There's always a mad rush for the department stores and the likes to alter the items in our Christmas lists into gifts for the people we hold dear. Now, shopping isn't really a stumper of an experience. It's in the preparation of our Christmas lists where we usually get perplexed. Often, in our desire to find the best Christmas gifts, we find ourselves in a bind trying to figure out which present is best suited for their desires and which item is best representative of the love we want to share.

So to help out, this article imparts the 5 hottest gift ideas for this holiday season. These 5 best Christmas gifts suggestions are sure to make your recipients feel loved, and you won't have to worry that they'll just be left in the drawer to collect dust.

1. An Apple iPod. Perhaps this generation's idea of cool, the Apple iPod has been ruling the roost of technological and portable astonishments for 2 years now. The Apple iPod has captured the world's fancy because of its minimalist design and its efficiency.

An Apple iPod is a portable mp3 player that can support some 2,000 to 50,000 songs, depending on the internal memory you choose.

2. Books. Nothing is as timeless as books. Books have been excellent gift ideas for many centuries, and even with the advent of technological fancies, books still remain a favorite pastime for many people. This is a testament to the amazing ongoing power of literature. There are many styles of books, of course, and your choice should depend on the preference of your prospective recipient. Self-help books are universally applicable, however, and so are inspirational ones that convey inspiring words to the readers.

3. Digital cameras. Capturing those precious memories in film has become almost obsolete with the advent of digital cameras in the market. Today, you can instantly view the images you have taken as they are digitally processed immediately after clicking. Digital cameras have led to a renaissance in photography as an art form. Today, there are more budding master photographers, because of the increase in number of photography enthusiasts armed with these digital cameras.

4. Mobile phones. Cellular phones are not as costly as they once were. Today, there are mobile phones fit for any budget range. Mobile hones also make super gifts. They seem to indicate a willingness to keep in touch as often as possible. Well-liked and reliable brands include Nokia, Samsung, Motorola and Sony Erickson.

5. Clothes. Whether they be shirts, skirts, jackets or dresses, clothes have always had that private feel when given as presents. They just seem more sentimental, given the fact they are worn and are always close to the recipient's body when used, and the fact that the person who gives such a gift has specially chosen that particular item.

Selecting a gift for someone special is never easy. We always want our gifts to be adored, and to be perfect commemorations of the occasion. With the suggestions given above, you're sure to come up with a most memorable gift for your recipients. And with their practical uses, he or she is sure to use and value them.