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

**** PEARL JAM, “No Code,” Epic. This frisky and freewheeling album lacks some of the band’s signature touches and the urgency of “Vitalogy,” but there are gratifying moments of growth.

*

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).