Top Women's Slippers for Christmas 2006

It's not too early to start thinking about Christmas presents, and every woman you know probably needs a new pair of slippers. Slippers protect our feet from the elements when we go out to get the morning paper. Slippers keep our feet warm in the winter when we're curled up with a good book and a cup of cocoa. Slippers keep us from stepping on crumbs in the kitchen when we're trying to get the kids fed and out the door. As you can see, there's ample justification for our love of slippers. But now that gift giving season is almost upon us, what are the best women's slippers you can buy?

1. Gabriella Rocha Beverly. If you live in a wintry climate, these slippers will undoubtedly keep you warm. Made with a shearling lining and collar, they also have a padded footbed and a rugged outsole to keep you from slipping on the ice if you do have to step onto the porch for a moment. But let's face it, $50 is a bit much to pay for a pair of women's slippers, and they aren't exactly sexy.

2. Hush Puppies Huron Slippers. These women's slippers are a cross between moccasins and dockers, and have a warm sherpa lining. The soft suede uppers are a nice touch, and they aren't immediately recognizable as slippers if that kind of thing is important to you, and you want to slip them on under your jeans.

3. Cozi Dalla.This is a classic ballet slipper. Easy to slip on, feminine, and unobtrusive. It's a women's slipper that fits like a glove. Unfortunately, it provides next to no support if you wanted to wear them around the house.

4. Daniel Green Topaz Slipper. If you're going to go with a mule, leaving the back of your foot exposed, there's no reason to settle for one of the ugly toe-muffs that pass for women's slippers these days. Instead, consider a slipper like this one that has a little sheen and a little shape. It's almost fancy!

5. Daniel Green Meg Slipper. Along the same lines, if you're looking for a women's slipper that seems more like a shoe, consider one with a little dazzle. This loafer slipper is known for its longevity and suppleness. You may get a lot of wear out of this women's slipper before it's time to buy another. Plus, it's sparkly as a Christmas gift. There's also an embroidered version which is more youthful.

6. HoloMedics Sole Mates Memory Foam Slippers. Talk about sliding into comfort. These women's slippers form to the shape of your foot and create a gentle cradle to massage your foot as long as you wear them. These are perfect for sleeping in late New Years Day. Plus, at $25, they're much more reasonable than you might otherwise expect from a women's slipper.

7. Chaia Suede Slipper Moccasin. This women's slipper gets points for functionality. The faux fur lining is cleverly disguised even if the slipper itself is a little homely. The slipper looks like a shoe, but the most important feature of these slippers is the price. For $13, they're worth a peek.

8. Pink and White Bunny Slippers. If you're looking for whimsical women's slippers, nothing is cuter than these bunny slippers for $20. The pink ears are an especially nice touch.

9. Iris Slippers. The Cadillac of women's slippers, this luxurious faux-ballet style slipper has a twist. Actual support in addition to a fluffy lining. These women's slippers are lovely and feminine, but at $50, they'll need to come with a CD player and four wheel drive.

10. Minnetonka Fluffy Moccasin Slipper. Now, here's a strange combination when it comes to women's slippers. A moccasin slipper crossed with a furry come-hither bedroom slipper. The result, especially in pink, cannot fail to amuse. But these are durable, and adjustable - something missing from a lot of women's slippers.