HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE.

Byline: - Compiled by Julia Scott

Only 11 days till Christmas and you still haven't started your shopping? No problem. Here's a last-minute family gift guide with ideas about what to buy for ...

ACTIVE KIDS

Ice cream ball ($30, UCO)

Your kids will have fun kicking this ball around the house while making a tasty treat. Needs rock salt and ice.

Moon Shoes ($45, Hart)

These bouncy shoes never get old, and acting like Tigger gives kids a chance to release all their excess energy (or at least some of it).

Child's Archery Bow and Arrow Set ($10, 3Rivers Archery)

Shooting arrows is a classic activity for kids. This set comes with a flexible fiberglass bow, three suction-cup arrows and a paper target.

WHAT WERE THEY THINKING?

T.M.X. Elmo ($40, Fisher Price )

We know everyone is bonkers for him, but his giggling stunts look like a kid throwing a tantrum. On second thought, maybe parents would be better off if little ones laugh instead of scream when they lose it.

Barbie Bank-With-Me ATM Machine ($28, Mattel)

Girls love to emulate their moms, but this toy takes it a step too far. Push a button and out pops a $20. Look ma, money does grow on trees!

T.J. Bearytales ($50, Hasbro)

This bear reads your child a story, asks questions along the way and gestures at crucial plot turns. How creepy! There's no substitute for reading your child a book.

TWEEN TO TEEN BOYS

Marshmallow Shooter ($24, Marshmallow Fun Company)

Surprise your enemies, or maybe just your little brother, with this marshmallow-shooting gun. Holds 20 mini-marshmallows.

Fly Wheels XPV ($60 plus $30 battery, JAKKS Pacific)

This radio controlled car-jet is easier to fly than hobby planes but still requires some dexterity. The foam gizmo zips up to 25 miles per hour on land and in the air.

GIRLY GIRL

Designer's World ($40, Hasbro)

Dive into the fashion world with this plug-in TV game and see what threads you can create for the runway on a limited budget. If judges like your gear, you will be awarded more money for the next show.

Bratz Forever Diamondz Yasmin ($30, MGA) and Barbie Princess Genevieve Doll ($22, Mattel)

These dolls are still duking it out for the No. 1 spot in the hearts of little girls, but both have long silky hair to brush and fabulous clothes to dress them up with.

TECHY TEENS

Pix Micro ($20, Disney)

This mini-digital camera holds 40 photos and is sized for small hands. Software included lets you paste Disney characters into your photos and add frames on your computer. Needs one AAA battery.

CREATIVE KIDS

Shark, Hippo or Elephant Tent ($24.95, Target)

Youngsters love to create a magical kids-only space where imagination rules. This tent is a great place to play make-believe in or have a sleepover.

NATURE GIRLS

Horse Stable & Animal Play Set ($15, Lillian Vernon)

A wood barn with doors that slide open holds two horses, two ponies and a puppy. Animals, fences and a ladder are included. Barn stands 15 1/2 inches high.

CAPTION(S):

7 photos

Photo:

(1 -- color) Ice Cream Ball

(2 -- color) TMX Elmo

(3 -- color) Marshmallow Shooter

(4 -- color) Fly Wheels XPV

(5 -- color) Designer's World

(6 -- color) Pix Micro

(7 -- color) Backyard discovery tent