Blowing bubbles? Never occurred to me, but sounds as if it might work ... will keep that in mind. Also, I definitely could do with a nice pen, now I have the perfect excuse, heh.

Mascots, well, I have a black Nici raven (like this one, only as a key ring) which my Mum gave me for secondary school. It's been in every exam with me ever since and it's always sitting on top of my desk, so I guess it counts as mascot :D

I second the NaNo-specific calender, I always use one as wallpaper.