foot notes

The Footnotes staff has again worked tirelessly to compile its annual “If You Really Loved Me” holiday gift guide.

* Topping this year’s list is Aibo, the robotic dog from Sony. Aibo is not a remote-control toy; it’s an autonomous robot that responds to its environment and can “learn” reactions and tricks. The shiny metallic 11-inch-tall canine does many of the same things as a real dog--bark, play with a ball, roll over, sleep, pick up things in its mouth, scratch itself--but it will never ruin your carpet. Aibo can be your best friend for a mere $2,500, plus an additional $450 for an “Aibo Performer Kit.” Sony released a limited number of Aibos in May and quickly sold out. The Japanese company then released more Aibos in November and has sold out again. But some are available on Internet auction sites.

* Missed open house at school again this year? The Playmobil Fairytale Castle--complete with a king, queen, other royals and many household accessories--can say “I really love you” to the children of guilt-ridden parents for about $200. It’s available at Zany Brainy stores in Canoga Park, Glendale and Northridge, and other retailers.

* The story goes that Winston Churchill once termed himself a simple man. “I simply want the best of everything,” he is said to have said. Churchill would like LuxuryFinder.com. There you can purchase a painting by Picasso for $320,000 or a Chinese porcelain horse from the Tang Dynasty for only $385,000. If you don’t want to spend that much, the site also has more moderately priced items, such as an antique early 19th century globe for only $29,000.

* For a different kind of gift, TreePeople will plant trees in someone’s name at a burn site in the Santa Monica Mountains at Potrero Creek near Thousand Oaks. The recipient gets a personalized card. Minimum donation is $20. Call (818) 753-4600.