Crossword Genius

Funny items, albeit little ones (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

mites

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'little ones' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'funny items' is the wordplay.
'funny' indicates anagramming the letters.
'items' is an anagram of 'MITES'.

'albeit' is the link.
This may not be right. It may be part of another bit of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for mites that I've seen before include "Widows' contributions?" , "Minute arachnids that infest animals and stored foods" , "Small arachnids" , "little children" , "tots?" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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