Okay, so they're not the highest-tech gadgets, but they sure are cute. The Knockman toys, produced by Japanese company Maywa Kenki, even had their own MTV commercials—and that makes them cool.

The toy line has five different models, which dance and make some sort of noise when you wind them up. The Knockman himself hits his own drum-like head, Colon's insides rattle, Pololon plays a "guitar," Chacha (my favorite) plays the cymbals, and Kerotama plays a "Latin guiro"—an instrument that looks like a marble rolling around in an innertube. And just like an iPod, each Knockman toy comes in white or black.

The Knockman Web site is just as bizarre as the little toys themselves. Each model has its own profile with poem-like descriptions such as "a smart beanpole with a guitar" and "shake, shake his bottom, dance dance!!"  Also watch the KnockMan videos to see the toys in action, and check out the Knockman Planet line that's complete with accessories like chairs, carts, and hats.

You can buy the toys seperately or as a whole family. They're available on the Knockman Web site for 1344 to 1869 ¥ ($11 to $16), but you'll get a message saying, "Sorry! Shop is available only in Japanese!" I found the Knockman family at sweatyfrog.com for $25 each. Audio Cubes has a limited selection for $15-$19.