Frost etches the windowpanes and snow covers un-raked leaves.
The heat is off until spring cleanup.
But the heat is ON for holiday gift-giving!What in the world do you get for that new guy who sends your heart a
pitter and a patter?

Here are a few different suggestions to raise his eyebrow in surprise
and admiration for your creativity and cleverness.

You’ve only talked to him on the phone or through instant message,
but you think there is real potential, try these:

1. An e- or snail mail greeting card, but make it light and funny.
   Try designing it yourself, or rely on standbys such as Yahoo
   Greetings or Blue Mountain
2. An IOU for a visit to the local zoo or to the nearby ice cream stand
3. An invite to join you watch the planes land and takeoff at the airport.You bring the popcorn.

You’ve met face-to-face once or twice. How about:

1. Disposable camera and invite to the flower show when it hits town
   in February
2. Marbles in a glass jar with a challenge for an old-fashioned
   marble game
3. Similarly, a set of jacks promising a package of red licorice
   if he wins!

It’s been three or more times that you’ve hung out, and the chemistry
has definitely activated. Thinking about:

1. Going green: in his name, Adopt an Acre of Costa Rican rainforest or Rescue a Reef by contributing to the cause of salvaging
   the world’s coral reefs:
   http://support.nature.org/site/PageServer?pagename=
   holidaygiving_hgg&gclid=CO7Qn5rfjpACFShsGgod4WsTug
2. Basket filled with old fashioned deck of cards, packets of popcorn,
   bottle of fine wine, and a challenge for a Gin Rummy tournament
3. Small palm tree, and in a picnic basket: Bob Marley CD, pina colada
   mix, fresh pineapple slices, a mango, jar of macadamia nuts, and a
   loaf of homemade coconut banana bread.

So ladies, there are a few ideas to boil the water in the cauldron and delight that man in your life.

Happy Holidays and my warmest wishes