It's no surprise that Apple Computer Inc.'s iPod is expected to be a hot item this holiday season, but as consumers headed to the mall last week for that and other standard items, the area's boutiques were working off a different "must-have" list: one largely buoyed by exclusivity and star power. Several retailers on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica, Robertson Boulevard in Los Angeles and Sunset Boulevard in Silver Lake shared their list of hot holiday items.

Robertson Boulevard

At celebrity powerhouse Kitson, one of the most popular items for the holidays is something that probably won't be available until long alter the holidays: Native American-style Mukluk boots.

This year's version of the previously ubiquitous Ugg boot, Mukluks retail at Kitson for $395, with demand fueled by their appearance on the feet of Paris Hilton, Gwyneth Paltrow and Lindsay Lohan. "We have a waiting list of 1,200 people," said Kitson owner Fraser Ross. "We can't get them."

As for items that actually can be purchased in time for gift-giving, singer Gwen Stefani's L.A.M.B. clothing line is a bestseller at Kitson, Ross said. Other top sellers include anything in sequins for women, whether belts or cardigans: "Oscar Night: 75 Years of Hollywood Parties" a book from the editors of Vanity Fair: and novelty T-shirts for men from Sexbrand with sayings such as "My Mom Says I'm a Catch."

At Storyopolis, children's baskets are the thing, said Supervisor Matt Artson. A basket for a newborn with six board books, one hardcover book and a toy starts at $75, while more expensive baskets might also include CDs, DVDs and wooden toys.

Smaller items are popular picks at Agnes B, which sells $68 cashmere scarves, cashmere gloves (also $68) and smaller leather goods such as $300 wallets.

Montana Avenue

Room With a View happened to be carrying the $316 Vietri Water Garden tea set last week when Oprah Winfrey added it to her list of "Oprah's Favorite Things."

"People are ordering it like crazy," said owner Elizabeth Alesio, noting that orders placed now for the six-piece set (two cups, two saucers, a teapot and tray) won't be delivered until April. (The store is wrapping up pictures of the set for the holidays.)

For those who don't want to wait that long, Alesio said, cashmere throws continue to be popular. Her store's cashmere throws go for $1,200, and she also carries less-expensive mohair throws and stadium blankets.