VARSITY BLUES ( AND REDS AND GREENS )
For years, college students have been going crazy for the items sold by Varsity Couture—but now everyone is jumping on the popular line's bandwagon. The fleece poncho is still popular, but the line has expanded to include sandals, scrunchies ( called pomchies ) , swing capes and mittens. ( 847-291-6637 or www.VarsityCouture.com )
CURIOUS GORGE
As you might guess from the company's name, Curious Cookie specializes in all types of the delectable dessert that you'll want to gorge on, including ginger-cranberry, snickerdoodles and that standby, chocolate chip. However, in addition to the premium treats, Curious Cookie specializes in muffin-top ( fruit-based ) cookies and event gluten-free treats. ( www.curiouscookie.com )
BOOK IT
As the first and only pre-loaded audiobook player, Playaway brings pages to life at the push of a button. Audio content and digital technology are now merged into a single-player format, allowing Playaway to fit audiobook listeners' lifestyles in a way CDs, cassettes and downloads cannot match. Now there's no excuse for not experiencing The Kite Runner, The Scarlet Letter—or The Boxcar Children: The Chocolate Sundae Mystery, if you're so inclined. ( Titles start at $29.99; www.playawaydigital.com )
BABY
GENIUSES
Parents have been relying on Baby Einstein products to educate their little ones, and the company has a whole line of items that aim to put toddlers at the heads of their classes. Baby Santa's Music Box DVD brings to life the sights of the holiday season—coupled with sounds of traditional melodies from England, Ireland, France, Germany, Israel, Japan and the United States. ( $129.99; www.babyeinstein.com )