

1. For Modern Lovers: Electronic Spin-the-Bottle

When Grandma and Grandpa played teenage kissing games, they didn't need two D batteries to find it electrifying, just the pitter-patter of their beating hearts.

Today's kids can spice up their first kiss with sound effects and a light show, thanks to Electronic Spin-the-Bottle ($24.95) from University Games.

Forget that old bottle of Coke, which didn't spin well anyway. With Electronic Spin-the-Bottle, a beaming light from the bottle cap leaves no doubt as to who must do the kissing. This gizmo can also be configured for another pastime for hormone-raging teens — Truth-or-Dare.

Time doesn't change everything. Parents must still wonder what happens when boys and girls get too frisky. Perhaps they'll experience the virtual reality of a cold shower — or a flashing light that reads: "Game Over!"