Chandler goes to great lengths to find Kathy the perfect birthday gift: a special edition of her favorite book. Ross points out that he cannot completely outshine her boyfriend Joey, who did not plan to give her anything, and therefore, must find an even better gift. Meanwhile, Phoebe advises Monica not to turn down a significant funeral catering event due to a lack of equipment and offers to advance the necessary funds, though she expects repayment promptly, even before any profits are made. They become active business partners, which proves beneficial as their first client, a widow, would not have paid without Phoebe’s tenacity.
Ross’s attractive girlfriend Cheryl’s apartment turns out to be messier than a fraternity house, yet she complains about a strange smell in his place. Ross is relieved when the creature he kills in disgust turns out to be a rat, not her hamster. Since Joey cannot find anything better than a pen-clock combination, Chandler allows him to give Kathy the ‘Velveteen Rabbit.’ Fortunately, Kathy correctly guesses the truth.
Did you know ?!
• First credited appearance in TV or film for Rebecca Romijn. She went on to play Mystique in the X-Men films.
• The kitchen in which Monica and Phoebe work for the funeral, is the same kitchen used for Monica and Ross’s parents’ house. This was seen in just a few episodes prior to this one.
• When Chandler and Kathy are talking about the book in the final scene, Camera 1 – the far left angle shooting over Chandler’s shoulder to catch Kathy’s face – is focused on the cabinets behind the actors, and therefore their faces are slightly out of focus.
• This is the first time The Velveteen Rabbit story book is mentioned. It’s Kathy’s favourite book. There is no mention of it being Chandler’s favourite book which Monica states in the Halloween episode from season 8.
• Rebecca Romijn’ ex-husband John Stamos later plays Chandler’s co-worker.
