Holiday Shopping Guide

Photo by Jackie Ouellette

Jackie Ouellette
Reporter

Set aside the stress of preparing for holiday festivities, because shopping for the perfect gift is tough. From parents to friends to a Secret Santa grab, finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list is hard. However, there’s no need to worry this season, there is a present for everyone.

For the loving mother, consider one of Pottery Barn’s many ornaments to add to her growing collection. If your mother is more interested in ornaments for herself, consider a classic Tiffany’s sterling silver heart necklace. The necklaces range in price. On the other hand, if she is a foodie, a cutting board in an animal shape from William Sonoma will update her cooking-utensil collection. You have a choice between a rooster, pig, or cow for just $32.

If your mother is looking for new luggage to take on the next family spring break trip, stop by Taylor’s Luggage in town and check out their wide selection of tote’s and luggage. “The Longchamp tote bags and luggage or the Swiss Army Luggage are always a hit,” a Sales Associate at Taylor’s Luggage said.

“Hunter and Ugg boots are really popular and to top it all off we have all of Dylan’s Candy bar candy at the store,” Shoes ‘N More Sales Associate Michelle Donaldson and Manager Grace Calvey said. What could be better than shoes and candy under the same roof?

Photo by Jackie Ouellette

For the man of the house, whether it’s a simple sweater or tie from Joseph A. Bank, J. Crew, or Family Britches in town, clothing is the perfect gift. “This season, cashmere sweaters are the most popular, as well as our sports jackets,” Jos. A. Bank Sales Associate Trevor Harvey said.

For the working, traveling parent, head to Elm Street Book Store to find the perfect pass time. “The autobiography of Mark Twain and Cleopatra are popular reads this season,” general manager Kathleen Millard said.

Those with younger siblings at home should consider getting this season’s most popular children’s books. “For children’s books, the most popular are Fancy Nancy and Llama Llama Holiday Drama,” Elm Street Books general manager Kathleen Millard said. Even though kids will love a toy, nothing is more special than having your older sibling around reading you a great book.

If books are too boring, a more entertaining gift would be a mp3 player. An iPod shuffle or nano are useful gifts that can help pass the time while riding the train to and from work everyday. Ipods cost between $50-$150.

For the girly girl, the classic Benetint, a cheek and lip stain in one, and perfumes from Benefit in town are small but useful gifts. They are available in gift sets for the season. “Our holiday gift sets are selling out! All you need is gloss ($26), Crescent Row top selling fragrance set ($36) are our top sellers, as well as the Bella Bumba Blush ($28),” Benefit Manager Kelly Kosisko said.

If the person you are shopping for is more into clothes, Rugby by Ralph Lauren in town always has a large selection of warm and classy pieces many would love. “This holiday season, the most desired piece in the store is without a doubt the Catherine velvet dress,” Rugby employee, and senior Zack Zannini said.

Photo by Jackie Ouellette

For a different style, TOGS carries a variety of brands including Michael Starr, Splendid, J Brand Jeans and Tory Burch. “Sweaters and leggings are the most popular,” Togs sales associates said. “[We recommend] the A.G. corduroy leggings and Vince and Josie oversized sweaters are the most popular,” Sale’s Associates Ashley and Lisa at TOGS said.

When shopping for boys, things tend to be a little different. Instead of clothing, try a video game. Some popular games include Call of Duty Black Ops and Assassins Creed 3.

For the music junkie, you couldn’t go wrong with a small gift from Design Solutions.  “The most popular item is the chill pill mobile speakers sold in many colors,” Design Solutions Sale Associate Teresa Simpson said.

No matter what you get for your friends and families, it’s always the thought that counts!