What a girl wants ShopGirl’s gift guide ranges from the luxe to the practical

Gift-giving is a tricky thing. Especially when you’re trying to pick out the perfect present for your wife, mom, sister, grandmother or best friend. Sure, the thought counts, but it doesn’t hurt if that thought is well-executed.

Does she really need another pair of taupe Isotoner gloves? Is a tin filled with blaze orange “cheddar” popcorn really at the top of her list? Nah. And guys, please don’t get your wife a vacuum cleaner for Christmas, Hanukkah, or any other impending holiday unless you were planning on spending January in the guest room anyway.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – why ruin it with a ho-hum (or, worse yet, a bah-humbug) gift? One that elicits the overjoyed response, “Oh, socks, just what I wanted.” What she really wanted was a luxurious wrap, a cozy pair of pants, or a new handbag. She’s just too polite to say that.

I’m not.

Although I checked my manners at the door, I’m here to help, with a long, varied list of ideas. Some are luxurious, others are practical in a stylish way. One of them is sure to please. And I can guarantee, not a single one of them will land you in the doghouse. Or the guest room.

Crocs, $29.95 at Epic Sports, Ski Rack and The Grasshopper Shop in Bangor, Shoegazer in Ellsworth. Online at www.crocs.com.

OK, so they’re not exactly Manolos, but since The New York Times did a blurb on Crocs, everyone’s wearing them. Here’s why: they float (just the thing for kayakers) and they have holes in the toes and the top, so gardeners and beach bums can just hose them down. Plus, the unisex shoes come in funky colors, they’re cute in a clunky kind of way, and they’re comfy to boot.

Mountain Hard Wear “Poodle Hoody,” $89.95 at Epic Sports in Bangor, Cadillac Mountain Sports in Ellsworth, or to find online dealers, visit www.mountainhardwear.com

For the outdoorswoman who has everything (she bought the hot new North Face faux fur-trimmed parka months ago), this is one fuzzy, snazzy hoody. The black model is very chic, but we like “tomato.” Looks aside, it’s lightweight and warm enough for building snowmen, cross-country skiing or as a layer for winter camping.

Life Is Good flannel lounge pants, $29.95 at Epic Sports and Dick’s Sporting Goods in Bangor or online at www.lifeisgood.com

They call it puppy love. If doggies – not diamonds – are your girl’s best friend, treat her to these cozy pants. They’re great for kicking around the house, but unlike the flannels of years past, they have a cute, girlish cut with a slight flare at the ankle.

All that Shimmers scented body powder, $28.50 at Victoria’s Secret stores or www.victoriassecret.com.

Pamper her in Liz Taylor fashion with this giant, gem-studded brush with built-in shimmering body powder. She’ll be all aglow at holiday parties, but better yet, she’ll feel like a princess getting ready. Decadent? You bet. Romantic? Very. Sexy? You be the judge.

Pink Nalgene bottle, around $8 at Epic Sports and Ski Rack in Bangor, Cadillac Mountain Sports in Ellsworth, Indian Hill Trading Post in Greenville or visit www.nalgene-outdoor.com for more retailers.

It’s small. It’s practical. And it’s pink. In other words, this sweet Nalgene bottle makes a great stocking-stuffer. She can lug it to the gym, to the office, to the mountains or to the couch, but no matter what her idea of a trek is, she’ll still stay hydrated in style.

Hat Stuff poncho, $33 at The Grasshopper Shop in Bangor and Searsport.

Trendy yet basic, this poncho is the hip way to ward off winter chills. And in chocolate brown, it’s neutral but unexpected. Chic and streamlined, it has the look of a wrap but the ease of a poncho, without all those fussy tassels. And at $33, it’s just right for the wallet, too.

Brooches: green, $14.99 at Filene’s; brown, $23, and turquoise, $25, both at The Grasshopper Shop in Bangor.

All that glitters is bold this season, and leading the list of hot accessories is the brooch. The bigger and more decadent, the better. It’s especially trendy to wear three at once (if your sweater can hold all that weight), but we prefer one standout pin that’s opulent – not tacky.

Ipod Photo, $499, www.apple.com for retailers.

If Grandma’s wallet is bursting at the seams with dogeared photos, you should introduce her to the newest member of the Ipod family, which holds up to 25,000 photos and up to 15,000 songs. It’s small enough to fit in her purse, yet big enough to carry images of all the grandkids. And their grandkids. Just be sure to warn her neighbors, because it’s like a slideshow to go.

Vera Bradley limited-edition microfiber quilted bag, $59, visit www.verabradley.com for retailers.

Though Vera Bradley is known for its ultrapreppy cloth bags in pretty prints, the new microfiber bags in black and red will appeal to the Polo and cable-knit set and Chanel lovers alike. This sleek and understated bag is great for the woman who eschews logos in favor of a more classic look.

Smart women candle, $10, www.fredflare.com

Let all the smart women in your life know how much they light up your life with this quirky, inexpensive gift. The kitschy clip-art gal on the side of this votive says it all.