The Alibi’s Last-Minute Gift Guide

The holiday gift-giving season will commence in about 15 seconds, and you're still in your PJs. You're cutting it close. But it's going to be OK. After all, why should you suffer through weeks of parking-lot circling when you can wait until the last possible second to lift a finger? You've always worked better under pressure, anyhow.

Atari Paddle Keychain, $15.99

Marcy Street Card Shop

75 W. Marcy, Santa Fe

(505) 982-5160

Mini Tone-Master, $44.99

Marc's Guitar Center

2324 Central SE

Monte Verde Diva Lipstick Ballpoint Pen, $35

Papers!

114 Amherst SE

254-1434

It’s impossible to get through the holiday season without making a pit stop at Papers! The parchment boutique specializes in (among other things) art paper, stationary, cards … and pens. But these aren’t just any pens, mind you—these babies are drool-worthy. One of our new favorites is this ballpoint in drag. Disguised as a lipstick, the cap unscrews, the ink rolls up and the seemingly innocuous purse dweller transforms into a high-caliber writing instrument. Genius. Plus, it comes in this gorgeous box.

Sandia Pets Products Leash, Collar and Bowl Set, $15.98, $13.49, $12.95

Too Wired Women Coffee Scoop and Clamp, $18

New Mexico Favorites Coffee, $8.50

Sumner & Dene Creations in Art

Deluxe Activity Pedometer, $29.99

Heart and Sole Sports

2817 San Mateo NE

Embellish your presents with newsprint

Long hours in the newsroom mean I have to get pretty "creative" sometimes when rushing off with pens in my hair to some kind of present-giving event. (Here, Sally and Rick! An ice-cold soft drink wrapped in Post-its! May you have a long and happy marriage.) Luckily, my loved ones were eventually saved from ugly presents by my discovery of the newspaper bow. It's cool because the quirkier the material you're using, the better it looks.