Arts & Entertainment

Being Unique Without Going Broke

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Need an idea for that hard-to-buy-for, ADD-suffering, Ritalin-downing friend whose attention has always been held by every gift you've ever given for exactly two seconds? Mars Music has a fantastic supply of bongos. It doesn't matter if your friend is musically inclined or not. Bongos make for an amazingly unique gift that will no doubt never be forgotten. Check out the Mars web site at www. marsmusic.com.

Cowboys and Angels, 713-622-5437, has a great gift idea for the kiddos. Their "Slumber Party Bags" are perfect for your little one's sleepovers at either a friend's house or Grandma and Grandpa's. These precious bags feature an assortment of decorative fabrics and hold a sleeping bag, pillow, pajamas and more. The bags sell for $38. You can add a monogram for an even more personal touch.

Spice up your love life with a great idea from Pure Bliss, 713-622-2771. For over 30 years, Kama Sutra has made a fabulous gift idea for any occasion, or no occasion at all. It is an outstanding line of natural, healthy, and edible indulgences beautifully packaged to capture the eye. Their "Chocolate Paint Kits" retail for only $40.

Always a good staple for gift giving is flavored coffee. There is nothing quite like a mighty fine cup o' joe to warm the body and the soul during the holidays. Starbucks, 713-529-1571, has a number of holiday-inspired flavors to make the gift just that much more festive an idea.

For those looking to give something a bit more festive, The Brew Stop, 281-397-9411, has just what you need. Sure, you can buy beer, but why settle for the ordinary? This is your chance to show off. The Brew Stop is Houston's premier source for all your homemade beer in-gredients. Make your own and take it to that Christmas party, or give someone else a starter kit. The kit includes the ingredients for the first five gallons of beer. It's easy. It's fun. And it is definitely different.

Under $25

Always the perfect gift is the gift of music, and there is no better place to find that esoteric music than Cactus Music, 713-526-9272. Cactus Music is an eight-time winner of the title of Best Record Store in the Houston Press Music Awards. Here you can find music in almost every genre from pop, rock and country to jazz, folk and swing. They also have a tremendous video selection and the coolest odds and ends to make any music lover happy.

Facade, 713-552-1545, in Uptown Park, has Vincent Longo Gel Stains for only $20 each. They have five colors that wash the cheeks and lips in a long-lasting and rich color stain. The staying power of the stain means only one application will give the desired effect.

Phone Center, 713-974-7464, is a great place to shop for those hard-to-find cellular accessories. Whether you’re looking for a battery or a car charger or a hands-free device, they have it all.

Don't have a lot to spend? Head over to Wherehouse Music, 1-800-WHEREHOUSE, and check out their amazing supply of used CDs. You might find that long-forgotten gem that you-know-who has been looking for for years.

Another inexpensive gift is the gift of literature. Borders, 713-782-6066, always has tremendous deals on everything from new releases to timeless classics. Need some expert advice on what to get that finicky reader? Check out "Rose's Picks" and you can't go wrong. She has her finger on the pulse of the world of literature so you don't have to. There are also many other bookstores around town. Waldenbooks, 713-951-0041, located in-side The Park Shops in downtown, Bookstop, 713-529-2345, Barnes & Noble, 713-629-8828, and Quarter Price Books, 713-520-5009, on South Shepherd, also have fantastic deals just waiting to be found.

Don't forget to pamper your pet during the holidays. Carlisle's Groom and Board, 713-521-2273, is a full service grooming and pet salon. Indulge Fido with a shave, a haircut and a pedicure. Also, pet owners that don't want to leave Fido at home alone while traveling during the holidays can board their furry friend at Carlisle's. Boarding ranges from $13 to $15 per day and daycare is only $5 to $7 per day. Carlisle's Groom and Board is located at 423 Southwest Freeway.

Loft & Home Essentials, 713-522-5638, is a specialty candle, apothecary and home accessory store located in historic Mon-trose. They feature a large selection of unique gifts as well as wonderful fragrant candles. If you're looking for pretty things for the home, then this is your place.

And for the ladies, a smoking idea would be the Houston Firefighters 2002 Calendar. Always a hot item during the holidays, the proceeds from the calendar benefit the Houston Firefighters Burned and Crippled Children's Fund. The calendar is $15 plus $2 shipping and can be ordered on-line at www.firefighterscalendar.org. But be warned, ladies, looking at these men will do very little to extinguish your flames of passion. It'll take a cool hand to handle something this hot!

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