Shopping Left To Do? Holiday Gift Ideas from West Hartford Businesses to the Rescue
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TEN THOUSAND VILLAGES: Wrap your hands in woolly warmth with these gloves from Nepal. Each pair featuring a traditional tribal pattern, these gloves are knitted by the women of the Sana Hastakala artisan group. Suggested retail price, $24. 967 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford Center, 860-233-5470 www.tenthousandvillages.com
West Hartford holiday gift guide features 15 comfortable, cozy, classic, or cool gift ideas for 2015.
We are thankful for all of the great gift ideas that came to us from loyal friends, readers, advertisers and non-advertisers in the area. Our goal was to find some unique items, available in the West Hartford area, to share with our readers. As we reviewed the submissions, and did some of our own hunting, a “Comfortable, Cozy, Classic and Cool” theme emerged.
You can see even more gift-giving ideas in the DAZZLE pages of West Hartford Magazine (which, by the way, also makes a great gift), and in the meantime please enjoy this year’s Holiday Gift Guide of 15 items for 2015, compiled by our staff, in random order:
CRATE & BARREL: We decided that this item falls into the comfort food category, even though you can’t eat it. It is pretty cool to look at too. Footed Cake Stand with Dome, $59.95. (just add cake – or an Effie’s pie – see below!) 48 South Main St., Blue Back Square, 860-236-8900, www.crateandbarrel.com
EFFIE’S PLACE RESTAURANT: The chocolate cream pie at Effie’s Place has been our publisher’s favorite “comfort food” for more years than he can count. He was happy to hear that Effie’s has new gift cards this year (hint, hint). Effie’s is also the home of the “Best of West Hartford” breakfast. 91 Park Rd., Park Road Neighborhood Association, 860-233-9653, www.effiesplace.net
MAX’S OYSTER BAR, MAX BURGER: The gift of food. For some people on your list, “comfort food” will be lobster, while others are all about burgers and fries. Buy your friends or loved ones a Max Gift Card and treat them to a fabulous meal at West Hartford’s Max’s Oyster Bar and Max Burger. Oyster Bar: 964 Farmington Ave., West Hartford Center, 860-236-6299. Burger: 124 LaSalle Road, West Hartford Center, 860-232-3300, www.maxrestaurantgroup.com
BK&CO: This cape is on trend and stunning, in crimson red polar fleece, one-button with cheetah faux fur at the neckline and cuffs. Cozy and versatile in 100% polyester. Machine washable. Designed and made in Canada. One size. Dosmona Cape , $120. As a “cozy” compliment to the cape, pick up this fun, furry, steering wheel cover by Parkhurst Cozy Paws. Made in Canada with fine faux furs. $48. 64 LaSalle Rd., West Hartford Center, 860-232-6225, www.bkcostyle.com
TOY DOG ACCESSORIES AT THE BEADOIR: Textiles and ceramic artwork by Emma Woods of Sweet William Designs, U.K. Felted dog ornaments from Dingle, Ireland and Manchester, U.K. Toy Dog Accessories is currently the sole stockist in the U.S. for Sweet William Designs. Pricing ranges from $30 for mugs to $50 for large bowl. Handcrafted dog ornaments are $16.95 – $29.95. 968Rear Farmington Ave., West Hartford Center/The Courtyard Shops, 860-231-8755, www.toydogaccessories.net
WEST ELM: Last minute addition … added another “c” word:CUTE! West Elm ASPCA ornaments (for every ornament sold they will donate $1 to the ASPCA). 91 Memorial Rd., Blue Back Square, 860-231-7781, www.westelm.com
JUDAICA STORE: Assortment of menorahs and plenty of candles to light your holiday. Is it okay to call a menorah “cool”? Some are real works of art (and even though the holiday was over early this year, these are still great gifts ANY time of the year. We have a friend who got one for Christmas in her “mixed” household one year). We felt these items were both cool and classic. Prices vary by size/model. 31 Crossroads Plaza, Bishops Corner Neighborhood Association, 860-236-9956
FLEET FEET SPORTS WEST HARTFORD: Saucony’s new Triumph shoe featuring an Everun topsoil is perfect for working out or running errands. Considered a women’s neutral shoe. $150. 1003 Farmington Ave., West Hartford Center, 860-233-8077, www.fleetfeethartford.com
THE GREEN TEAHOUSE: These are tea travelers for tea lovers to stay warm and cozy with fresh loose-leaf tea on-the-go. BPA-Free containers make re-filling and re-steeping tea during the day a breeze. Prices range from $25-28.99. 40 Isham Rd., West Hartford Center, 860-232-6666, www.thegreenteahouse.com
LUX BOND & GREEN: Twig Collection in 14K gold with diamonds. You can’t get much more “classic” than gold for the holidays. Earrings $445, Necklace $415, Ring $ 315. 46 LaSalle Rd., West Hartford Center, 860-521-3015, www.lbgreen.com
MACY’S WESTFARMS: Winter is eventually coming and we found the perfect gift for that special little girl. The North Face,Baby Girls’ ThermoBall Bunting, available in sizes 3 months to 24 months, $120. Westfarms, 860-561-3030, www.shopwestfarms.com
LORD & TAYLOR: This cool watch is powered by solar energy. It’s called the Seiko Cotura Perpetual Solar. $495. Westfarms, 860-521-8411, www.shopwestfarms.com
BRISTLE & BLADE: Bristle & Blade’s barbers are passionate about their craft and someone on your gift list is certainly due for some true old-fashioned pampering. Gift cards in any denomination. Shave, haircut, or both. 1158 New Britain Ave., Elmwood Center, 860-573-9660, www.bristleandblade.com
TEN THOUSAND VILLAGES: Wrap your hands in woolly warmth with these gloves from Nepal. Each pair featuring a traditional tribal pattern, these gloves are knitted by the women of the Sana Hastakala artisan group. Suggested retail price, $24. 967 Farmington Ave., West Hartford Center, 860-233-5470
www.tenthousandvillages.com
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[…] Are you still Christmas shopping? Of course many of you are! Here’s a guide to some “Comfortable, Cozy, Classic, and Cool” gifts submitted by area retailers. […]