MAKE IT CUTE

There's nothing better than a big gift with lots of little gifts inside! An inexpensive basket or cool container chockfull of bargain goodies packs a big wow factor. (Oh, and never underestimate the value of a dollar store when filling baskets.) So...instead of frantically running from store to store just before the big day, here's your chance to get a head start. Consider it our gift to you...

We've broken our guide down into what-to-buy for your buds based on five different personality vibes. But don't think every gift getter has to fit neatly into a slot. You can easily twist and tweak some of our suggestions to suit just about anyone!

CHIC CHEF
Line a mixing bowl with tea towels. Mix in a matching oven mitt, and spice it up with a couple wooden spoons, a potholder, bright-colored spatula and cookbook!

DIVINE DIVA
Line a cute basket with shimmery paper, and fill with lip glosses, nail polish, glitter lotion and temporary tattoos. Salon brands, like Aveda and Matrix have mini-sized products and free samples that are perfect for tiny budgets and tiny baskets! Ask for samples next time you whiz by a cosmetics counter.

MOVIE BUFFY
Reel in a copy of her fave flick (check the sale bin at Blockbuster). Add microwave popcorn, M&M's, Goobers and Twizzler's Slip in a pair of big fluffy slippers and a coupon for a free movie rental.

ARTSY FARTSY
Fill a nice piece of ceramic pottery with goodies, like gel pens, glitter markers, stickers, pastels and paper. Add a book on her favorite artist or era.

SUPER SPORTO
Score big with the jock on your list. Fill a basket (or even a helmet) with a water bottle, hair-holding accessories and cans of a high-energy drink. Get designer athletic socks at discount stores, like Marshall's or TJ Maxx.

-By Kelly White and Raquel Singer-Klein

12/22/2007 11:44:04 AM