SHOPPING WITHOUT DROPPING; TAKE A HINT OR TWO ON GIFTS FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST.

Byline: Barbara De Witt Daily News Fashion Editor

So many gifts, so little time.

As you head to the malls today, remember, you've only got 16 days until Hanukkah and 27 days left until Christmas to buy presents for the people you love a lot, those you think of fondly, and those who, well, your mother taught you to be nice to in spite of your differences.

And be ready to spend more than you did last year, reports the American Express Financial Advisors. The group that makes a living keeping track of how we spend money says folks across the country will spend about $915 on gifts this year, up from $879 last year. And for those of us on the West Coast, we'll be spending a total of $1,522 for gifts, travel and entertaining expenses.

To make this year's shopping expedition easier, we've already scouted the malls, catalogs and Web sites for what's new and nifty (and even thrifty) for everyone on your list.

MONEY IS NO OBJECT (You have to ask?)

Jewelry, furs and trips fall into this category - but don't stop there. Think of toys for big kids, like Neiman Marcus' Cracker Jack box of caramel corn with really ritzy prizes. For her, an 18k gold ring with a ruby or emerald, priced at $950; for him, a box with a limited-edition pair of enameled cuff links, priced at $400.

Other ideas for big-spenders include:

$63,700 - Lottery winners looking for something to spend their new-found bucks on should think about a single red rose - made of 48 carats of rubies with 2.38 carats of diamonds. It's a one-of-a-kind brooch by Le Vian, available at Macy's at the Northridge Fashion Center.

$2,500 - The economy is booming again, and power pens have made a major comeback. One of the most impressive is Parker's limited-edition silver snake design with real emerald eyes that was first introduced in 1906. Look for it at luxury goods stores, or call [phone].

$1,695 - A tiny but incredibly precise camera like those used by spies, the Leica Minox CLX is sold at camera and electronic stores everywhere. Other way-cool cameras are Nikon's new Coolpix 900s megapixel digital camera for $799, and Fujifilm's new Endeavor 1000 MRC Tiara, touted as the world's smallest 24mm Advanced Photo System camera, for $479.95.

$590 - For the executive (or wanna-be's) desk, the sterling-silver Bolide Office Collection at Christofle, Beverly Hills. The set includes a small desk clock, letter opener, pencil holder, ruler and business-card holder.

$549 - A mirrored, lighted curio cabinet designed to showcase eight of her limited-edition Barbie dolls, available at J.C. Penney stores.

$525 - Tommy Hilfiger's bright yellow M400 mountain bike for pedaling off to Starbucks or cruising along the coast. It's available at Cannondale bicycle retailers; call [phone].

$399 - Gearys Beverly Hills' pewter cocktail shaker with narrow spout and handle on a gallery tray with two martini goblets. Just the thing for mixing a batch of Cosmopolitans at your next soiree.

$395 - For that next black-tie gala, give him a custom-made tuxedo from the Lands End catalog. To order, call [phone].

$300 - You couldn't afford the Gucci ``G'' watch that was so hot last year, but Calvin Klein's new stainless-steel collection is almost as statusy - and way cheaper. Available at Macy's.

$295 - Got a global friend? He'll always know what time it is in Los Angeles and Paris with Swiss Army's new Odyssey GMT watch, available at department and jewelry stores.

$250 - You call her your angel, so give her a pair of wings. You'll find the Christmas Angel white satin bras with real feathers (not that fuzzy marabou stuff) at Victoria's Secret for $250; matching bikini panty is $30.

$199 - Euro-wires are sooo last year. Diamond studs are the season's ticket, available at Mervyn's stores. While you're there, check out the matching tennis bracelet for the same price.

SENSIBLY CHIC (Gifts under $150)

OK, so you can't afford a diamond bracelet or new car. You've still got style when it comes to picking presents that might include a sterling-silver bracelet with a tiny heart charm engraved with your initials for $110 at Tiffany & Co., Beverly Hills; or the new Jeep Home/Road Emergency Kit that comes with a three-band radio, warning flashes and spotlight, first-aid kit, tire inflator, lighter-to-lighter jumper and other goodies for $99.99 at Jeep/Chrysler dealers. But read on, we've got more ideas below:

$139 - A classy cigar humidor in antique cherry for the guy who is still smoking, from Bombay stores.

$135 - When he's got everything, consider a '50s-style chrome stapler for his desk by Casco. Available at upscale office-supply stores and Barney's New York in Beverly Hills.

$129 - For the coffee snob, Starbucks' Round the World Getaway Tour, featuring six shipments of two 1-pound bags of coffee beans from places like Italy, Guatemala and Sumatra. To order, call [phone].

$110 - Bill Clinton wore them, now he can, too. We're talking about those Italian ties by Zegna, available at Bloomingdale's.

$92.50 - A custom-made shirt of Egyptian cotton with French cuffs and perfectly cut sleeves, from Huntington Custom-by-Mail catalog; [phone].

$90 - A sterling-silver compact for her to touch up her lipstick, at Tiffany & Co., Beverly Hills.

$89 - No more dings and dents in the fender with the handy, dandy Park Zone gadget. It's got sensors that flash lights to tell you when to stop so you won't hit the wall, or the car next to you. Available at Sharper Image stores.

$79 - For the woman who loved ``Breakfast at Tiffany's,'' a doll that's dressed like Audrey Hepburn with a tiara and little black dress. It's by Mattel, at toy and gift stores.

$60 - Chanel's new beauty kit with Marilyn Monroe's favorite scent, Chanel No. 5, plus lipstick, nail polish and eye pencil. Available at department stores and the Chanel boutique, Beverly Hills.

$69.95 - For the friend who loves to write letters, a gold-toned desktop embosser with monogram and/or address, from the Levenger catalog; [phone].

LITTLE TOKENS OF AFFECTION (Gifts under $50)

Gifts that show you care even if you're broke, job-impaired or still waiting for this week's allowance.

$50 - Warm and snuggly pajamas just like the ones Oprah wears, by Karen Neuburger. Available at Macy's and Bloomingdale's.

$49.95 - He can command his starship - or at least open the garage door - with the new Star Trek Docking Communicator that features Star Trek sound and light effects. Available at mass-merchandising and electronics stores.

$49.59 - A little bit western, a little bit wild, the Cowgirls Ride the Trail of Truth game is all about women and the men they love. Available at Angel's Corner in Valencia; Fashion Square Car Wash in Sherman Oaks; Up Your Alley in Newhall; and the Love Boutique in Tarzana.

$45 - Like all that other stuff from the '60s and '70s, astrological signs are in again. For her retro dressing table, try a perfume atomizer featuring her sign, by Debbie Palmer at Neiman Marcus, Beverly Hills.

$40 - A pair of golf gloves sure to give you an extra edge, at Coach stores.

$28 - For those friends you love to visit, a set of four pewter napkin rings etched with the words, ``Eat, Drink and Be Merry.'' Available in the Wine Designs From the Heart Catalog; [phone].

$25.95 - For the antique maven in the family, Sold! The Antique Dealers Game is a chance to play antique dealer and shopper, looking for the best bargains on the game board. At toy and gift stores.

$25 and up - Yes, you can give her something from the posh Chanel boutique on Rodeo Drive. For a minimum of $25, you can stuff her stocking with an electronic gift certificate (looks like a credit card), backed by American Express, and let her pick her own trinket.

$25 - A little luxury for bagel lovers: A silver-plated bagel holder with knife so he won't cut his fingers. Available at Neiman Marcus, Beverly Hills.

$24.95 - A hand-carved walking stick to keep your loved one steady on the trail. Available at the Walking Co. stores.

$20 - For the golfer, a pewter golf bag or ball on top of a bottle cork, available at J.C. Penney stores.

$19.99 - Status pens don't have to cost you a fortune. Office Max has the original 10-karat gold Cross ballpoint style, just like the one Dad always carried in his shirt pocket.

$17.88 - Wristwatches are a holiday tradition, especially if they've got bells and whistles like the new Lionel collectible train watch in a souvenir tin. Available at Target stores.

$14 - A copy of the original first mate's whistle used aboard the Titanic in 1912, available at Discovery shops or from the Discovery Channel catalog, [phone].

$14.95 - She's getting her first wrinkles? How about an Oil of Olay beauty kit, available at drug stores everywhere.

$9.99 - Instead of pointing his finger, he can use this mini-laser pointer on a nifty key chain, available at Longs Drugs.

$7.77 - You probably thought about buying videos for the kids, but what about senior members of the family who don't get out much anymore? There are plenty of classics - old and new - at Best Buy and other mass-merchandising stores.

$5 - A ticket to the Van Gogh exhibit at the L.A. County Museum of Art that opens Jan. 17. Prices range from $5 to $20 and are available through Ticketmaster at [phone].

GIFTS FOR KIDS

Barbie is still big, and so are Hot Wheels and Tonka toys, but the major news is toys that talk on a variety of subjects ... and even call your kid by name. And in spite of all those techno-advances, there's a new generation discovering the joys of old-fashioned board games.

$399.95 - A battery-powered Mercedes 500 SL (red, of course) for the kid who has everything. It's imported from Europe and goes up to 2-1/2 mph. Available at Hammacher Schlemmer.

$98.99 - Everybody loves Pooh bear, but now he actually says your child's name and has conversations when hooked up to CD-ROM software.

$69.99 - A Mattel board game for the '90s called Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus that's based on Dr. John Gray's best-selling book of the same name. It's a good way to learn about the differences between men and women.

$54 - Minnie and Mickey dolls dressed up in '50s ensembles dance together. Way cool for kids and also nostalgic baby boomers.

$49.99 - Plush toy cars and ponies that toddlers can ride in the living room with appropriate sounds such as engine revving up and galloping hooves. Available at J.C. Penney stores.

$39.99 - Bull Frogg, the bendable battery-operated toy frog with sensors who says more than 100 phrases when you press his left big toe.

$39.99 - To teach children how much fun a real puppy can be, Mattel has created Smoochie Pooch, a plush stuffed dog that wags his tail and gives sloppy (but dry) kisses.

$39.99 - Babe, that adorable little movie piglet is now a Real Live Babe by Equity Toys. He not only chats and sings but tells the time, too. Available in the Guide to Toys for Children Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired; [phone].

$39.99 - Matchbox Caterpillar Power Machines by Mattel allow children to use heavy construction equipment in their own back yards. They're designed after the real thing and are motorized.

$33 - Versace cologne for boys or girls with teddy bear in Versace jeans, available at Versace boutiques and Neiman Marcus, Beverly Hills.

$29.99 - Elmo and His Radio-Control Puppy is so much fun, you'll want to play with it. The little dog barks, chases his tail and follows other commands given when you press Elmo's hands.

$24.99 - The Rugrats talking alarm clock by Nickelodeon, which was named a Best Toy of '98 by Crayola Kids magazine. It's colorful, cute and has wacky wake-up calls by the characters in ``The Rugrats Movie.''

$7 - Silly Slammers, little plush character toys that you throw on the floor who say all kinds of silly things to make you laugh.

GIFTS FOR TEENS/YOUNG ADULTS

Ah, the hardest people to shop for because they're so picky, picky, picky. They may desperately need food, flashlights and furniture, but they want something hip.

You can make it easy on yourself with gift certificates to video stores, malls (they can shop at any store in the entire mall), health clubs, hair salons, bookstores and movie theaters; or pay for their car insurance ... or take them shopping and let them pick out the gift of their dreams.

If you need to buy an actual gift to put under the tree, check out these suggestions:

$499.99 - To keep in shape, the Pro-Form crosswalk power incline treadmill with all sorts of gadgets. Available at Sears stores.

$269 - Believe it or not, beanbag chairs are in again, but this time they're in comfy brushed cotton instead of the old vinyl. Available at Pottery Barn stores in denim, red or sage.

$177.77 - To whip up cakes and cookies like they do in ``Pleasantville,'' they'll need an old-fashioned electric mixer. It's by Kitchen Aid at Kmart and Target stores.

$149.95 - The '90s chess game that talks to you as a teacher, or an opponent. You choose. It's called Ivan the Terrible Chess Computer by Excalibur, at electronic stores.

$95 - If you don't have an old cocktail ring to give her, the Swarovski crystal cushion-cut rings will pass as pure retro. Available in trend-driven colors at major department stores.

$90 - She wants something from super-trendy Prada? If you can't afford a dress or shoes, consider tulle panties with the Prada label. Available at the Prada boutique and major department stores.

$88.88 - A soccer game table like the one seen on ``Friends,'' by Sportcraft Family Game Center. Available at Kmart.

$79 - A reproduction of the Acorn gumball machine that used pennies like they did in the old days. To order, call [phone].

$69 - The very same sheep and cloud print jammies by Nick & Nora that Ally McBeal wears on TV. Available at Bloomingdale's.

$65 - Truth or dare time. The Truth Seeker, inspired by the old Psychological Stress Evaluator, is a desktop, battery-operated gadget that gives a green light to indicate truthfulness, red when somebody's lying. Available at Natural Wonders stores.

$55 - For the angel fan, an Estee Lauder compact with a guardian angel for each month of the year. Available at department stores.

$49.99 - A tool set of his own, so he won't borrow yours. It's the Craftsman kit with a six-piece standard Quick Wrench set, Pocket Socket, Auto Lock pliers and RoboGrip pliers in a kit. Available at Sears.

$49.95 - Before she dyes her hair pink - or worse - let her see what she'd look like with Cosmopolitan Virtual Makeover software. For younger girls who need help with wardrobe building, give them the Clueless CD-ROM. Both available at electronic and mass-merchandising stores everywhere.

$39 - Just in case that old clunker dies, think of him with the Exide Battery Charger. Available at Kmart.

$35 - For that next sleepover with the girls, give the Beauty Parlor Night Kit, packed with everything you'll need for facials, manicures and pedicures. It's corny but cool, available at Nordstrom.

$29 - A pair of Calvin Klein camisoles with an embroidered logo, tucked into a makeup bag. Available at Bloomingdale's.

$28 - For that first apartment, a clear vinyl shower curtain with zillions of realistic-looking goldfish, from the Nature Co.

$24.95 - For the new golfer in the family, the Golf Club Caddie, designed by local golfer Steve DeLaplane. It clips onto any golf bag and holds key clubs for the putting green. Available at Nevada Bob's stores and at the Club Caddie factory, 19356 Business Center Drive, Northridge.

$24 - It's the '60s scene again, but instead of a Lava Lamp, the Daisy Magic Moving Lamp makes the lights float around you. Available at Natural Wonders and Mervyn's.

$19.50 - Fragrance for her own sun sign, from Victoria's Secret. The new cosmetic collection includes body mousse, body mist and solid cologne.

$18 - A gold-toned pen that conceals a tiny bottle to hold her favorite scent. Available in the Caswell-Massey Holiday Catalog; phone [phone].

$14.95 - Because you love them a lot and don't want them to get lost, Rand McNally Road Atlas, Deluxe Edition has spiral-bound maps, plus 15 travel-related Web sites and toll-free numbers for road and weather conditions. Available at most bookstores.

$8.98 - Cartoon character slippers for padding around the dorm, at Target stores.

$6 - Bathing has become a big-time ritual that requires lots of tub toys, like Banana Republic's Effervescent Bath Bombs that make your tub fizzy like champagne.

GIFTS FOR FIFI AND FIDO 

They don't ask for much. And they never return your gift to the department store, even when it's a rhinestone collar or reindeer costume.

An extra helping of turkey, a big soup bone, a ride in the car or an extra-long romp at the dog park will all be appreciated, but we've got a few items for them to unwrap with the rest of the family.

$300 - A glamorous doghouse for house dogs, with a golden crown banner over the curved entrance. Hand-painted hardwood, made in Italy, and available from Gearys of Beverly Hills.

$199.95 - A self-cleaning litter box so Snowball will always have fresh sand. Available at Hammacher Schlemmer stores, or by calling [phone].

$86 - A statusy leather dog collar and matching leash in brown or black leather at Coach stores.

$54.95 - A special bed with heat therapy for the kitty that's getting arthritis. Available at Hammacher Schlemmer stores, or by calling [phone].

$42 - A see-through mesh cat tunnel to play in - or pounce on. Available from PETA; call [phone].

$26 - A silver-plated cat-food bowl worthy of engraving, available at Gearys of Beverly Hills.

$24 - A white porcelain food dish that says ``Santa's Favorite Dog'' (or Cat). Available at Pottery Barn.

$20 - A chance to read your pet's mind with the Fun With Your Dog (or Cat) kit by Scientific Explorer. Available at Discovery Channel stores or in the catalog; call [phone].

$11.55 - For pink poodle personalities, Pet Boutique's all-natural and alcohol-free eau de parfum with chocolate and coconut scent. Available at Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel, Beverly Hills. Or order by phone, [phone].

Shoppers' alert

Thanksgiving Day marks the beginning of holiday shopping season, and with it comes mall madness, that annual malady that can strike the healthiest of bargain hunters.

The symptoms are obvious:

Feelings of despair that nothing you buy will be good enough.

Lack of self-esteem from dealing with too many snotty salespeople.

Anger resulting from stores running out of the color/size/style you need.

Aching, swollen feet from walking through umpteen malls.

Giddiness at the cash register, followed by panic (sweats, chills) that your credit cards will be maxed out before you get to the bottom of your shopping list.

Fear that you'll get lost in the parking lot (like last year) and be unable to find your car.

To avoid exposure to this dreaded malady, shop early in the season, use valet parking and wear comfy shoes. And consult our list of great gifts for budgets big and small.

- Barbara De Witt

CAPTION(S):

3 Drawings, 12 Photos, Box

Drawing: (1--Cover--Color) `TIS THE SEASON TO GO SHOPPING

Great gift ideas for every name on your list

(2--3) no caption (Shopping bag full of gifts - same as above)

Jorge Irribarren/Daily News

Photo: (1) no caption (Cracker Jack box of caramel corn with really ritzy prizes)

(2) no caption (Tommy Hilfiger's bright yellow M400 mountain bike)

(3) no caption (Costume made shirt)

(4) no caption (Warm and snuggly pajamas)

(5) no caption (A pair of golf gloves)

(6) no caption (``Breakfast at Tiffany's'' doll)

(7) no caption (Pooh bear)

(8) no caption (Mickey and Minney dolls)

(9) no caption (Chess game)

(10) no caption (A reproduction of the Acorn gumball machine)

(11) no caption (Daisy Magic Moving Lamp)

(12) no caption (A silver-plated cat-food bowl)

Box: Shoppers' alert (See Text)