Gifts for Pod People and Other Strangers

Fetes de Noel: Aren't those tents selling nick-nacks in Union Square and Bryant Park the biggest emporia of cheese outside of France? Sure, they are. But there are two reasons to recommend them, nonetheless. First, the one in Bryant Park has a free "Olympic-sized" ice-skating rink. Second, there's this one guy from Lebanon who sells really beautiful ties for $25 each, two for $45. These are truly gorgeous ties, the kind that can really repair bad relations with male relations. But make sure you're going to the right tie tent.

There's another one, not run by a Lebanese guy, which sells tacky ties with American flags on them. Avoid. -JL

Bryant Park

42nd St. (betw. 5th & 6th Aves.); Union Square Park, E. 14th St. (betw. Union Square East & Union Square West); For more information go to fetesdenoel.com. Through January 1st.

Know anyone with holiday anxiety-related munchies? Don't let them suffer. Pop in with a comfort snack; popcorn. But make it the world's best. Yes, there's a popped crop difference. Dale and Thomas takes the blue ribbon. Skeptical? Stop by the shops for free samples of big, fluffy morsels served straight or flavored with caramel, cheddar, barbecue, white or dark chocolate. An ample two-pound reusable aluminum tub filled with up to three flavors of popcorn costs $20.00. To make sure you deliver the gift intact, get yourself some, too. -JM

Dale and Thomas 1592 Broadway at 48 Street (212)581-1872, or 2170 Broadway at 76 Street.

Every year many people suffer from the ailment of being forced into "secret Santa" gift exchanges. Whether it's a company policy or just peer pressure matters not, well fear no more there is a cheap and painless antidote. Giftscriptions is an online magazine subscription service that allows you to not have to bother with thinking about what may suit the recipient best. It offers your? whoever?a year subscription to one of fifty different magazines and best of all it's only $20.00!

Giftscriptions

www.giftscriptionsonline.com

-SS

Museum of Natural History Gift Shop

Central Park at West 79 Street, (212) 769-5100

Archipelago Botanicals candles are made from soy wax and burn for 18 hours. Their little Mistletoe votives (even unlit) make a large room smell festive. The votive is $10, boxed with jingle bells on top, (yay, no wrapping) and are scented with a mix of Clementine, Nutmeg and Spruce. Call 1-800-399-4994 for a shop near you.

1-800-399-4994