Last Minute Holiday Gift Guide: All In Larchmont

by Suzanne Corbin and Emily Saltzman Hoffner

(December 16, 2004) Although Hannukah has passed and Christmas is a mere week away, who among us does not have at least one more gift to buy? But before you even think of running to the Mall or into Manhattan, keep in mind the many treasures you can find right here in the Village of Larchmont.

As we visited throughout the village last week, we found terrific items in all price ranges for everyone on our list. (And as a holiday bonus, you can park twice as long as usual in each zone.)

Shopping locally benefits all of us in numerous ways; so, get out your own list and drive - or better yet - walk into the village. Wherever you go, you’ll find great gifts.

Here's only a sampling of what we found:

For Her:

She’ll love the colorful rhinestone brooches ($18-32) at Bead Dazzled, all the rage at the moment, to pin on winter sweaters and scarves. (1929 Palmer Ave, 834-6153)

For the tennis player on the go, Pennacchio Sport has colorful, practical canvas tennis bags by Le Tigre ($120-140). (1967 Palmer Ave, 834-3835)

The fox fur pompom scarves at Designer One in red, fuschia, chartreuse and orange are a great indulgence ($110). The store also stocks beautiful beaded evening bags ($150). Designer One has a brand new website and a new location as of this summer: 139 Larchmont Avenue (834-5080)

For Him:

Oversized coffee mugs by Our Name is Mud greet his morning with colorfully painted messages like “My Dad Rules” or “whatever.” ($13.95) from The Corner Store. (1906 Palmer Avenue, 834-6886)

Handsomely packaged cosmetics for men by The Art of Shaving at Pink on Palmer (from $12 for a lip balm to $200 for a classic wood and nickel shaving brush) will impress that special man in your life. (1907 Palmer Avenue, 833-8955)

If he’s been really nice, treat him to the sumptuous terry spa robes ($110) and slippers ($38) by American Essentials at Pennacchio Sport.

For Kids:

For the little princesses, Lorilyn & Co. has a precious selection of dress-up clothes, including tutu sets ($36), feather boas ($16), sparkly shoes ($20) and sparkly purses ($16). Anderson’s ladybug tea set baskets ($25) will spark the imagination.

For the budding engineers, don’t miss solid wooden trucks by Melissa & Doug ($15) also at Anderson’s. For the pint-sized Picasso, The Larchmont Store has a great collection of stencils and art kits with boats, vehicles or Ninja Turtles.

For Tweens:

Pick up ring necklaces, multi-colored rhinestone ring bands with cool messages like “dream” or “awesome” that hang on a silk cord ($14) at Bead Dazzled. To make your tween sparkle, hang three or four rings on a cord or one ring on two cords.

No need to go into New York City -- stop into Twinkle Toes or Bead Dazzled for the entire line of American Girl books ($5.95 to $19.95) on touchy topics such as feelings, pre-teen hygiene and the middle school years. You can find the American Girl Doll books and paper doll collections there as well. Twinkle Toes is now at 1943 Palmer ( 833-1455).

For Teens:

Everyone loves to snuggle in the fleece pajama bottom pants by Love and Kisses ($44 from size 2 to adult) at Lorilyn & Co. Boys have been sporting the doggy bone patterns; girls can be seen around town in colorful sushi and plaid patterns. (1935 Palmer Avenue, 833-9273)

Plaza Jean Company now carries Lacoste for women and men, the latest in the logo craze – ($72 and up for short and long sleeve versions) so there’s no need to fight the crowds at the Mall.

For the teenage cellphone user, the cell phone bags by Poire ($12) come in a wide range of solid, stripes and patterns at Write On! (2101 Boston Post Rd, 834-1770)

For Teachers, Babysitters, Buddies and Other Essential Helpers:

Whimsical painted buckets with beaded handles and a gift message ($15) at Pink on Palmer can be filled with fortune cookie bath soaps that dissolve and leave a message ($8), bath soap “snowballs” with dried rose petals ($10), or bath confetti ($8). The helpful staff there can customize your gift.

Teachers will love the colorful faux alligator print leather pencil cases available in red, green or orange ($24) at Write On!

Hostess Gifts:

Carol E. Charny Vintage has a wide selection of vintage tree ornaments ($6 each or a set of three for $15) from the 1940’s and 1960’s, beautifully wrapped in ribbon-tied sheer organza bags. (1905 Palmer Avenue, 834-4793)

If an edible gift is more your style, delicious delicate gingerbread houses from La Renaissance (140 Chatsworth Avenue, 834-0244) or luscious hot fudge and caramel ice cream toppings from Cocoa will delight any host (2107A Boston Post Road, 834-0181). And everyone loves to receive a bag of Aroma’s freshly ground coffee (1932 Palmer Avenue, 834-0989. )

Don’t Forget the Dog:

It’s doggie heaven at Carol Charny for man’s best friend. Assorted Christmas cookie-like dog treats (which look good enough for us to eat!) ($5 to $15) can fill the dog’s knitted Christmas stockings ($24); and, dog collars with plaid and bandana prints ($18) will brighten any pet’s winter.

Hometown Pride

For your Larchmont hostess, why not pay tribute to our community’s rich history by giving Images of America by Judith Doolin Spikes ($19.99) from Anderson’s Book Shop, which has a great selection of vintage photos of our town. Or try a pack of note cards with a picture of Manor Park from Write On! or note cards with the landmark Gazebo at Manor Park ($10.50 for a set of ten) at Anderson’s ( 96 Chatsworth Avenue, 834-6900).

For the Larchmont-born and raised college student, The Larchmont Store has a wide array of Larchmont t-shirts and sweatshirts. They’ll be reminded that “there’s no place like home.”

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