Some may think that skulls are best saved for Halloween, and while it’s true that you can’t go wrong with a little bit of the macabre in October, the skull trend is still going strong, so they’re fine for the holiday season, too. Deakin & Francis Skull Cufflinks are handmade in England of solid, 18-karat yellow gold. Intriguingly, the tiny skulls have movable jaws. Try to avoid the temptation to play with them like little ventriloquist dummies during boring meetings - or at least practice silent laughter first. Price: $3,900.

Mia & Kompany, a trendy jewelry company in Los Angeles is joining the ranks of companies helping to raise awareness and funds for Africa. Their new Isibindi Diamond Medallion Collection benefits South African orphans whose parents have died or are dying of AIDS. The round medallions are engraved on with the words Isibindi (the name of the project in South Africa) and Dapperheid, which both mean “courage.” The collection includes 14-karat gold or …

Since jewelry is always a hot choice for the holidays, it’s important to stop for a moment and take into consideration what it is you are purchasing. Those special prices can look tempting, but it’s worth putting in a bit of extra effort (and perhaps a bit of extra cash) to ensure you get something worthwhile. It will pay off in the long run when you have a lovely diamond that will probably increase in value. In fact, that is just the point that the New York Times makes with their tips on the ABCs of diamond-buying. The first …

Like the patten on the bottle, Missoni Parfum is a complex and vibrant weave of different scents. It is fruity, with floral and hazelnut notes, ideal for wearing to parties or other less-than-serious events. You won’t have a problem identifying the bottle, even without smelling the perfume. Missoni’s colorful, signature stripes are hard to miss. This is a nice fragrance for a Missoni fan, but it is also likely to convert a lot of people to the brand once they get a whiff. The bottle holds 0.5 ounces. Price: $300.

Le Petite Retreat, a day spa in Los Angeles, has created a bunch of spa packages for giving or indulging in. The top of the list is their Decadent Couples Spa Package. It includes two spa robes, a 90-minute Jade Stone Massage for two, enzyme facials, an ionic detoxing foot bath, and for a delectable finish, a bath for two that includes champagne and caviar. Take home gifts include a basket that holds theRegenisCell skin care collection, a …