Hot holiday gifts found locally

By Dan Marois

Feature Writer / Photographer

While many believe that the economy is still in recovery mode, local retailers are readying themselves for the holiday shopping season with products that offer choice and value for the dollar.

And in each of the businesses interviewed, it appears there will be special items that will be top sellers for the 2013 holiday shopping season.

Dan Cunliffe II, the owner of Republic Jewelry & Collectibles in Auburn, believes that the recent Red Sox win in the World Series will bring increased demand for sports-related items.

“Red Sox merchandise will be a big seller for us this year like it was in 2004 and 2007,” said Cunliffe. “Popular items will be Red Sox hats, framed photos from the World Series after the Game 6 win, and also the World Series replica trophies.”

Cunliffe’s store also carries an impressive line of jewelry, always a holiday favorite gift item.

“We have seen a huge increase in people buying from our estate jewelry selection in the last few years. People can buy a pre-owned, refinished piece of jewelry at a fraction of the price of an identical item that is new,” said Cunliffe. “People have really been scooping up these [estate] items.”

Cunliffe said it doesn’t matter if a person is shopping for a diamond ring for an engagement or a sapphire pendant for a birthday present, people are looking to save where they can and bargains can be found in estate jewelry.

Another “hot” item in jewelry is Alex and Ani and Wind & Fire expandable bangle bracelets.

“This is one of those items we can’t get enough from the manufacturer to keep up with demand,” said Cunliffe. “The women love them as they are at an affordable price point, $24 to $30, and they are made from recycled metal, so they are eco-friendly.”

Celeste Yakawonis, owner of The Perfect Basket in Turner, finds that Lewiston-Auburn shoppers choose gift baskets for holiday giving because they are practical and value priced.

“At the holidays, gift baskets need to have delicious chocolate, cookies, nuts, a mix of salty and savory treats,” said Yakawonis, tempting the palate with such delights as Chocolate with Sea Salt, Chocolate with Chili, Dark Chocolate, organic items, and gluten-free items.

Yakawonis noted that shoppers often appreciate buying local when it comes to stocking a gift basket.

“I use local sources of items whenever possible,” said Yakawonis. “We are fortunate to have Maine Gourmet Chocolates, Ella’s Chocolates, Better Than Average Jams, The Vault, The Bread Shack and many other local suppliers that excel in creating specialty items.”

Shoppers find that gift baskets make a great presentation and are affordable with top sellers in the $15 to $25 range.

“These are great for hostess gifts, Secret Santas or gifts for co-workers,” said Yakawonis, who is also seeing growing demand for larger gifts baskets of $100 and more.

At The Vault, a specialty wine and craft beer shop in downtown Lewiston, owner Susan Hall sees a return to the classics of gift giving with spirits leading the way.

“With some great back-to-back vintages in Bordeaux (2009 and 2010) there has been a renewed interest in looking for these wines for gifting,” said Hall. “There is good availability and a wide range of pricing from $15 per bottle and up.”

Hall expects the two-bottle gift pack – a combination of red and white wine boxed at $29.99 to be a popular item. “It takes the guesswork out of deciding,” she said.

There is definitely an upsurge in sparkling wine for simply bubbly cocktails or for the serious champagne drinker, according to Hall. Her shop also stocks a broad selection of local and imported special-release craft beers for the ale connoisseur.

“People are being more cautious with their money so it seems people are shopping more for the best deals to make their dollars stretch further,” said Cunliffe. “We have seen a lot of new faces in our store as people are not just walking into a typical chain store and dropping money on an item. They may be looking to save money and searching a bit harder.”

Yakawonis has a good feeling about this year’s shopping season with corporate clients ordering once again and individuals seeking gift baskets. She’s even seeing a trend in the choice of wrapping colors for this year going from jewel tones in packaging to basic red and greens.

“I think this may reflect the uncertainty of the times and people wanting to remember their own childhood holidays,” said Yakawonis.