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

*** LUTHER VANDROSS, “Your Secret Love,” Epic. Love gone wrong may be Vandross’ favorite topic, but he can dive into a heartbreaking ballad’s sea of tears without drowning in melodrama.

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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).