Alabama basket gift gourmet

Southern almanac

Forget the North Pole. Net-savvy Santas are skipping the mall, pulling on warm robes and slippers, pouring a steaming mug of cider, and pointing their Web browsers due south for the season's best sites, sounds, and flavors. OY Holiday shopping for cool Southern stuff is a snap. ( Just fire up your Internet connection, break out the list of who's been naughty and nice, and click till you drop.

I'll Have a Blue(bird) Christmas

Want to understand the secret to buying presents for a green thumb? Always remember that a gardener's finest gifts come from nature, and a perfect gift is a great nesting box-ideally one that attracts bluebirds and butterflies to the garden. Cosby, Tennessee-based Appalachian Traveller (apptrav.com) hosts a wonderful selection of sturdy, attractive shelters for everything from swallowtail butterflies to flying squirrels. The western cedar bluebird houses ($20) show an attention to detail that you'll appreciate. They have easy-open side cleanouts, plexiglass viewing windows, handy predrilled slots for hanging and one more feature that birds will find especially welcoming: predator guards.

Some Like It Hot

Everyone knows a pepperhead. Easily recognized, he's the father who believes good scrambled eggs should make you sweat, or the neighbor whose wonderfully spicy chili requires a six-pack per bowl. You'll find ideal gifts for these folks at countrystore.tabasco.com. Owning any of McIlhenny's hot products (boxer shorts to bar accessories) just requires a click of the mouse. Our favorites include gourmet gift sets of fiery marinades, sauces, and condiments ($18-$30) and the customized 12-ounce chef's-size bottle of Tabasco with a personalized label and authentic Cajun certificate ($10). Okay, we like the red pepper boxer shorts too.

Nuts, Crackers, Sweets

After making her mark in off-Broadway theaters and on television, North Carolina native Susan Batten wanted to share her favorite regional foods and recipes with the world. One nibble of fare from The Southern Food Company and visions of sugarplums may well turn to dreams of Grandmother's Chocolate Dipped Peanut Brittle. It and other delicacies, ranging from Mrs. Elizabeth's Tennessee Cheese Straws to North Carolina Golden Fried Peanuts, await at southernfoodcompany.com. Tins of sweets and jars of pickles ($13-$25) make beautiful gifts, or check out an Old-Fashioned Hamper ($59-$95) loaded with goodies for someone special.

Taking Care of Business

You'll find presents fit for a king of rock 'n' roll-and his most die-hard enthusiasts-at shopelvis.com. This official Elvis site rounds up every imaginable piece of Presley gear. Whether your fan's tastes lean toward a musical bear (he can be your teddy bear for $20-$30) or magnets featuring three of The King's custom-made jumpsuits ($13), you won't be disappointed. Know the collector who has everything? Not to worry, this site offers a replica of Elvis's massive signature "TCB" lightning-bolt ring. This Graceland exclusive will only set you back $1,850, but it practically guarantees a big "Thankyouverymuch" from your loved one.

12 Guitars Twangin', 11 Texans Sangin'...

Look out, Nashville. Just a sampling of performers-Willie, Waylon, Lyle, Lucinda, Delbert, the Dixie Chicksproves that country music has developed a distinct Texas accent. And the guys at lonestarmusic.com have carved out a perfect virtual home for all the country, rock, and rockabilly that the Lone Star State can produce. Check out tour dates, learn about the artist of the month, read reviews and news, discover new talent while listening to Texas Radio on-line, or chat with fellow fans. Best of all, you can search through the CDs and merchandise of more than 250 artists, making it easy to find that late-80s Steve Earle CD that Sis always borrows. Sounds like a hit to us.

Bread Boxes and Bows

Sister's on a roll. In fact, Sister Schubert may bake the most famous rolls on Earth. Her bakery started in the kitchen of her South Alabama home, and in less than 10 years has expanded to one of the nation's fastest-growing food comparties. Anyone who tries her delicious Parker House-style yeast rolls, orange yeast rolls, or cornbreads understands why and appreciates the introduction. You can create your own gourmet gift box ($25) or basket ($40) from an assortment of breads, pancake and coffee cake mixes, and fine coffee at www ssrolls.com. Throw in a couple of mugs, or even add a mitt for pulling those hot rolls out of the oven. And don't forget to pick up a few pans for yourself. After clicking through the whole holiday shopping list, you deserve a hot roll to go with that cider.

Jason gets his clicks as technology/ on-line editor of hotdots magazine.