10 Christmas gifts for women

The holiday season is here once again and that means baking, cleaning and decorating as you get your home in shape to receive guests. As if you didn't have enough to do, there's also that gift list you need to get to.

This year, avoid shopping mall madness by buying gifts early and steering clear of weekend shopping when the malls are busiest.

Heading to the mall with a list of items to buy will also help to minimize stress because you can get in and get out of busy stores with no fuss. Bring your patience, wear comfortable shoes and get shopping!

Here are 10 gifts for women to help you find the perfect presents for the ladies in your life.

 

From $31.98 at Zellers, Wal-Mart, Best Buy and Amazon.ca.

If you're shopping for a movie buff, new releases from Warner Home Video are just the ticket to a memorable and much-loved gift. If budget allows, make it a themed gift set with popcorn, movie passes a couple new-release DVDs.

If your favourite movie junkie likes comedy check out Get Smart, starring Anne Hathaway and Steve Carrell (release date: Dec. 16, 08). If action/adventure is more her thing, pick up The Dark Knight ($31.98, release date: Dec. 9, 08), the Batman sequel to Batman Begins (2005) featuring actor Heath Ledger's final performance; the actor passed away in January 2008. For a flick the whole family can enjoy, buy Fred Claus (release date is Nov. 25, 08), starring Vince Vaughn and Rachel Weisz.

From $34.99 at KodakGallery.ca

Using your photos and words, make a customized cookbook, a children's book, a memory book for grandparents, family calendars or whatever appeals to your creative talents.

Surefire conversation pieces, photo books offer lovely ways to express your sentiments and when you personalize a gift like a photo book, it's great way to show someone that you really put some time and thought into choosing the perfect gift for him or her. Create yours at KodakGallery.ca; their program is easy, they offer fast shipping and you get a solid hard-bound cover with a linen, leather or smooth matte finish at a fair price.

$35 at thebodyshop.ca

Let the joyful times begin! A box of indulgence is in order for the woman you know who works hard and deserves a little TLC. Inspire her to soak her burdens in a heavenly scented bath with The Body Shop's Warm Amber shower gel, body scrub, an exfoliating puff, body butter and a scented candle to set the atmosphere for complete relaxation. Preservative-free and made with Community Trade ingredients, these bath and body products will have her feeling lighter and brighter in minutes -- and oh-so grateful for a thoughtful friend like you!

Prettily packaged, this gift set commands attention with a stylish Mediterranean-inspired soap dispenser and refill. The liquid hand soap is made with cold pressed virgin olive oil and other olive derivatives to keep the home cook's hands clean and it washes away without residue. The Sanguinelli Orange & Fennel scent in orange packaging smells divine.

$40 at Shoppers Drug Mart

The girly girls on your shopping list will appreciate a new makeup palette for Christmas. Quo cosmetics kits are beautifully packaged in a glittery black box that holds three tiers of compartments to keep cosmetics cleverly organized. This full-face kit includes four shimmery eye shadows, blush, two liquid eye liners, mascara and two universally flattering shades of lipstick.

$41 ($15 for the lurex scarf, $26 for the leather gloves) at Reitmans stores.

Accessories offer affordable and easy ways to transform the look of winter wear so who doesn't appreciate a new scarf and gloves set? The subtle sparkle injected into this lurex scarf adds an elegant bit of glitz to any outfit and you can't go wrong with black leather gloves, simply embellished with buttons and trimmed with a white piping detail.

$100 at Rockport stores

Comfort and style in breathable leather, mesh and suede, the Lunslet II is a casual sneaker with just enough style to suit a wide range of ladies on your gift list. You can trust Rockport to deliver well-crafted, comfortable shoes and this model is no different. With a nice mix of support and flexibility, these sneakers are admirably durable, expertly standing up to daily wear. Best of all, they're machine washable.

$120 at select Adidas stores

With wider bracelets and bangles playing a starring role in 2008 accessories trends, Adidas's Manez watch showcases the trend beautifully. With a wide, textured leather band and an oversized square silver face, it's a striking watch that oozes style and class.

$129.99 at Best Buy, Future Shop, Toys R Us, Amazon.ca and Wal-Mart.

You're never too old to have fun and ladies can appreciate a portable game you can pack into a purse. Now in Metallic Silver, the Nintendo DS lite is a hand-held gaming system with a neat touch screen, great colour picture and a broad range of entertaining and educational games.

For the mind, Brain Age 2 ($24.99) is full of fun challenges and word nerds will love Crosswords DS ($19.99), a gaming software that includes anagram and word search puzzles. For the body, pick up Quick Yoga Training ($35.99) or My Weight-Loss Coach ($39.99), which comes with a handy pedometer.

Want to find great gifts for the guys in your life too? Check out 10 great Christmas gifts for men.