With Thanksgiving now past (we can't believe how fast the year has gone either), it's time to revel in (or dread) the next annual milestone event — the holiday shopping season.

If you're like thousands of others here in the Islands who will bravely trek to the malls this Black Friday weekend, we want to help alleviate the stress by offering cool and creative gift suggestions for everyone on your list.

FOR THE PET LOVER

Christmas cookies for Fido
The Pet Spot, which always keeps a supply of doggie baked goods, has unveiled its latest collection for the holidays — graham cracker dog cookies ($2.49 each) decorated with a yogurt icing to look like Christmas trees, Santa Claus and holiday ornaments. They last about two months and don't need refrigeration, although they should stay out of the sun.
We even took a bite to see how we'd like it — and these dog treats are not bad for humans, either.
The Pet Spot, Ward Warehouse, 591-1990

FOR THE TECH GEEK AND GADGET FREAK

Dell Wasabi mobile photo printer

Just when you thought they had invented everything, Dell comes up with another gadget that will excite even the most well-stocked tech geek. It's a mini printer called the Wasabi that fits in your palm and interacts with your cell phone's Bluetooth to print business-card-sized, color glossy prints.

At just $49, including free shipping, it seems like a relatively inexpensive way to allow gadget freaks to share memories on the spot. But remember, after they use the 48-pack photo paper that comes with the printer, they'll have to spend $11 for each additional pack.

Available at www.dell.com

FOR THE GARDENER WHO LIKES SNACKING

Edamame Growing Set

Now green thumbers can grow one of Hawaii's favorite snacks from scratch. The Edamame Growing Set ($18.80) includes peat mixture and a compact breed of edamame seeds that grow into a plant that's about 16 inches high. The ceramic pot is painted like a beer glass, and, after harvesting, you just put the empty shells in the accompanying mini basket.

SoHa Living, Kahala Mall, 591-9777

FOR MMA AND UFC FANS

Hawaiian Fight Gear

We all have these folks on our Christmas lists, you know, the guys (and gals) who can't peel themselves from the tube during Ultimate Fighting Champion or Mixed Martial Arts fights.

Let them show their pride in the 808 with Hawaiian Fight Gear clothes and accessories (shirts $19.95, fight shorts $49.95, gloves $49.95-$59.95, gym bag $59.95). The clothes have lots of cred; they're worn by MMA fighters Frank Mir, Wanderlei Silva, Kevin Burns and Niko Vitale, to name a few.

Visit www.hawaiianfightgear.com for local retailers

FOR THE CREATIVE CHILD

Anything Lego

Everyone loves Lego, and now that Hawaii has its first Lego store, it's easy to find something to excite kids of all ages. A can't-miss choice: Lego's line of SpongeBob SquarePants toys, including cool Patrick and Squidware mini-figures that can be turned into refrigerator magnets ($14.99).

The sets will provide hours of fun (and hopefully, quiet time) as your little builders recreate scenes from the silly cartoon.

The Lego Store, Ala Moana Center, 942-5346

FOR THE TWITTERHOLIC

Birdie Bags

We don't believe Cinnamon Girl intentionally carries these accessories for the Twitter community, but these blue birds bear such a likeness to the famous Twitter icon they'll definitely appeal to the Twitterholic in your life. The accessories range from discreet coin purses ($7.50) to cosmetic bags ($19) to shoulder bags ($56) that blast one's tweetness to the world.

Make sure your recipients Twitpic their gift when they open it so their followers can share the moment.

Cinnamon Girl, Ala Moana Center, Kahala Mall, Pearlridge, Ward Warehouse

FOR THE LADY WHO'S WATCHING HER CALVES

FitFlops

When we saw this line of footwear, we were suspicious of the tag's claim that these shoes ($49.95-$59.95) will not only tone legs, but aid in circulation, posture and getting rid of cellulite. Yet sure enough, as we were mocking the proclaimed benefits, random shoppers passed by and spoke of the miracle benefits of these chunky, undainty slippers, which come in a variety of colors and styles.

They've become so popular that Champs was sold out of them when we stopped by, while Lady Footlocker was in short supply. Apparently, using Microwobbleboard technology, FitFlops create more of a workout than you would get wearing regular shoes. We didn't mean to get caught up in the hype, but we ended up buying them for ourselves ... just in case they really work.

Visit www.fitflop.com for list of local retailers

FOR THE CLASSICAL MUSIC LOVER

Chamber Music Hawaii Giftix

Sad, but true: The Honolulu Symphony's financial woes have music lovers in a tizzy. But if you know someone with a penchant for Bach and Beethoven, here's a way to satisfy their musical fix. Giftix are coupons exchangeable for tickets to any Chamber Music Hawaii concert through May 2010.

They're available in quantities of three for $50 and six for $100. Recipients will have the flexibility to enjoy live chamber music when and where they choose. And, if money is not a problem, you can purchase a private concert for between $1,000 and $1,500.

To order call 489-5038 or visit www.chambermusichawaii.com

FOR THE FISHING FANATIC

Kelela Fishing Lures

If you know a big-game fisher, consider Kelela Trolling lures made by Bobby Tang, a noted fly fisherman. Tang is a jewelry maker by trade, but fishing is his passion, so he used his talents and experience to create more than 12 different styles and sizes of trolling lures, ranging from $13.50 to $36.95.

Each runs (swims) differently. Some have a side-to-side motion; some go up and down; some dive, then jump to break the surface of the water; others create a trail of jet bubbles — all to entice the fish. Certain lures even have semi-precious stones to throw a different fraction of light underwater that makes the lure come alive.

For stores, visit www.kelelalures.com

FOR YOUR 'FRENEMY'

Self-Hurt books

The term "frenemy" was coined when BFFs Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie began feuding while working on "The Simple Life." They love each other; they hate each other; they hate each other, but pretend to love each other Why not break the cycle of fakeness and give a gift that explains exactly how you feel? These examples of "self-hurt" books ($12.95) will have your frenemy broke and fat in no time.

SoHa, Kahala Mall, 591-9777

FOR THE BIKER

Fashionable motorcycle helmets

Help your favorite biker look good with a fashionable helmet from Cycle City. The Ed Hardy helmet ($164.99) is a stylish, trendy choice, while the Nexx helmet ($249) will appeal to those who like a more retro, clean look. The hot ticket, though, is the Icon helmet ($183.99) with elaborate designs of skulls and flowers.

We tried it on, and a guy started yelling, "Don't get it!" Turns out he just loves his helmet and wants to be unique. Unlike others, he said Icon's latest offering drowns out the sound and is very comfortable. We didn't think men would wear a helmet with flowers, but apparently they like the message. (One helmet we saw had "Dia de los Muertos" (Day of the Dead) on it, which passes the machismo test.)

Cycle City, 600 Puuloa Road, 831-2600