You dreamed about engraved invitations. You'd settle for custom-made from a stationer. But now, a week before your best friend's surprise 40th, you've resorted to sending out a quickly assembled, impersonal Evite. Don't despair — there is now a last-minute alternative to e-mail invitations and your computer's hokey graphics package: PrintingPress ($40), PC-compatible CD-ROM invitation software from Mountaincow. With 12 fonts, more than 100 elegant color illustrations, and 30 sample templates, it lets you print high-quality invitations on any kind of paper or envelope from your own printer in less than 20 minutes. You can even import your guests' addresses directly from Microsoft Outlook or Excel address books. The best part is your friend will never know a pro didn't do it.

TO BUY: Call 800-797-6269 or go to www.mountaincow.com for a list of retailers or to order.