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

** 1/2 SNOOP DOGGY DOGG, “Tha Doggfather,” Death Row. Without Dr. Dre’s production, few of the beats rival Snoop’s rapping prowess. But while “Tha Doggfather” may not be “Doggystyle,” Snoop shows that he has the talent to survive.

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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).