It's cool to be wise.

Remember a few years ago when all those cute movies about penguins came out? Happy Feet. March of the Penguins. Surf's Up. It was hip to like pengos. They were everywhere. Stuffed animals, T-shirts, mugs, jewelry. Everywhere.

But lately I've noticed that a new animal has taken over the pop culture zeitgeist: Owls are in. (Personally, I like to think J.K. Rowling started it. Clearly she is a hip, hip lady.) Perusing through various stores with holiday money in my pockets, I saw more than my fair share of these wise feathered beauties. Proof, you ask? Oh. I have proof.

Every item in Urban Outfitter's stock features a version with an owl print or in an owl shape. Hoodies, not-so-piggy banks, salt and pepper shakers (sold out!), and my personal favorite, this lantern.

If you like glowing as well as hooting in the dark, take a gander at FredFlare's T-shirt.

You probably remember Keds as being those boring white shoes you wore as a kid (your mom probably even had a matching pair). But they know what's up.

And the beacon of respectable trendsetting, Forever 21, has this owl charm necklace on the cheap.

I could list you dozens of other options, but I'm going to leave it at that for now. Sad thing is, most of these items are on sale. It's like owls are already going the way of the dodo, er, penguin.

(And yes, I know I have too much time on my hands. Thank you very much.) - Kim