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. . .

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.

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?

Dear Present Professor,
We have a tradition in our family that we give to charity as a “main” gift, then we exchange small gifts for fun on Christmas Day. We’re looking for a new idea this year. Any suggestions?

For the game enthusiast on your list, check out the Xbox 360 Cooling Station, the Boompod Audio Chair, or a variety of gaming apparel and accessories.

And enter to win one of two Spectrobes: Beyond the Portals games for Nintendo DS.