Heh. I finally figured out how to hit the Doxies--as FAST AS YOU CAN, the instant you see them, so they can't get into your face and too close for your wand to work!
The gnomes...I don't have much trouble with them; I currently have over 300 beans so that should give you an idea of how often they hit me successfully. I like the fact that they sit around moaning with pain for HOURS after you smack 'em...heh heh heh. Just the sadistic streak in me coming to the fore, I guess...bwahahahahah.