elfing it

This is one of the coolest gifts I've discovered this year. A flower growing kit that comes in a tube, and it requires zero skills to grow! That's a nice, safe gifts for anyone. I particularly like the fact it can be given as a great business gift, as well as a personal one. Biotech Blooms does not need attention, except to be admired. No water necessary because the biotechnology does the work for you. When the plant reaches the top of the tube, simply transfer to potting soil. $30

When I worked in corporate, I received a tin of popcorn every year, and sometimes two or three tins. Although I've always considered popcorn a "B" gift, I loved receiving them. They're awesome for meetings, or after sundown, when working late to meet deadlines. It's not a "B" gift at all, actually. I think popcorn is a really good gift, especially right now, since I do not have a tin in front of me and wish I did. The Survival Kit is $24.99 from the Popcorn Factory.

One pound of mouth-watering fudge made by the Brigittine Monks in the lush Willamette Valley in Oregon. $13

Made with only the best, freshest natural ingredients - local dairy butter, real cream - and locally grown walnuts (also available without nuts). Available at Sahalie.

The Juniper Bonsai is extremely easy to take care of, even if you have a non-green thumb. It's also the least expensive of the bonsais in the market, so it's a small investment to risk. The funny thing is... This particular bonsai will stay green, even after it dies. I've killed one once and I didn't realize it because it looked so nice and green, though brittle to the touch. Oops. $25

Dustproof and washable, this Flexible Mobile Keyboard can be folded for easy travel. I may not be a hypochondriac (well, maybe a little), but I am messy. I like eating while working, which means crumbs in the keyboard. It is not pleasant. I've lost keys vacuuming my keyboard. Not sure if this keyboard feels well (how the key snaps to the touch is important to me), but for $20, it may be worth a try.

More down-to-earth than hippie, these red Peace Mugs make a great gift for the less confrontational friends. The set of four is $38 at Sundance.

Help hungry families feed themselves.

Got too much stuff in the closet? How about adding  Heifer International to your wish list this year?

Heifer is a nonprofit organization with a simple, but hefty, goal to end world hunger. "Teach a man to fish" has been their philosophy since 1944.  Heifer's successful approach is to provide people with sustainable sources of food and income (livestock for eggs, wool, milk, etc.) so families can (and do) lift themselves out of hunger and poverty - permanently. Your gift will go to the purchases of livestock, benefiting struggling families in over 50 countries.