Times are tough and the holidays are coming. What better way to show your appreciation than with personalization?

PersonalizationMall.com offers a long list of those particular gifts from frames to stockings, which were made just for that special person in your life.

Why not start a tradition this year with ornaments?

"Our ornaments are an inexpensive way to create a lasting holiday keepsake or, in some cases, family heirlooms," said Jeff Chun, marketing manger for PersonalizationMall.com. "Customers are buying these ornaments for themselves, giving them as Christmas gifts to friends and family and using them to commemorate special milestones."

The classic ornaments are made from engraved glass, silver and wood. Colorful and contemporary designs crafted from ceramic or painted resin are also offered.

Better yet, you can get an ornament produced from your own digital photo.

"Our customers love our ornaments because the wide selection of designs really allow them to express their creativity and tastes in a personal way," said Chun. "This year we are excited to offer our customers more Christmas ornament options than ever before."

Another neat option ... tradition.

Each year, parents or siblings have purchased a custom ornament for each member of the family. For parents, when a child leaves home, the ornaments go with them to decorate their own tree. For the grown-ups, the ornament reminds them of a loved one each year.

Founded in 1998 in Woodridge, Ill., the Personalization Mall was formed to provide customers with that personal gift to express their feelings and emotions to loved ones.

Keeping with the American feeling, the support team has never been outsourced: They are there to answer any questions and solutions to the almost 4,000 items offered.

A fast turnaround time of one to two days ensures you'll get it on time. Plus, they only cost about $12 apiece.

For more information, call 630-910-6000 or visit www.personalizationmall.com.

SPIN IT

It's fun, functional and effective. The Spin 'n Stor Reusable Salad Spinning Bag from Argee Corp. allows you to wash, spin, store and enjoy your greens and herbs.

"It's just spin, drain and store," said Robert Goldman, president of Argee Corp. and inventor of the Spin 'n Stor. It takes the hassle out of having either a large salad spinner or patting the leaves dry with paper towels.

Simply place the freshly washed greens or herbs in the bag, hold the top closed and vigorously spin the bag in a circular motion. The water collects in the bottom reservoir. Pour the water out and you are ready to go.

Not only can you go easily to a picnic or work, it saves space in the fridge as well.

Foldable and reusable, The Spin 'n Stor bags retail for $4 for a package of four.

For more information, call 800-449-3030 or visit www.argeecorp.com.

Maggie Reed may be reached at trocar2000@hotmail.com. To find out more about Maggie Reed, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit www.creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2008 CREATORS SYNDICATE INC.