I know a lot of people really dislike the idea of giving gift cards and gift certificates, but I quite like it. And the idea is an especially good one when the gift card can be exchanged for something the recipient really loves or wants, but might be better off buying for themselves ... like shoes.

These days you can buy gift certificates and gift cards for just about anything, and of course, shoes are no exception. So, I've assembled a list of some of my favorite online shoe stores that offer shoe gift cards and certificates. From athletic shoes to designer and discount footwear, there's something on the list for just about everyone.

I don't have a story about how I had to walk four miles to school in the snow as a child, because I didn't. But I did have to wait for the bus, and sometimes it was really, really cold. I remember actually wishing my boots had heaters in them.

Guess what?

You can now buy boots with heaters in them.

The "Columbia "Bugathermo" has a built-in heating system that will keep your feet warm for up to eight hours, depending on which of the three settings you choose. The heated boots are rated to -25 degrees F (-32 C), and feature rechargeable battery packs. If it's heated boots for women that you're after, then you may want to check out the Columbia "Snow Hottie."

• Booties with High Heels - and Tweed Uppers
• Sweater Boots - with Buttons
• Blowfish Boots - with Flannel Uppers
• Suede Thigh High Boots - with Low Heels
• 9 Boutique 9 Shoes - Sexy Satin Sandals
• Red Boots - Sexy Suede Heels
• Slipper Boots - with Memory Foam Soles
• Rocket Dog Clogs - Cute and Fuzzy
• Party Shoes - with Lace Overlays
• Nanette Lepore Shoes - Gold High Heels

I'm usually more drawn to silver, but every once in a while, I'll see a pair of gold evening shoes that really catch my attention, and I'll have to admit that when done well, there are few things more glamorous.

As a general rule, softer gold evening shoes like the champagne ankle straps pictured here work well with pastels, light neutrals, and very muted colors.

Very brassy and darker golds can be dynamic and sexy, but those shades often work best on strappier sandals than they do on full-coverage pumps, merely because shoes with too much bold gold will overwhelm a lot of outfits and consequently, need something very strong to balance them. If your wardrobe is full of deep or jewel-tone colors and lots of contrast, then evening shoes in those darker and/or brighter golds may be the best bet for you.

Whichever shade of gold evening shoes you choose, you'll want them to be in balance with the rest of your outfit; let the tone and style of your dress dictate the shade and style of evening shoes you choose. Another way to insure you find a good shoe-to-outfit balance is through matching your evening shoes to accents on your dress, or by wearing bracelets, handbags and necklaces in the same shade of gold as your shoes.

Be sure to check out this article for more tips on how to choose evening shoes.

Pictured: Casadei '2471' (Buy Direct)
Image Courtesy of Endless.com

What's warm and fuzzy and makes an ideal gift?

Actually, I can think of a few things, but in this case, I'm talking about slippers. Not your generic, run-of-the-mill, "free with any purchase" type slippers, but really cute, comfy, and stylish slippers.

Of course, the recipient will be the deciding factor on which style you choose, but my top picks in women's slippers has a style for nearly everyone.

Pictured:
Pom Pom Slipper Boots from Nordstrom (Buy Direct)
Image Courtesy of Nordstrom.com

Just the other day I was talking about this being the time of the year for shoe sales online, so it comes as now surprise that I just came across another shoe sale worth mentioning. This one is at DSW.com.

Now through November 9, 2009, coupon code CLR30 will save you an extra 30% on clearance items. This sale is only good online at DSW.com. (Buy Direct)

If you happent to be a DSW Rewards member, you can also get free shipping with a $35 purchase, by using promotion code SNOWMAN. (Details)

For more of this week's best deals, be sure to check out my big list of shoe sales online.

My favorite time for shoe shopping is November through January of every year. Clearance sales, coupon codes, "buy one, get one" deals ... it's a heady time indeed.

To make things easy, and to celebrate this year's shoe shopping frenzy, I've compiled a list of some of the hottest shoe sales online -- but remember, this year's festivities have just begun, so be sure to check back often.

With the holidays rapidly approaching, I thought I'd feature a couple of pretty evening shoes this week. But even if you don't plan on attending a single party this year, there are several selections in this week's lot you'll enjoy. Be sure to check them out.

• 10-30-09 Evening Shoes with Bows - Pretty Platforms
• 10-29-09 Red Party Shoes - Sexy and Glamorous
• 10-28-09 Studded Boots - with Chunky Heels
• 10-27-09 Via Spiga Boots - Tall Flat Dress Boots
• 10-26-09 Nike Shoes for Women - Classic Sneakers

This is my favorite time of year for shoe shopping because, with the holidays coming, it seems like there's always a good sale going -- and let's face it, who doesn't love finding a good deal on a pair of killer shoes?

What's the best deal you ever got? Did you find a pair of Manolo Blahniks on clearance, or pick up a pair of Beth Levine boots at a garage sale?

Use this form to share your story, as well as your shoe shopping tricks and tips.

There are winter boots and there are snow boots, and if you've ever found yourself in a foot of snow or freezing temperatures without the latter, then you probably already know the difference. But just to be sure that you and your family are ready for whatever weather this Winter brings, you may want to have a look at this guide to snow boots.