Still wondering what to get others this holiday season?  Here are a few of my favorite picks for 2009, in a variety of price ranges: 

The Nook

Barnes and Noble is teasing us with this, taking pre-orders already, but the product itself is now not supposed to reach those who order until early January.  I'm still holding out for an iTablet from Apple, and disappointed that didn't arrive this holiday season.  Still, Barnes and Noble's entry into the e-reader field looks to be the most interesting and worthwhile so far.

$259 from Barnes and Noble.

Mophie Juice Pak Air

In my view, the best iPhone accessory yet, a protective case that doubles as a battery pack and doubles the capability of the iPhone's battery.  Great for anyone with an iPhone or an iPod touch, including teenagers.  Comes in white, black, red or purple. 

$79.95 from Mophie, or at Apple stores.

Williams-Sonoma Oval Stoneware Baskets 

Stylish and simple, elegant, and comes in a variety of colors to fit into almost any household.  I line mine with a linen napkin and use it for holding dinner rolls at dinner parties, but it works equally well with displaying fruit on a kitchen countertop.

$49 at Williams-Sonoma.

Ahava Gift Sets

I've been in love with Ahava's Dead Sea products since my first trip to Israel, when the Dead Sea salts and mud literally saved (and in some cases, entertained) me travelling through the country recovering from a broken shoulder and broken hip.  Their salt and mud soaps, lotions, cleansers and bath salts are as good as it gets, and happily packaged up in many different gift sets with interesting containers around the holiday season, from small travel packs to larger luxury spa sets, in a variety of prices.

From about $30 and up, at Ahava US, online at Amazon, or at a variety of local retailers.  My favorite, the Starlet, is $45.  The set pictured above is $37. 

Pussycaps

(photograph of Erica Vilardi of Wilhemina Models by Tom Clark, courtesy pussycaps.com)

These one-of-a-kind crocheted caps are created by the hands of a Southern California photographer from unusual yarns gathered from the four corners of the globe.  Eventually they find their way back out into the world on the heads of people as far flung as the yarns.  They are a wonderful way to give a unique and artistic gift to others that is also comforting and practical.  Custom orders and designs can also be requested.

$100 and up (sale caps at half price) online from pussycaps.com.

Bodum Brazil French Press 3-cup Coffeemaker

This stylish little French press has been found lurking around the shelves of several Starbucks locations begging to be taken home to those who want quick, easy and delicious coffee.  Comes in a variety of colors, as well as a smaller one-cup size.  I'm partial to the brown.

$15.95 from Bodum, $24.95 with shatterproof beaker, or at Starbucks stores or other retailers. 

Coach Keychains 

Coach makes a variety of keychains in designs from the highly decorative to the highly functional.  I'm partial to this keyfob, since the latch on the end allows it to be clipped onto something else to be quickly and easily found.  Leather middle in a variety of colors, great for both men and women.  If you prefer something more decorative, from pink hearts to crystal snowflakes to photograph frames, Coach has it.

$28 from Coach.  Other designs might be higher.  Check Coach outlets for discounted prices.

You've Come a Long Way, Maybe  

Forget that I get a mention in the early pages of the book.  Leslie Sanchez's newly released exploration into the state of women in politics in the United States, and how three women, Hillary Clinton, Sarah Palin and Michelle Obama figured into the 2008 election particularly, is well worth the time of anyone interested in the state of women and politics.  Palgrave Macmillan, 224 pp, released October 2009.

$26 list price.  $18 from Amazon and Barnes and Noble. 

Andrea Bocelli Christmas album

The Italian tenor's new offering this holiday season, My Christmas, is a compilation of traditional music, easy on the ears.

$18.98 list price, $11.99 at Amazon.  A deluxe CD-DVD set is available for $24.98 list, $17.99 at Amazon. 

And just in case you have someone in that I-need-to-spend-more-money-than-that category, here's my best suggestion for splurging a little more on something entirely decorative, with meaning attached:

Tiffany Keys

No, I won't likely be getting (or giving) any this holiday season, but Tiffany's latest jewelry designs, its key collection, offers something unique and unexpected in a variety of price ranges, metals and designs, some with diamonds.  

From $175 to $12,375 from Tiffany and Co.  The quatrefoil (largest shown above) is $1200.