By MELISSA WALKER

Staff Writer

Pay attention, Santa.

The verdict concerning what college girls want for Christmas is in.

According to http://www.MSN.com, there are several trends in gifts this Christmas season.

The Web site lists many gift ideas, including reversible puff bags, initial pendants, one dozen long stemmed candy cane roses, Burberry classic check handbags and a COACH purse.

Other smart choices include GUCCI 2.5 oz. spray for women by Gucci, diamond solitaire earrings and the Godiva Chocolate: 2-Tier Holiday Luxury Box.

Alternatives to the more expensive gifts above include jewelry making kits, Burt's Bees Hand Repair kits, COACH embossed signature bookmarks, sterling silver rings and DVDs.

These gifts all fall under $20.

Lewis and Co., located at 108 Park Ave., is focusing on hot items for Ruston this year.

Abby Tuminello, a sales employee for Lewis and Co. and a sophomore fashion merchandising major, said trendy clothes are an excellent choice for a Christmas present.

"Layered shirts, faux wraps, holiday shirts, satin suits and halters are really in right now," Tuminello said.

Tuminello said gold is a popular color this Christmas season.

"Silver, gold and metallic purple purses are also very good gifts to give," Tuminello said.

Tuminello suggests jeans as a present for a boyfriend to give.

"Cute AG jeans are a good gift if the couple has been seriously dating for a while [because of the expensive price tag]," she said.

Broaches and jewelry, Tuminello said, make nice presents for a best girl friend.

Kelly Smith, a senior marketing major, has other ideas in mind for her ideal Christmas treat.

"I want anything camouflage," Smith said. "Everything I own is camouflage. Christmas is a great time to add to my collection."

Despite her desire for camouflage apparel, Smith said it is more important for her to give gifts than to receive presents during Christmas.

"I like to buy presents rather than get them," Smith said. "I am not really a Christmas person."

Amanda Murphy, a freshman nursing major, feels that the sentiment, rather than the present, is what Christmas is all about.

"What I really want for Christmas is a good looking, single, Christian guy," Murphy said.

Murphy said her perfect Christmas present would be participating in Christmas activities with someone who she loves.

"I would like to snuggle up with him by the fire with a cup of hot cocoa and sugar-free cookies," Murphy said. "I want someone I could take to Christmas dinner and [who could] hang out with my granny."

Murphy said what college girls really want for Christmas is the perfect Christmas date.

"The guy could hide presents around Ruston with clues to how to get to the next present," she said. "In the end, he would present the girl with a big fat kiss."

Murphy also recommended attending the Natchitoches Christmas Lights Festival.

"There is nothing more romantic than holding hands at the Christmas Lights Festival."

Murphy said she would also like a puppy dog for Christmas.

"Overall, college girls are all the same. We all just want love."