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We spend a lot of energy this time of year searching through stores, leaving less time to enjoy the festive season.
Local | Clothing | Food | Keiki | Accessories | Home | Garden | Tips
By Nancy Arcayna
Star-BulletinAs we brave crowded shopping malls searching for the perfect gift, we suffer from parking trauma and tired feet. Those who need to ship gifts have the added pressure of meeting postal deadlines.
But there is a solution! Catalog and online shopping can eliminate the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Unique gifts can be found without leaving the comfort of your home.
Clothing, toys, food and wine, as well as unusual stocking stuffers are all available. We share a sample of them here followed by order deadlines.
For tips on smart catalog and online shopping, log onto http://www.shopthenet.org for such common sense advice as keeping your receipts, product packaging and literature until you are sure you are satisfied with your purchase.
Send relatives and friends in the mainland a taste of Hawaii with gifts from paradise. Local Favorites
Big Island Candies
Candies, cookies and treats. Visit http://www.bigislandcandies.com or call 1-800-935-5510. Order by Dec. 8.Hawaii's Favorite Foods
Zippy's chili, lau lau, kalua pig or turkey, frozen poi, napples, maui caramac cheescake and more. Visit http://www.zippys.com or call 973-0895. Dec. 20.Hawaiian Host Chocolates
Candies, nuts and gift baskets. Visit http://www.hawaiianhost.com or call 1-888-529-HOST. Dec. 11.Kona Brewing Company
Clothing and pub accessories. Visit http://www.konabrewingco.com or call 808-334-2739. Dec. 4.Mauna Loa Macadamias
Variety of nuts, candies, jellies and gift baskets. Visit http://www.maunaloa.com or call 1-800-832-9993. Dec. 4.R. Field Wine Company
Wines and gourmet gift baskets. Call 1-800-524-4275. Dec. 8.Blair Clothing
Women's clothing and accessories. Call 1-800-458-2000. Order by Dec. 15.De Santis Collection
Essentials for the well-dressed gentleman. Visit http://www.desantiscollection.com or call 1-800-501-8437. Dec. 15.Fredericks of Hollywood
Clothing, lingerie and body lotions. See http://www.fredericks.com or call 1-800-323-9525. Dec. 18.J. Jill
Collection of wool jackets, cashmere sweaters, velvet dresses, pants and a variety of boots and shoes to complete a winter wardrobe. Visit http://www.jjill.com or call 1-800-642-9989. Dec. 15.Orient Expressed
Children's collection of clothing themed with special moments like trips to the circus, birthday parties, bedtime stories and the first day of school. Visit http://www.orientexpressed.com or call 1-504-899-3060. Dec. 2.Orvis Clothing and Gifts
Personalized gift items: luggage, watches, wallets, and clothing. Cozy cuddlebags for keiki sleep overs. Outdoor gadgets and beds, accessories and memorials for pets. Visit http://www.orvis.com or call 1-800-541-3541. Dec. 15.Victoria's Secret
Clothing, lingerie, body lotions. See http://www.VictoriaSecret.com. Call 1-800-888-8200. Dec. 18.
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Allen Brothers Food
Home of the great steakhouse steaks. Variety of beef steak, veal, lamb, pork, poultry and seafood selections available. Call 1-800-957-0111. Dec. 17.Clambake Celebrations
Lobsters and chowders to go. See http://www.clambake-to-go.com or call 1-877-792-7771. Dec. 8.Fairytale Brownies
Belgian chocolate brownies in flavors of original, amaretto, caramel, chocolate chip, espresso, peanut butter, raspberry swirl, toffee crunch and more. Visit http://www.brownies.com or call 1-800-324-7982. Dec.12.Harringtons of Vermont
Smoked meats, soup mixes, jellies, cheeses, truffles, and cakes. Visit http://www.harringtonham.com or call 1-802-434-4444. Dec. 11.Harry and David
Towers of treats including a variety of cakes, truffles, fruits and nuts appear to be a specialty. Gift baskets with cheeses, jellies and fruits, ham, turkey, fruit trays, salmon and holiday floral assortments. Visit http://www.harryanddavid.com or call 1-800-547-3033. Dec. 17.The Popcorn Factory
Tins of multiflavored popcorn, cookies, candies and nuts. Gift baskets and boxes for Christmas, Hanukkah and birthdays available. Visit http://www.thepopcornfactory.com or call 1-800-541-2676. Dec. 11.SalsaExpress
Variety of salsas, hot sauces and other products. Visit http://www.salsaexpress.com or call 1-800-437-2572. Dec. 12.Virginia Traditions
Honey glazed hams, stews, sausages, brisket, bacon and steaks. Visit http://www.virginiatraditions.com or call 1-800-222-4267. Dec. 5.Wine Country Baskets
An array of baskets with wine, cheese and other treats. Keep in mind, Hawaii's Liquor Commission requires a permit to import alcohol for gifts or personal consumption. Country morning basket with a teapot and a personal care basket with aroma therapy products also available. Visit http://www.giftprogram.com or call 1-800-394-0394. Order by Dec. 18.Company Kids For the Keiki
Creative bedding, accessories and play houses for children ages 8-14. Visit http://www.companykids.com or call 1-800-356-9367. Dec. 15.Constructive Playthings
Creative toys for toddlers and keiki. Music, blocks, art supplies, science activities and games. Visit http://www.constplay.com or call 1-800-832-0572. Dec. 4.Kid-E-Sport
Sports equipment and accessories for outdoor street games, gymnastics, hockey, football, soccer and more. Visit http://www.kid-e-sport.com or call 1-877-KIDSPORT. Dec. 1.Lilly's Kids
Personalized items and creative toys. Visit http://www.lillianvernon.com or call 1-800-545-5426. Dec. 19.Museum Tour
Educational toys, games and projects on space, engineering, earth science, chemistry, nature, art and theater, music and more. Visit http://www.museumtour.com or call 1-800-360-9116. Dec. 5.Mindware
Brainy toys for kids of all ages. Visit http://www.mindwareonline.com or call 1-800-999-0398. Dec. 4.Sticker Planet
All occasion stickers. Dress-up stickers and alphabet make great stocking stuffers. Visit http://www.stickerplanet.com or call 1-800-557-8678. Dec. 5.Toy Wishes Holiday 2000
Comprehensive guide of the hottest toys of the seasons. Age appropriate guides and prices are provided. Catalogs may be purchased at Borders Book Stores.Toys to grow on
Dollhouses, woodworker's products, art supplies, outdoor activities and glamour dress-up sets. Visit http://www.ttgo.com or call 1-800-542-8338. Dec. 15.Articles Gifts and Accessories
Chinese and African art, Moroccan lanterns, outdoor sculptures, wine accessories and other art. Visit http://www.articles.com or call 1-800-589-8500. Dec. 8.As We Change
Products for women to pamper themselves, increase fitness and vitality, relieve stress and achieve better sleep. Visit http://www.aswechange.com or call 1-800-203-5585. Dec. 15.Audio Editions
Books on cassette and CD including fiction, personal growth, inspiration, history, science and philosophy, poetry and humor. Visit http://www.audioeditions.com or call 1-800-231-4261. Dec. 10.Betty's Attic
Nostalgic gift items featuring Coca-Cola products, kewpie dolls, cigar store indians. Call 1-800-294-4068. Dec. 10.Bloomingdale's
Gift ideas ranging from personalized pen boxes to lava lamps, vases, bedding, clothing and accessories. Visit http://www.bloomingdales.com or call 1-800-777-0000. Dec. 10.Dancing Dragon
Dragons galore. Sculptures, statues, pendants, clothing and various gift items. Visit http://www.dancing-dragon.com or call 1-800-322-6040. Dec. 1.Lilian Vernon
Home decorations, ornaments and unique gifts. Visit http://www.LilianVernon.com or call 1-800-545-5426. Dec. 19.Magellan's
Travel supplies including travel pillows, travel games, and a silver pen that fits in the fold of a wallet. See http://www.magellans.com. Call 1-800-962-4943. Dec. 20.National Geographic Society
Gifts from around the world, marvels of science, and outdoor adventures. Visit http://www.nationalgeographic.org or call 1-888-225-5647. Dec. 4.National Wildlife
Clothing, bedding, dinner and glassware, greeting cards, books and gifts featuring scenes of wildlife. Visit http://www.nwf.org or call 1-800-477-5560. Dec. 11.Oriental Trading
An array of bulk party supplies, ornaments and decorations, candles and holiday tins. Also nativities, angels and other spiritual artifacts.Visit http://www.oriental.com or call 1-800-228-2269. Dec. 11Red Envelope
Gourmet baskets, jewelry, spa accessories, gadgets, games and toys. Visit http://www.RedEnvelope.com or call 1-877-733-3683. Dec. 11.Seasons
Clothing, jewelry, gardening supplies, papermaking kits, baby items collectibles and more. Visit http://www.SeasonsShop.com or call 1-800-776-9677. Dec. 18.ShopNow.com
Gifts from around the world perfume from Paris, souvenirs from Sydney, rugs from Persia. See http://www.ShopNow.com.Signals
Jewelry, Celtic inspirations, Jewish heritage items, modern home accents, office accessories and more.Visit http://www.signals.com. Call 1-800-570-1004. Dec. 5.Solutions
Holiday decor, practical and unique gifts including kitchen gadgets, bathroom accessories, and gifts for pets. Visit http://www.SolutionsCatalog.com or call 1-800-342-9988. Dec. 11.Spilsbury
Puzzles and games including board, computer and electronic. Visit Spilsbury. com or call 1-800-772-1760. Dec. 15.Starry Nights
Collectibles, cookbooks, cookie making sets and candles. More than 300 gifts under $20. Visit http://www.gooseberrypatch.com or call 1-800-854-6673. Dec. 11.T. Shipley
Corporate gifts including pen sets, blueprint accessories, office supplies and briefcases. See http://www.tshipley.com or call 1-888-898-3932. Dec. 20.Terry's Village
Unique holiday decorations and gifts. Visit http://www.terrysvillage.com or call
1-800-200-4400. Dec. 11.Whitehorse Press Motorcycling
Biker videos, books, clothing, road accessories and maintenance manuals. Visit http://www.WhitehorsePress.com or call 1-800-531-1133. Dec. 11.Wind and Weather
Weather instruments, home and garden ornaments. See http://www.windandweather.com. Call 1-800-922-9463. Dec. 11.Back in the Saddle Home Accents
and Entertaining
Horse memorabilia, clothing, sculptures, ornaments, glassware, bedding and wall hangings. See http://www.backinthesaddle.com or call 1-800-865-2478. Dec. 11.Bombay
Centerpieces, furniture, wine racks, candles and holiday decor. Visit http://www.bombayco.com or call 1-800-829-7789. Dec. 5.Cottura
Ceramic art imports from Italy. Variety of dinnerware patterns and accessories for the home and garden. Call 1-800-348-6608. Dec. 11.The Country House
Decorations for country living. Visit http://www.thecountryhouse.com or call 1-800-331-3602. Dec. 8.Domestications
Bedding, bath and home accessories. Visit http://www.domestications.com or call 1-800-746-2555. Dec. 1.Garnet Hill
Bedding, feather beds, rugs, clothing and bath accessories made of natural fibers. Visit http://www.garnethill.com or call 1-800-622-6216. Dec. 14.International Wine Accessories
Cellars, decanters, glasses, corkscrews and wine accessories. Visit http://www.iwawine.com or call 1-800-527-4072. Dec. 18.L.H. Selman Ltd.
An array of fine glass paperweights. Visit http://www.paperweight.com or call 1-800-538-0766. Dec. 18.Plow and Hearth
American home products for country living. Christmas decorations, wall hangings, tapestries, rugs, table, bed and bath accessories and food items. Visit http://www.americancountryhome.com or call 1-800-247-6799. Dec. 1.Calyx & Corolla Garden
A variety of fresh and dried floral arrangements. Visit http://www.calyxandcorolla.com or call 1-800-497-6789. Order at least 10 days prior to delivery date.Jackson & Perkins
Fresh flowers, Christmas trees, garden accessories. Visit http://www.jacksonandperkins.com or call 1-800-292-4769. Order at least 10 days prior to delivery.
Anyone hoping to send packages by slow boat to the mainland is out of luck. The deadlines for standard delivery have passed. The priority mail deadline doesn't arrive until Dec. 11, but the post office points out there is no guarantee of delivery. "Express mail is the only way to ensure delivery. It guarantees that gifts will reach their destination in time for the holidays," says Majah (who was not allowed to give last name), of the U.S. Postal Service. The express mail deadline for the mainland is Dec. 22. Shipping tips
1. Use a sturdy cardboard box to ship items. Packing guidelines:
2. Secure packages well to prevent damage. Do not use masking tape or string.
3. Go to the post office early. Generally, business is slower in the morning.
4. Cushion the bottom of the box since it receives most of the pressure during shipping.
5. Buy the appropriate boxes needed for the items shipped. Weight limits should not be exceeded.
6. Address your box clearly with both the recipient's address and a return address.
Visit http://www.usps.com or call 1-800-275-8777 for more information and international deadlines.
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