Happy New Year!

I know I’ve been gone for a while. . . let’s call it winter vacation at Gift U. I hope everyone had a great holiday and that you found some great gift ideas here (or elsewhere). What was everyone’s favorite gift to give/receive? I’ll start. . .

A teacher can only have so many shower gels, desk calendars and coffee mugs. And any teacher will tell you that apple-shaped gifts should be outlawed. Why not donate to a charity you think the teacher would appreciate, or donate books or software to the classroom in the teacher’s name. Gift cards are also a popular choice, but add a personal touch. Pair a bookstore gift card with a bookmark handmade by your child.

Have a neat freak on your gift list? Check out the Dirt Devil Kone Cordless Hand Vacuum ($27.97 at Amazon). It’s almost like a Transformer, only instead of transforming from Shia Labeouf’s car into a warrior robot, it transforms from a stylish work of art into a handy hand vac.

Puzzle Cube Alarm Clock ($19.99, Think Geek)

They have to call it “puzzle cube” instead of “Rubik’s cube” because of copyright issues. Kind of like when you buy generic cough syrup, and it’s just called “Tussin.”

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?

Baby (and parents!) will love these lullaby renditions of The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, U2, Metallica, Nine Inch Nails, The Eagles, Bob Marley, Coldplay, and more. Or check out organic socks or a cozy, insulated, fleece sac. Babies have it goooood.

Kids and kids-at-heart love to play with building toys. Check out Magnext, LEGO, Fantasy Blocks, Tinkertoys and Eames House of Cards.