Being Unique Without Going Broke

For the athletic, fitness-minded people out there, Sun & Ski Sports is the top-of-the-line provider of clothing and accessories. At Sun & Ski Sports, merchandise is stocked in only four categories: ski (snow and water), bicycling, in-line skating and camping. This specialization allows the customer to receive more of what they want in a specialty store. Stop by one of their five Houston locations, or call 713-783-8180 to locate the store nearest you.

Key Map Atlases make a great gift for any driver. This is an especially great idea for that certain someone who is without a doubt prone to getting lost, and that's just driving from home to the office. Visit the amazing Key Map store for a plethora of unique gift ideas. Call 713-522-7949 or visit their Web site, www.keymaps.com.

Under $50

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.