For your cousin/aunt/sister who always has the latest gadget —Mercury's iPad covers come in fun, funky colors in hard and soft cases and will only set you back a measley $19.99 at Radio Shack. Maybe after scoring one of these—they'll finally let you take the iPad for a spin. —Shabdiece Esfahani, intern

For the hostess in your life—Barefoot Contessa How Easy Is That cookbook. For those of us with a mild Ina Garten obsession this one features dishes that save on time and stress. Recipes include simple parmesan risotto, spicy turkey meatballs, and fleur de caramels. Yes, please. $35 at any local bookshop.—JED

For the golf playing sneaky drinker in your life—the Golf Club Drink Dispenser. Yes, it looks like a real club, yes it's actually a 54 fluid oz. automatic drink dispenser for making drinks on the links. A battery-operated pump serves hot or cold beverage at the touch of a button. And you can blame it for your crappy game. $99.99 at Sharper Image.—Jessica Hargest, intern

(Image courtesy of Sharper Image.)

For the kid—that likes to be a kid. I love love love the entire Nova Natural Toys + Crafts catalogue—a company based out of Vermont. There is everything from henna kits ($35) and microscopes ($24) to soldier tunics ($42) and silk wings ($29.) Many items are manufactured in the USA, some are certified fair trade or produced out of certified organic materials. It's the kind of items that will last for generations.—JED 

(Little Sailboat, Portable Playhouse, and Skye's Range from Nova.)