The difference between a dozen roses and a cookie bouquet? Both are edible, I suppose, but only one is as sweet as your sweetheart.

Personalized boxer shorts, $19.99 at Snapfish.

With less than two weeks until Super Bowl XLIII, you need to get your party plans underway. Surprise your party host with Referee Shirt Foam Drink Holders or a “nearly life-sized” Chocolate Football. Then there’s this awesome Ultimate Pepsi Super Bowl Party Pack! And thanks to Pepsi, one lucky winner will have it in their hands in time for the Super Bowl.

Whether for one clean sweep or 6 months of weekly service (and anything in between), giving the gift of housekeeping is sure to be appreciated by busy mothers, stressed-out couples, and all-around slobs. Contact local cleaners beforehand to get an idea of what it will cost–many even offer gift certificates. Then, write a card informing the recipient of their gift. Their eyes will be as sparkling as their hardwood floors.

Imagine it’s Christmas Eve, and you’re on your way to a big family dinner, but you’ve been too busy to buy presents because you’re a neurobiologist at Columbia and you’ve been studying proton transfers in the frontal lobe all week. (OK, so maybe there was a little too much back story.) You have an hour to shop. Go. (To kill two birds with one stone, I’ve selected items that are also available on Amazon.com, where you can order through today and still use free super-saver shipping to get your items by December 24.)

Sock Monkey 2009 Wall Calendar, Sock Monkey Slippers, Gift Box of 10 Sock Monkey Cards . . . And more for the sock monkey fan in all of us.

What to get for the parents that have everything – or buy it the instant they sense they might want it? Tiny bonsai tree? Scone sampler and coffee? Coffee table book or a book starring you?