By Nicole Pietrantonio

Unless you plan on using the neck-tie or Christmas socks you bought your sweetie pie as a pair of second-hand handcuffs, it’s time to get creative. This holiday season, stuff your significant other’s stocking with imaginative gifts that are a hint of naughty and will leave you both feeling very nice.

Personal pin-up

Capture the here and now with a professional photography session — feel free to make this couple’s gift as naughty or as nice as you please.

Naughty: Go to a professional photographer in the Q.C. and tell them that you want them to shoot sweet and sexy calendar photos of you for each month of the year. At the end of the shoot, pick out which poses you want to dedicate to each month of the new year. This personalized pin-up will give your sweetie something to look forward to for the next 12 months of the year.

Nice: There are so many wonderful photographers in Charlotte that would love to snap a pose of you and the one you love. After the shoot pick the best image, place it in a frame and give it to your honey at Christmas. Gifts such as these are ones you will treasure for a lifetime.

Role play

If Mrs. Clause were to play Santa’s secretary, she would be one sassy little elf. Give "Santa" some eye-candy this year with this sexy Light Up Holiday Elf lingerie ($41.95), found at Yumdrop.com. Let’s see what/who get’s turned on first — your elf ensemble or "Santa."

Naughty pole

Bring the naughty pole to your bedroom.  Make Santa’s cheeks get really red with your very own Electra Pole Stripper Pole ($99.99). An at-home professional stripper pole is definitely the gift that keeps on giving.

All the ladies out there are going to be looking for some sparkle this gift-giving season — and I’m not talking about the lights on the Christmas tree. It’s the season for bling, but that doesn’t always mean you have to crack open those piggy banks to give a little. Whether you are looking for something traditional or want to go down a more unique road, there are plenty of local options for you to explore. And, really, who doesn’t want to support smaller, local businesses while pleasing the women on their Christmas list? It’s a win-win situation.

If you are looking for the more traditional route and money isn’t so much an object, there are a number of Charlotte-based jewelry stores that offer high quality, fine jewelry, and even at reasonable prices.  Brownlee Jewelers (www.brownleejewelers.com) have been serving the Charlotte area since 1936 and they have locations dotted all around the city, making them accessible for pretty much anyone.

They carry an extensive variety of diamond and luxury jewelry, as well as designer and vintage pieces as well. They literally have something to please everyone. Even if you manage to not find something that completely tickles your fancy, they offer the ability to create a custom ring so you can make sure that you’re getting exactly what you envision. They even have handy gift guides and diamond education available via their website, just in case you are feeling a bit overwhelmed and undereducated. While you’re checking them out, make sure to check out the contest they are running right now for a diamond solitaire ring that retails at $5,000, so at least you could try your luck! Other Charlotte-based stores that offer high end jewelry are The Karat Patch (www.karatpatch.com) and David’s LTD (www.davidsltd.com).

Want to maybe spice it up a bit and go for something with a little edge, but still has that traditional feel to it? Donald Haack (www.donaldhaack.com) offers up phenomenal fine jewelry that serves up a little kick in its unique designs and materials. Not a diamond girl? Go for the rutillated quartz ring or silver and gold cuff. Whether her look is old Hollywood starlet or luxurious warrior woman, Donald Haack has something to fit her style. From chunky and bold to simple and sleek, they have plenty to offer.

Staying in the same vein, but going a little more artisan, you can turn to local goldsmith Katie Stein and her company Vaka Designs (www.vakadesign.bigcartel.com) which offers up beautiful hand-forged jewelry at very affordable prices. The warmth that radiates from these handmade pieces will definitely be felt by anyone receiving them.

The secret's out on this year's great gifts for under $30! Take a look (peeking allowed) at some fun gifts you can find at four local shops ...  on a Secret Santa budget.

Store: Ruby's Gift NoDa

Handmade brie pottery bowl $25: Perfect for the gal-pal who loves to entertain!

"Belle Terre" soaps $6-20: Available in singles or festive gift sets. This all-natural soap is made locally in Lincolnton, N.C.

Organic cotton headbands $18-20: An eco-friendly accessory!

Store: Green With Envy

Danielle & Company organic candles $21.95: These "super green" smelling machines seem good enough to eat. Made from organic beeswax, pure soy and cotton wicks. Even the packaging is ec0-friendly: Once the candle has run out, use it as a drinking glass! They come in a variety of scents but Chestnut Roast is literally Christmas in a candle.

Coffee mugs $21.95: A masculine solution for the guy on the go!

Inspirational artwork $15.95: Affordable art made by local artist Donna Downey. A little piece of inspiration for the creative soul in your circle!