CHRISTMAS Packages of fun and luxury for those last-minute gifts

By MICHAEL McGOWAN
SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITOR
Why is it that gift-giving is such a hassle? Who needs to spend hours at the mall, stressing over whether that bauble is just the right thing for Aunt Martha?
OK, we all do. We want the aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, mothers, fathers, and, yes, kids, to have a happy day.
But ideas are hard to come by, especially at the last nanosecond of shopping frenzy. So here are some of the nicer small-gift ideas that have come through the newsroom this season.
Games galore
Youngsters ought to like the activity of Cranium's Hullabaloo. The game is marketed for kids age 4 and up. But adults beware: those twists can wrench your back if you try to play along.
Cranium's other new game, Conga, challenges players to guess what another player is thinking. It comes complete with cards and a cool timer mechanism.
If you think Cranium's titles are too easy, Hidden Talents has a game called Rigamarole. Each card has different rules for clues. One may tell you not to use "sounds like" clues, while another may have a team member blindfolded. This game did well at a Mensa convention.
Neat treats
Earbags are just what they say: little "mittens" for the ears. Although they've been out for a couple of years now, it seems the novelty of them hasn't worn off yet. (Hint: Teen-agers seem to take to them more than adults.)
Simple yet effective, things like Jergens lotion made us realize how a little soothing can go a long way toward making the holidays kinder and gentler. Jergens even has an "ash relief" moisturizer for blacks.
Some more esoteric products, such as a red, hot-earth anti-stress sauna masque from Montagne Jeunesse, provided some amusement. But spa products of all sorts can be great little stocking stuffers. The Thymes also provides spa products, including something called a "face polish."
Perhaps on the pricey side for these bits of luxury, One Minute Pedicure Oxygen Pops are sold in packages that cost just over $30 retail. But the effervescent substance packs a lot of oohs into one minute. Sometimes just taking the time to pamper pays off.
Fun and frivolity
Mega Bloks are just what you'd think: huge building blocks that kids can use in myriad fashions. Think Lego bricks on steroids and growth hormones.
Spin Master toys may not be the size of the giants, but the Toronto-based company consistently comes out with amusing material. This year, you have a choice of Mighty Beanz, McDonald's McFlurry Maker, Astrojax, Wiggles Guitar or Crash Force Regenerator R/C.
All the items were chock-full of fun, even for adults. The Astrojax, though, wouldn't be suitable for really young kids because of the long string that holds the three balls together. Older kids can do some amazing tricks.
If you want to liven up a Christmas party, set out some of the Spice Mice. They're cute little stuffed guys with lots of attitude. From the Mexican mouse to the gangster, they each have distinctive voices and phrases. Be aware, though, that adults may not gladly give up these little creatures once they've played with them.
If the object of gift-giving is to blow people away with extravagance, these items won't do the trick. On the other hand, if you just want to have a little fun, check them out.