It¿s that time again.

How can we tell? By the hour on our Einstein relativity watches, of course. Those of us with a little extra scratch are checking our TV wristwatches between shows, but we¿re all in agreement: the time has come to cull the finest in science gifts for our readers.

This year¿s picks include a viniology kit for whipping up some holiday merlot, neckties depicting M.C. Escher's mesmerizing patterns, and even a lock of woolly mammoth hair for the true historian on your list. For your nearest and dearest, check out the world¿s first wearable DVD player for a new definition of personal entertainment, or the Logitech digital writing system, which turns handwritten notes into typed text with the aid of a seemingly magical pen and paper. The little ones will flip for the talking telescope and stuffed wild animals from the San Diego Zoo.

There¿s still plenty of time to choose gifts for all the science enthusiasts on your list. See you in the cybershops! --The Editors

GIFTS UNDER $25

Catch a Star Who couldn¿t use a little more space in the kitchen? Whether reconstituting freeze-dried ice cream or baking up some regional cuisine that¿s a bit more down to earth, these oven mitts, emblazoned with the American flag and NASA logo will leave chefs starstruck. Astromitts $7.99

Tangled Up in Taimyr This year¿s must-hang for the library walls of sentimental prehistorians: a lock of hair from everyone¿s long-ago love, the woolly mammoth. Guaranteed to be at least 10,000 years old, this Siberian keepsake is sealed in a plastic case for safekeeping. Unearthed from the permafrost, the mammoth¿s curls will bring a warm touch to the winter hearth. No shampooing necessary. Wooly Mammoth Hair $8.00

Mini Einstein Look out, G.I. Joe--you¿ve finally met your match, and he¿s five inches of solid plastic in a beige pullover and bespoke slacks. The Albert Einstein action figure boasts a delightful shock of gray hair and moveable arms and legs. Now you can practice your own Theory of Relativity by stuffing the whole family¿s stockings with their very own Li¿l Als, available at a discount when you buy six or more. Einstein Action Figure $8.95