December/January

What matters to you most when you're shipping a gift? If you've procrastinated too long, it's probably speed. Otherwise, it could be wrapping or cost. Whatever your delivery priority, we'll help you decide which one-stop e-shop delivers what's most important. Each site offers a wide selection of gifts as well as wrapping and shipping.

If you're in a rush or just want instant gratification, be aware that not all e-tailers cater to last-minute shippers. Shop these sites to make up for lost time — or simply to get that thank-you call sooner.

Shop the pages of www.redenvelope.com for a classy cornucopia of gifts.
Shipping: Overnight, 2 or 3 Day Air, Saturday Delivery or Ground (4 - 10 days).
Wrapping: Signature red gift box for $4.95 with a personalized message from you.

Find the gadgets and tech toys that make great gifts at www.sharperimage.com.
Shipping: Overnight or 2-Day Express.
Wrapping: Free signature silver gift box and gift card. (Gift box available for small purchases only.)

If it's what's outside that counts, here's how to make sure your gift arrives as the best-bowed bundle in the bunch.

Known for books and music, www.amazon.com also offers a wide selection of items from tools to toys.
Wrapping: Two styles of regular ($2.99) or two styles of deluxe ($4.99) gift wrap. Deluxe includes a satin ribbon. Both include a personalized card.
Shipping: Standard (3 - 7 days), Next Day or Second Day Air.

Delight the kiddies with gifts from www.etoys.com.
Wrapping: Five kid-friendly wrapping paper options, including geckos and gumballs, for $4.95 per item. Includes gift card.
Shipping: Standard (3 - 7 days), Premium (3 - 5 days), Express (2 - 3 days), Ground (4 - 10 days) or Pre-Order toys that haven't yet been released to be shipped on the release date.

If you'd rather spend your hard-earned cash on the gift than the wrapping or shipping, check out these sites that wrap and ship free.

Choose from hundreds of discount fragrances for him and her at www.fragrancenet.com.
Shipping: Pay nothing for standard shipping (4 - 7 business days).
Wrapping: Distinctive red foil wrapping with a red bow at no extra cost.

Discover an assortment of unusual gifts at www.foundobjects.com, such as candles that look like sushi.
Shipping: UPS Ground Shipping is free for orders over $50 until December 31, 2000.
Wrapping: Free gift wrap. You'll get the wrapping paper they're featuring at the time. It's currently green and blue plaid.

	If you've already purchased that perfect present, save yourself some time by scheduling an at-home pickup. Visit the Web sites listed for more information. Services For Scheduling Information Pickup Charge For Shipping Rates Shipping Due Payment Method FedEx Express www.fedex.com $3.00 Online interactive Rate Finder At pickup Check, credit card or money order U.S. Postal Service Express and Priority Mail www.usps.com $8.25 Online interactive Domestic Rate Calculator Pay ahead of time at your local post office Check, cash, credit card or money order