As a kid who was raised half secular Jew and half vague Christian, this holiday season always meant one main thing for me: booty. Indeed it's a queer fact of American culture that during this time of year materialism at its most flagrant has displaced the miraculous (something both faiths deliver), and competition (for the best gifts and the lowest prices) seems to have displaced such quaint notions as altruism.

(Ninety years ago, Margaret Woodrow Wilson, daughter of the 28th President, was so distressed by this state of affairs, she established the Society to Prevent Useless Giving, or SPUG.) .

For all of us who are compelled to practice rampant consumerism by obligation, reputation, or the sheer fun of it, the gifts below at least aspire to higher things.

1) Love Nest These opalesque glass eggs seem to glow from within. Resting in a nest of recycled wire, they say “togetherness,” “rebirth,” and “give the minimalist décor a rest” all in one mantel-spiffing swoop. $39 at VivaTerra.com

2) Chakra Jewels Whether she’s a sharp fashion whip or a crunchy crystal lover (or some amalgam of the two), she’ll appreciate the jewelry from Energy Muse. All of the necklaces, bracelets, and earrings have been dubbed “Jewelry with a Purpose.” Particularly stunning is the 7th Chakra necklace made of amethyst, labradorite, and quartz. It’s said to balance our highest, most spiritually connected chakra. It even comes with its own affirmation: I am aligned with the divine consciousness. $110 at energymuse.com

3) Yoga for Dudes Like 70s football star Rosey Grier’s “It’s All Right to Cry” song from Free to Be You and Me, this book, Real Men Do Yoga : 21 Star Athletes Reveal Their Secrets for Strength, Flexibility and Peak Performance by John Capouya, gives men permission to let go a little. Perfect for the stretch-inhibited guy in your life––about $10 at Amazon.

4) Lovers Gift Basket No better way to express your deep appreciation than with a big basket of organic treats. This one from Diamond Organics is stuffed with juicy fruit, home-baked baguettes, artisanal cheese, and of course, a generous dose of European chocolate truffles––plus a bottle of wine or sparkling juice to wash it all down. $169 at DiamondOrganics.com.

5) Spa Luxe Everyone loves that whole body-mind-spirit yum brought on by a great massage. At spafinder.com you can get a gift certificate for use at thousands of spas, “both across the globe and across the street.” Buy one for at least $150 until November 30, and you get a free Pucci-esque case for it. Spafinder.com

Photo by Justin Gaynor.