Every day is the best day ever

A few years ago in these pages, we declared that Nickelodeon's "SpongeBob SquarePants" was the best show on television. Guess what? It still is. Not only that, the folks at Nickelodeon have done a brilliant job with their line of licensed--and seemingly ubiquitous--products featuring the most well-known inhabitant of Bikini Bottom.

For starters, we just had to have the SpongeBob 3-Gallon Fish Tank ($49.99), which is like having a little Bikini Bottom in your own home. This starter set from Happy Dog Toys comes with a three-gallon double-wave tank, SpongeBob figure, aqua-bright cover, bubble-wall aeration and filter system, pump, tubing, and gravel. In other words, everything except the fish.

SpongeBob's "The Best Day Ever" CD ($13.98) from Nick Records gets plenty of play at our house--and why not, as it features music and talk from WH20, the number--one radio station in Bikini Bottom. SpongeBob and his band, the Hi-Seas, play their classic hits as well as fresh tunes such as "Ridin' The Hook," "Barnacles," and "Who Wants to Race Me?". Special musical guests include Brian Wilson, Tommy Ramone, and Flaco Jimenez.

Meanwhile, courtesy of Nickelodeon Home Entertainment, there is the "SpongeBob Season 4, Vol. 1 Box Set" DVD ($34.99), which has 20 episodes from the show's uproarious fourth season, plus never-before-seen special features. (That's right--don't touch that dial!) Of course, we like to be comfy when settling down for our viewing pleasure, so we naturally break out our SpongeBob Body Pillow ($24.99) from Franco. Soft, comfy, and oversized, it also is the perfect companion for naps or storytime.

Of course, even though it's been awfully cold outside this winter, we can't stay inside 24/7 watching SpongeBob (although we sure can try). On those occasions when we do venture beyond the playroom, nothing keeps us warm like our ABG Accessories SpongeBob Knit Hat & Gloves ($14.99). What could be more snug than this soft-fleece set with elastic wristbands and Velcro straps? It's available in yellow with either blue or black. To make sure we're back home in time for our favorite show, there are MZ Berger LCD SpongeBob Watches ($19.99 apiece). Happily, there are two to choose from. (If you're like us, you'll get both.)

Once we've re-stationed ourselves on the couch, it's time to load the DVD again, serve up some Krabby Patties (Ummm, hot, steamy goodness!), and watch out for the slime because Hasbro's Scene It? has gone totally Nick. SpongeBob, Drake & Josh, Jimmy Neutron, and other favorites now are in one incredible DVD game. Race friends around the board with real TV show clips, trivia questions, and a ton of on-screen challenges from Avatar, Danny Phantom, and more. Scene It? Nickelodeon ($39.99) is one jellyfishing, air-bending, ghost-grabbing good time.

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COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning