HIGH-TECH TOYS

Polaroid Mio Instant Camera : The newest and sleekest in instant cameras, the mio takes wallet-size photos and has a zoom function. Instant gratification for the style-conscious. $99.99. Available at Best Buy and amazon.com. [Click on image to buy]

iPod: Apple is pushing the iPod hard with billboards all over. This tiny (2.43 x 4.02 x 0.78 inches) MP3 player holds up to 1,000 songs and has the cool iMac look. Gone are the days of lugging CD's around! $399 at apple.com.

Sony AIBO Robot: Its love is real, but it is not. This A.I. pet has all the pros of a real dog (it can wag its tail, roll around, respond to voice command and develop personality) and none of the cons (no toilet training). AIBO is the ideal dog for a commitment-phobe: you can turn it off when you feel like it. From $850 to $1300 at Circuit City, FAO Schwarz and sony.com. Other manufacturers offer more basic versions, which cost less.

Xbox Adrenaline Pack: Bill Gates' first foray into the video-game arena, the Microsoft Xbox boasts superior graphics and sound - and you can program your own soundtrack. Games already out include "Shrek" and "Project Gotham Racing." $299 for the system. Available at amazon.com. [Click on image to buy]

OLD FAVORITES

Special Edition Monopoly: Feel alienated by Boardwalk and Park Place? Good ol' Monopoly now comes tailored to your interest or hometown with editions such as Las Vegas, New England, the New York Mets, Golf and Walt Disney. From $35 to $40 at FAO Schwarz.

Burberry Skateboard: Take a piece of the catwalk to the sidewalk. The Burberry plaid pumps instant chic into the once teenage-only activity. Note: You probably want to give this to someone who can actually skate - it looks doubly ridiculous taking a spill with logo-splattered gear. Exclusively at Burberry in New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Chicago for $450.

Karim Rashid Chess Set: Who says chess sets have to look traditional? Red-hot industrial designer Karim Rashid's version - with highlighter-green and tangerine-colored pieces and a clear board - wouldn't look dated in the year 2100. Not only for the chess aficionado, but for anyone who appreciates high design. $50, available at the Moma Store and specialty stores.

"What Shall I Wear?" Board Game: The object of this girly board game is to get a complete outfit for an appropriate event first. While your slumber-party days may be over, this retro game is a collector's item that you can whip out just every so often. Available at Lair by Tiffany Dubin at Henri Bendel New York for (vintage collectibles don't come cheap) $200. Hurry, though - there are only three.

MISCELLANEOUS

Replica Jet Blue Plane: As airline paraphernalia become collectibles, this Jet Blue model makes a great present. Plus, in a time when many are reluctant to fly, this little plane serves as a friendly reminder that the sky isn't scary. $29.99 at jetblutique.com.

Hello Kitty Jelly Molds: While these jelly molds are more or less toys, they are also "useful" (they could come in handy next time you need to whip up some Jello shots). Fun stocking stuffers. $3.50 for a set of four.

Fashion Angels Paper Dolls: A more grown-up version of paper dolls, the kit comes with four ethnically diverse dolls, patterns, fabrics and embellishments so you can play designer. Great for the arts and crafts-inclined. $29 at FAO Schwarz.

L.A. Eyeworks Peace Monocle: If ever there is a time when we need to see the world through peace-shaped glasses, this is it. L.A. Eyeworks makes that happen with a three-inch magnifying glass, which has a peace sign frame engraved with the phrase "Love one another." A cute, original take on the "peace on earth" paraphernalia that comes out this time of year. $60 at L.A. Eyeworks and fine optical shops, or call 323-653-8255 for retailers.