When in need of a great gift idea, you can’t go wrong with books, the latest gadget or a basket of Charleston treats.

A stroke of gift-giving genius

A fine personalized pen is a elegant way to say thanks. A Cross pen starts at $100. Have the gift engraved to add a special touch. Most engraving is free, but may cost up to $10. Available at Mori Classics, 130 Market St.

Go wireless

A new wireless speaker is sure to make a great gift. The signal reaches up to 150 feet away, even through walls and doors, for listening to a CD or a favorite television show while enjoying the great outdoors. Available at Brookstone, 122 Market St. for $150.

Plantations

Look through Charleston’s past and future with this colorful book showing 35 South Carolina plantations. “Lowcountry Plantations Today“ showcases large tracts of undeveloped land and magnificent houses. Cost: $60.

Local customs

Create a customized gift basket with a Lowcountry twist. Fill a sweetgrass basket with gourmet goodies and give a piece of Lowcountry history and culture. Fill it with everything from benne wafers to stone-ground grits. Orient-Express Boutique, 191 Meeting St., carries an assortment of locally made items. Baskets start at $75.

Who couldn’t use a power nap?

For those in need of a break, you can’t go wrong with a NAP Pillow. Or try the NAP Cuddle Blanket. Super soft on one side and super silky on the other, the blanket comes in blue, ivory, green, cranberry and camel. Available at Brookstone, 122 Market St. Cost: Pillows range from $25 to $60; the blanket is $45.

Dishing up a good gift

The rice spoon traces its origin to family dinner tables of the 18th century, when rice was the cash crop of the South. Orient-Express Boutique, 191 Meeting St. Features a Chippendale pattern spoon by Reed & Barton in silver-plate; $35.

Ideas for the well-read executive

There’s nothing like a good read, especially when it comes to power, money and growing a company. Start with a gift of “Good to Great” by Jim Collins. For those who work too much, Waldenbooks in downtown Charleston recommends “1000 Places to See Before You Die” by Patricia Schultz or books in Lonely Planet’s “Cities” collection. These give readers an insight into a journey to the best cities in the world while providing information on a city’s strengths and weaknesses and its imports and exports. Consider some of the following books for the perfect literary gift: “Good to Great” ($27.50); “Wooden on Leadership,” by John Wooden ($22.95); “Bag the Elephant,” by Steve Kaplan ($19.95); “48 Laws of Power,” by Robert Greene ($17); “Tipping Point,” by Malcolm Gladwell ($14.95); “1000 Places to See Before You Die” ($18.95); or Lonely Planet’s “Cities” series ($40 each).

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