Alora

Attention shoppers! You have 10 days to get your act together! This year, Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa all fall within 24 hours of each other, so the heat is on. So, without another losing another precious moment, let's get this retail party started.

Washingtonpost.com Fashion and Beauty editor Janet Bennett and What's Cooking host Kim O'Donnel , doubleteamed in a special hour devoted to holiday shopping, from gifts for the cook to unusual finds in unlikely places.

A transcript follows.

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Janet Bennett: Hi, everyone, and thanks for joining us on this snowy, maybe-going-to-turn-to-icy-and-yucky day in Washington. It's not such a hot day to go out shopping, but it's a great day to grab your pen and write down a list of ideas. Which is why Kim O'Donnel and I are here to talk to you about some of our fun finds for everyone on your list.

Kim O'Donnel: Hey folks, and I'm typing to you from Chicago, where we got the ugly weather yesterday. My pal Nancy and I are gearing up for an afternoon of gingerbread house making. She just got home with meringue powder and colors, oh my. But enough of that. Janet and I were perusing the goodies at Sackler Gallery last week, and I've been sniffing about on my own as well. Gifts for the cook or edible gifts are game here, too.

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Burke, Va.: What are some good Web sites besides your usual amazon or bestbuy that are unique or offer weird gifts? I've had a hard time searching through Google and Yahoo for some.

Janet Bennett: I really like www.uncommongoods.com. The site has paper goods, jewelry, home accents, etc. Give it a try. Also like www.chiasso.com for the quirky, unusual and unexpected. Umbra is another one of my faves.

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Cleveland Park, Washington, D.C.: Hi, this is more of a question for Kim. My 12-year-old brother has recently become very interested in cooking. I want to get him a cookbook for Christmas; can you recommend a book that has easier recipies and perhaps geared towards older kids/teens? Nice photos or illustrations would be a plus. Thanks -- love your chats!

Kim O'Donnel: I've seen cookbooks for kids under 10 but not for the tween set which sounds like a great idea. In my chat on Tuesday, I suggested a couple of titles for the beginner, including "Now You're Cooking" by Elaine Corn and "America's Test Kitchen Family Cookbook." But let's ask around and see what ideas others have...

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Potomac, Md.: OK, I am stumped. Any ideas for a 16-year-old who already has an i-Pod with accessories and a computer? We don't want to encourage any more game systems with the SATs coming up!

Kim O'Donnel: What about an Itunes gift certificate? There's also a cool holder made from recycled billboards; Web site to come in a moment.

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Detroit, Mich.: I'm trying to come up with gift ideas for my sister-in-law. She's expecting a baby in June, and I was wondering if you or your readers had any ideas for gifts to pamper a mom-to-be.

Janet Bennett: Barney's (the store has a Web site) has the most wonderful-smelling candles from Diptyque and Tocca and a company called Alora. That's a possibility; another is some lovely lingerie --try http://www.romanceforthesenses.com/. Bath salts and such from Origins or Kiehl's would also work.

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washingtonpost.com: Uncommon Goods

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washingtonpost.com: Chiasso

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Arlington, Va.: I'm looking for a great gift for my mom and dad. They are both young (between 40 and 45) they have been great to me all year long and I would like to let me know how much I appreciated -- but don't know how -- HELP!

Kim O'Donnel: Well, sounds like I could be your mom, Arlington. You don't say how much you want to spend. A gift certificate for dinner out would be nice...tickets to a show...but please tell us how much you got in your pocket to burn.

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Washington, D.C.: Happy Holidays!

My best friend and her husband just came back from a month- long honeymoon to Italy and, of course, loved the food they tried there. I would like to get them a good cookbook of Italian recipes for Christmas, but was hoping you could guide me to a solid book. There are so many big names out there (Batali, Hasan etc.) that it is hard to choose! Thanks!

Kim O'Donnel: Marcella Hazan is a good ole reliable, that's for sure. I also am fond of titles by Nancy Harmon Jenkins as well as Matt Kramer, who has a thing for the Piedmont region.

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Kim O'Donnel: Just in: the Web site for the tres cool Ipod holders is tinymeat.com. I'm not linking but my producer can do for u.

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C'ville, Va.: Help! I need to find a gift for my brother-in-law (29 years old) that is about $40. My husband and I haven't the first clue. He loves movies, but has so many that there is a high likelihood he will have whatever we buy. He works in D.C. and commutes via rail. Maybe something to pass time on the commute? We could just do clothes, but that doesn't seem creative to me ...

Janet Bennett: There are some excellent movie reference books and some old favorites that if he doesn't have already may be the perfect gift for him. Pauline Kael, the former movie critic for The New Yorker, wrote "I Lost It At the Movies," which is reportedly a wonderful, must-have book for movie buffs. You can buy it on amazon.

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Washington, D.C.: I'm looking for gourmet food gifts to give to my foodie brother, any ideas? I'm afraid it's getting to late for mail order, so it would be stuff I could get in D.C. And stuff that will pack well will be best (going out of town for Christmas). Thanks!

Kim O'Donnel: Ok, dear, in my blog today, I posted a whole slew of online food sources that are still taking holiday orders. I am particularly fond of La Tienda, which sells terrific Spanish-centric goodies. Have a looksee.

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U Street, NW, Washington, D.C.: I need to find a jewelry box for a Christmas present and I am at a total loss -- with time running out! Do you have any suggestions? I want something nice, and I'm willing to spend about $100.

Kim O'Donnel: If I recall, we spotted some lovely jewelry boxes at the Sackler Gallery down on the Mall. Such a great gift shop that one. I also think I came across some beauties at Go Mama Go. Janet says to try Tiny Jewel Box in DC as well.

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washingtonpost.com: Romance for the Senses

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washingtonpost.com: tiny meat.com

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Cortez, Colo.: Can you recommend a good quality meat thermometer that will last. It seems every year I have to buy a new one because they are so fragile (can't be cleaned, etc.). I think every cook on my list would appreciate this.

Kim O'Donnel: Hey Cortez, I have had my little Taylor meat thermometer for at least 5 years without so much as a crack. I think I paid 10 bucks for it. Are you looking for analog or digital?

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19th & I Sts., NW, Washington, D.C.: Just moved from New York where I had great luck finding educational gifts at museum shops. Apart from the obvious ones like the Smithsonian, do you know other great museum stores which might fly a little under the radar?

Janet Bennett: The Phillips Gallery in Dupont Circle carries some great educational art books for kids. Have you been there? I'm a great fan of the National Building Museum for educational and interesting items. One cool book they carry is called "The Hardware Cyclopedia," which is an illustrated guide to things sold in a hardware store. It sells for $9.95, and it's on my list for all my friends who feel helpless whenever they stroll the aisles of Strosnider's.

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Gift for mom to be: I'm expecting (in April), and I just loved my massage at Georgette Klinger. My husband bought me a gift certificate for a 1/2 day of spa services, and I selected the massage, among other services. They have a special pregnancy massage. Just be sure to have a note from your doctor.

Janet Bennett: For the person searching for a sister-in-law mom-to-be, here's another suggestion. Sounds yummy.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Girls, please help! I am so stumped as to what to get the BF for Christmas. He is mid 30's, loves college football and traditional guy stuff, is not much into music, loves his dog kind of guy. He totally couldn't care about clothes. We've been together for about six months and it is kinda serious. Any great gift ideas for those hard to buy for men that we love? Thanks!

Kim O'Donnel: More importantly, what is HE getting YOU? Does the old boy read? He hates clothes -- hmmm, could he use some help in that department? I think a man with new boxers of your choosing is a sight for sore eyes.

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Italian cookbook suggestion: What about the recently translated classic getting raves, Silver Spoon?

Kim O'Donnel: I have not gotten my hands on Silver Spoon as yet. I have heard great things...get the feeling though it may be for more experienced cooks. Has anyone had a gander at Silver Spoon?

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Washington, D.C.: I am looking for a gift for my father in-law who is impossible to shop for -- he's close to 70, retired, and pretty much buys what he wants. What do you get someone older and established that has all the stuff they want?

Janet Bennett: My standard answer to this type of question is go to Chocolate Moose and look around for something that speaks to you. Whenever I'm at a loss, I go in there and invariably find something that's funny and irresistible. Does he like chocolate? Is there anyone who doesn't? I made Kim's chocolate bark last weekend and got raves. Kim -- the link?

Kim O'Donnel: I'm getting our RocStar to provide link to blog, with all the chocolate bark details. Hold on.

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Silver Spring, Md.: I'd like to get a tie for my brother-in-law who works for a conservative Japanese firm. What color/style do you think would be appropriate? Thanks.

Janet Bennett: Go to Brooks Brothers -- they've got to have something that meets your conservative requirement and then some!

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Kim --

I love your idea about creating chocolate truffles as gifts. When reading the types of chocolates you suggest using, however, it became clear that I have no idea where to buy those ... Can something basic like Ghirardelli work too?

Kim O'Donnel: Ghiradelli can work, absolutely. The brands I mention are more available than ever; you'll find many at Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Wegmans, Dean & Deluca, Sur La Table...

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washingtonpost.com: Kim's Blog: Seasoned greetings

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Gifts that keep on giving ...: Hi there! This year, I'm trying to buy socially responsible gifts for my family and friends, and thought some of the people on your chat might be interested, too.

After reading about it in a magazine, I ordered some gorgeous handmade soaps from The Enterprising Kitchen . Soaps are made by women with challenged backgrounds (homelessness, substance abuse) and through this program these women are given a chance to work and life skills while earning a paycheck.

I also bought an absolutely beautiful hand-woven, 100 percent Cambodian silk scarf from Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation's Joom Noon line of scarves: Joom Noon Scarves . Scarves come in three sizes, and most of the people making these scarves are disabled victims of war (and landmines) in Cambodia, who would otherwise be discriminated against and not allowed to work. Joom Noon means "gift of hope" in Khmer.

So, sorry for the long post, but if anyone else knows of other places to buy socially responsible gifts, I'd love to hear them -- I think it's so nice to know that the money I'm spending on holiday gifts is going to people that need it.

Janet Bennett: Good for you -- that's very much in the spirit of the holidays. I like to spend money at Ten Thousand Villages . There are stores in Bethesda and Alexandria, among others, and sales of their merchandise goes to support artisans from Third World countries.

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Washington, D.C.: I've agreed to buy gifts for a local family on financial assistance. I can figure out the three kids, but what do I buy for the mom? I don't know her size so clothes are out ... all I know is she's on public assistance and has three kids. I'd really like to get her something she'll find genuinely useful, instead of just some bubble bath-type thing.

Kim O'Donnel: If you know she needs clothes but don't know the size, what about a gift certificate to Target or Hecht's or Gap, to help cover some basics, whether it's a pair of jeans and a sweater or maybe an interview outfit. Anyone with thoughts here?

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Washington, D.C.: Red Envelope has several nice jewelry box options, as I recall (men, women, monogramed, etc). And their shipping is usually pretty speedy.

Kim O'Donnel: Excellent. Thanks for chiming in.

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Washington, D.C.: This is more of a "did I make the right call?" question: my boyfriend of a year has been talking about getting a Nano since they debuted. I got one for him for Christmas. Never having celebrated Christmas before and not coming from a real gift-exchanging background at all, I'm now nervous that he's going to be upset that I spent "so much" on him. He even asked yesterday if I spent more than $100 (he apparently still hasn't gotten anything for me or has any idea what to get) . . . In my view, I just got something he would like with no care to the price because I love him, but now I don't know. Please advise!

Kim O'Donnel: Here's my thought, and maybe Janet can weigh in: I think we think too much about how much money we spend on gifts. Give from the heart -- whether it's one dollar or one thousand. Who says we have to follow anyone's rules? You were happy to give him the gift -- and I'm sure he will be too. Isn't that all that matters?

Janet Bennett: I heartily agree with Kim. You feel good about the gift you gave him and you want him to enjoy it. That's what matters -- not how much you spent or how much he'll spend. It's not a competition.

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Bethesda Mom: Thanks for this chat!

For the poster who didn't know what to get her father-in-law who had pretty much everything, what about a donation in his name to a charity? If she knew he was interested in a particular cause, she could donate to a group working in that area. If she doesn't know, what about Heifer International? You can "buy" a flock of chickens, a goat, a hive of bees, etc., and the livestock is given to a poor family, along with training in animal husbandry and they have lovely Noah's Ark gift cards for you to send to the recipient.

Kim O'Donnel: Yes, absolutely. I myself was a "recipient" of such a birthday gift this year. It's a very sweet idea.

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Princeton, N.J.: I need to get a present for my parents, retired and have everything. Budget is between 100-150, they live in Virginia.

Janet Bennett: Just because they have everything doesn't mean they won't appreciate whatever you choose to give them. What are their interests, hobbies? Do they like puzzles? If they do, the National Building Museum carries some great ones that will keep them busy all Christmas morning.

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Washington, DC: Gift ideas:

for the 16-year-old with SAT's coming up -- a subscription to the NY Times crossword puzzle online -- best vocabulary and mind exercise for the SATs

for the Italian cookbook: Patricia Wells' "Trattoria" -- pretty with lots of easy stuff and tips too

for the brother-in-law who commutes and likes movies: Netflix -- I think you can get short-term subscriptions. Enjoy movies and commute with them without having to purchase or forget to return to the video store. Pop them in any mailbox.

Kim O'Donnel: Nice ! I had hoped to get my mom a Netflix sub, but alas, we're still working on getting her an e-mail address. Sigh.

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Arlington, Va.: Help! I have a father who is so difficult to buy for ... he loves to grill, smoke cigars, listen to books on tape (from the library), listen to NPR, and read the NY Times ... and I have no clue what to buy him! We have outfitted him with every grill accessory around and I have bought him cigars, but I was hoping for a neat angle on these interests of his!

Kim O'Donnel: Ooh...what about a satellite radio and subscription to XM or Sirius? I think there are some deals going on right now. He might get a real kick out of this. Janet, any thoughts here?

Janet Bennett: I love the satellite radio and XM or Sirius subscription idea. How very cool. Does your dad do the crossword puzzles in the Times? If so, you could get him "1001 Puzzles from the New York Times." Brain-stimulating stuff!

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For the BF who hates clothes and loves College FB: ESPN just released the "College Football Encyclopedia." My dad is a huge sports buff and he totally loves this book. Here's a link to buy it:

ESPN College Football Enclyclopedia (amazon.com)

Kim O'Donnel: This is something I'd never know about without your help. Thanks for the tip.

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Princeton, N.J.: For the mom on financial assistance -- sometimes when giving gift cards to a mom she'll end up getting stuff for her kids with them. If you really want a gift for her, try warm hats/scarves/gloves which are usually one size fits all, and which she'll most definitely need. A magazine subscription (Family Circle, Parents, Good Housekeeping) may be an extravagance for somone on a tight budget, but can be very useful. Good luck, it's nice that you're sharing the Christmas spirit!

Kim O'Donnel: Great ideas, Princeton, and a good point. I also was just thinking about a new fleece blanket or slippers...

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Parents with everything: We got my parents "who have everything" a subscription to a Wine of the Month Club. Each month they get two bottles from different regions of the world.

Kim O'Donnel: Excellent idea. I also just wrote up a few cheese of the month clubs in my blog today. Parents w/everything may really like the selection from artisanalcheese.com

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washingtonpost.com: Kim's Blog: Seasoned greetings

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Socially Responsible Gifts: The Fair Trade Federation can provide links to retail stores as well as lists of resources with more names.

Federal Trade Federation

This is a good start. Once you start doing business with these folks, you'll be able to make connections to more businesses.

Don't forget to look for Fair Trade Coffee (Green Mountain is a popular brand). That can mean survival and opportunity for many.

Kim O'Donnel: I'm going to have a look at this myself after the show. Thanks for some very useful information. I love the idea of fair trade coffee!

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Cleveland Park, Washington, D.C. : A great place for a unique, alternative gift is Means For Dreams ( Means For Dreams ), because it benefits D.C. school kids. I'm a big fan. At their Web site, donors can fund student projects in D.C. schools, and then they get photos and notes back from the class. And donors can fund projects in honor of those that care about, so they get to see your gift in action.

Kim O'Donnel: I love this! You're getting me inspired...

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Rockville, Md.: Oh I was SO happy when I saw this chat! I'm having a really difficult time finding a Christmas gift for my brother. He's the guy who has everything -- every gadget he wants, tools, clothes, jewelry, all of it. I'm looking for a gift (hopefully around $100 or less to fit in my budget) that's not clothes and that's not something he'd want to return. I know, it seems like a tall order. But I've tried a bunch of other "gift ideas" Web sites and I'm at my wit's end. Thank you in advance for your help! Happy shopping!

Janet Bennett: You say he has all the gadgets he want, but does he have a laguiole knife? It's a thing of art, and most men I know can't resist it. I found one on Froogle.

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Arlington, Va.: The sister and brother-in-law say "just buy for the kids," We did, but want to get them something nice too. They live far away, so a restaurant certificate won't really work. She cooks, but likely has everything she needs.

Need some inspiration!

Kim O'Donnel: I'm thinking some jazzy place mats and napkins...or cool coasters.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi, any suggestions for a gift under $20 for my boyfriend's rather conservative mother? I was thinking handmade stationery or an infused olive oil in a pretty bottle. Or a D.C.-themed gift. I don't think gift certificates would be personal enough.

Janet Bennett: I like the infused olive oil idea; looks good and is useful. That's a hard-to-beat combination and doesn't matter whether she's conservative or not.

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Washington, D.C.: I'm the one with the father in-law: no he actually doesn't like chocolate, not really into food. He's a retired engineer and all the things I can think to buy him are expensive. My mother in-law is so much easier and chocolate would work for her. BTW: if you're looking for super nice ties, try Thomas Pink. They are expensive $90, but very high quality and just fabulous.

Kim O'Donnel: What are FIL's musical or literary tastes? Anything gift-able? Does he travel? Travel accessories are fun treats to receive.

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Washington, D.C.: Any suggestions for gifts (around $30 or so) for my 19 and 22-year-old nephews. To be honest, I don't really know what their hobbies/interests are, but something a little more unique than the Best Buy giftcard fallback would be much appreciated! Unless you think when in doubt, go giftcard? Thanks.

Janet Bennett: I have the exact same nephew problem. Last year I gave them Borders gift cards, but this year I'm leaning toward something from L.L. Bean, which has lots of gift suggestions for under $30. Take a look at their Web site or drive out to Tysons, maybe not today!

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Princeton, N.J.: Thanks for the suggestions. My dad has gout (I told you they have everything!) so no wine, but the cheese of the month is a great idea. Also will swing by American Building Museum on my way to their house and pick up some puzzles, I checked their Web site and they have some nice architectural prints too.

Happy Holidays -- keep up the good advice!

Kim O'Donnel: Glad to hear that Dan may win the cheese...I would love a gift like that myself. Enjoy.

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Washington, D.C.: Hello and Happy Holidays!

I want to get a set of starter golf clubs for the fella, but am not quite sure if I can trust the online sites such as bizrate or shopzilla. What have been your experiences with these Web sites and where else can a girl find a decent priced set of clubs?

Janet Bennett: I have forgotten the name of the place around D.C. where I saw golf clubs for sale. In any event, I think before you buy, it would be wise to speak with a local pro and get an opinion. Maybe you've thought of that already, but if not ...

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Kim O'Donnel: All this talk of shopping has me hankering for a nap, Janet. Oh darn, there's gingerbread waiting...Thanks to everyone for their grand ideas, budget and big ticket. And most of all, whatever you end up doing over the next few weeks, I send you good vibrations for health, happiness and a good laugh or two. Type to you next Tuesday for What's Cooking...And here's Janet!

Janet Bennett: Thanks, Kim. It is that kind of day, but tomorrow is going to be bright and sunny and just perfect for setting the ideas we talked about into motion. Remember, don't stress, enjoy the experience and I wish you all the happiest holidays.

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