Tiny dogs are all the rage, but even if you can't get your little girl the real thing, (or prefer a pooch that doesn't eat or poop) these fashion purses/furry friends are a fun alternative that lets little can gamely dress up doggies --chihuahua, terrier, or beagle in glam get-ups -- without fear of repercussions. $11.99 each (shots included); doggy togs, $5.99; Learning Express.

For future Rachel Raes, Emerils, Jamie Olivers, gift a Sassafras Cooking kit, portable, preparable treats including Pizza, Fairy Princess Magic Cookies, Chocolate Moose Mousse, Oh Fudge!, Wizard Magic Cookies and Holiday Cookies. Kid friendly instructions and (most)ingredients: $14.99 per kit. The power to impress your parents: priceless! Also at Learning Express.

And for the sophisticated kid (and future B'net reader) who appreciates the quirky, satirical and outrageous, The Pop-Up Book of Phobias packs a punch with its macabre art and dark humor. Psychotic fears are celebrated with the artist's eye popping cut outs. Afraid of the circus? It’s no laughing matter – or is it? You might be experiencing "coulrophobia", an overwhelming fear of clowns. A dozen other phobias are humorously explored. $29.95. Museum Store, Montclair Art Museum.

December 13, 2005 in Shopping With Barista | Permalink