Unique Gifts from Walt Disney World

Are you taking a trip to Walt Disney World, and wondering what to bring back for those family and friends at home? Disney, of course, offers just about every gift item under the sun, emblazoned with their logo and characters. But what about the person who's not a Disney freak, or for whom a Mickey Mouse plush just doesn't cut it? Here are some gift ideas for those hard-to-buy-for people in your life.

-Mouse ears: At $15 to $20, these won't break the bank, either. You can still get the traditional black-on-black kind that have been sold at the parks for years, but today Disney sells a wide range of ears--pirates, princesses, primary-colored with character faces, and more. For a one-of-a-kind pair, the Chapeau in the Magic Kingdom now has a "Make Your Own Ears" station, where you can choose the base, plastic ear attachments, patches and stickers and put it all together. The Chapeau is one of a few locations that will also monogram most ears with your name for a small fee.

-Something sparkly: Crystal Arts in the Magic Kingdom, and Arribas Brothers in Downtown Disney, specialize in glass and crystal of all kinds. While you can, of course, pick up your favorite Disney character in miniature, three-dimensional form (both in clear glass and encrusted with crystals), both stores also sell a variety of other cute creatures, some hand-blown by artisans in the shop, among other unusual non-Disney collectibles. They also will etch names on glassware and other items. Looking for something really ostentatious? Then check out the replica of Cinderella Castle, covered in thousands of colored Swarovski crystals.

-Something ethnic: Epcot's World Showcase is a shopper's paradise. Each nation's shops carry an array of souvenirs native to that country or culture. In Mexico, you can pick up hand-painted piggybanks and authentic clothing; Norway features troll statues and Helly Hansen sweaters. The China and Japan pavilions each have a huge "department store" featuring an array of items from food to shoes. In Germany, you can pick up Goebel figurines, beer steins and cuckoo clocks; Italy and France feature wine and perfume; England has a tea shop and a store devoted to Beatles merchandise; and Canada features hockey jerseys and Native American crafts. Prices range from the inexpensive to the outrageous, but you're sure to find something for everyone here. Also, if you happen to be in Disney's Animal Kingdom, or the Animal Kingdom Lodge hotel, you can purchase an array of African crafts (the selection seems to be better at the theme park).

-Pick-a-Pearl: In the Japan pavilion at Epcot, and at Downtown Disney, you have the opportunity to choose your very own oyster from a tank. Cast members will pry it open, pull out the pearl, measure it for you, and mount it into your choice of jewelry (extra charge). The pearls themselves are about $15 and you don't have to purchase jewelry; instead you can bring your pearl home to your local jeweler.

-Check out the resorts: Disney resorts, especially the deluxe resorts, often have shops that feature items related to the resort's theme. For example, the Polynesian resort features Hawaiian shirts and leis and a Wyland Gallery, and the Grand Floridian is home to several upscale clothing boutiques and a Basin White bath goods store.