2016 has been a wild ride of a year. And, just as you’re taking a deep breath, it’s time for the happy, yet never hassle-free holidays.

We suggest chilling out, taking stock, putting the world to rights, by helping someone else, doing good for yourself by doing good for others who need your help.

And, also in the spirit of giving, take a look at the 23 special items – some from Tennessee and others from a variety of well-known or new-to-you retailers. We’ve collected the gifts to temp you, and we’re making it easy to find them in plenty of time for Christmas and Hanukkah (begins on Dec. 24 this year).

The perfect present for you or a loved one may just be on our list.

1. Give the gift of tickets or even season passes to some of the area’s finest cultural institutions, like the Tennessee Performing Arts Center or Nashville Symphony.

2. Perfect for the young at heart – and their children. Sky Viper Remote Control Hover Racer Gaming Drone, $99.99 at Toys R Us.

3. The purchase of any of the Ann Taylor Cares elephant jewelry pieces through the end of January 2017 ensures a donation of 50 percent of the purchase price to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Bracelet, necklace, pendant and ring at Ann Taylor, all under $50.

4. The basic Miriam Collection cuff is hand-flattened, and the purchase of the cuff helps women coming out of poverty and addiction. FashionABLE basic cuff, $48 at livefashionable.com.

5. Named after one of the women who makes and sells items for FashionABLE. Mamuye Leather tote, $178 at livefashionable.com.

6. Hendersonville resident Kelly Clarkson penned this sweet tome – and downloadable lullaby – for her daughter River Rose. River Rose and the Magical Lullaby, $18.99 at Parnassus Books.

7. Serving Nashville and Knoxville – though originated in Knoxville in 1988 as a pizza store’s Halloween promotion – these cookies are made locally and some even feature a splash of moonshine. Moonshine Mountain Cookie Company orders range from $22.99-$45.99.

8. Long after the chocolate is gone, these Goo Goo Cluster items will remind you how delicious the Nashville-made candy is. Red diner mug, $8.99, and Boy pin, $2.99 at www.googoo.com. www.googoo.com/products/logo-button-boy-buttons/, www.googoo.com/products/red-diner-mug/

9. Use the Alexa voice service for news, weather music and to even order a pizza. Amazon Tap, $129.99 at amazon.com.

10. Fashion, function and status symbol all in one pricey package. Hermes Double Buckle Cuff Apple Watch, $1,499 at Apple stores.

11. Soft, simple and age appropriate for little kids. Tee shirt with tassels, $18.50 at us.bennetton.com.

12. The latest speaker in the Bose lineup with a more rugged water-resistant design, new colors, and the bold sound of the original, the Color II offers an even better combination of performance and durability. Soundlink Color 11 speakers, $129.95 at the Bose Factory Store, 4611G Central Ave. Pike, Knoxville.

13. Keeps the music going no matter how active you get. Beats Solo 2 wireless headphones available in assorted colors, $299.99 at Target.

14. Garmin’s upgraded reinvention of the classic 276C, the versatile GPS navigator ready for land and sea. Comes preloaded with a worldwide base map with shaded relief, as well as a subscription to Birds Eye Satellite Imagery to see real-life terrain views. $799 at the UPS Store.

15. Though she sells many of her signature name charm necklaces for Christmas, Nashville designer Suzanne Myers’ recent, more modern design is also a top seller this season. The Bar Charm necklace starts at $110 at www.suzannemyers.com

16. The most popular gift batch from Batch Nashville is the Everything Nice in Nashville Gift Batch-Deluxe, with Willa's Wildflower Honey Shortbread Cookies, Olive and Sinclair Cinnamon Chili Chocolate Bar, Brittle Brothers Peanut Brittle, Nola Granola Snack Co. Salted Caramel Granola, Two Thompsons Prohibition Popcorn, Nut Butter Nation Brown Sugar Cinnamon Peanut Butter, Ousley Ouch Mild Salsa and Delta Cheese Straws. $79 at batchusa.com.

17. The Green Toys dump truck comes in colors for boys and girls, is made in the USA and is also made from 100 percent recycled materials. Green Toys Dump Truck, $24.99 at Phillip’s Toy Mart.

18. A totally unisex apron that works perfectly in any backyard in Tennessee. Denim apron, $24.99 at H&M in December.

19. The real thing might not be doable this year, but any fan will love tinkering with the Lego version. Lego Technic Porsche 911 GT3, $299 at shop.lego.com.

20. A set of eight melamine plates feature watercolor portraits of the planets in our solar system, sans Pluto of course. Perfect for your space-loving pals. Planet Plates, $37.99 at shoppbs.org.
 
21. Just the right gift set for food lovers who like a little heat with their barbecue. Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint Southern Heat gift bucket, $39.95.