While a sizable number of hot Christmas gifts, from digital cameras to GPS tracking devices to iPhones, are all technical in scope, there still are plenty of great gift ideas this holiday season that don't involve buttons, batteries or electrical outlets.

Here are five of those gift ideas, taking cash and gift cards out of the equation, since most everyone agrees that those are the two best Christmas gifts anyone can possibly receive.  

AN ANIMAL
The rundown: But not just an everyday animal like a dog or cat. Instead, thanks to the World Animal Foundation, you can symbolically adopt an entire species of exotic animals, including penguins, lions, gorillas and elephants, with proceeds helping preserve endangered species. Not only that, but you get a glossy photograph of your adopted animal, with an information packet on how you can help animals and the environment. Maybe it will help ease your crisis of conscience when you're chowing down on four different kinds of meat this Christmas.
Price: $35
Info: worldanimalfoundation.homestead.com

‘THE BARTENDER'S BLACK BOOK'
The rundown: There are eight editions in Stephen Cunningham's popular book series, so if you have some extra cash, why not go ahead and purchase a box set for the one you love? After all, with more than 2,800 drink recipes featured over the course of the eight books, and with enough family time over the holidays to warrant some alcoholic sedation, these books not only make useful gifts but practical ones as well.
Price: $10-$25
Info: thebartendersblackbook.com

‘THE COLLEGE STUDENT'S GUIDE TO LANDING A GREAT JOB'
The rundown: For many college students, job-hunting season begins after the holiday season, so Bob Roth's book – released in October – is quite timely. The title basically explains the premise, as Roth not only attempts to help students find jobs, but ones they might actually enjoy. Among the tips offered are participating in work-related campus activities and preparing to no end for an interview. What ever happened to just kissing butt to get to the top?
Price: $20-$25
Info: amazon.com

p>MONOPOLY: HERE AND NOW
The rundown: It's the same Monopoly you played over and over as a child – and over and over in the wee hours as a drunken college student – with a modernized twist. The dated railroads have been replaced by four major American airports, and other stops on the board game include Boston's Fenway Park and Beverly Hills' Rodeo Drive. But with a 21st Century Monopoly comes a 21st century question. When we pass “Go,” in addition to the customary $200, do we also get a complimentary shot of Botox?
Price: $19.99
Info: hasbro.com/monopoly

POKER SETS
The rundown: Poker has replaced golf as the unofficial sport for unathletic American males, so skip the golf clubs this year and get your man some poker chips, cards, a table and even an automatic deck shuffler. Not only will it make him happy, but it also will keep him home at night and on the weekends when he brings his buddies over for a late-night poker game. On second thought, maybe you'd better go with the golf clubs.
Price: Table-and-chip combo packages run between $60-$230
Info: pokershopping.com

Clint Hale | 210SA