It’s that time of year again, the time when most of us dig down deep and spend as much money on as many people as we can possibly afford, or not afford, for that matter.

Happy holidays. Yep, it’s officially that time of year again, so you might as well get used to it.

So many gifts exchanged during the holidays scarcely outlast the wrapping paper and big bows they came packaged in, and their broken and discarded pieces meet their festive wrappings in landfill. This year, consider giving gifts that last — tokens of love and friendship that will be cherished well beyond this holiday season.

Instead of buying your friends and family items that may be quickly stored and forgotten, this year, consider giving them tickets or a gift certificate for an experience they will remember. Catering to their interests while also providing something unique they might not otherwise have a chance to explore.

What do you get for the beer lover in your life that has everything? Or more appropriately, has tried every Kolsch, Baltic porter and barleywine money can buy?

This holiday season, you don’t need to be an expert to find a gift for your kitchen-dwelling friend. Here are a few ideas that will get your thoughts cooking and will give your friend’s kitchen skills a boost. Some of these items also have some unexpected benefits and dual purposes that may come in handy.

Ballet Nouveau Colorado. 7:30 p.m. Performing Arts Complex at PCS, 1001 W. 84th Ave., Denver, 303-450-3985. The Ride With Santa..

Buying a gift for self-proclaimed foodies can be daunting, especially if you aren’t as knowledgeable as they are on the subject. You can’t go wrong with a gift card or a dinner at one of the nicer places in town. On the other hand, if you are feeling a bit more adventurous, here are a few engaging gift ideas for your food-and-beverage-loving friend.

Just 10 years ago we couldn’t imagine some of the technology we have today. Everything from small touch-screen computers and phones to the near irrelevancy of CDs and DVDs. This year we’ve compiled just a few of the best and brightest technological advances made recently that inventors hope will make life just a little bit more convenient, fun and cool. Check them out!

Some people consider it family time when they pile on the couch for the latest installment of The Biggest Loser or Survivor: South Pacific. But chances are, you’re going to leave your kids with more lasting memories and intellectual stimulation if you switch off the talking box and play a board game together. Especially if it is snowing outside, the fireplace is roaring and you’ve got some hot chocolate on hand.