The adorably innovative Message Bean [1] ($14.95) would be a great and affordable housewarming or hostess gift. The recipient simply has to plant the bean, and a message appears on either side of the sprout. Varieties include "Thank You," "Love," "Good Luck," "Happy Birthday," "Get Well," and more.

All it takes is soil and about a half cup of water, and it grows in about a week. Has anyone tried this? If so, let me know how it turned out.