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So Thanksgiving is over and now comes the tough part: finding things that are different and special for Christmas presents. There is a lot to choose from, but most of what I see is what I’ve already seen and frankly can’t get too excited about. If I don’t fall in love with something, then how can I expect the recipient of my gift to love it? If I’m going to spend my hard-earned money, I want to think it’s for something really great.

Given those parameters, two items have captured my interest. One is a miracle of practicality; the other is for the light of heart and those who have a heart to help others.

For years I have been waiting for the right robot to come along. My darling husband, the scion of science fiction and science knowledge, has been promising me that one day I’ll have a robot that will do all those things I hate doing, like cleaning under the beds and furniture, freeing me from the agonies of vacuuming. That day has come.

Two years ago I bought an upright vacuum that was supposed to be self-propelling. Forget it, the only things that were propelled were the muscles in my back screaming ouch as I tried to maneuver the vacuum and its attachments around the room and under the furniture. Then, last month, I discovered the robot vacuum that actually works. It’s got everything I love. It’s wireless and it’s bagless. There isn’t anything I hate more than having to buy bags for various cleaning tools that are sold today. The original tool is not how the manufacturer makes his money — that comes when we consumers replace those bags.

This flat disc of a robot looks like a flying saucer and can easily get under beds and other places I’d rather not go. You can use it anytime you want, day or night, without watching it. I first put mine to work while making dinner. By the time I was through, the living room floor had been completely vacuumed. It even left a trail like a regular vacuum does. It cleans all kinds of floors, including carpeted ones. Best of all it doesn’t take a technical genius to make it work. When it has done its job, it returns to its home base to recharge its batteries. This is so cool.

I’m hoping that next year there’ll be a robot that will wash the windows. But meanwhile, this is a terrific first step toward my cleaning independence. What a great present this will make for the busy person who likes to get the dust off the floor without breaking her back. You can find more about this vacuum online. Look up Roomba Scheduler 4230 Vacuum by Irobot.

Next comes something really special for the one you love and when you buy it you’re also doing something great for others less fortunate. I found this, or this item found me, when my precious husband was invited to speak at a private school in Palm Beach. As a parting gift, because he was so great, I was given an unusual surprise — a Sweetiepurse. (He was given a present, too.)

Available in different sizes, the colorful Sweetiepurses are well-made by hand in Mexico out of non-biodegradable material — mainly recycled candy wrappers. The best part about them is that 50 percent of the sales goes directly to a charity called Grupedsac dedicated to cleaning the environment and fighting poverty. This is a charity that really does the job it sets out to do. You can find out more about Grupedsac by looking it up on the Internet at www.grupedsac.org. It’s worth the effort. For the Sweetiepurses, go to www.sweetiepurse.com/index.html. Enjoy.