The Orion Online

Issue date: 12/3/08 Section: Entertainment

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Santa Claus is making his list and checking it twice, but what constitutes as grounds from being pegged "naughty" or "nice"? Wallets are thinner and Santa's sack of gifts will undoubtedly be lighter this year. Will investing in "green" gifts and fundraising cappuccinos and avoiding overpriced underwear earn you a spot on St. Nick's "nice" list?

Buying for the environmentally thoughtful and economically conscious this shopping season just may be the answer to your holiday gift quandaries.

Gifts for (and from) the earth

I won't lie to you, I don't compost. I rarely separate my trash and recyclables, except when I'm on campus and I pass a neatly marked receptacle. I don't call myself an "eco-warrior," but I do think eco-friendly gifts are worth a gander.

Take the H20 Multi Functional Alarm Clock for example. This cute contraption is powered by water, not batteries, and tells the time as well as current temperature. For only $29, this is the gift that keeps on giving when you never have to buy another pack of Duracell AAAs.

Red is the new green

Starbucks is following the path of compassion companies such as Gap and Apple with its newest campaign to raise money for the fight against AIDS in Africa. Five cents from your overpriced drink will go to the Global Fund, which finances programs combating AIDS and malaria worldwide. Beverages such as Peppermint Mocha Twist, Gingersnap Latte and Espresso Truffle are (RED) exclusive and will be sold until Jan. 2.

Skip your usual venti double espresso shot caramel macchiato and sip on a coffee that not only perks you up, but also donates to those in need.

Making naughty look so nice

The economy is suffering from a historic recession, but that hasn't stopped Victoria's Secret from unveiling this year's multimillion-dollar "Fantasy Bra." Worn by Brazilian beauty Adriana Lima, this year's $5 million black diamond Fantasy Bra included around 3,900 diamonds with two black jewels totaling 100 carats dangling between Lima's C-cups.

Beverly Hills jeweler Martin Katz was commissioned to build the bedazzled brassiere and spared no expense to wow the audience at the 2008 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.

All the glitter, feathers and cleavage airs tonight at 10 on CBS.

Kenna can be reached at
entertainmenteditor@theorion.com

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