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Evansville Courier & Press

By JACOB BENNETT, Courier & Press staff writer 464-7434 or bennettj@courierpress.com

I t's the most wonderful time of the year -- unless you don't know what to get your loved ones for Christmas.

They're special to you, but what do you get a 3-year-old girl? Or a 14-year-old boy who already has everything? Or that dude you love?

We didn't know either, so we asked around and looked at holiday gift guide submissions.

A lot of what we found will work for any age group, but we tried to break it down by age and gender where we could.

Happy holiday hunting.

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women's gifts

Christmas scents are a wonderful way to pamper yourself or a loved one this holiday season. Candy Cane Foaming Bubble Bath and Shower Gel has a consistency that makes it easy to apply either directly to your body or your shower scrunchy. The smell was very pleasant, not overpowering. Even though the scent was light, it lingered for several hours. Every time you passed the bathroom you experienced the light, fresh, seasonal smell of candy canes. ($18 for 16 ounces at www.philosophy.com; also QVC; Amazon and more)

Philosophy Cinnamon Buns Body Souffle: Love the scent; cinnamon is not your "every day" lotion scent -- it's more for candles -- so it was a nice surprise to find cinnamon to wear. And Cinnamon Bun is a velvety, nongreasy cream that makes your hands smooth. But be careful; the scent can be a bit strong if you overindulge. ($25 for 7.5 ounces at www.philosophy.com; also QVC; Amazon and more)

Philosophy Gingerbread Man Salt Scrub: Don't worry if you're not a fan of gingerbread. This "gingerly hot salt scrub" is only mildly scented, and it leaves your skin so soft and silky you'll be eager to use it again. ($25 for 20 ounces at www.philosophy.com; also QVC; Amazon and more)

Ever been late to work because you spent 20 minutes looking for your keys? Or your husband's keys. The SmartFind Remote Control Key Locator might be your answer. It locates keys or even a TV remote with a loud, 85-decibel alarm. Simply press one of the color-coded pagers on your wireless transmitter, and the matching key ring or receiver will answer with a loud alarm from anywhere in your home. Transmits up to a 60-foot range through floors, walls -- even sofa cushions. (Brookstone, www.brookstone.com, $60)

"You: On a Diet" is one diet book Barnes & Noble has trouble keeping on the shelves, according to Mariana Mudd, community relations manager. From the Barnes and Noble Web site, "For the first time in our history, scientists are uncovering astounding medical evidence about dieting -- and why so many of us struggle with our weight and the size of our waists. Now researchers are unraveling biological secrets about such things as why you crave chocolate or gorge at buffets or store so much fat. (The Free Press, list price of $25.)

Black & Decker Pivoting Hand Vac: Hand vacuum pivots into 10 positions, extensions nozzle pulls out to reach 50 percent farther in tight areas and folds in half for compact storage. ($59.99)

Zyllis USA Easy Slice 2 Folding Mandoline: This slicer is a dream, especially for novice cooks or those who are intent on learning new techniques.

It's much safer than most of the larger mandoline slicers because its serrated blades -- there are four easy-dial settings -- are integrated into the base. It folds into a 3-inch package that fits into a drawer and is easy to use.

Despite fears of this being a Vege-Matic for the new century, it seems to be a really useful kitchen utensil. ($34.99 at kitchen/ housewares stores)

Love Prints Charm Tiny hand prints on white or yellow gold, or sterling silver. To be put on a necklace or bracelet. Hahn said, "For mothers, mothers to be, grandmothers, aunts, sistersa" (Brinkers, $45-$90)

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younger children

The Original Television Christmas Classics: Whether you're a grandparent, parent or kid, this just may be the ultimate Christmas classics collection to own. Book-bound in a Christmasy red, the DVD set includes some of the most-loved stories we've watched on TV for years: "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer," "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town," "Frosty The Snowman," "Frosty Returns" and "The Little Drummer Boy." There's even a bonus DVD of "Cricket on the Hearth" and, to make sure the younger members of the family are enticed to watch, the set includes music videos from Mariah Carey ("Santa Claus is Comin' to Town") and Destiny's Child ("Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"). The DVDs have been released in other incarnations, but this beautiful set is more than just a keepsake; it's an archive of some truly spectacular vintage Christmas TV. ($27.99 on amazon.com; prices vary on other sites)

Hot Wheels Transforming Moto/Scooter: It's a chopper, baby. Unless you convert it to a scooter. It makes revving sounds, and it's great inside and outside the house. ($39.99, ages 2 and older)

Barbie as Princess Genevieve: This Barbie allows girls to re- enact scenes from "Barbie in The 12 Dancing Princesses" movie out on DVD. Barbie wears a rose-colored gown with a skirt that spins and lights up! Toy Wishes Magazine "Hot Dozen" Winner. (Mattel, $24.99)

VeggieTales Bible Storybook: Bob the Tomato, Larry the Cucumber and the whole Veggie Tales gang share 20 classic Bible stories in the first VeggieTales Bible Storybook, featuring Scripture selections from the New International Reader's Version. (Ages 2-9. $16.99)

T.M.X. Elmo: Elmo has three interactive tickle spots on his chin, tummy or toe. When you first tickle Elmo, he slaps his knee and sits on the floor, laughing hysterically. Then he rocks himself back up and asks for more. In his most "x-treme" move ever, he even rolls on his belly and slaps the floor. (Fisher-Price, $40)

Fisher-Price Baby Grand Piano : The piano teaches numbers and colors, in addition to presenting musical concepts such as tempo, pitch and styles. Three modes: learning, musical fun and an Imagination mode where kids experience full piano play. A dancing character and his magic book lead the singing in four songs. ($49.99, for ages 9 months to 5 years)

"Cars" on DVD: Extras include Mater and the Ghostlight and deleted scenes. (Pixar, $29.98)

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older children

iDog: The toy pooch responds to the mood of your music, grooving to the beat and flashing LED lights. It's compatible with most music players and includes dual connector cable. (Hasbro, $27.79, for ages 8 and older. The iDog comes in pink, red or white, plus there are other iCritters, including an iFish).

Xtreme Ant Farm: If there's been a complaint about ant farms over the years, it's that they're not Xtreme enough. This one includes trick towers, vertical ramps, gravity loops and a climbing wall. Get a close-up view of ants in action using two built-in magnifiers. The habitat is break-resistant and escape-proof. An included mail-in coupon nets you some Xtreme live ants. (Uncle Milton Industries, $19.99, ages 10 and older, sold only online )

Dance Maker Double Wave: Start a disco inferno with the interactive machine featuring three tunes, or use the plastic dance mats with any of your favorite songs. Four pre-programmed dance patterns and three different skill level. Automatic scoring records your skill level. (Moose Mountain Marketing, $34.99, for ages 5 to 10, available online)

Lemony Snicket: "The End" is the 13th book in the Series of Unfortunate Events wraps up the woeful saga. (HarperCollins Children's Book, $12.99)

You might think about jewelry for everyone in your family. Molly Hahn of Brinkers Jewelers. Thomas Sabo Charm Bracelets ($19-$45). Build your own charm bracelets, for children on up.

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tech gifts

Guitar Hero II for PlayStation 2: It's time to play some Skynyrd, man. This sequel to 2005's Music Game of the Year once again lets you use a guitar-shaped controller to score points by hitting the notes to 64 songs at different skill levels. This year's lineup includes Guns N'Roses' "Sweet Child O' Mine," Nirvana's "Heart- Shaped Box," Spinal Tap's "Tonight I'm Gonna Rock You Tonight," and, the last song in the "Face Melter" category, "Freebird." (Available online and at many electronic stores; $80 for game and controller; $50 for game, $60 for extra wireless controller.)

There also a lot of technology-type gadgets that should sell well, said Pat Kuykendall of King's Great Buys Plus.

MP3 players or, more accurately, their accessories are going to be hot. Sound docks, protective cases, iDogs and speakers, Kuykendall said. They even have 300-song MP3 players for $24. Stocking stuffer, anyone?

Prices have also gone down on flat-panel televisions; units that sold for $1,000 last year are going for $699 now. So for those of you last year ahead of your time who gave away TVs, sorry.

Audio Chair Rocker With Arms: Rock out or play video games in style with this chair, which uses open space inside to amplify sound. There's an adjustable sub-woofer in the seat and speakers built into the headrest. Great for TV, DVD, VCR or CD player, plus MP3 players and most recent video game systems. (Target, Best Buy and similar stores, $99.99)

The Sony PlayStation 3 and the Nintendo Wii are finally on the market to chase the XBox 360. Good luck finding one though, and good luck affording the PlayStation if you do. The basic model sells for $500; the deluxe goes for a hefty $600, double what the PlayStation 2 debuted for in 2000.

Nintendo Wii, with new motion -sensor controls, should hit the market today and sell for $250.

The Xbox 360 debuted a year ago. The basic model is $300; the deluxe is $400. You can probably find this one in stores or online.

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men

Heritage Professional Barbecue Grill Tool Set: This deluxe set features 10 essential tools on the top of any griller's wish list: a grill light, three-in-one Walter's Corkscrew, spatula, tongs, fork, knife, basting brush, two skewers, cleaning brush with scraper and chef's fork with built-in thermometer. Grill light attaches to the side of your grill for evening cookouts. From Brookstone, $100, www.brook stone.com

Black & Decker 8" Auto Wrench: At a push of a button, the Auto Wrench opens and closes its jaws to quickly loosen or tighten nuts and bolts. Battery-operated wrench fits nuts and bolts up to 1 inch. ($29.99)

If you're shopping for a baseball fan, you might hit the bookstore. With the recent World Series championship, St. Louis Cardinals books are popular right now, according to Mudd. Also "Sports Illustrated: The Baseball Book," which was released in October, shouldn't be overlooked.

Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp Gift Certificate: Give your rocker a chance to play in a rock band and share the limelight with rock star royalty at the Hollywood edition of Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp Feb. 15-19. Campers will spend five days and nights learning or perfecting their musical knowledge -- practicing and jamming with their band mates and learning the ins and outs of the music business. (www.rockandrollfantasycamp.com, $9,499.)

Courier & Press reporters Cheryl Martin and Rebecca Coudret also contributed to this report.

(c) 2006 Evansville Courier & Press. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.