'Virtual Gifts' Make Good Stop-Gap Presents

Are you a VERY last-minute shopper who can't get to the mall? Or perhaps you have completely forgotten about someone?

While I can't save you from yourself, I can try to save you from whomever you have forgotten with a virtual gift. Virtual Presents can let your loved one know you were thinking of them -- at least a little.

The site offers to send a picture of what you wanted them to actually have with a note from you. The categories range from food, pets and flowers to jewelry and tools.

There are also fantasy gifts so you can at least let them (virtually) know how much you think of them. You can send vacations, cars and planes to someone and they can imagine owning them.

However, if you are truly imaginative, you can send a picture to the Web site and they will make up a special announcement just for you. So if your significant other has been eyeing a house, snap a photo and send it away. Faster than Santa's elves, they will receive an e-mail of their dream gift.

The site can be a lifesaver in business as well. Send off a dozen doughnuts to a faraway client and they will get a good laugh as well as remember who you are.

Be careful what you send though. If you don't attach the proper note, your recipient may think you intend to send them the "real" gift as well.

And that could be worse than no gift at all!

Happy Holidays!