While there's still plenty of time to peruse the neighborhood shops for the perfect gift for everyone on your list, here is a quick look at some of the things I found that might help spark some ideas.
Julie Wedele, the Pastry Chef for Scape and Crepes has hit the sweet spot with "housemade" toffee, caramel corn, and biscotti in Crepes mugs, $6 each. Turtle bark, front, is $3.50, Crepes Strawberry Jam, right, is $6.
When you stop by be sure to study Julie's adorable handmade gingerbread houses in the shop window. When I asked if she would make them for anyone else, she replied, "No way, these took two weeks!"
Photo courtesy of Crepes
With 72 hours advance notice Julie will create a Yule Log Crepe Cake, shown above, for your holiday gathering. The cake serves 12 to 15, $56. Crepes' crowd-favorite cinnamon rolls are $18. See complete list and view ordering information here.
Crepes, 52 Maryland Plaza, Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., (314) 367-2800.
You'll find many holiday party selections at Libby's, 4742 McPherson Avenue, including a soft beige sleeveless dress with gold sequins, $81, and a black long-sleeve dress with jeweled neckline that dips to a deep-v, $78.
I've read kimonos are hot this year. A lovely rayon kimono with silk-fringe by Ares.A is one-of-a-kind, size S/M, $185.
The handbags at Libby's always knock me out since they look more expensive than they really are. The black and red purse with zipper pockets is $42; the red-and-beige tote is $77.
Libby's, 4742 McPherson, (314) 454-3003.
Stacey Plank, proprietor of The Eye Bar, suggested that the OYO Eyeglass Box, above, would be a perfect gift for someone who seems to have everything. The handsome storage box holds 10 pair of eyeglasses and comes in white, above, Tiffany Blue (in stock) and black. It can be ordered in several wood finishes too, $250. The OYO Box can be monogrammed in about a day's time.
From left, fun Eye-Bobs "cheaters" are available in several color combinations, $75, a Cote & Ciel + Mykita neoprene glass case with attached lens cloth is $35. Popular "La Loup" eyeglass chains are available in a "Love" style, $130, and tortoise version, $100. The "salt milla" polarized sunglasses are non-prescription, $460, though they can be ordered as prescription glasses as well.
The Eye Bar, 401 N. Euclid, Tues. 11 to 6, Weds. to Sat. 11 to 7. An eye doctor is available Tues., Weds. & Sat., (314) 367-1848.
The Vino Gallery is offering a special price of $150 for 12 bottles of wine including tax. You can mix and match the selection to include reds, whites, rose, and sparkling wines. Individual bottles from this selection, grouped on display tables in the shop, are available for $13.99.
Choices include "The Velvet Devil" Merlot, a crowd-pleasing rose, Chateau La Coste (which is described as a perfect accompaniment to holiday meals), or Toso, a Champagne-style sparkler. Ask Alex or Matt at The Vino Gallery to choose their favorites for you, wrap the whole kit and kaboodle up and have it delivered to your apartment or condo…or to a friend. Delivery is $8 in the city, $13 to county locations. How's that for convenience!
The Vino Gallery, Mon. to Thurs. 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., Fri. & Sat. 11 to 10 p.m., (314) 932-5665.
Christiane Danna of Christiane's Handcrafted Jewelry has created an absolutely stunning gold-and-silver "sand dollar" necklace, $179, and matching earrings, $39.
Christiane's Handcrafted Jewelry, 449 N. Euclid, Mon. to Fri. 11 to 2:30, Sat. 11 to 4.
Jenny Walker's workshop at 449 N. Euclid is full of stunning and imaginative jewelry, above, that she creates onsite.
Prices range from $28 for "stick" earrings upper right
to $140 for scarab earrings, above. Gold hoops with enamel above are $45.
Jenny Walker Jewelry, Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. 10 to 3, Sat. 10 to 4, Closed until after holidays starting 12/22, (347) 528-3210.
More gift ideas to come.