Given the number of times some records have been reissued in the CD era — the new editions of Blondie’s Parallel Lines and Elvis Costello’s This Year’s Model are, what, the sixth or seventh? — it’s startling that the early years of U2, the off-and-on biggest rock band on Earth, are only now getting the deluxe reissue treatment. Boy, October and War were all just released in $35 hardbound packages combining the remastered original album with a second disc offering live tracks, remixes and B-sides. Though the discs are available everywhere (and, happily, are also available as single-CD $11 budget titles without the bonus tracks), Amazon is offering a brand-new exclusive boxed set, which features a bonus limited-edition poster and room for a fourth disc to come — maybe a new version of the Under a Blood Red Sky EP, which was the most successful live record in British history?

Holy credit card, Batman! The Dark Knight sure does make you want to shop. The film, starring Christian Bale and Heath Ledger, scored the biggest opening in Hollywood history with $155 million. And while you may have already spent $10 on a movie ticket, there are superhero-sized amounts of Batman-inspired goods to keep the spirit of the movie alive. The official Warner Brothers Batman Store is a good place to begin. The general consensus is that Ledger steals the show as the Joker, so no doubt the black Joker T-shirt ($20) or the white “Why so serious?” Joker T ($20) is a good addition to any collection. A lunchbox with a Batman emblem is the perfect accessory for back to school ($14), while The Dark Knight limited-edition Batman bust ($66) or Joker statue ($165; pictured) could adorn the mantle of any comic-loving fan . At Target.com, fans can purchase The Dark Knight, a book featuring character sketches, director Christopher Nolan’s original shooting script and personal behind-the-scenes material created during filming ($27). Buzz is already growing for a possible Oscar nomination for the film’s music; pick up the movie’s soundtrack at Amazon ($13). Kmart offers fun Batman decor for youngsters. The Warner Brothers Batman rough bat valance ($12) goes perfectly with the Batman dark bat comforter ($25). Sweet superhero dreams!

There’s nothing quite like bath or body oils to soothe summer skin. Start with Bobbi Brown’s Beach fragrance line, which includes body oil ($28), shower gel ($32) and body lotion ($35) — for a limited time, orders of $50 or more will include a free mini Beach tote. Victoria’s Secret’s Bare Bronze shimmering body oil ($24) hydrates your skin and also gives it a golden goddess glow (how do you think those models at the Victoria’s Secret fashion show had that special shimmer?). Molton Brown’s Blissful Templetree bath and shower gel, an infusion of exotic plants and bioactive extracts from the Indian Ocean with sea silk protein for hydration ($28; pictured). Crabtree & Evelyn’s Jojoba Oil Duo ($18) has both bath gel and lotion of first-pressed jojoba oil scented with lavender, herbs and citrus; pour a capful of the gel into your bathwater, and then apply the lotion afterward for double the moisturizing effect. Jo Wood Organics offers an elegant way to revitalize and awaken your skin with the exotic Amka Organic gift set, with Amka (Swahili for “to wake”) organic body dew, body oil, bath oil and body lotion (on sale for $135 at Saffron Rouge). The Body Shop’s Spa Wisdom Monoi Miracle Oil is a traditional Tahitian emollient renowned for its moisturizing effects ($20); it can be used in the bath, smoothed onto the skin or used as a pre-shampoo hair treatment. To wind down after a long day in the sun (or at the office), try Bath & Body Works’ Aromatherapy stress-relief oil, a fragrant blend of eucalyptus and spearmint essential oils ($16). Or just dab a few drops on those key pressure points in lieu of perfume and relax all day long.

There’s an art to giving the gag gift, so necessary at those over-the-hill-themed birthday parties. Aside from eliciting at least a chuckle, the item must be impractical, not offend, fit that particular person and show how much you really care. For the boy who never grew up — and that may include a few people you know — anything that shoots will do. No one will get hurt with the Marshmallow Blaster ($25). For the man who’s watched too many episodes of The X-Files or UFO Hunters, the mini remote-controlled UFO flying saucer can glide and hover and even light up (on sale for $25). For the book lover, this set of temporary tattoos ($8) proclaim, “Read or Die,” “I [heart] Dewey Decimal System” and “Book Lust.” The Homer Simpson Chia Pet is a hoot, even without donuts ($20; pictured). The Elvis Pez Dispenser set comes with a gold Elvis record — er, CD ($20). For the Star Wars geek, there’s the Storm Trooper bobblehead ($13). Inspire a little therapeutic fun with the Freudian Slip Post-it Notes ($6.50) or the Freud and Couch finger puppets, which handily double as refrigerator magnets ($13). Or for the Type A person, Despair’s line of Demotivator merchandise might make the perfect, well, demotivator. Finally, you can breathe some life into that party by passing out boxes of AtoneMints for Each of Your Sins, EnlightenMints or Sin-o-Mints ($3).

Room dividers can be so much more decorative, diverse and fun than those chintzy paper screens you sometimes see in strip mall Chinese restaurants. Whether you live in a trendy but space-challenged 900-square foot loft (where your dining area doubles as your work space), or a rambling ranch-style home, room dividers can decoratively divide and define space. This one with a rich honey finish ($150 - $280 depending on size), would work in main living areas with a variety of furnishings, including arts and craft and contemporary. It has independently adjustable wood blinds – which can be used to creatively filter light. More upscale is a three-part screen in dark wood with painted flowers ($469) or one with scalloped edges ($865) in a coffee finish. The Etchings metal leaf screen ($69, pictured left) could hold its own, standing tall in modern interiors with a nature theme. The Mikado room divider ($300) is made from wrought iron with imaginative wire insets. If you want something more whimsical, put this three-panel Paris room divider ($68) in a breakfast nook and enjoy a view of the Eiffel Tower (or café scenes on the reverse) with your morning coffee. The Audrey screen ($75) would no doubt add a touch of class to even the laundry room. Hide that messy computer desk in a bedroom corner with what looks like a dressing screen ($68). This screen ($70 on sale,k pictured right) does double duty in the children’s room: Use it to partition off a messy toy area and to display your little Picasso’s art. The butterfly screen ($70) in white or lime is an exceptional value. This room divider also functions as a bookshelf ($300). This one is ideal for dorm rooms or a shared home office space ($99). The three panels feature spacious pockets for storing magazines, beauty supplies,and anything else you’d want to keep handy.

Take a break from those trendy over-sized — and sometimes overpowering — handbags big enough to carry a small dog (plus your wallet and makeup and cell phone). Go, instead, for the other hot handbag that, like summer style, is light and easy. The clutch adds a touch of Audrey Hepburn glamour to the time-tested summer date look: sleeveless dress and flirty sandals. The clutches of summer ‘08 aren’t at all like the one with sequins and beading you tightly cling to at the opera. These come in fabrics that say summer, like Kate Spade’s ultra thin Anguilla ($221 on sale), named after the unspoiled sandy beaches of a Caribbean Island. It’s made of 100 percent wicker with 14-karat light gold hardware. The Tory Burch rattan straw clutch ($275, pictured) has metallic leather trim, gold tone hardware and magnetic snap flap closure. This glossy wicker straw clutch by Adrienne Vittadini ($124 on sale) has two inside compartments, room enough for cell phone and lipstick. Also chic is the sophisticated but nonchalant Koh Samui Wendy ($265) and this beaded linen clutch ($295). For more color, reach for this one ($180 on sale) made of cork with neon pink patent leather trim or this adorable Marc by Marc Jacobs ($72), which comes in cranberry field (hot pink). On the less pricey end, consider this shiny blue clutch with a big buckle ($23), an over-sized envelope style with a floral pattern ($15), or one in light blue ($15). All three are available at Target. Oh, ande take a look at this reasonably-priced find: DKNY Town and Country ($99) with a strap so that it can be converted to a shoulder bag.