Ask a kossack: Christmas present edition

I'm in a quandry, as usual, about Christmas presents. Yes, I do have a Chanukah present to buy but I know what to get that friend.

Last year I posted a diary and got some great ideas so I thought I'd try again this year. My personal goal is to spend as little time as possible in stores, as shopping to me is torture.  

My quandry is my husband. After 15 years together I've used up every idea I had. Equipment and clothes for his favorite sport (tricky, b/c it's specialized and mostly he has to buy the stuff he knows is right for him) videos of his favorite sport, techy gadgets (hand-held GPS, weather station, iPod), clothes (yawn), slippers, etc. He likes rescue at sea books and WW-II planes and books like Shadow Divers, but no fiction. Help???

In exchange for your help, I'll give you some of my good ideas. If everyone posts their good ideas, we should end up with a helpful list! Follow.....

Girly girls: Last year a kossack turned me on to www.worldofgood.com.  I bought a couple of really cute sequined silk pouches. They have some small ones this year for $14.95 and $10.95. Just the right size to tuck a gift card into, and a perfect $20 present for my high-school nieces. The ones I bought seem to be sold out but there are many cool things there, including bamboo bowls and jewelry. All fair trade and 10% of profits go to support projects in 3rd world communities that produce the crafts.

Books: For fiction lovers, Mark Helprin's Freddy and Fredricka. I loved Winter's Tale and some of his other books, but this one absolutely has me laughing out loud. Plus it's very imaginative and works on several levels. 500 pages and I'm slowing myself down so it doesn't end.

Kidlets: my favorite kid book this year, maybe for 7 and under, is Seven Silly Eaters. My kids and I love it!

Any ideas for a kid that's just starting to learn piano?

I'm trying to find meaninful, affordable things that won't end up in a landfill!

Weigh in with your best ideas or best gifts you've ever given or got!