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Checkin' it twice

Suit up, Santa! It's time to shop for cool presents

While you may read seasonal gift guides and catalogues designed to coax cash from your wallet, at the magazine offices we decided to write up a list of our  favorite things, tinged with a bit of culture and mucho class. We think many of you would love to get these presents, as well as give them.

BEADY BEADY BOM
We love these beautifully handmade beaded fashion items designed and crafted by local artisan Carmen de Novais.

Musician and founding member of the Phoenix Fridas, de Novais learned to bead while a young girl growing up in a small Brazilian town. Today her necklaces, earrings, purses and bracelets are worn by such stars as Lila Downs. Ranging in price from $30 (earrings) to $75 (a velvet purse) and up ($300 for a pearl and silver necklace), this artist's inventory has something for every size wallet. Information: (480) 834-5731.

YOU'LL FEEL JUST LIKE DEMI MOORE IN GHOST
Believe us, few things are as relaxing as throwing some clay. For those who would rather make something from scratch, the folks at pottery store All the Hands, 3375 E. Shea Blvd., Phoenix, can help you through the process. You don't have to be extremely talented to throw a pot, just have some patience and a willingness to get your hands dirty. Both adults and kids (age 10 and older) can throw; there are no sitting fees. Pre-registration is required. The store also offers ready-to-paint ceramics as well. Price: $35-$40 per beginner. Information: www.AllTheHands.com or call (602) 493-1604.

LITTLE BLACK TEE
Proud Latinas can strut their stuff with this chic razorback tank from Mami Chula. Made of 100 percent cotton, this ribbed tee is designed to hug sexy curves (the fit is tight, uy!) Adorned with genuine Swarovski crystals, each bling is set in a gold-tone setting. Available in black with rose crystals or pink with sapphire crystals, the tee retails for $25 and is sold online at www.MamiChula.net.

BOOK A GIG AT HOME
Fender may have headquarters in Scottsdale, but many of its best guitars are manufactured in its Ensenada plant in Baja California Sur. This summer the venerable guitar maker unveiled its Classic Player Baja Blaster Telecaster, a custom shop product that boasts a dream list of specs. Check it out: custom pick-ups with four-way switching, knurled chrome knobs, a soft V-shaped neck and '50s styling designed by Fender master builder Chris Fleming. Even if the recipient can't play a lick, the Baja Blaster will look cool hangin' out on a stand. Available at local guitar stores and at www.fender.com. Retails for about $1,143.

HE'S NOT THE SUGAR PLUM FAIRY
But extreme comedian Carlos Mencias can make his audience cry with tears of laughter. Tickets for one of two shows at the Dodge Theatre on Dec. 30 range from $37 to $72 per person. We guarantee an unusual evening that both giver and recipient can share. Information: visit www.dodgetheatre.com.

CAFE COLOMBIANO TIPICO
Inza, one of our favorite coffee establishments, sells a ton of Colombian coffee. The store, located at the Pima Crossing Center, 8658 E. Shea Blvd., Suites 1 & 2, Phoenix, often has easy-to-listen-to evening entertainment. We recommend buying the whole beans ($6.95 per pound) as a gift, so you can woo your significant other with its deep, robust flavor. Then, suggest actually going to Inza for a Sunday afternoon tango lesson to see how steamy a cup of real coffee can make a relationship. There's a milonga dance session after class, in case you want to watch. Sunday dance class, $10; 2-3 p.m. Milonga (with class) $3, (without class) $5. Information: www.inzacoffee.com or call (480) 222-4870.

A SPECIAL DELIVERY CON CARINO
We cooked up this idea for those who want to send something yummy from Nana's kitchen to a special military person in Iraq. Wouldn't having some pan dulce or biscochitos for the holidays brighten things up on the frontline? We checked with DHL Express (which delivers worldwide) and found out a five-pound box (roughly 24-by-10 inches) can be shipped to Baghdad for about $126; a 10-pound box for about $185; a 20-pound box, about $300. Shipping price will vary with size and weight of the box. Call DHL Express, (800) 225-5345, for information. Note: pick your perishable food carefully, as the package will take about five days to make its journey. Although the thought of tamales in Fallujah sounded cool, the little gems probably would spoil before arriving.

ONE EXPENSIVE SHOT
Every year we search for a great tequila and this year, we've outdone ourselves. Don Julio Añejo, a 100 percent blue agave tequila, is aged in white oak barrels and is found at high-end liquor departments. Show your honey how much you love him/her. Retails for about $345.

CUDDLY SOUNDS
When you can't be there at bedtime for the little one in the family, here's a good substitute: Baby Abuelita Production's lullabye-singing grandparent dolls. The Abuelita Rosa is dressed in a pink gingham housedress while the Abuelito Pancho sports a kickin' yellow guayabera shirt. Each of them sings Spanish lullabies like Arroz con Leche and Los Pollitos Dicen, among other classic tunes. The dolls, which have been flying off the shelves in cities like Miami, Fla., retail for about $24.95 and are available at Wal-Mart, Target and Toys R Us. Information: visit www.babyabuelita.com

ACOUSTIC ENERGY
Listening to this vivacious pair of acoustic guitar performers, it's tough to imagine them struggling in Mexico City as members of a metal band. But as the saying goes, the beat goes on, in an exciting CD that was released in October. The self-titled work has propelled Rodrigo y Gabriela to new success, thanks to fresh versions of Stairway to Heaven and the bouncy Tamacun. There are limited editions of a CD/DVD, so you'll want to pick this work up sooner than later. About $15.