CHECK IT OUT:

Like it or not, the holiday shopping season has officially begun. Want to skip the crowds at the mall this year? Relax: There are plenty of stress-free alternatives to finding perfect presents for everyone on your gift list.

You can shop online and never leave the comfort of your chair as you peruse retail and auction websites. Or you can save money and make gift baskets, holiday treats, and unique crafts that showcase your creativity.

The Newport Beach Public Library has an impressive selection of gift-giving guides, online shopping tutorials, and specialty crafts titles to cure your holiday shopping blues.

Perhaps the easiest way to zip through your gift list is to buy your presents online. “Thepurplebook: the Definitive Guide to Exceptional Online Shopping” by Hillary Mendelsohn includes 1,600 recommended retail websites that are arranged by popular categories. During the holiday season, several online stores offer free shipping so be sure to look for discount codes as you navigate these sites. Almost all online retailers will gift wrap your purchases for a nominal extra charge, which will save you even more time.

Incredible bargains on a variety of gifts, including rare and discontinued items, can be found on auction websites. “Absolute Beginner’s Guide to eBay” by Michael Miller is a handy primer on how to research, bid on, and purchase merchandise listed on eBay.

If you are short on cash, but not on time, consider making gifts for your loved ones. “Crafting Christmas Gifts” by Tone Finnanger gives step-by-step instructions on how to create rocking reindeer, appliqué penguins, gingerbread ornaments, and other holiday motif projects.

Gift baskets are an affordable way to create thoughtful presents that are one-of-a-kind. “The Perfect Basket: How to Make a Fabulous Gift Basket for Any Occasion” by Diane Phillips features more than 60 themed baskets with tips on how to select, assemble, and decorate your basket or container. Find even more gift basket ideas in “Bountiful Baskets: Creating Perfect Gifts for Any Occasion” by Sara Toliver. Another good choice is “Jazzy Gift Baskets: Making & Decorating Glorious Presents” by Marie Browning.

Almost everyone appreciates homemade baked goods and treats during this time of year. “Christmas Gifts of Good Taste” by Leisure Arts Inc. has recipes for amaretto truffles, cinnamon almond brittle, eggnog fudge and other holiday concoctions.

Do you enjoy knitting? If so, pick up “Last-Minute Knitted Gifts” by Joelle Hoverson for several easy-to-follow patterns than can be completed in 10 hours or less. Projects are arranged by how long they take to make. There are plenty of gift ideas to choose from including scarves, baby booties and bonnets, sweaters, and floor cushions.

Perhaps you need some advice on how to personalize and decorate gifts for your family and friends. “Creative and Thoughtful Gift Giving: Easy Ideas for Making Gifts Special” by Leah Ingram is a beautifully illustrated guide with gift presentation ideas that are quick to assemble.

Men often feel uncomfortable selecting and shopping for gifts, particularly during the holiday season. “The Gift Giving Handbook for the Inept Man” by Timothy Schnabel is a highly entertaining guide with more than 3,000 suggestions and savvy tips on what to give the woman who has everything or is impossible to please.

Hurry into the library today for gift-giving ideas that will make your holidays sizzle.

CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach Public Library. This week’s column is by Tamara Henn. All titles may be reserved from home or office computers by accessing the catalog at www.newportbeachlibrary.org. For more information on the Central Library or any of the branches, please contact the Newport Beach Public Library at (949) 717-3800, option 2.