Today is the day to try to at least get in some of your 2004 New Years resolution.

Hanukkah may be over, but many of us are still on the present-giving hook, with only ten days to go until Christmas. And I know you: you are sitting there in your chair, reading this, not wanting to go outside and shop for your friends and loved ones, and so fascinated by the very words on this page that you won't click over to Amazon and just get whatever pops up. Or, you're poor. According to my statistics, being poor is the third largest reason why people don't buy Christmas gifts (Number One being that they're Jewish, Number Two being that they are just greedy and hope to receive.)

Don't sweat, my pet. Zulkey.com has put together the ultimate cheapie gift-giving guide for the season. Are you aware of the bargains that are out there? I don't think you do, obviously, which is why I'm writing this down.

For the coffee lover: Head to starbucks and grab napkins, stirrers, sugar packets, and if you're dealing with somebody extra fancy, shake some of that powdered cocoa or nutmeg into your hands to place in a plastic bag later. Now, if your friend ever goes to a coffee shop and they're out of these condiments, they'll be in luck!

For the girlie-girl: Go to Sephora and get plenty of cotton balls, half q-tips, kleenex, and disposable applicators. It's like her own personal beauty kit! Seal in a blue newspaper bag for extra festiveness.

For the fashion-forward: Walk up to any newspaper stand and ask to see the latest issue of Vogue (or GQ.) Subtly tear out the perfume pages and run away. Your pal will be presented with their very own scent sampler of the hottest new fragrances! They can sit and sniff and sniff for days.

For the cinephile: The next time you go to the show, stop on the way out and look at the carpet. You'll see a veritable treasure trove of popcorn and candy and wrappers. Pick these up: your friend will love a 'collage' of their favorite theater mementos, or perhaps just an emergency stash of goodies for the next time they catch a flick.

I have more ideas, but I'm tired now.