I believe the greatest gift I can conceive of having from anyone is to be seen by them, heard by them,
to be understood and touched by them.
Virginia Satir

What is the best present you have ever received? Think hard, and I'll bet it wasn't necessarily the most expensive present you have ever received. Rather, it was probably the one that had the most thought behind it.

I have received many wonderful presents in my lifetime, but one that made the greatest impression on me was from my oldest and dearest friend from high school, Kathy McLaughlin. She had overheard me and my fiancée talking about how cute we thought a Mickey Mouse waffle iron was in Macy's Department Store. Many months later, at our engagement party, she presented us with the iron (which we had forgotten about long before that) and a basket with maple syrup and pancake mix from her latest trip to Vermont , as well as gourmet coffee beans and a bean grinder she heard me mention on a separate occasion. The fact that anyone would put that much care and thought into a present amazed me. It was then that I realized that there are two types of people in this world: thoughtful gift givers, and everyone else.

If you constantly find yourself in the latter group, vow to turn over a new leaf and be the "thoughtful gift giver" in your family this season. You and your loved ones will be glad you did!

For the Wine Lover on your list

Whether your loved one fancies a dark red, or a crisp, clean white, membership to a wine club is the gift that keeps giving all year long. The Eccentric Gourmet in Anthem offers a wine club with a one or two bottle, red or white option. No bottle will carry a price tag more than $20, and in fact, many bottles will cost a good deal less than that. What are some of the advantages of being a member? Having your wine hand-chosen by an expert, and the excuse to visit the shop once a month to pick up your order, and possibly some of their great new balsamic vinegars and olive oils!

If a one-shot gift is more to your liking, owner, Phil Christian prepares custom wine baskets on demand.

Info> www.eccentricgourmet.com; 3434 West Anthem Way #160 ; 623-551-4445

For the Sentimental Person on your list

Why not preserve your families memories for posterity? There is probably not a person on your list who wouldn't enjoy a beautiful framed picture or collage of their loved ones. In today's computer age, programs like Photoshop and iPhoto can help you create a special picture, that you can bring to our local Anthem "Creative Corners" for framing. Creative Corners has a wide array of frames for any occasion.

Info> Creative Corners; 623-551-6444

For the Animal Lover on your list

The Phoenix Zoo holds a number of possibilities for the animal lover on your list. Purchase a year-long membership for your animal loving friend. Memberships include free daytime admission for one year, free or discounted admission to more than 130 zoos and aquariums nationwide, free admission to Boo! At the Zoo, discounted Safari Train tickets, a free subscription to Wild Times magazine, 10 percent discount at the gift shop, special birthday party prices, and much, much more. If you're looking for something a little bit more permanent, sponsor an animal on the "Endangered Species Carousel" at the zoo. A personalized plaque on your chosen animal will reflect your special message or honorarium (contact Janet Iturbe 602.286.3830 or jiturbe@thephxzoo.com - donation is 100 percent tax deductible.) Or, if you think sponsoring a living, breathing animal might be more appropriate, choose their favorite animal from a list of animal packages on the zoo's website, and the gift recipient will receive a sponsorship package along with a plush animal representing the animal chosen. Now that's a WILD gift!

Info> 455 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix ; 602.273.1341; www.phoenixzoo.org

For the Thespian or Theatre-lover on your list:

Arizona Broadway Theatre

Do you have someone on your list who missed their calling as a world-famous thespian? Someone who lives for the theatre? Or someone who is simply a "drama queen"?

The Arizona Broadway Theatre will transform the way you think about the performing arts in Arizona . Just a few of the productions that the 2007-2008 season holds in store for theatergoers include: Crazy for You, Fiddler on the Roof, Jekyll & Hyde, Ain't Misbehavin, The Music Man, and Nunsense.

Just one of the things that makes this theatre unique is the opportunity to dine while watching a first-class theatre production. Dinners fit the "theme" of the production, which makes the theatre-goer's experience that much more meaningful.

Gift certificates are valid one year from the date of purchase, and can be sold in any denomination. Cash vouchers are also available for purchase by phone, and can be used for desserts, drinks, etc. One of the best things about this theatre, aside from the wonderful quality of the performances, is that it is so close .just south of Bell Road in Peoria off of 101, and East of the Sports Complex .so it doesn't mean the commitment of driving downtown. Now that's something to sing and dance about!

Info> 623.776.8400; www.azbroadwaytheatre.com; 7701 W. Paradise Lane , Peoria , AZ , 85382

For the Adventurer on Your List

Do you know someone who would rather be outdoors than anywhere else? Is there an "explorer at heart" on your list? Consider an " America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass." This new pass covers recreation opportunities on public lands managed by four Department of the Interior agencies: the National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and the Bureau of Reclamation, and by the Department of Agriculture's U.S. Forest Service. The pass applies to those locations that currently have entrance or standard amenity fees.

You can feel good about giving this gift to your friends and family .100 percent of the revenues derived from passes sold at the federal recreation sites will directly benefit the selling agency.

The annual pass is $80, is good one year from the date of purchase, is plasticized, durable, and features award-winning landscape photographs from federal lands.

Info> http://store.usgs.gov/pass or www.recreation.gov; 1-888-275-8747, option 1.

Couple your gift pass with one of these books to put the recipient in the mood:

• National Geographic Guide to the National Parks of the United States
• Top Trails Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks : Must Do Hikes for Everyone
• Hey Ranger! True Tales of Humor and Misadventure in America 's National Parks

For the Book Lover on your list

Show the "book worm" on your list that you understand their nerdy needs! With Bookmaster now in Anthem (next to Taco Del Mar on Anthem Way; 3668 W. Anthem Way ; 623.551.7922) shopping for the "hard to please" bookworm on your list has never been easier. Aside from their regular collection of hardcover and paperback titles, they have signed collectible books such as:

• Anne Rice - Lasher, Memnoch the Devil; Talots, The Tale of the Body Thief, Servant of the Bones (all obtained from a book fair she attended.)
• Carl Hiaasen: Sick Puppy, Nevada Barr, Liberty Falling (Signed and First Edition)
• Ridley Pearson: The First Victim
• James Lee Burke: Dixie City Jam
• Harlan Coben: Just One Look
• Nelson DeMille: The Charm School
• Janet Evanovich: Four to Score
• Barry Goldwater: People and Places
• J.A. Jance: Kiss of the Bees, Breach of Duty
• Bill Murray: Cinderella Story
• Daniel Silva: The Unlikely Spy

Looking for something for a young reader? The bookshop has an extensive Manga collection. There is also a great selection of large print books for your elderly loved ones!

For the Sports Enthusiast on your list

What sport does your sport-lover love? If it's golf, how about a private golf lessons at the club? Buy them in half-hour increments, or buy three one-hour lessons and get the fourth hour free! (www.anthemgolfclub.com; 623.742.6400.) Phoenix Suns Season Tickets are sold out, but why not choose a game or two for the b-baller on your list? Superbowl is on everyone's mind this winter, so why not spring for "The Big Ticket Gala" at the Phoenician on Wednesday, January 30, 2008? The Big Ticket experience includes: Emcee, Chris Berman, Host of ESPN SportsCenter, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Twenty NFL Hall of Fame inductees, Special performance by Jay Leno, Silent and live auctions culminating with a Harley-Davidson motorcycle autographed by Jay Leno and all the celebrities. All proceeds from the evening will benefit the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Info> Contact: Sallie Sargent; 480.362.4232; ssargent@azsuperbowl.com

For the Writer on your list

Ahhh .the lost art of the handwritten letter. Give the gift of creative possibilities. Inspiring stores such as Papyrus (with locations in Glendale, Phoenix, and Scottsdale, just to name a few,) will help you put together a basket of paper, stationary, journals, and writing instruments that will carry the writer on your list all year-through. Personalize your gift and choose monogrammed stationary for your friend or family member.

Don't overlook bookstores like Barnes and Noble and Borders Books and Music when it comes to choosing an attractive, leather-bound journal that will withstand the test of time. Gifts like these are especially meaningful for your far-away friend or long-distance relationship. They make great teacher's gifts too!

Info> www.papyrusonline.com; 623.486.4403; Arrowhead Towne Center , 7700 West Arrowhead Towne Center .

For the Aspiring Cook on your list

Cooking classes are a great idea for the wannabe chef on your list. There are a number of great "schools" in the area including Phoenix College, Scottsdale Culinary Institute, and the Art Institute of Phoenix. There are also cooking supply stores such as Sweet Basil and Sur La Table that double as teaching kitchens. For a cozy experience, try a home-based class such as the ones offered at Love'n the Kitchen (4609 E. Kirkland Road; 602.374.4988; www.loventhekitchen.com) where classes such as "Good and Good for You: Eat Great in '08", "Cozy Kitchen Suppers" and "Super Bowl Favorites" are planned for the winter session. Gift certificates are available, and for every three classes attended, a $30 gift certificate is earned toward additional classes, or special invitation-only classes with VIP Valley chefs. Now that's a gift that keeps on giving!

For the Sensualist on your list

Help your loved ones to feel as pampered as they deserve to be .even if it's only for a night or two! A night at the Canyon Suites, the new boutique hotel of The Phoenician, is the shortest road to peace and tranquility in the midst of a hectic holiday season. From the minute guests drive up the lush, winding driveway leading to this hotel, they will know that great things are in store. An apartment-sized room with special touches such as a Bose stereo system, large Jacuzzi tub, three plasma televisions (one in the large master bathroom) and fresh fruit bowl and artisan water indicate to guests that this will be a special visit. Special perks include a complimentary wine tasting, Sterling Silver coffee service every morning, chauffeured Mercedes, and therapeutic turndown service where attendants will draw a special spa salt bath for their guests.

Info: 6000 East Camelback Road , Scottsdale ; 480.423.2880; www.canyonsuites.com.