PERSON WHO HAS EVERYTHING:

- For the "person who has everything" I usually opt for "disposable" presents

- Baskets are a great way to buy things for someone who is hard to shop for and if you are on a limited budget.

- ones that are used up over time. Food, address labels, stamps, personalized stationery, magazine subscriptions, personalized book plates, etc.

- Stuck on what to buy for a child? A book is always a good choice. With so many wonderful children's books available, chances are they won't already have the one you pick. On a budget? Check out the Bargain Books section at your favorite bookstore. There is usually a nice selection of children's books for all age groups, ranging in price from $1-5.

- Don't underestimate the value of home baked gifts. In today's hectic paced world, home made cookies and breads are very much appreciated. No fancy wrapping required -- just some plastic wrap and a bow!

- Make a chore coupon book for someone. Some chores you might like to include are baby-sitting, lawn mowing, weeding, and raking leaves.

GIFT BASKETS:

They are very easy to set up and they don't need to be in a basket! Just pick a theme, pick a container, and have some fun. They can be as elaborate or simple as you want. Here are some ideas:

FOR THE COOK:

Use a container from the kitchen section for the packing and add unusual kitchen gadgets like spouts for wine and oil bottles, a melon baller, an adjustable measuring spoon, a cookie dough scooper (like an ice cream scooper only smaller), etc. I like to just walk along the kitchen gadget aisle in my favorite store and see what's available. You'd be surprised at the great selection in discount stores like K-Mart and Wal-Mart. Maybe top it off with a magnet or two that suit the recipient's personality. In a hurry? You can buy all these items at most grocery stores as well!

FOR ANYONE WHO LOVES GOOD FOOD:

Any container will do from elegant baskets to Rubbermaid to a simple shirt box. A Cookie Lovers basket might include a variety of gourmet cookies (check your grocery store -- many are available there.) I usually add some gourmet hot chocolate or even cappuccino packets to go with it. A Tea Lovers basket could have a variety of regular and herbal teas, a tea mug with coaster/lid, and tea biscuits or shortbread. A Chocolate Lovers basket could be gourmet chocolates, hot chocolate, gourmet baking chips, chocolate dipped dried fruit. A Coffee Lovers basket should of course have coffee, but you might also slip in some biscotti and maybe a mug warmer.

OFFICE/SCHOOL SUPPLIES:

Some nice items to include would be: assorted sized post it notes, post-it note flags (to bookmark pages), a click eraser pen, mini stapler and staples, letter opener, staple remover (I prefer the letter opener style to the claw-type style as it is less likely to wrinkle the pages), mechanical pencil, white-out pen, post-it note correction tape (also useful for making labels!), four color pen, assorted rubber bands, etc

SHIPPING YOUR GIFTS:

-Don't wrap boxes in brown paper without checking with the shipper first. The post office and UPS generally do not like boxes wrapped. I have even heard of packages being rejected, especially if they are tied with string.

-Enclose a To/From address card inside your box, just in case the address label and/or box is damaged in transit.

-If you are shipping something expensive, consider additional insurance. UPS provides $100 of insurance per package automatically for ground shipments. If you need more, just ask.

-You can ship your packages directly by taking them to the UPS warehouse. This eliminates the additional fees that mailing centers charge.

-Pressed for time? For a fee, UPS will come to your home or office to pick up your packages. See their web site at http://www.ups.com or call your local office for more information.

-Comparing shipping rates has never been easier. UPS even provides a quick cost calculator at their web site. http://www.ups.com The US Postal Service also provides information on shipping cost at their web site: http://www.usps.gov.

-To speed your package along to its destination, use the Plus Four zip code. If your are not sure of the zip code, visit the US Postal Service web site and look it up! http://www.usps.gov. -I like to use clear packing tape over the address label on my boxes. As it is the snowy season in many parts of the country, it would be a shame to miss a delivery due to a smeared label.

-If you want to use Styrofoam peanuts as packing material, consider putting them in plastic grocery bags first. No more annoying pieces stuck to the packages!