Last-Minute Luxe Gift Guide

The panic's officially set in.

No, other than a few pounds of appropriately colored M&Ms, you haven't started shopping for gifts yet. In fact, you may have gone through a bag or two already, so you'll need to get something to replace that, too.

That's where our ultimate gift guide comes in: We've done the research, searched the stores and tested the wares, so you don't have to. Here are seven unique luxury gifts for everyone special on your list, all guaranteed to provoke a grateful gasp of, "Where did you find this?"

And the best part? No one will ever suspect that you bought them just a day in advance.

Shopping for Approval

Start simple: What self-respecting bacchant would turn a nose up at champagne?

This isn't just any bottle -- it's the Dom Perignon Rose Vintage 1996 ($400). This rose is a sophisticated blend of the best of chardonnay's lightness and pinot noir's strength, yielding a soothing yet assertive combination.

The rosy copper hue will put anyone in the holiday spirit, and the delicate, fruity and slightly smoky taste is bound to delight the most discerning palate.

Check at fine liquor stores or online for availability.

To accompany such a superior sip? The most exotic chocolates, of course.

Kee's Chocolates, owned by artisan confectioner Kee Ling Tong, has been turning out unexpected and stunning varieties since 2002. Each chocolate is lovingly handmade, and her devotion to the craft shines in rich and pure flavors such as blood orange, black sesame, Thai chili, smoked salt and lemon-basil ($42 for a box of 24).

Visit her Manhattan shop, or call [phone] to order. Present them with a smile, and you might even get to taste a truffle yourself.

For those sweet tooths who would prefer to have something left over other than an empty box, pick up the Grand Livre de Cuisine, Alain Ducasse's Desserts and Pastries cookbook ($195).

This tome is as much a dessert encyclopedia as it is as a celebration of pastry arts; the 250 recipes are each gorgeously photographed and have step-by-step instructions for restaurant-worthy presentation. It belongs as much on the coffee table as it does in the kitchen, and will no doubt absorb any dessert baker (or eater) for hours at a time.

Visit any major bookstore, or simply order online if you don't want to schlep the eight pounds.

For all the boys in your life, encourage them to get in touch with their wild side -- tastefully.

	A Big, Bad Wolf
	Photo: Sarah Cihat

Artist Sarah Cihat's wolf sculpture ($500) is striking enough to command attention, yet will look right at home on any of his walls, no matter what the decor.

A new piece in Cihat's Dirt line, this detailed wolf head is cast in either white or black porcelain and features gleaming, hand-painted gold teeth. Although Cihat, 27, admits that porcelain is very hard to work with, the effort is well worth it: The resulting surface is smooth and silky, with a luminescence that lights up the room.

This modern interpretation will replace that dusty stag head with style; it's available at Brooklyn design shop Matter, or contact Cihat directly.

Or, surprise with the ultimate bathroom accessory, refigured for royalty. He'll toss that disposable, drugstore razor for this sterling silver shaving set ($3,400) and never look back.

The Art of Shaving presents this solid and elegant pair -- a badger brush and sturdy razor -- in a simple swirl-patterned silver stand that would make even a public bathroom look upscale.

	An Alice McCall Original
	Photo: AliceMcCall.com

And for the ladies, why not surprise with a show-stopping dress from designer Alice McCall? This Australian native, 31, worked as a fashion and celebrity stylist in London for a decade before launching her own unique collection in 2004.

McCall's Party '06 line features dresses with vibrant, 1960s inspired patterns rendered in soft pastels (and even a modern take on the little black dress) -- perfect for making an unforgettable entrance at any seasonal soiree, or to take on that post-holiday resort trip. Any woman will feel youthful enfolded in McCall's elegant, flowing lines, and in unprecedented comfort as well.

Selections are available at boutiques worldwide, as well as from Elizabeth Charles online.

Still searching? Jewelry can fit the bill for everyone -- and according to recently opened New York shop Elleven, the options are infinite.

Owner and designer Nisim Cohen incorporates Middle Eastern influences, from his Moroccan and Israeli roots, with vintage inspiration, for his one-of-a-kind creations. Each sparkling piece is carefully handcrafted, and can be customized in myriad ways to offer something truly unique for everyone.

Currently in stock, sterling silver cufflinks ($125) are a classic choice; for women, colored diamond necklaces (starting around $300) and rings with mix-and-match metals -- such as combining rose, white and yellow gold -- have been popular selections for the season. Call [phone] for availability and ordering information.

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