the buzz log

When times are tough, the tough get crafty. If Yahoo! Search is an indicator, you should expect lots of hand-knit socks, fruitcakes, and other homemade delights this season. Of course, who needs more store-bought stuff when we already have three iPods, seven TVs, and a garage full of unused gadgets from holidays past.

Sometimes something that says "made with love" is the best statement of all. And if you're cheap, even better. Check out some of the top "do it yourself" searches that are getting all kinds of creative juices going. Our favorite: "do it yourself caribou hunt." Hint, hint!

Filed under: Holidays, Art, Gift Ideas, Crafts, Christmas

The Buzz has noticed a tremendous upsurge in holiday gift searches of a more sensible nature. And that's OK. Not every present under the tree should throb with firepower or ooze animal magnetism. Frankly, some of us prefer the wash-and-wear practicality of acrylic blend over the high maintenance allure of pashmina.

But say you're the sort who considers the "Victoria's Secret Fashion Show" a family Yuletide special. You may want a little assistance in finding an appropriate gift for maiden aunts, bachelor uncles, and co-workers who've read up on their anti-harassment rights. Here are some top searches for unsexy gifts—because when it comes to gift-giving, safety first.

• Uggs—more winsome than provocative, the sheepskin-lined boots register in the top 700 searches, thanks to ladies in their teens to early 50s.
• Crocs—firmly in the top 3,500 searches, the rubber clog counts women 45-54 among its core faithfuls.
• Hoovers—Roomba and Dyson have the come-hither tech appeal, but Hoover gets even more searches than "vacuum cleaners."
• Socks—up 10%, the foot cosy favorites include variations like slipper, toe, heated, thorlo, christmas, and electric (although that last one verges on sexy).
• Crockpot—a slow simmer that never gets too hot is just the ticket for anyone over 25.
• Christmas sweaters—a traditional favorite to which pre-teens especially cuddle up, the holiday wear has already headed to the top 40,000.
• Gag gifts—not only decidely unsexy, it's positively emasculating... which might explain why women lead the searches at 64%.
• Coffee mugs—as long as you stay away from politics or the risqué, the cup brews eternal for all ages.
• Thermos—up 303%, the food containers favored include Nissan and Aladdin.
• Trimmers—just a bump of interest for the grooming products, but those who suffer the luxury of too much nose hair will thank you.

Filed under: Holidays, Gift Ideas, Christmas

Our first foray into the Search logs revealed several innovative uses of the gift certificate. Though "las vegas gift certificates" earned our personal thumbs-up, the most-searched-on favors lined up to be redeemed in this order...

Meanwhile, the big hairy apes of the credit card biz seem to have company-specific presents firmly in their grasp. Check out these top searches for brand-name cards (and remember, dear shoppers, to keep an eye out for hidden fees and expiration dates).

Filed under: Gifts, Gift Ideas