Holiday Gifts for People Living On Their Own for the First Time

Is there anyone on your list who is setting up housekeeping for the first time? A brand-new grad, a newly-divorced dad? Seems like it would be easy to buy a gift, but for the person who needs everything, it can be a challenge to choose which one. You don't have to default to a check or a gift card with these fresh ideas.

ButterFleece(TM) Zip-T

This snuggly-warm mid-weight microfleece pullover is an exclusive from Sahalie (order on-line or from their catalog). Perfect for anything from morning runs to laundry runs to wearing around the house in winter when the thermostat is - shall we say - not set as high as we would like. I live in mine from October chills until March goes out like a lamb. Soft, smooth 100-weight polyester microfleece washes great, packs light, and layers well. ¼-zip front. Available in Black, Blue Streak, Cream, Evergreen, Fog, Indigo, Navy, Orange Crush, Red Pepper, Rhodi, Teal, Caution Yellow (swatches available on the web site). Priced from 12.50 to 24.50, depending on size.

The Loki® Hat

While we're staying warm, this one-piece, polyester fleece convertible hat is terrific, especially if you live in a cold, snowy climate. Thanks to a cleverly designed drawstring at the top, this becomes a neck gaiter for a little extra warmth, or a full-face mask for those long, frigid waits at the subway or bus stop, or if you're a fan of cold-weather sports. I even wear mine in the house on chilly mornings - it's soft and comfy and won't give you "hat head." Washable, one size fits all. Comes in blue (21.50) or black (29.50). Purchase on-line from Sahalie or many other web sites.

How To Cook Everything

This comprehensive book by Mark Bittman is great for anyone navigating his or her own kitchen for the first time. Although it assumes some of the most basic culinary skills, Bittman's helpful tips and easy-to-understand instructions will help the neophyte…well…cook everything. Saves money, too, by offering recipes that don't require expensive ingredients or fancy equipment, so you can make dishes that will let you keep to your budget and eat well, too. Available from amazon.com or most bookstores. Amazon pricing: Hardcover - $23.10; Paperback - $14.93

George Foreman Grills

A perennial favorite, with good reason. If you don't have space for a barbecue grill, or the bucks to go out a restaurant when you feel like having a steak, take it indoors! Not only does it grill chicken, steaks, fish…but it makes great grilled cheese sandwiches, too. Single parents (as well as harried families) like it because they can make kid-friendly meals in a hurry. The grill had no bells and whistles when I bought mine years ago, but now you can get versions with bun warmers, removable grills (for easy cleaning) and timers (great for those culinary cowards like me who never can tell when the chicken is cooked.) Buy on-line or from any kitchen store or department store selling kitchen supplies (Try Best Buy, Macy's, Kohl's or Target) Price varies from 24.99 to $129.99, depending on the size and features. The $24.99 grill can grill two burgers. (Pricing from Best Buy on-line)

Subscription to Real Simple Magazine

I picked up a copy of this magazine casually at the gym one day and was immediately hooked. It's full of money-saving tips for decorating, shopping and menu planning, as well as advice for optimizing time spent doing household chores and errands. Geared toward women, but I doubt most men would be embarrassed to have it sitting on their coffee tables. Order a subscription or a free sample from their web site. $23.95 for 12 issues; $17.95 for each additional gift for those other people in your life who could use a little simplicity.