Countdown to Christmas

I know, I know! We haven't even had Thanksgiving yet and I am already talking about Christmas (16 days to Thanksgiving, BTW). But planning ahead and finding the "right" gift is a big part of my holiday shopping. If you are looking for a jump start, one of the places below might be a good starting point. And for anyone who is confused, this is not a lame attempt to insert ideas for my Christmas gifts :) They are random ideas for gifts for others!

Mighty Goods Budget Gifts

• Blossom Appetizer Plates

  

  I see a cocktail party in your future.

  $15 at CB2

  (for a set of six)

  Posted: 02 Nov, 2007 by Margaret Mason

• Periodic Table Refrigerator Magnets

  

  You could use more Chemistry in your life.

  $10 at Think Geek

  Posted: 02 Nov, 2007 by Margaret Mason

• Ukulele

  

  It’s important to teach the children about the comedic impact of a well-timed ukulele solo. Plus, think of the photos.

  $25 at NYBG Shop

  Posted: 02 Nov, 2007 by Margaret Mason

• Urchin Votive

  

  Use it to replace the cliched hunk of coral on your shelf.

  $18 at Element Clay Studio

  Posted: 01 Nov, 2007 by Margaret Mason

• Face Painting Kit

  

  Practice your rainbows and unicorns. There will be requests.

  $12 at Pottery Barn Kids

  Posted: 01 Nov, 2007 by Margaret Mason

• Sharp Dressed Tie

  

  Tiny knife pattern looks sedate from afar. Particularly great gift for a chef or weekend cook. They also offer a silk version for $40.

  $30 at Cyber Optix

  Posted: 01 Nov, 2007 by Margaret Mason

• Sky Slippers

  

  The kid can’t walk, but he can sit in style.

  $16 at Bella Sera Baby

  Posted: 31 Oct, 2007 by Margaret Mason

• Think of When You Had None Money Clip

  

  Sage advice from your money clip.

  $24 at Individual Icons

  Posted: 31 Oct, 2007 by Margaret Mason

• Nap Sac Travel Blanket

  

  This little pouch contains your travel blanket and an inflatable pillow. Remove the blanket, then zip the inflated pillow back into the bag/pillowcase. Comfy.

  $28 at Koie Products

  Posted: 31 Oct, 2007 by Margaret Mason

• Sigg Thermos

  

  There are few things as pleasant as opening a thermos to find that your coffee is still toasty.

  $28 at Amazon

  Posted: 30 Oct, 2007 by Margaret Mason

• Nerdling Onesie

  

  Just until they’re old enough for their own laptops.

  $16 at WilloToons

  Posted: 30 Oct, 2007 by Margaret Mason

• Bacon Salt Sampler

  

  Bacon potatoes, bacon popcorn, bacon ice cream. There’s nothing in your way.

  $13 at BaconSalt.com

  Posted: 30 Oct, 2007 by Margaret Mason

• Kids’ Gardening Set

  

  As long as they’re playing in the dirt, they might as well be doing something useful.

  $14 at Scandanavian Details

  Posted: 29 Oct, 2007 by Margaret Mason

• Denyse Schmidt Dots & Jots Mini Journal Set

  

  A pretty, surprisingly high-quality notebook set for your favorite list maker. The individual journals are so compact and lightweight that they’re convenient to take along anywhere.

  $15 at Peek Keep

  Posted: 29 Oct, 2007 by Margaret Mason

• The Mystery Science Theater 3000 Collection

  

  Robots rip on kitschy movie classics. This two-disc set includes Manos: The Hands of Fate and Santa Claus Conquers the Martians.

  $20 at Amazon

  Posted: 29 Oct, 2007 by Margaret Mason

PC Magazine Wacky Gifts Under $50

1. For the Wannabe Surfer	2. For the Dehydrated Athlete	3. For the Neat-Freak Diva	4. For the Gadget Dork
5. For the Old-Fashioned Parents	6. For the Kid at Heart	7. For the Bored Geek	8. For the Ultimate Partier
9. For the Extremely Lazy	10. For the Shivering Co-Worker

Red Envelope Gift Guides

(Hostess Gifts shown here)