Making a list? Checking it twice? Here are some guidelines to keep befuddled spouses, parents of teenagers and others on the right track.

** SHERYL CROW, “Sheryl Crow,” A&M.; Despite improvements over her Grammy-winning debut, Crow continues on this self-produced album to emulate her nostalgic idols more than follow her own musical vision.

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Albums and other items in the Gift Guide are rated on a scale of one star (poor), two stars (fair), three stars (good) and four stars (excellent).