imagination. Some picks: Simple, sinuous and pleasing, the Padova candle snuffer ($135), by Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co., is her modern take on the classic long-handled hinged snuffer. To go with it, choose her cobalt blue crystal candlestick in the Bone design ($125).

The ancient Egyptians regarded felines as dieties, as demonstrated by the many cat statues that survive in museums. A reproduction statue of the Egyptian cat goddess Bastet ($90) is available through the Alexandria Catalog published by the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum and Planetarium in San Jose, Calif. The 12-inch regal cat, thought to be the eye of the moon, can stand guard in the home or garden. For a catalog, call 1 (888) 767-2278.

For simple dazzle, consider a royal tiara. A replica of one worn by Britain's Queen Mary, with imitation drop pearls and diamante dazzle (about $654.36 via the exchange rate) is available from -- where else -- the Jewel House Shop at the Tower of London. Or choose a more modest pair of Prince of Wales Feathers earrings (about $16.32). To order, call (44) 171-680-9017 or fax (44) 171-481-1599. Shipping is extra.

Prized collectibles in sterling silver include small boxes to be carried or displayed. Buccellati goes zoological with boxes in the shapes of a crab ($1,850) or a turtle ($1,000). Cazenovia offers a textured silver seashell ($137.50), while Dean Thaxter creates a nouveau-style leaf abstract ($244).

For simple elegance, there's a box with an engraved grid pattern ($48), from Charles Tomae & Son.

Are you on tenterhooks about the Y2K problem? No? Enjoy the countdown anyway, with the Millenium 2000 Countdown Clock ($24.95). It tells you the exact number of days, hours, minutes and seconds remaining until the turn of the new century.

Computers are everywhere, but one that stands out, at least visually, is the hand-crafted Oberhofer computer system in solid mahogany or cherry hardwood, available through the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book.

Special presents Here's the tab: monitor, $3,995; mouse, $350; keyboard, $650; mousepad, $50.

The mouse is carved from one block of wood, with continuous grain. The catalogue is $6.50 and can be ordered by calling 1 (800) NEIMANS.

Think about delivering your gift in a gift -- perhaps cookies -- in a glittering stainless steel lidded box ($6.95) from Ikea. Just festoon it with a ribbon, and you've got a wrap.

The single drop diamond necklace is a '90s classic. According to the Diamond Information Center, a good quality solitaire necklace with a carat weight of .25 can be found at jewelers for as little as $299.

Definitely not traditional is Bulgari's Tondo pendant ($800), a bold circular pendant in stainless steel and gold with either a clover, heart, cross or sun in the center. Wear it with a leather lace ($170).

A bunting for the well-heeled baby, Revillon's Chinchilla Baby Backpack ($12,000) will get her used to the fancier things in life, early.

Destined to be a new classic, the Nouvelle Vague Ring in white or yellow 18K gold ($1,200) from Cartier is bold, simple, and engravable. The wide, substantial band is appropriate for both men and women.

Using lost wax molding to make a replica of a a 96 B.C. silver tetradrachm of Apollo, a company called Treasures of Antiquity uses the copied rare coin to create a pendant set in a rare green gold ($10,500, or $18,500 with diamonds).

The firm, an investment house specializing in ancient coins, has a line of rings, bracelets and other pieces based on coins dating from 500 B.C. to 1450 A.D. -- AP