by Anne Porter
staff associate

Everyone knows them--those annoying people who have everything. Unfortunately, these people creep onto Christmas shopping lists. Since everyone has to contend with these self-sufficient people, here are a few suggestions on what to get them for Christmas presents.

Just in time for the arrival of the millennium, "The Hippie Survival Guide to Y2K" by Mike Oehler tells how to use resources immediately in case of a Y2K disaster, which might be useful for the computer junkie in someone's life.

Jeanette McFarland, a student in adult education at UM-St. Louis, recommends a more creative solution.

"My daughter is giving her grandmother a jar of memories," McFarland said.

The jar consists of pieces of paper with words to invoke remembrances of the past. Some of the person cues McFarland said were "pet" and "love."

To make the world better with a gift, use breast-cancer postage stamps. They not only send letters, but also help support research. Since these were issued, $8.6 million has been raised for research. This gift would be perfect for a grandparent or even for Mom and Dad.

Jim Dreyer, a junior majoring in communication, suggests a simple approach for just about anyone from a best friend to your neighbor.

"I'd recommend taking them out and showing them a good time-like going out to dinner," Dreyer said.

For long-term food enjoyment, the beer- or wine-of-the-month will last all year and please even the most difficult mother-in-law. These can be ordered at wine.com via the Internet.

Kris Chisolm, a junior majoring in studio art, advised trying the web site www.presentpicker.com to find the perfect gift.

"It came up with all these great ideas. Either that or make a pillow like my friend and I are doing. You know they'll use that," Chisolm said.

For children, some ways to avoid purchasing Pokemon toys include the Fisher Price Peaceful Planet Aquarium. The Aquarium glows and lights up a room at night.

A real pet that will give unconditional love also fills the request for a wonderful selection, and if they come from the shelter that little pooch is also given the gift of a safe home. A word of warning for wise, however, make sure the recipient of the gift will appreciate it and care for the animal as it deserves. All this shopping is certainly difficult work, so even sometimes Santa Claus needs to buy himself a treat. For that, cashmere is not only soft and fuzzy, but it is also warm for the season.

Jeromy Comp, a student mentor, bought his dad a J.R. Ewing foot couch.

"The only thing you can buy for someone who has everything is something they don't want or they don't know exists," Comp said.