Rounding up advice on gift etiquette

(CNN) -- Santa Claus faces one easy gift decision: naughty or nice. Nice kids get gifts, naughty ones don't.

But the rest of us face tougher dilemmas over the holidays, ranging from tight budgets to rudeness at the malls to tricky family and friend issues.

Some smart etiquette experts have been offering advice on these sticky situations. And it's been interesting to see readers' reactions to their suggestions.

These experts have collected their favorite bits of advice over the years -- such as one man's recommendation not to give his wife anything with an electrical cord attached.

In the past few years, some people have run into the cruel wall of recession and layoffs and haven't been able to spend as much as they usually do or maybe not give gifts at all. So experts offer ways to let family and friends know about the no gift situation and make everyone feel comfortable.

And what if you don't want another ill-fitting sweater or other items your favorite aunt keeps sending? Is there a polite way to ask for cash instead? Or should you leave lists around?

Or what about all those people cutting in line and other rude shoppers who make you say things that could land you on Santa's naughty list? Our experts offer the Danish method for dealing with strangers or another procedure that involves drinking.

While the holidays are supposed to generate warm, fuzzy feelings, all that love can disappear quickly if your spouse or significant other hands you a blooper of a gift. So we offer dos and don'ts in that area.

Working our way down to the nitty-gritty of specific gifts, we offer suggestions for geeks and sports fans along with ideas of selected games and diamonds. There are also gifts that keep giving all year long and gifts to groups that really need the help.

But if you find yourself missing a gift in an awkward situation -- we have some possible solutions for that as well.

So read up and have a happy holiday season.