The problem with me and Christmas shopping is that every time I find that perfect something for someone else, I find five perfect somethings for myself. Thus, this Christmas season has seen an accumulation of cuteness that isn't going with me on my holiday visit to L.A.

Actually, this little guy was a gift from a student. The face and clothes are printed on the package, which is think is such a smart way to package anthropomorphized candy. I hear he is made of chocolate, but I don't want to eat him to find out.

I bought these at the 100-yen store, two New-Year's-themed rubber stamps and small envelopes for giving New Year's money (otoshidama) to children. Last New Year's I visited the Hida Folk Museum in Takayama, where I saw a giant collection of these envelopes, dating back to who knows when. I have never been so tempted to steal something from a museum; all the colors and designs were amazing and inspirational.

The lower stamp features a picture of ozoni, the soup traditionally eaten on New Year's. You don't know how happy I am to now own a stamp depicting soup. (For more interesting facts about New Year's in Japan, read about it on Wikipedia. It's the best holiday in Japan and I'm sorry I'll be missing it this year.)

Finally, the latest addition to my ever-growing gift bag collection. The only problem is that the bags are so cute I rarely want to give them away. Chocoholic is a line of retro-looking super-cute goods. They have a thermos that makes me weak in the knees, but I just haven't been able to rationalize buying it yet. Maybe during my final Christmas gift run....