Last-minute gifts shouldn't be hard to find

By JENNIFER KNOCHA
Going to the mall to Christmas shop can feel like an epic trek this year, as Mother Nature keeps giving us reasons to stay at home. If only have one or two people left to buy for, here are a few ideas for things you can pick up without leaving Vernon.

For a special woman in your life, you can pick up fake fur-line fingerless gloves at Highland Florist. They come in a wide variety of colors. Another idea is one of these colorful bags, originally designed for knitting, but useful for carrying just about anything. They can be found at 2nd Thoughts Gift Shop, and are produced in Highland Lakes.

Gifts for men aren’t always easy to find, but here are a few suggestions. 2nd Thoughts has what the proprietor called a “man candle.” Coming in scents like Leather Boots and Humidor, they have been extremely hot sellers. For the guy with a man cave, these signs will add to the décor. These and more can be found at Highland Florist. For the handyman, head over to McAfee Hardware or Valley Paint and Supply for the right pair of channel locks or that rotary tool he’s been wanting.

Kids are always easy to buy for — toys, anyone? There are some other cool things, though, that are right around the corner that they’ll love just as much. At 2nd Thoughts, one of their best sellers are the spiked backpacks. They come in a variety of colors and patterns to appeal to everyone, and there’s even a smaller model that works as a lunchbag. Two of the best things about these bags, however is that the manufacturer, MadPax, offers a lifetime warranty and that the prices at 2nd Thoughts are comparable to buying the bags online. They also have bubble and block models as well.

For a teen girl, Highland Florist has Bella Ryann bracelets with charms ranging from initials to words to astrological signs to symbols. Those shopping for teen girls and guys also can head over to Retail Therapy, which carries a variety of clothing and jewelry as well as records for those who are into vinyl. Also keep an eye out for the bright green paint that marks Outkast Sports. They can help you pick out the right snowboards, bindings, goggles and other gear.

If you’re on your way to a party and don’t want to show up empty-handed, try some of these gifts. Stop by Highland Florist and pick up a handpainted wine glass for your hostess, along with a bouquet of fresh flowers. If you’d like to bring a kid-friendly gift, you also could pick up this snowman kit there as well. If you’d like to bring something edible, swing by the Dairy Swirl, the only ice cream store that’s open all winter, and bring some of their season flavors of ice cream, or go to Pochuk Valley Farms and pick up a dozen of their famous apple cider donuts or one of their delicious pies.