The crunch is on! Only 14 shopping days until Christmas so I have once again designed the “L” list (called so because of my nickname, Lucky Lana) to pass on some gift ideas that might help you decide the perfect gift to take the stress off of Santa.

In this world of high tech “stuff” I have decided to declutter my life and buy less stuff, which has lead me to give gifts in the same manner. I do feel the best gifts are sharing time with another person and even helping them out when they need it. One year for Christmas I opened a card from my mother and in it were 12 small paper hearts. Written on them was one day of each month for her to come out and watch my baby daughter. It was such a great gift. I received well-needed time for myself and Rosie received a special day with grandma. She will be 21 soon and those days are the best remembered gifts both of us have.

Another example of spending time: One year I bought my sister and daughter Rosie a gift certificate to a spa. I went along with them the day they chose and we had a great day together with a forever memory that did not clutter any space. Pamela K. Myers, a licensed massage therapist and registered yoga teacher, has an office located in Lombard and Glen Ellyn and offers massage therapy. For a gift certificate, call her at (630) 495-8988. If you wish the spa experience, try Coldwater Creek — The Spa in Naperville. For more information, visit www.coldwatercreek.com or call (630) 527-9298.

One of my favorite nail salons in Lombard is Kelly Nails at 1125 S. Main St., located in the same strip mall as Enchanted Castle. They are reasonably priced and I can personally recommend the deluxe pedicure, which comes with a leg massage. I like to buy a package for a pedicure and manicure together. And while you are in the vicinity of Enchanted Castle, pick up a gift certificate for your favorite kid to spend some time at one of the most popular kid places in town.

When Rosie was young and we had to give grab bag gifts, I always liked to try something different. I went to Schweppes’s on North Avenue and bought popcorn boxes like the ones at the movies. The kid who opened our package would find that box filled with candy and a gift certificate to a movie. This always went over big.

Gift certificates are always good. A lot of times instead of just tipping with money, I purchase gift certificates from my favorite places around town. A dining experience worth noting is Zelly’s. This is by far one of my favorite hamburger joints in town. They are located just west of the intersection of Roosevelt and Westmore-Meyers right behind the Shell gas station. Their cheeseburgers are just great!

Right about now Phillip’s Flowers and Gifts on Main Street have their Christmas arrangements out. If you pay attention and time it right, catch their 50 percent off sale. I have gotten grab bag gifts there for the past couple of years and even stored them for the following year.

For those seeking something really different, a ticket to a concert or a play would make a great gift. I have received tickets to see Bette Midler and Cher in concert and truly enjoyed the gift. Most recently my sister bought me a ticket to accompany her to see “The Jersey Boys” playing at the Bank of America Theater in downtown Chicago. The play was fabulous. For ticket information, call (312) 902-1400.

I hope I helped you put some thought into your Christmas gift giving. I wish you the gift of the Christmas spirit throughout the 2008 holiday season.