Five Towns Holiday Gift Guide 2011

Forget crowded malls and packed department stores. After you’re done making a list and checking it twice, do your holiday shopping right here in the Five Towns — you'll save on gas and support our local economy.

The gifts suggested here are expected to be among the hottest items of the holiday season, according to store managers and staff. Many owners plan to offer extended hours for the next few weeks, so you’ll have even more time to buy everything you need. They also offer that personal touch and great customer service that you just can’t find at big chain stores.

For Mom

• The in Cedarhurst has diamond and stainless steel bangle bracelets, starting at $75, as well as diamond and macramé bracelets for $85.
• If she’s into cooking, a Braun food processor ($149) at in Cedarhurst is a great gift.
• There’s a big selection of women’s Ugg Boots ($150-$250) at in Cedarhurst.
• You can also get her a Rowallan leather and suede jewelry box for $145 at Breezy’s in Cedarhurst.
• For moms who like the latest fashions, get Fly Monkey colored jeans for $58 at in Hewlett.

For Dad

• A unique gift for dad is a Galileo thermometer ($40-$75), found at The in Hewlett. The store also carries a handsome leather magazine rack and “ESPN – Those Guys Have All the Fun” ($28), a good book for sports fans.
• For something fun and sweet, buy him a big box of gourmet chocolate cigars ($20) at in Cedarhurst.
• Jewelry Showroom has Citizen watches ($200 and up), with a 25 percent discount.
• A personalized martini shaker is only $30 at Breezy’s in Cedarhurst.
• For something cutting edge, pick up a portable wireless keyboard ($59) at in Cedarhurst, which connects to any touch device.

For Tween and Teen Daughters

• Your teen or tween daughter will like a silicone Slap Watch at in Cedarhurst ($20-$25).
• in Cedarhurst has the latest in winter accessories, like Spirit Hoods, an animal inspired one-piece hat/scarf/mitten ($79.98). If the price is a bit too steep, they also sell cute knockoffs for $30.
• Another good choice is a decorative LeSportsac duffels and totes ($78 - $138) from The Pampered Professional.
• You can also pick up a fringed poncho ($39.50 to $59.50) at Max and Gino’s.

For Tween and Teen Sons

• Teen and tween sons will have a ball with the Spooner ($49) at LaToys, a balance board that spins, flips, slides and can be used as a snowboard.
• He’ll love the latest in hoodies at Morton’s — a Volcom full-zip monster sweatshirt, where outerwear meets Halloween costume.
• You can’t go wrong with “Diary of a Wimpy Kid – Cabin Fever” ($13.95) at Blue Door Books, the latest release from the wildly popular series.
• A superhero graphic novel ($9.99 and up) is sure to please at the comic book store in Hewlett. The store’s DC Universe action figures ($14.99 and up) are also very popular.

For Younger Daughters

• Chantilly Lane animated singing dolls ($27 and up) at Lucky Find in Cedarhurst are adorable gifts for your young daughter.
• Oh! Nuts has a Minnie Mouse bubble gum machine ($20) or a gumball-filled hula hoop ($10) for her sweet tooth.
• The Wizard of Oz scanimation book ($14.95) is a hot item at Blue Door Books, which is often purchased along with the Oz musical tea set ($25).

For Younger Sons

• For your young son, LaToys has a big assortment of Duplo products, like the Alphabet building blocks ($39.99), a great starter set.
• The candy pretzel pizza pie ($13), which comes in a realistic pizza box, is a fun dessert gift from Oh! Nuts.
• Get the book “High Five with Julius and Friends” ($8.99) and his plush doll ($13.00) at Blue Door Books in Cedarhurst.
• The remote control helicopter ($39 to $129) at Central Electronics Boutique is bound to be a big hit.
• A lush hooded personalized towel ($50) at in Cedarhurst is practical and cute.

For Friends, Siblings and Anyone Else

• For extended family and friends, glass and copper wind chimes ($15) from DeSetta Nursery is a nice gift.
• The Pampered Professional carries Snoozies ($10-$13), luxurious slippers that come in regular and boot style. Another popular item from that store is its big coffee table book, “75 Years of Life” ($37). The store also carries stylish women’s capes ($55).
• You can’t go wrong with a best seller such as “Steve Jobs” ($35, with 20 percent off) at Blue Door.