For those of you who still have some holiday purchases to make, here’s a run-down of some good sources with a few extra-special items that caught this shopper’s eye.
When I have time to make the trip, the Westfarms Mall is a treat. In addition to Nordstrom, Lord & Taylor, Macy’s and JCPenney, there are so many excellent smaller chains and specialty shops and for the well heeled, Louis Vuitton and Tiffany’s.
While I enjoyed browsing the mall, I find that I am much more likely to find that unique gift in the excellent smaller shops we are so fortunate to have in New Haven and on the Shoreline.
One of my favorite shops is Details in Guilford. Absolutely everything the owner selects is elegant and in exquisite taste. Stunning floral glass decoupage platters were a find at $29, stainless cheese implement sets done up with a red ribbon were just $18, while $10 buys huge bars of special soaps and exquisite ceramic candy dishes that looked far more expensive than their $39 price tag.
A thought for future winter wedding gifts was the most stunning ice bucket I’ve ever seen anywhere and knockout silver salad servers with glowing ceramic handles. This store also beautifully wraps all your purchases.
Swish, with shops in Guilford and Branford, has some nice jewelry and accessories as well as a collection of useful Longchamps handbags in various sizes and colors.
Lulu’s in Guilford features soft, fluffy blankets and sweaters that would please any environmentalist on your shopping list as they are made from bamboo and polyester and are as soft as the maker’s name, “Barefoot Dreams.”
Arabella on Branford’s Main Street has a good selection of costume jewelry, lovely scarves (very much in fashion again this year) and a large choice of unusual handbags for every day or evening wear.
On the Post Road in Branford at Pier One, I spotted stunning red lacquer trays for only $10 and festive dinner bells at the same price. Colorful cordial sets on their own small tray were $29.
On to Madison where the festive Boston Post Road features too many lovely shops to mention here — just park your car and start browsing. Not to be missed, however, is the deservedly well-known, R.J. Julia Booksellers. The staff is knowledgeable and full of suggestions for finding just the right book. Also featured are unique cards and gift items, and you can also take a break in their delightful cafe.
I spotted a photo book on “Shelter Cats” and wanted to adopt each and every adorable one. Nora Ephron’s latest, “I Remember Nothing,” a humorous account of getting older, would make a great gift. I curled up in one of the store’s easy chairs to skim through Ken Jackson’s wonderful, just out, 1,433-page, “Encyclopedia of New York City.”
My last stop in Madison, 28 Durham Road, is a large, glass-windowed shop called Savvy Tea Gourmet. The owners are truly passionate about tea and carry an extensive selection of great teas and all the possible accessories that go into the making of an outstanding cup of tea.
There are wonderful pots from Japan known as Kabuki and Kyoto pots, a Big Ben teapot from, of course, London and show-worthy silver tea canisters for only $10.99. I had to treat myself to a “tea-for-one” set that is perfect for my bedtime tea and a cookie habit.
A very special opportunity to visit this unusual shop occurs from 5-7 p.m. Monday, when the Shoreline Eldercare Alliance is hosting a Holiday Open House featuring information on healthy aging, food tastings, raffle items, hypnotherapy, chair massage and a talk on the health benefits of tea. Hope to see you there.
Meanwhile, good luck finding that special gift for your special someone. And don’t forget that even a small remembrance is a way to thank the people who have helped to brighten your life this past year.
Contact Jean Cherni, founder of the retirement advisory service, Senior Living Solutions, at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds at Hotchkiss Grove, Branford 06405.
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