A Winter Wonderland of Fashion Gifts for All by Sharon Mosley on Creators.com

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A Winter Wonderland of Fashion Gifts for All

When you're creating your holiday gift list this year, make it easy on yourself and give a gift that they won't want to exchange — one that fits your favorite friend or family member no matter what size they wear. While budgets may shrink this year, you can still give a great present with big style to everyone on your list.

Here are some hints for fashionable gifts that Santa guarantees will fit almost all:

— Winter scarves and wraps: Who doesn't like to wrap up in a warm, cozy scarf on a cold, blustery day? Whether it's the finest cashmere or the softest wool, no one can ever have too many scarves or mufflers in their wardrobe. Ditto for generous wraps or ruanas that can be worn alone or over coats — a great idea for keeping warm indoors when trying to save on heating bills, too. And girls, guys also like cashmere scarves.

— Winter hats: Another way to warm up the chilly days ahead and delight gift recipients who may not typically buy a hat for themselves, but would be thrilled to receive one as a present. Check out fleece-lined aviator hats or whimsical knit caps and berets for adults and kids.

— Winter gloves: This gift is a hands-down winner for the holiday season. No matter what ages show up on your list, gloves and mittens are always welcome — the more fun, the better. Choose colorful elbow-length velvet styles for the trendy women and soft leather gloves for the guys.

— Winter socks: Now, I know that this probably doesn't sound like the most exciting gift you've ever received, but in my family, we all receive a new pair every year in our stockings; we can't wait to pull them on and slide down the hallway to the eggnog.

(Obviously we like the nonskid soles.) In stores everywhere, you can find the new slipper socks — a little luxury to keep feet toasty — in bright colors and the softest yarns.

— Winter organizers: These gifts will come in handy all year; however, they're especially nice to unwrap just before the new year when most of us get the urge to stay organized. Look for special jewelry boxes or larger "armoire" stands that have specific compartments for rings, earrings and necklaces. Or choose from a variety of fun printed cases for iPods, eyeglasses or makeup.

— Winter handbags: Picking out a handbag is usually a personal thing, but now there are many unusual ways to carry all our belongings, which we love to lug around. Here are a few of my favorites to give:

The flat, boxy pocket clutch is a new twist on the wallet. In fun colors and textures, this is one present that I'm giving my teenage nieces this year. Try oversized tote bags as another gift idea. Look for ones updated in luxurious faux fur or in patterned canvas with patent leather trim.

— Gift cards: This could be considered a truly "one size fits all" present as well as one of the fastest and easiest ways to "ship" your gifts via e-mail, if the retailer has "virtual" gift cards available. Gift cards are perfect for all the last-minute Christmas Eve shoppers out there.

Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association. To find out more about Sharon Mosley and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.