Just In Time, GFP’s Top 12 Thoughtful Christmas Gift Ideas

If you’re still shopping for Christmas presents, here are some great last minute gift ideas. All but one are available at independent retailers in Greenwich.

From Michaelangelo at 410 Greenwich Avenue, “Glacier Rocks” are the perfect gift for someone who likes their Scotch neat. These stainless steel cubes are perfect for monogramming and Michaelangelo is famous for turning jobs around quickly.

Also from Michaelangelo, a steel fire starter with a wooden handle that is ideal for monogramming.

At 383 Greenwich Avenue St. Moritz Bakery is doing a brisk business in gingerbread houses. They come in small, medium and large and price ranges accordingly. You can pick up a house with standard decorations, or bring in a photo of your house and they’ll custom make one for you.

At St. Moritz, everything is baked on premises using only fresh and natural ingredients including butter, real cream and imported European chocolate. The chefs at St. Moritz are renowned for their custom cake designs. Open Monday-Saturday 7:00am-5:30pm. Tel (203) 869-2818.

Gingerbread house at St. Moritz Bakery.

Show your support for a free press with a t-shirt from Greenwich Free Press.

The front says Greenwich Free Press and the back says “Support a free press.” The t-shirts super soft %100 cotton from Next Level Apparel.

Men’s are black with gray letters: medium, large, extra large.

Women’s are shaped. They are gray with black letters: small, medium, large

$20 includes shipping. Call Leslie at GFP (203) 622-1731

At Sophia’s at 1 Liberty Way, popular items include these sassy potholders and socks. Some of them we can’t publish, but we relate to the sentiment. Sophia also sells jewelry, vintage clothing, an array of Christmas ornaments and hostess gifts. And, of course, those costumes make Sophia’s a regional destination.

Potholders are Sophia’s were selling like hotcakes this week.

Can you stuff stockings with socks? Of course!

At Bruce Park Sports at 104 Mason Street, Tom and Mark Bisanzo said that Under Armour apparel and sports teams hats are all selling briskly for the holidays. They say that this year slow selling merchandise includes items with American flags and patriotic slogans. Bruce Park Sports is open Monday to Saturday 9:00am to 5:30pm. Tel. 203 869-1382

In Old Greenwich at Chillybear, Rich Fulton said Squishies are super popular. We chatted with a 4th grader who said she and her friends all love squishies. She noted that they’re not a problem to bring to school because when they’re squished, they don’t make any noise. Chillybear is located at 180 Sound Beach Avenue in Old Greenwich. Tel. (203) 622-7115.

No home is complete without a copy of The Anderson Guide. Now available in its 10th edition, the book is often called the Green Guide, or the Anderson Zagat of Greenwich. The popular guide book is chock full of things to do and enjoy in our town.

Considered the best directory for town resources, the guide has everything from where to get the best ice cream to how to join a garden club.

Available at Diane’s Books, East Putnam Variety, Packages Plus-N-More, Splurge, Bruce Museum Store, J Papers and on Amazon.com

Boxes of the “small munch” on display at the Greenwich Exchange for Women’s Work at 28 Sherwood Place in Greenwich.

Looking for a thoughtful hostess or teacher gift? These Red Ribbon Pretzel Company “small munch” boxes feature pretzels generously drizzled in chocolate and caramel.

Available at the Greenwich Exchange for Women’s Work, 28 Sherwood Place.

The Greenwich Exchange is a non-profit organization features handcrafted items made by talented artisans-consignors. Hours: Monday to Friday 10:00am to 4:00pm. Saturday 10:00am to 2:00pm. Tel. (203) 869-0229

We love the Amika straightening hairbrushes, available at Sephora on Greenwich Avenue.

If you know someone addicted to their flat iron straightening rod, but frets about damaged hair, we love the Akita straightening hairbrush. The Polished Perfection Straightening Brush is available for $120 at Sephora. They also sell a Polished Perfection mini straightening brush for $35, perfect for touch ups on the go.

Sephora is located at 75 Greenwich Avenue. Tel. (203) 422-2191. Monday to Saturday 10:00am to 6:00pm. Sunday 12:00 to 5:00pm.

Topiary and frog pot from Abilis Gardens & Gifts.

At Abilis Gardens & Gifts at 50 Glenville Street in Glenville, the greenhouse is now dedicated to items for sale.

There are all manner of plants, succulents, topiaries and pottery, which make great gifts.

Even better, the shop is offering20% off total purchases and 50% off cut flowers. They’ll even make a bouquet, a perfect hostess or teacher gift.

As always, the handmade soaps and candles make great gifts and the price points are affordable.

Tel: 203-531-4438

Sundays 12:00 to 5:00pm. Monday to Saturday 10:00am – 5:00pm.

Key chains at Abilis Gardens & Gifts at 50 Glenville Street in Glenville.

Fresh cut flowers are 50% off until Dec 24, 2017 at Abilis Gardens & Gifts, 50 Glenville Street.

At East Putnam Variety at 26 Greenwich Avenue, there is an entire wall of classic toys like Jax, marbles, play money, water pistols, googley eyes and “parachute men.” These are perfect stocking stuffers. What’s hot at East Putnam Variety? Helium balloons are a big seller every day of the year. Tel (203) 869-8789. Monday – Saturday 8:00am – 7:00pm. Sunday 8:00am – 2:00pm.