Smart shoppers have great educational choices online too. SmartKids' Toys has a selection that takes into account a child's natural curiosity about the world around them. Find toys to stimulate and encourage kids to learn, grow, and have fun. The Toy Advisory helps to pick the perfect gift, and wrapping with messages are included free of charge. SmarterKids.com focuses on software for the young scholar. Shoppers will also find instructional books, toys, and games in the gift center. Sign up for the newsletter, and get great deals in your e-mail almost weekly--with occasional free software offers. While you're looking at educational pursuits, don't forget the importance of reading in any young person's life. Beyond Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble and Borders Books, there's KUBS - Kids' Universe Bookstore. KUBS is an online bookstore dedicated to the finest children's literature for educational pleasure. The materials selected range from the whimsical and entertaining, to the educationally-instructive. Contributors to the site include professionals and laypeople who serve and educate today's children and their families.

For Teens and Kids at Heart

No one knows what to get for Generation Y. With the click of a mouse, find out what's hot and what's not, to ensure that your teen won't be sullen with your gift selection. Teens seem to spend an awful lot of time online, so check out CompUSA for everything computer-related. From the home page, you can link to CompUSANet, a virtual computer superstore. Operated independently of CompUSA, CompUSANet has unbelievable specials in the Xtreme Buys and Clearance sections (located in the left navigation bar). You can purchase new, fully-loaded computers for as little as US$300 after rebates. Or check the Software Blowout for bargains starting at just 95 cents! Egghead.com is another good stop when looking for computer stuff. Compare both sites for better pricing; the extra few minutes can save you several dollars, even on relatively inexpensive software purchases. Both CompUSA and Egghead.com feature auction areas, so you never know what you'll find--or at what price! Are the teens in your life "Livin' La Vida Loca?"

It's easy to find the Backstreet Boys, Christina Aguilera, Ricky Martin, and many others online. CDNow always features lots of sale items with background information, reviews, and tracks from albums available for online shoppers. If you're oblivious to today's music, head straight to the gift center for recommendations and help. CD Connection has an impressive search capability, allowing searches by artist and title, as well as manufacturer's label, catalog number, and more. Free shipping is also included on US orders of $100 or more. If your teens march to a different beat than the Top 40, check out Planet CD. This site features music by independent artists, arranged by category. The catalog is small, but growing. Sign the guestbook, and you'll receive free bumper stickers to attach to your gift. Another alternative music site, Hepcat Records, comprises everything from psychobilly to folk to country to island music -- all by independent artists. Scroll down and select Hepcat Records to access the music store. When they're not in front of the TV, computer, or stereo, many of today's teens are on the move.

Get ready sports fans -- Fogdog Sports lets you buy brand name goods online for virtually any sport, as well as memorabilia, books and videos. Volume discounts are also available. Listing equipment for over 36 activities, Gear.com promises discount prices on close-out sporting goods. Whether your teen is into kayaking or camping, Gear.com has the gear for you. Use the What's New feature in the search bar to learn about new products and promotions. For the true fanatic, choices abound online. Champion Sports Collectibles has an interesting assortment of pro sports memorabilia,with some pieces from Hollywood and political arenas as well. Baseball fans will love the selection, including pitching rubbers signed by the eight 300-game winners. All Sports has over 5,000 trading cards in stock, plus autographed articles, collectibles, and sports-themed Hallmark ornaments. If you're shopping for an outdoor teen who hates the indoors (unless it's the mall), check out REI.Recreational Equipment Inc. is actually a cooperative where members can receive money back on their purchases each year. The selection of outdoor gear is tremendous, with an emphasis on quality and value. The Army Surplus Store stocks plenty of military gear, from clothing to tents, featuring both new and surplus merchandise.