The Perfect Gift

If you’re not quite ready, you’re in good company. And you can stop fretting, because the tree will get up, the guests will be okay, and you will find just the right gift.

 

By Robin Jovanovich and Jon Craig

 

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It’s hard when your favorite time of the year just sneaks up on you. That has certainly been the case this year. Many good people wondered aloud: Could we postpone Christmas by a week or two this year?

If you’re not quite ready, you’re in good company. And you can stop fretting, because the tree will get up, the guests will be okay, and you will find just the right gift.

For starters, head over to Rye Beach Pharmacy. They helpfully have a “Hundred Great Stocking Stuffer Ideas” sheet on the front counter. One of the wonderful staffers, Robin Latimer, showed us some of her favorites, from fingerless gloves to the Flameless Dazzle Candle. She said their top seller is anything from the boxed Frasier Fir collection of soaps and candles. Rose petal soaps will also make a woman’s heart fonder. Rye Beach has shelves of goodies to choose from.

At the Framing Corner, Pat Porto told us her No. 1 seller this year is the desk-size Lucite frame. “Tastes are changing and things are becoming more contemporary,” she said. We also were partial to her high-gloss lacquer frames, which come in punchy colors.

The stones that have won many a woman’s heart this year are moonstone and Labradorite, reports Cathy Zaltas of Zaltas Gallery. “They have a timeless opalescence.” She’s also doing a brisk business in beautiful lockets and “cocktail” rings set with one large stone.

The more time you spend in Twig Antiques, the more you’ll find. The Simon Pearce lamp on the table in the side window caught our eye. A lithograph by the late Jack Place is an ideal gift for the seafarer in your life. The shop also still has a good assortment of vintage barware and ornaments.

Walk into Hampton Whites and look left, where non-tarnish silver plate wine coasters, sugar and creamers, and trays are arranged on a hutch. They look better than real silver and owner Lynn McGuinn promises they’ll only need a quick re-polish once a year. (Which gives every woman the chance to polish herself up more often.) The picture frames from Reed & Barton will fit perfectly on fireplace mantles or his office credenza.

Milano’s Hair Salon is offering gift certificates for father and son haircuts ($30), highlights plus blow dry for the holiday ($90), and manicure/pedicure ($27).

Parkers has powered cellphone chargers, plus the right bag for your next trip or job interview. Catherine Parker also has great gifts for pet owners from Smart Leashes to “Yoga Dogs”. Does your dog do yoga?

Isabelle’s Fine Jewelry selections merit your attention, men. Ask to see the triple strand aquamarine necklace with vermeil clasp, the 3.28-karat sapphire platinum estate ring, and the pave set blue and yellow sapphire eternity bands.

Through the end of December, Jos. A. Bank has extended its Super Monday sales to Super Monday and Tuesday. If you buy one suit, you get three free. But if you are looking for a last-minute gift, the store is offering deep discounts on all scarves and ties. A holiday scarf originally listed at $120 had been slashed down to $33 last week. “Every day’s a different door buster,’’ said Robert Medoff, department manager.

At All Paws and Pet Pantry Warehouse — at opposite ends of Purchase Street — toys, capes, and red and green caps with holiday themes were flying off the shelves. “I’m nearly sold out. I have one Santa hat left,’’ said All Paws owner Claudia Baker.

Baker said she anticipates a flurry of last-minute shoppers looking for a variety of stocking gifts for pets the weekend before Christmas. “Usually Christmas Eve, we have to throw people out of the store, since we close at 3 p.m.,’’ she said.

At Nest Inspired Home, check out the hand-carved wood bottle openers in the shape of animals. They stock drink coasters in every material — from leather to slate and they have a range of vintage glassware for the investor (bull and bear), the aristocrat (coat of arms), and the mother-in-law (tasteful wine red set).