Muriel Stevens: ‘Tis already the season to get shopping

Wednesday, Sept. 23, 1998 | 9:28 a.m.

Has anyone noticed how long the Christmas shopping season has become? Rushing the seasons used to mean seeing Christmas displays at the beginning of November; then it was bumped up to early October. Now it starts in mid-September. Some stores started selling Christmas decor and accessories weeks ago.

Of course, catalog shops start early to give clients advance time for mailing and shipping. If you intend to shop this way, when the catalog comes, don't put it aside. Do it now while everything seasonal is in stock.

One of my favorite catalogs is from Neiman Marcus. This ultimate Christmas catalog debuts around Oct. 14. Before long it will appear in the mailboxes of millions of households around the world.

Neiman Marcus credit card customers automatically receive the Christmas Book, but it can be ordered by anyone: Call (800) 634-6267. The cost is $6.50.

The price range is wonderful, starting at $10 for a pair of Three Kings candles inspired by this year's cover art, and going as high as $300,000 for a one-of-a-kind, hand-painted carousel or an antique tiara with 120 carats of diamonds.

One item, an exquisite edition of the Lalique "Poisson" Fountain, will be auctioned off as part of a benefit for Teach for America. Minimum bid is $125,000. A second auction benefiting the group will give the winning bidder an opportunity to use America Online Keyboard, said to be one of the most sought-after addresses in cyberspace. A choice of one of two trips is also included. Minimum bid for this package is $25,000.

Be assured, there are many gifts that are $50 or less.

The Neiman Marcus Christmas Book is devoted to filling fantasies. One notable annual feature began with the 1960 Christmas Book -- the "His and Hers" gift.

Remember when Cracker Jack boxes had gifts made of sturdy material and kids collected them? Only privileged big kids can collect Neiman Marcus' Cracker Jack gifts. Tucked into traditional Cracker Jack boxes, caramel corn and all, is His gift -- a pair of silver vermeil (gold-over sterling) and enamel cuff links in the shape of the Cracker Jack box ($400); Hers is an 18-carat gold ring with an emerald, ruby or sapphire cabachon stone fashioned after the original adjustable "play" ring, only this time it's real ($950). One caveat -- the buyer cannot specify the stone. That may be a bit too authentic for some.

Fans can purchase a bit of baseball history for their own playing grounds by acquiring original seats from Ebbetts Field, the home of the legendary Brooklyn Dodgers. The seats were rescued from the landmark stadium just before it was demolished in 1960. All of the seats have been preserved and are available in sets of two or three. Double seats cost $2,750; triple seats are $3,750. Each set comes with a certificate of authenticity.

Throughout the book are many affordable, charming gifts. Among my favorites: a silver-plated basket filled with soaps ($44); a crescent moon-shaped box made of white and dark chocolate filled with 25 white chocolate cows with brown spots, packaged in a gold cube ($38); a silver-plated bagel cutter with serrated knife ($25); a set of silver-plated salt-and-pepper shakers shaped like a gingerbread man and woman ($25); a colorful Countdown Watch by Corners of the World that can be set to count down special occasions. This combination digital and analog watch can count down the hours, minutes and seconds to the year 2000 or any other significant date ($60).

Also: Gorgeous clothing and accessories for men and women; children's gifts; glorious foods; and myriad luxury items fill the pages of this beguiling catalog.

Imagine buying a custom-designed hedge maze, the same kind found on the grounds of castles, palaces and numerous stately homes around the world. Designed by Adrian Fisher, your maze could include parting waterfalls, bridges, decorative gates and seats and gravel paths. Price is subject to size and the number of features -- from $250,000.

Catalogs, catalogs, catalogs

This is the season that bulges our mail boxes and thins our wallets. Choose carefully the catalogs you are entrusting with an important gift list. To avoid disappointments such as shoddy merchandise or late delivery, choose catalogs such as Neiman Marcus or any of the following. The list is just a taste of what's available by mail. There are hundreds of Christmas catalogs, but it's a start.

Catalogs frequently offer merchandise that is exclusive to them and available only through their catalogs. Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue fit into this category:

* Bloomingdale's by Mail has a well-rounded selection of merchandise and gift items. Prices are moderate to expensive; quality is super and returning or exchanging gifts is easy. For a catalog, call (800) 777-0000.

* Saks Fifth Avenue is another reliable full-service catalog. The Christmas catalog is filled with special selections for gift-giving. Prices are moderate to expensive.

* Nordstrom is the most generous of all the catalogs I receive. Shipping prices are fair -- large orders may include a prepaid mailing label for returns. Service is personal -- I once got a letter of apology when an item was delayed.

The return policy at all of these stores is excellent.

Do your part and the catalog order takers won't let you down. When you place an order, have the catalog ready and a list of the items with their numbers at hand. Put the date of your order and the order number on the first page of the cover, just in case you have a problem. Don't whine and gripe. If there's a problem simply state it and let the operator solve it. They really want to please, so make it pleasant, and they will, too.