Hanukkah is careening toward us, coming early this year on Dec. 2. If you are in the market for a hip looking, modern menorah, we have a few suggestion that will light up your room for the Festival of Lights. These are definitely not your mother's menorahs.

The lovely Skyline Menorah by Jonathan Adler, top right, is made of polished nickel and is 10.5 X 8.75 inches wide. Get it for $125.

The hand-painted ceramic Muzeum Menorah from Target.com is $49.99 and echos Picasso. It's 12 x 6 inches with brass inserts to hold candles.

These nine glass cubes, below right, are cool as ice and offer a refreshing twist on the traditional Hanukkah lamp. They come with 45 colorful candles. Get them from Shop.TheJewishMuseum.org for $24.

This menorah grows each night as you arrange the individual leaves of the Sabra Haukkah Menorah from CanaanOnlie.com. Made of aluminum, the "leaves" are fashioned after the Sabra, or Israeli Prickly Pear, which is tough on the outside and sweet on the inside. It's $99.95.

Get Rite Lite's Premium Hand-Dipped Chanukah Candles at BedBathandBeyond.com for $9.99.
The high-quality candles with lead-free wicks burn for more than one hour. There are 45 candles per box. Don't forget your 20 percent off coupon!

Three ways to keep up with the latest deals: "Like" our Sentinel Deals page on Facebook; follow Doreen Christensen on Twitter@PrettyGoodIdeas and get mobile alerts: Text DEALS to 23539.

Need a last-minute holiday present for your sister, mother or bff? Check out AnnTaylor.com's jewelry sale, many items 40 percent off.

Here's a bronze and jet-coated stone necklace marked down from $59 to $35.40. Matching earrings on sale for $21. Many other jewelry and women's clothing gifts for under $50.

AnnTaylor.com guarantees delivery by Christmas Eve for $15 third-day shipping, but you better get going. Your time is running out, you procrastinators! -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

Saks Fifth Avenue's Off 5th, located at Sawgrass Mall, is offering the oh, so cozy feel of cashmere for 60 percent off. Sweaters, hats, gloves and scarves are included.

Might be a good last minute gift for the relative up north who doesn't live in paradise.

The sale is only good until noon Saturday, Dec. 13. Off 5th also is offering 30 percent off the entire store through Sunday, Dec. 14. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

If you have a "Secret Santa" or office gift exchange next week, consider Target's "Nice Twice. Gifts for a Cause” collection that also gives back to charity. Target has three gifts available:

Choxie chocolates for $10: 10 percent of price is donated to St. Jude's Children's Hospital

Songs for a Cause CD, collection of holiday season songs, for $5.99: $2 of this purchase goes to the Salvation Army

Salvation Army holiday ornament for $14.99: 10 percent goes to the Salvation Army

So spread holiday cheer in more than one way! -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

Stocking stuffers, home decor, furniture and other items at Restoration Hardware are 20 percent off with this coupon for "family and friends." You just need to print out the Restoration Hardware coupon and bring it to a store or enter the code online.

One stocking stuffer I'm thinking about for my Dad the movie buff is the "Great Lines from Great Movies" trivia game which is under $6 with the coupon. Can't beat that! -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

If you're a Christopher Radko fan, stock up on holiday dinner plates and other items for your Christmas meal.

A package of four dinner plates is only $15 until Saturday, Dec. 14 at Target. Other items, such as a matching platter, run between $15 and $19.99.

Radko's holiday designs include a big red ornament or a fully trimmed Christmas tree. They're both pretty and make your holiday meal extra special. So even if your turkey is not moist, your presentation will steal the show. Well, maybe. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!!

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.

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."

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!

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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

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.

Toy Wishes Magazine has announced the winners of its 2007 Ultimate Toy Awards, a program that invited the public to honor their favorite toy and children’s entertainment products of 2007. Winners were selected in 21 categories. If you have kids to buy for (especially ones that aren’t your own, which means you have no clue of what to get) this might be helpful. Since it’s pretty lengthy, here are the first five.. (We numbered them just for organization, so No.1 is not the most favorite, just the first category.)

For the rest of this list, go here.

Envelope, please.

And the winners are...

1. Favorite Action and Adventure Toy: Transformers Movie Ultimate Bumblebee (Hasbro/Ages 5 years & up/ $89.99)

2. Favorite Activities Toy: Crayola Model Magic Fusion (Crayola/ Ages 5 years & up/ $7.99)

3. Favorite Construction & Building Toy: LEGO SpongeBob Squarepants: The Chum Bucket (LEGO/Ages 7 years & up/ $34.99)

4. Favorite Dolls & Accessories Toy: Hannah Montana Singing Dolls and Pop Star Stage (Play Along/Ages 6 years & up/ Doll: $19.99 Pop Star Stage: $59.99)

5. Favorite Educational and Learning Toy: Clickstart My First Computer (LeapFrog/Ages 3 to 6 years/ $59.99)

A website where you can find something for everyone? That just may be the case with the very cool site uncommongoods.com, known for its great selection of, well, uncommon goods.

We perused quickly and found these gifts, all under $25.

For your GF (who loves shoes as much as you do): The stainless steel
high heel cake server, $15.

For your little one (who is still a tad scared of the dark): These adorable paper lamps in a varieaty of animal shapes, $20.

For the coffee lover (especially someone who has had plenty of joe on the streets of NYC): this ceramic replica of the Greek themed paper coffee cups that were once all over New York City, $12.

For the travel lover (who doesn't have any vacation time left): This 3D globe jigsaw puzzle, $20.

K.V.W.

Each Christmas shopping season I shove my way through the mall crowds like everyone else. I found some great deals this past weekend: 75 percent off sterling silver jewelry at Dillard’s and $30 off $100 purchase at Coldwater Creek at The Galleria in Fort Lauderdale.

But my real finds were outside the mall, on Las Olas Boulevard in the shops of downtown Fort Lauderdale. Sure, Las Olas can be pricey, but look for the small gems.

At Chicos, I found hand-crafted pins in the shapes of amusing cats and dogs. The pins are perfect for my pet-loving friends, and only $10. At Seldom Seen Gallery – always a fun place to browse, I picked up some Dolly Mamas sticky notes for $3.50 apiece. “Bring coffee and no one gets hurt” says one. For my favorite 6 year old who is a budding artist I found a Pirates “scratch and sketch” book, just $12.99.

So between harried mall runs, take a stroll down Las Olas, or Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach, or Harrison Street in Hollywood. You’ll find gifts that are unique and rediscover the true meaning of shopping.

– Marcia Heroux Pounds

If someone on your holiday list loves margaritas, this gift will surely make you the best drinking buddy he or she ever had.

This is as good as having your own bartender. The Margaritaville Frozen Concoction Maker comes in three models -- Bahamas, Key West and Fiji. The Key West (shown here) automatically shaves the ice and blends your fave ingredients for your drinks.

What I love the most is you don't have to stand by the machine all night. You can party, too. The machine can be pre-programmed to shave and blend up to three drinks. Suggested retail price is $299.99.

The Bahamas ($199.99) makes 36 ounces in one step. And the Fiji ($379.99) includes four settings to make margaritas, daiquiris, slides and smoothies. For more info see margaritavillecargo.com

-- C.V.S.

If you’ve got necktie wearers on your holiday shopping list, give them some South Florida style with a tropical-themed silk tie from South Beach Ties. The three-year-old Miami-based company was started by two couples —Shawn and Evans Crews and Christian and Teresa Thornburg —and now offers 30 different designs with decidedly South Florida motifs.

Where else would you find ties featuring bikinis, manatees, stone crabs, guayaberas or palm trees? Made in Italy, the men’s ties are $65. For the committed necktie wearer, there’s even a tie of the month club: 12 ties for $550. Bow ties are $46 and a bow tie and cummerbund set is $105. Women’s scarves are $46. There are even kids ties for $48. The company will soon add belts and sandals.

(Hint: If you put Sun-Sentinel in the comments portion of the online order form, you will get free Priority shipping.)

-J.T.

It’s not the big Christmas gifts that get you. But every year, it’s the endless list of “oh, I really should get them SOMETHING” people. The teachers, the hostesses, the neighbors, the coaches. A crafty person would probably make something for all of them. But who has the time?

Here’s a tasty solution: Cookies by Design.

The site (and their 230 shops nationwide, including seven South Florida locations) sells handmade cookies. And not just cookies — cookie cakes, cookie bouquets, cookie houses (for the holidays, of course), cookie baskets, cookie ornaments, cookie cards and cookie pops (on a stick).

There are the usual flavors of cookies (chocolate chip, peanut butter, oatmeal raisin) and an amazing assortment of decorated cookies (cartoon characters, snowmen, trees). You can also get customized photo cookies. And some same-day delivery is available.

After you get past those holiday gifts, Cookies by Design offers corporate gifts and wedding favors, as well.

(Note: This item comes from MCT wire service)

Sure we all wish that everyone will love the gifts we give them this year, but reality bites. Sometimes we do miss the mark.

We don't want to include the sales receipts in a gift, but it's a good idea to keep the receipts on file and let those on your list know that you have them in case the gift fails to please.

The folks at Consumer Reports say returning unwanted gifts may be more difficult this season because some store return policies have become stricter. Many retailers require receipts. Some are charging fees for restocking and open boxes or missing packaging.

Stores are keeping their own lists and checking them twice. Folks who have a reputation for returning, especially without a receipt, may be stuck with their gift. Some retailers including Kmart, Lowe’s, and Wal-Mart, use computer systems to monitor how often a customer returns items without a sales slip and may refuse to take the item back.

Before you buy, check the policy. Info often is available on the store’s Web site. Or you can call customer service line or visit the local store.

For more advice, see the January issue of Consumer Reports:

- C.V.S.

This is the holiday season to chill out. And one of the best ways to do it is to make opening all those difficult to open plastic packages that contain toys, tools and other gifts.

The promoters are calling the new "Open It" tool "the ultimate Wrap Rage Cure." The product was created by a group known as "Designing Women" with the Zibra Company. Open It contains a cutting tool, dual-head screwdriver and retractable cutting blade. Use it to get what's inside clamshells, toy packaging, boxes, CDs, DVDs and battery compartments.

Suggested retail is $10.99. It's available at Walgreens and The Home Depot. For more information, see www.wrapragecure.com.

Make this one a present to yourself this year. -- C.V. S

Ah, that sophisticated friend who is so hard to buy for. What to do? What to do?

When this idea came to me in a email, I flipped. The "Italian Movie Night Gift Basket" gave the Italian part of my heritage goose bumps.

The gift box includes a decoupage window in a Portofino pattern, the two DVD collector's edition of La Dolce Vita, the two DVD deluxe edition of Cinema Paradiso, a Life Is Beautiful DVD and a packet of microwave popcorn.

It sells for $129 at www.dreamofitaly.com.

The site also has a variety of other gift baskets on Romantic Italy Travel Basket, Rome Travel Basket and Venice Travel Basket.

Ciao -- C.V.S.

For the nature lover in your life (especially one who lives in parts of the country where it's cold and wintry for many months of the year): send them a windowsill garden that keeps giving the entire year.

From Red Envelope, it's called Year of Seeds and includes 12 colorful pots, each of which correspond with a different type of seed. All they have to do is put the included soil pellets and seeds into the pots add water, and watch the plants come to life, a month at a time.

The seeds include petunias, marigolds, pansies, lobelia, alyssum, zinnias, impatiens, baby's breath, dianthus, cosmos, poppies and sweet peas. The cheery colored earthenware pots are as pretty as the blooms.

It's $70, but consider that it's like giving a $6 gift each month for the whole year. What a bargain.

K.V.W.

Made my first visit to the new Crate and Barrel furniture store at Boca Town Center. What a fun place to browse!

Some items worthy of gift-giving:

Love the Helena Laptop bag, on sale for $29.95. It's made of polyester and padded and comes in a fun brown-red-taupe stripe pattern.

I am not one to buy a lot of holiday-themed dishes, but I like to get them as gifts! These Holiday tree cocktail plates, come in a set of four for $19.99.

For the naughty child or adult on your list: Give em a bag of coal! These are filled with black licorice hard candy.

K.V.W.

Woke up this Cyber Monday morning to dozens of e-mails offering free shipping. Among the retailers:
Lucy.com
Walgreens.com (w/$25 purchase)
Avon.com (w/$10 purchase)
CompanyStore.com (use code T7NFD3KA)
Dell.com
LandsEnd.com
BaseballExpress.com (use code FREEXT28)
HPshopping.com
Eddiebauer.com (use code NVFS7)
Endless.com (shipping is actually negative $5)

There are plenty of other sites offering free shipping, but those involve purchases from $50 to $100.

This list will give you a good jump start.

Smartbargains.com has a really pretty holiday dinnerware set on sale, Trees in gold by Fitz & Floyd. A 16-piece set is $59.98.

If you are inclined to hit Toys R Us on Black Friday, check out this email I got today. Sounds like there are plenty of ways to save money.

The Door Busters deal goes from 5 a.m. to noon Friday. You can see the deals if you go into the store today (Wednesday); then buy on Friday.

There are also deals on toysrus.com. For example, free shipping on many items. And some savings of up to 60 percent if you shop online on Thanksgiving Day.

K.V.W.

They look fab - with intricate designs, bold colors and ethnic roots. And there's another bonus: They're a holiday gift you can feel good about because they help poor women in Africa.

The Rwanda peace baskets could be the perfect present for those folks on your holiday list that love global decor and enjoy gifts that give back. The Rwanda Path to Peace Project, which provides woven baskets handmade by Rwandan genocide survivors, helps provide food, medicine and shelter to the women, whopreviously made only about $1 a day.

Here are a few of my faves:

Big Sky Fruit Bowl ($40) is designed with white shapes that appear to be floating over the cerulean blue of the sub-Saharan sky.

Rare Earth Fruit Bowl ($40) features saturated colors and a pattern reminiscent of the hills and mountains of their country.

The natural-dyed baskets, made from sisal, banana leaves and papyrus,
retail for between $35-$120 online only at macys.com/rwanda. -- C.V.S.

I’m thinking about buying myself a Christmas present. (C’mon. You know you’re shopping for you when you’re shopping for them.) I’m fancying the XM radio unit at Best Buy for $85, three months’ free subscription if I treat myself between Nov. 23 and Dec. 31. Installation runs about $40.

XM radio’s a great gift idea for baseball and music lovers. But it’s an ongoing gift: regular monthly fees are $12.95. Visit www.bestbuy.com/xm for more info.

If you want to shop for yourself and the women on your holiday list, go to Bijou Brigitte at Boynton Beach Mall. Bijou Brigitte has a vast selection of inexpensive earrings, colorful necklaces and bangles. I bought sterling silver drop earnings, each only $12.90. You’re sure to find something for your niece or girlfriend here – at least a stocking stuffer.

Be warned about the store’s return policy. My receipt says, “unused products may be returned within 7 days for an exchange or store credit.” So make sure your niece or girlfriend isn’t the “return-it-for-something-I-really-want” type.

--- MARCIA HEROUX POUNDS

After my dental hygienist found out I worked for the Sun-Sentinel, she wanted to double-check on when the Black Friday ads were going to be in the paper (primarily Thursday). But then she also asked whether she could find them online. I told her about dealcatcher.com, which has a link to the Black Friday ads.

She then told me about her Black Friday shopping strategies:

-- Make a game plan of where you're going and what you're after.
-- If you're hitting the 5 a.m. deals, show up at 5:05 a.m., after the initial crush has made its way through the doors.
-- And for her, JC Penney had the best deals.

Thanks, Marlene, for the tips and for the shiny teeth.

Kids want toys — lots of them — at holiday time. But finding the right toy could be a tough job this year.

Major toy makers including Mattel, Fisher-Price and RC2 Corp. have recalled millions of China-made toys since June for failing to meet federal lead paint standards or containing magnets that can become loose and pose a choking threat.

The recall list includes various models of favorite brands including Barbie, Thomas & Friends and Dora the Explorer. Not surprisingly, some of those brands also made the National Retail Federation’s must-have toys list.

The list, released this week, is based on a survey of nearly 8,000 consumers:

Top 10 toys for girls
1. Barbie 2. Bratz 3. Dolls (generic) 4. Dora the Explorer 5. Disney Princess 6. Disney Hannah Montana 7. Nintendo Wii 8. Webkinz 9. Elmo 10. American Girl

Top 10 toys for boys
1. Transformers 2. Video games 3. Nintendo Wii 4. Cars (generic) 5. Spider-Man 6. Legos 7. Thomas the Tank Engine 8. Xbox 360 9. Elmo 10. Remote controlled vehicles

Visit the Consumer Products Safety Commission Web site for more information about toy recalls.

--Jaclyn Giovis

This item comes from the Washington Post.

When it comes to body scrubs, are you like Goldilocks? You know, the grains are too big. Or too small. They don’t lather enough. Or they lather too much.

Here’s one that may be just right: Kiehl’s Soy Milk & Honey Body Polish, from the company’s luxuriously moisturizing Creme de Corps line. Sweet almond oil, jojoba butter and hydrating soy milk proteins soften my perpetually parched skin, while not-too-rough, not-too-smooth bits of ground loofah slough evenly without sandpapering off four layers of skin.

And, oh, the scent: deliciously creamy, subtle yet familiar. Like babies and sugar cookies and soft, fleecy blankets — simply dreamy.

Goldilocks never had it this good.

Find it: $27.50 at fine department stores and www.kiehls.com.

Want to know one of your Christmas or Hanukkah gifts? Chances are pretty high, you’ll be getting a gift card.

Gift cards will be one of the most popular gifts this holiday season. According to a recent National Retail Federation survey on the topic, 87.7 percent of consumers plan to buy two or more gift cards this holiday.

The survey found the average shopper will spend $122.59 on gift cards, up about $6 from last year. Total gift card sales will total $26.3 billion this season, compared with $24.8 billion last year.

Here are some tips for buying gift cards:
1. Know the store’s gift card policy to avoid problems such as expiration or additional fees.
2. To ensure you receive the full value of a card, only buy from reputable retailers not online auction sites.
3. Ask for a receipt and a gift receipt in case the gift card is lost or misplaced. Some retailers will reissue a gift card if there’s a proof of purchase.
4. Know the difference between a store-issued and a bank-issued gift card. Bank-issued cards often have expiration dates and associated activation, transaction, maintenance, and inactivity fees.
5. Find out if there are ways to personalize your gift card by adding a creative design, photo or message.

-- Jaclyn Giovis

We have have someone on our list who has everything she could possibly want, but I betcha she doesn't have one of these doggie-inspired handbags from Fuzzy Nation Couture.

These purses are sure to be a conversation starter. Check out the options in two price ranges -- couture and non-leather line.

The custom line is made of metallic leather or faux alligator, allowing eight popular dog breeds to live in someone else's skin.

Paris Hilton's Tinkerbell,right, would surely so a doubletake with the "Gold Chihuahua" bag, a limited edition available by special order. It sells for $130.

Another cutie is the "Red Crocodile Dachshund," left, a leather limited edition that sells for $180.

The non-leather line is avilable in Chihuahua, Boston Terrier, Pug, Scottish Terrier, Dachshund and Bulldog. They sell for $59.

They are available on line at fuzzynation.com.- C.V.S.

Here it is.

Here's a post from the Sun-Sentinel's fantastic weight-loss blog The Skinny:

Found: While browsing about About.com, the cutest gift idea for any woman subjecting herself to Atkins, South Beach, Weight Watchers, you name it. (Ladies, just forward this blog url to your main gift-giving guy -- or your mom.)

The gift recipient shouldn't really eat the candy canes, but she can bask in peppermint-infused shampoo, shower gel, bubble bath and body souffle (whatever that is). The line is named Candy Cane of course, courtesy of Philosophy.

The company refers to its edible-friendly naming conventions as "100 percent calorie free" and "won't add an inch to your waistline." (Well, they're not lying unless you gobble soap gel with a body oil chaser.)

Other yummy offerings that might make you consider that chaser: Apple Cider, Hot Cocoa, Cinnamon Buns, Gingerbread Man, Cookie Exchange, the list goes on. (Not a food group, but don't forget Sugar Plum Fairy.)

Ahem, significant-other types: This is pretty cute stuff for your favorite dieter or healthy eater to unwrap for the holidays.

Hint, hint.

From the "Books on random subject matter" category comes this new gem: Laces: 100s of ways to pimp your kicks ( Sterling Books, $14.95).

It's written by Ian Fieggen, a guy who made shoelace tying his hobby and promises to be the first comprehensive book on the subject. The intro is filled with fun facts (Did ya know: There are more then two trillion ways to run a shoelace through the average shoe? This is supported by some kind of math equation) and then 50 lacing styles (like double, woven, hexagram, starburst, spiderweb) and knotting methods with full directions on how to accomplish them.

The book cover looks like a shoe, with a dozen eyelet holes to practice on. It comes with five different types of laces in different colors.

It has been a hit with both my 5 year old, who is learning how to tie his shoes, and my 8 year old, who has fun trying out the different styles.

K.V.W.

For a doll that gives back, check out the Karito Kids. Created by the folks at Kids Give, these are a quintet of multicultural dolls -- a modern-day, international version of the American Girl dolls.

They include Lulu (Kenya) (shown here), Wan Ling (China), Pita (Mexico), Zoe (New York) and Gia (Italy). (“Karito,“” from the constructed language Esperanto, means “charity” and “love of one’s neighbor.”“)

Each doll comes with a novel that tells a girl’s story and a passport that includes a secret activation code. Enter the code at www.karitokids.com, and a percentage of the purchase price funds Plan, an organization that supports children in poor countries worldwide. Kids can even choose how they want the money to be used, such as to benefit schools or health programs.

The Web site also has e-cards, coloring pages and more.

Find It: The dolls, $99.99 each, are aimed at kids 6 and older; books, accessories and outfits are sold separately. Available at www.karitokids.com or at Neiman Marcus.

Here's something from the Sun-Sentinel blog The Skinny:

We have the perfect gift for anyone determined to turn their health around. It's a sterling silver necklace with the words "No Excuses" stamped on it forwards and backwards (so you can see it in the mirror). It's $55 from Shopintuition.com and comes on a 16-inch silver chain. You also can get ones that say Breathe, Focus, Never Settle, Respect Yourself, and Love Yourself.

One of these would make the perfect reinforcement to your New Year's resolution.

(I'm so talking myself into buying one!)

-- G.G.S.

Saw this great deal in a Macy's ad in today's Sun-Sentinel.

From now till November 18, it's Izod Week, which means a sale of 40 % off of all Izod sportswear. That's all fine and good, but the real deal comes with Izod polos, for $22.80, normally $38.

There's more: Choose from six different colors: white, off white, lounge green, real red, sun city or midnight blue, and Macy's guarantees they'll have your size (from Small to XX large).

If they don't, they'll send you a FREE Izod polo.

One catch (which you only see if you read the fine print): Not all Florida Macys are offering this deal. The list of stores that AREN'T doing it: South Beach, Broward Mall, Galleria, Boca Town Center, City Place, Florida Mall and Westfield Southgate.

-- K.V.W.

Gotta love this alarm clock for the reluctant riser in your life.

The Puzzle Alarm Clock, $67, from bimbambanana.com is just too much fun (as long as you are not the one having to wake up!). At the sound of the buzzer, four jigsaw puzzle pieces go flying into the air. You have to gather up the pieces, put them in place and then only you can turn off the alarm.

Tell me you won't be awake after all that.

-- K.V.W.

Now this is unique: How would you like to give (or better yet, receive) the gift of healthy, glowing skin?

This soap was featured on The View recently. (Not that that makes it anything that great... but read on.. the concept is interesting.)

It's called Plank's Cor Silver Soap, and it's made with -- you guessed it -- silver, which is supposed to be a very effective antibacterial agent. It also has other natural ingredients in it like collagen and sericin.

The makers (who sell yoga-inspired holistic products -- find them at www.plankdesigns.com) say it's intended to even skin tone, cleanse, maintain moisture and replenish collagen.

The 120 g bar is $125 and supposedly lasts 6 to 9 months. According to the Plank website, apparently within no time people will be commenting on how fab your skin looks.

K.V.W.

Here's something for the foodie in your life (or better yet, maybe it's for someone who likes foodie too much!)

These are called Yum Yum Dishes, which come in sets of 4 4-ounce bowls for $22. They were created by Tracy Adler, an Asheville, N.C. mom/restaurant owner who thought there was a need for portion-control dishes. (She needed them herself after her second pregnancy when she realized she and her 3-year-old were snacking all day long.) Adler says the idea is to fill a bowl, but don't refill it. She even takes the portion control message to her restaurant, where customers can order small portions of her gourmet fare.

Made of ceramic in four colors, they have a cute saying around the rim: Yum Yum Time Is...
And then, when you get to the bottom: ...Over!

Check out yumyumdish.com, where there's a page for snacking recipes.

We loved two of them:

Chocolate Yum Yum Pie:

Crush 3 Oreo cookies and pack into the bottom half of your Yum Yum Dish. Spoon in chocolate pudding of choice (low fat, sugar free, or plain ol' pudding). Top with one tablespoon of whipped cream.

Mr. Jack Meets Miss Olive

2 cubic inches of Pepper Jack cheese cut into small wedges (yes, they will be really small wedges), and 8 medium olives. Mix in your Yum Yum Dish & Enjoy!

-- K.V.W.

Parenting magazine's November issue is out with its annual Toys of the Year list. They chose 26 toys which were picked by kids who tested more than 100 toys for them. (Now there's a good afterschool job: toy tester) and their moms, who rated for safety, durability and annoyance factor. The toys are grouped by ages.

The complete list is here.

Two that stood out to me (for my 5- and 8-year-old):

The I Can Play Guitar from Fisher Price. Plug it into the TV and onscreen characters teach your kid the basics and some songs.

The Jam Pack Jam game from Cranium is a hoot. Kids scramble to pack items (like a tire, suitcase, chair) into a car and close its trunk. If you don't slam it shut before the timer goes off, everything comes flying out.

K.V.W.

My buddy Steve was delighted when I handed him this tee I got as part of a press kit.

He is a 'Canes fan and, of course, has spent plenty o' good times at the OB (Orange Bowl), where it's the final season for Hurricanes games.

While the shirt color is an obnoxious bright orange color, UM fans (also known to be obnoxious) will love it. The front says "Last Call at the OB." On the back: "We may not have won them all, but we've never lost a party" and "Thanks for the Memories" . You can find it at www.smackapparel.com.

By the way, check out the smackapparel website for lots of fun shirts -- great gifts for the sports nut in your life.

My Buckeye husband just may be a recipient of this Fear The Vest tee. On the back: Kickin' tail from Austin to Ann Arbor and everywhere in between.

And for my Sooner brother & father: this Beat the candy 'Canes out of Miami, and send 'em home Tropically Depressed."

(Note to Steve: The Sooners already did that this season, didn't they? Oh well. Enjoy your shirt.)

K.V.W.

Welcome to the launch of our Holiday Gifts 2007 guide.

The countdown is on. 35 days 'til Hanukkah; 55 days 'til Christmas.

While you probably haven't started shopping yet (hey, the pumpkins are still out!) it's never too early to start thinking about shopping.

Our savvy team of contributors will hit the pavement and the Internet, searching local stores and online purveyors for shopping tips, gift ideas and deals.

Check in daily for new posts -- we'll help you find something for everyone on your list.