If you're foolish enough, like me, to head to frigid New York City on a winter holiday, at least visit the many holiday markets the city has to offer.

I went to the one at Union Square where I found painted cooper earrings by Bora from Greece for only $20 and a lovely silk-strewn necklace with a cascade of small gems for $47. You'll also find Christmas decor, unique leather goods and lots of fun gifts for children at the Holiday Market.

Similar markets can be found at Bryant Park, where you also can ice skate, Grand Central and Columbus Circle. So, wherever you land in the city, there is a holiday market to shop.

The markets feature booths from stores around Manhattan as well as the outreaches and independent vendors. While I wouldn't count on a return policy, I found the shopping experience more fun and interesting than the overcrowded department stores with faux sales (20 percent off and only $800!).

South Florida retailers might do well to copy this NYC idea. After all, our weather is much more conducive to outside shopping. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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Each year about this time Santa Claus brings presents a little early for women: The cosmetic counter holiday specials

If you buy right, you might not have to buy makeup all year long. I'm still using the eye shadow from a holiday Estee Lauder special from a year ago.

This holiday season Lancome seems to have the best deal. For a $36 purchase, you can buy a Lancome case full of cosmetics for only $49.50, supposedly a $339 value. While a few items are decidedly small, the Lancome case has full-size lipsticks and a variety of some of its best products.

I spotted this deal at Nordstrom's. It's the holidays and time to put on a happy face, or at least a nicely made up one. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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I just got back from a girl's trip to Italy...a college sorority sister restored an old farmhouse in Tuscany (sound familiar?) and threw a magical housewarming party for about 100 of her closest friends!!

Nine of us were UF classmates, trapsing around Italy, reminiscing and laughing hysterically about days of old. I tried to photograph and video the antics, but most often I was laughing so hard, there was no keeping the camera still!!

Have you ever played "go around the table and describe your worst date ever" while consuming massive quantities of Chianti? (Chances are we will never be invited back to that restaurant.)

Next time, I'll be prepared. Look at these cool flexible tripods. They will attach to lots of things, or work like a traditional tripod, just to steady the camera when you get the giggles. I'll bet it would hold on to a Chianti bottle neck.

What a cool gift idea for the camera enthusiast in your life. I know I want one....before my next trip!

There are probably lots of flexible tripods out there, a co-worker got his for around $10 at Walmart. I surfed around the Internet and liked these by Joby, called Gorillapods. The smallest one, strong enough to hold a point-n-shoot, sells for $21.95 straight retail, both on Amazon and on Joby's website.

Now if you read this blog, you know we don't like to pay straight retail for anything. So let us know if you come across a better deal!! Hopefully...before I buy mine.

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Get ready early to make it a magical holiday season!

And to get you in the mood, this year, the editors of Martha Stewart Living will help you plan the ultimate celebration with festive ideas for delicious treats and memorable feasts, plus one-of-a-kind decorations and gift ideas. Sign up now for a six-week workshop to get:

-Enchanting decor ideas for outdoors and in
-Start-to-finish party plans for holiday feasts, cookie exchanges, and more
-Handmade cards and gift ideas for everyone on your list
-Fun and festive Christmas traditions for kids and adults
-Interactive holiday quizzes
-Holiday tips from Martha Stewart Living editors
-The chance to show off your creations
-And much more! You get the idea!

Martha Stewart Christmas Workshop

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Here's an easy gift for mom, the sisters or a good friend: Sterling silver jewelry, earrings, necklaces and bracelets, on sale for 65 percent to 70 percent off at Kohl's in Boynton Beach.

I overheard a man shopping for a birthday present for his wife. He was going to get her a Citizens watch -- also on sale. I wanted to scream at him: No! No! Something romantic, stupid. But I just let the saleswoman gently suggest a more elegant watch instead.

But back to the jewelry: lots of choices, both traditional and modern. Great for gifts for others -- or yourself! -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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Whether it's Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas, Crate & Barrel Outlet at the Sawgrass Mills mall is bound to get you in the holiday mood.

I stopped there on Saturday and found a beautiful table runner 50 percent off, only $19.95. I chose the Alexandra red design, but there's also one with autumn colors (see at right).

Then I found an irrestible item for $6.95: fanciful salt and pepper shakers in the design of snowmen. My friend M collects those for her friend M, so I may pass them on to her. If not, one of my sisters' is getting snowmen as part of her Christmas present.

The snowmen design also is available in a sugar and creamer for $12.95, appetizer plates for $14.95, and tapered candles - snowmen with tall winter hats, 2 for $5.95.

What a fun tabletop for the children in us during the holidays! And at a bargain price, of course. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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Sam's Club announced today (Thursday, Oct. 16) that it's offering a $10 membership good for 10 weeks for families and businesses not currently members.

Consumers can sign up for Sam shopping privileges on two weekends, Oct. 17-19 and Oct. 24-26. Sam's Club stores are in West Palm Beach, Lantana, Coral Springs, Sunrise, Miramar and Miami.

Sam's Club, Costco and other discount shopping stores are likely to be busy places this holiday season when most of us are trying to S-T-R-E-TCH that dollar. Check it out. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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Looking for a fun afternoon with girlfriends?

Hit Delray Beach. Not the famed Atlantic Avenue, but NE 2nd Avenue, the entrance to Pineapple Grove.

I discovered that many great little shops and restaurants have opened up along Pineapple Grove. The street is a bit like Atlantic Avenue used to be: Full of unique shops and friendly and less expensive restaurants.

My friend M. and I had a fine breakfast of frittatas and french toast at Joseph's Wine Bar. After buying my quota ($20) of craft fair jewelry, I checked out the shops.

I found upscale jewelry and art at Spotted on 2nd, unique gifts at Conversation Pieces, Fatboy outdoor cushions at Museo (see right), and monogramed gifts for baby and children (lunchbox, $25, or backpack, just under $40). Pricey, but a unique present for the doting aunt or grandmother.

Met up with two friends, C and A, on Pineapple Grove and they also had a find: Kismet, a consignment shop with "gently worn" clothes. C found the little black dress she has been looking for, $35. Big shipment of designer dresses coming in Nov. 13, the shop told C.

So hit the boutiques in Delray Beach for an enjoyable day and you'll also be supporting small business, which makes the South Florida economy go 'round. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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Retailers are no doubt anxious to get holiday shopping going. There's already evidence of it: Crate & Barrel. Crate & Barrel sent out an e-mail with corporate gift suggestions for under $20.

Nice stuff, too, such as a wine decanter ($19.99) and holiday plate (at right for only $8.95). Never mind the corporate gifts -- good for family and friends in what is likely to be a budget-conscious shopping season.

Retailers take notice: We want bargains this year! ('Cause that's all we can afford to buy.) Anyone agree? -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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Colleague Laura Kelly chimes in on what her kids' fave gift was:

"My children received a group gift for them and two other cousins from their grandparents and an aunt and uncle -- advance tickets to Discovery Cove in Orlando.

At some point this year, my 7-year-old sea-loving, animal-hugging, budding eco-scientist daughter will be able to swim with dolphins . This was an expensive gift, and one that my schoolteacher-husband and I might have been hardpressed to provide. But we are thrilled (and we do have to pay our own way into the resort).

Likely, the entire extended clan, about 12 of us, will take the trip to Orlando as a family, and we will watch Hayley and her cousins interact with sea creatures in a setting that's more interactive than Sea World. And we all will treasure the memories.

Definitely beats a Toys 'R' Us gift card any day!!

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A continuation of yesterday's theme. These are the fave gifts (or the ones that were the biggest hits) we gave to the kids in our lives.

My 8 year old daughter is connected to her silver iPod nano. As I write this, I am sure she is jamming out to Hannah Montana at home. For my 5 year-old-son, the hit is the 5-in-1 game table (air hockey/soccer/basketball/tabletennis/pool) from Sports Authority. (This would be my husband's least fave, as he has spent the last two days putting it together.)

Suzie: She bought her neice and nephew a copy of the kid's version of John Grogan's bestseller Bad Dog, Marley!. (The book comes in a kids version and a tween version.)

Vanessa: "Santa (my sis in law and i) got both our boys the Ikea Lomsk swivel chair. It's like having your own personal Mad Tea Party ride at home....it's fun for the kids and the adults. Yep, fun for the adults, because watching the kids try to get out without falling down after some quick turns inside will have you laughing so hard you'll fall down."

Vanessa (part 2): "The other great present was for one of our artsy nephews, the Scribbles Coloring book . It's so cool i want one for myself!"

Gail: "I always make sure to give any baby girl on my gift list, for Christmas or birthday, a real old school Raggedy Ann doll. "

Joy: My infant daughter is going ga-ga over the Fisher Price electronic drum set that converts into congos, purchased by her aunt. She can't resist clapping when the bossa nova beat kicks in.

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The post-holiday shopping recovery continues today. I have yet to make it to any store to return anything, or hit any sales, but I have talked with my co-workers about what their fave gifts for Christmas 2007 were.

My favorite gift: The 2008 calendar made for me by my 5-year-old son. He drew all the pics for each month, labeled all the months and wrote all the numbers!

Suzie: Says she really should say that her fave gift was a camera lens she got from her boyfriend, but ...she sure loves the Hello Kitty wallet from Loungefly.com that she got from her boyfriend's brother's girlfriend.

Vanessa: Digs her Ballet flats from Urban Outfitters. She got them from her uncle in their fam's annual gift exchange. "This brand has really cute funky shoes," Vanessa says.

Gail: "Mine was a gift I bought myself for the new year. It's a sterling silver pendant that reads "No Excuses" and can be read backwards (in the mirror) and forwards."

Joy: Is obsessed with her personal label-maker "Because if I have to be organized at work, it should be fun. Though so far, I've only made labels for around the house. Now, should "Current Projects" have an outline or shadow effect?"

Sarah: Is happy about the gift she gave her husband. "It's a bit old school but he loves it - a polaroid camera from Target."

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Today is pretty much the last day you can order anything online and hope to get it by Christmas Eve. Most sites are giving you a deadline of either 2 or 3 p.m., so chop chop!

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Every kid knows that if you really want to have some fun, peruse mommy’s purse for all its surprises and adventures.

This is what makes My Mommy’s Tote ($16.95) such a great toy.
The die-cut cornucopia is stuffed with more than 75 objects, from a laptop, cell phone and wallet - with removable credit card! - to keys, a water bottle and a handkerchief. The activities are endless - a spin wheel for learning the alphabet and numbers, a clock to learn to tell time, a write-on, wipe-off board, plus so many things to lift up, slide up, unfold and flip open.

Guaranteed to keep little ones occupied (and out of your real purse).

Get it here.

-- Kavita Varma-White

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Know any fans of the late lamented (sob, sob...) Fox series Arrested Development? Here's a deal that you need to jump on quickly. Amazon.com has the entire series, all three seasons, for $29.99. That's a crazy good deal for a crazy funny show.

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We took the kids to The Melting Pot for my daughter's 8th birthday this year, and they had a ball doing the whole fondue thing.

Since what they really enjoyed was the dessert part, I am thinking this will make a great joint gift. (Of course, since you can't possibly expect two kids to share one gift -- who gets to open it???--) I will turn it into two.

Found a fab $29 fondue set from Williams-Sonoma. It's a small one, with six different colored forks, perfect for kids, that uses a tealight candle under it. Comes with a box of chocolate chips. For some reason, it is nowhere on the website. (Saw it in the new catalog and a call to the Galleria Williams-Sonoma found they have several in stock, so check your local W-S store.)

Along with it, I am getting a box of their fabulous Rubicon Fresh Vanilla marshmallows. (Comes in a box of 27 for $12.50.)

K.V.W.

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Pamper the gourmet chef or party hostess this holiday with hand soaps and dishwasher detergents that smell good enough to eat.

Fruits and Passion, a Canadian-based chain of personal care and home products boutiques, opened up a store at Aventura Mall in October. I discovered the shop last night, and it's a feast for the senses.

The Aventura Mall store is the retailer's only location in South Florida, which means there's a good chance the recipient of your gift has never heard of its brands. And the company follows an eco-friendly business model.

Fruits and Passion products and gift sets are nicely packaged. But they aren't cheap. For example, a 16 oz. bottle of the Cucina coriander and olive hand soap costs $18.

-- Jaclyn Giovis, Sun-Sentinel retail reporter

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Looking for a glitzy, but not expensive New Year’s Eve dress? Try Ross Dress for Less. I was surprised to find a line of holiday dresses for $19-$25 on the rack this week at the Delray Beach store. Some were - or appeared to be -- the very dresses I looked at over the weekend at Dillard’s junior department for $80 and up.

OK, not everybody can fit or wear a junior style (including me, usually). But much to my holiday delight, a large-sized gold lame dress fit fine.

Now I just have to find a New Year’s Eve party. Details, details.

-- Marcia Heroux Pounds

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I was out in Weston for a meeting today and came across a neat kids' boutique called Spider & The Fly. For the full effect, stop by and browse at 2402 Weston Road (954-659-9244). You can also shop online and find everything from leather bibs
to cute tees ($32) to handpainted stools ($95).

K.V.W.

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The ornaments we select as a reflection of how and where we have lived are the details that make our Christmas trees special.

You can add some local charm to your collection with the Boca Raton Historical Society’s 2007 commemorative ornament, “Boca Raton Road.” The round ornament, designed by Boca artist Barbara Montgomery O’Connell, depicts the city’s downtown retail district that was established in the 1940s.

This is a great gift for a family member or friend who recalls Roadman’s Department store, Frank’s Sundries, Dave’s Grocery, Eubank’s Electric or the Boca Raton Laundry.
The ornament is the 11th in a series produced by the Boca Raton Historical Society. Proceeds benefit the society’s historic preservation and heritage programs.

It sells from $18.95 at the Fire Bay Gift Shop at Town Hall, 71 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton. Shop hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Call 561-395-6766 Ext: 102.

C.V.S.

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My 8-year-old has asked Santa for an iPod nano. (Silver, please.)

Sure, it will be pretty cool if/when the-man-in-red brings it for her on Christmas.

But then again, we're betting Mom will be pretty cool for giving this nifty gift: it's an itty bitty speaker (they fit in your pocket) that looks like a Lego and turns iPod classics and nanos into desktop speakers. Get them for $20 at thesarutgroup.com.

Oh, and as usual -- while you're on the website, check out some of their other unique offerings. We loved the Eiffel Tower salt and pepper shakers; dog-shaped cake servers; and pretty thermoses.

-- K.V.W.

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When you’re a kid, you know that any boring situation -- doctors’ waiting rooms, long car rides, the sermon at church -- can be a thousand times more fun if you just have some crayons and paper. And thank goodness, these adorable crayon cases make art supplies totally portable.

These cases designed by the Piggy Story are made of cute retro fabric. The “Art to Go“ roll holds eight crayons, each in its own slot, and rolls up into a tidy, soft package. The art folio carries a dozen crayons and a 6-by-8-inch drawing pad (which can be refilled with any pad of paper that’s 6 by 8 inches or smaller).

No matter where you go, there can always be crayons nearby -- and they won’t be a broken, smeary mess on the bottom of Mom’s purse.
Find It: $15 to $20 at littlejetset.com
(This item from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram)

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Nothing says I really thought about your gift more than a personalized present. It's the next best thing to taking the time to make it yourself.

Three Designing Women have come up with the perfect gift --- personalized stamps that go with a variety of stampable products -- foldover cards, note papers, note pads, calling cards, wine tags, gift tags, announcements and invitations. This is great stuff. It could become addictive -- like scrapbooking. Oh no, did I really admit that to you?

Check out www.threedesigningwomen.com for retailers. But their PR source says you must order before Dec. 15 in order for them to arrive in time. You can also order on line at www.roomservicehome.com.

Expect to pay about $41 plus shipping and handling for the personalized stamps and $12 each for the different types of notes and stationary.

-- C.V.S.

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I'm thinking about buying my brother Tommy a gift card to Southwest Airlines for Christmas. But if I had $5 million to spare, I might have purchased him a gift card on Halcyon Jets.

I got a press release today that said the private jet company is offering the $5 million Holiday DreamCard for travel aboard their ultra-luxurious planes. The experience comes with a “personal concierge to assist with the travel, dining and entertainment needs of even the most discerning traveler.”

OK, so my brother isn’t that discerning.

With a Southwest gift card, I can probably guilt trip (no pun intended) him into visiting his big sis down here in Fort Lauderdale, which is a LOT more pleasant than Cincinnati, Ohio, this time of year.

But I’ve been mulling over the purchase decision for a few days. Even though they’re hugely popular — gift card sales are expected to reach $26.3 billion this year — they still feel so impersonal to me. And I thought, ‘What if he doesn’t choose to come visit his only sibling?’ I might be hurt.

What should I do? Have you ever purchased a travel gift card?

I suppose a travel gift card is one of those gifts that you buy for someone else secretly hoping that good travel karma will come your way.

Now if only I could signal Santa or the universe to send me a Halcyon Jets DreamCard.

-- Jaclyn Giovis, Sun-Sentinel retail writer

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I've been getting rave reviews for my new bag, $32, which was a gift to myself earlier this month. (Hey, what's a Dec. birthday girl to do?) First spotted it in Rachel Ray magazine and ordered it online from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital's Hope Catalog. (There is other neat stuff in there, so be sure to peruse.)

I was drawn to the bag's graphic, black and white paisly-style print. It's vinyl canvas and has red leather (faux?) handles. I ordered it thinking it would be a cool handbag. In fact, it's a bit big for that -- more like a carry-on bag. I have been using it to cart all my stuff to work (lunchbag, water bottle, etc.) and have also used it to carry stuff to the kids' soccer games. Great because if it gets dirty on the field, you just wipe it off.

K.V.W.

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