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BY PHILIP POTEMPA
Times Features Writer | Saturday, November 29, 2003 | (No comments posted.)
Kristen Villanueva doesn't mind being a last-minute holiday shopper.
"I don't really think of myself as last-minute, but others do," said Villanueva, of Lake Station, who annually starts shopping after Thanksgiving.
"I see it as I'm giving myself more time to make the best decisions. And today, you need more time to shop around because people on today's gift lists seem to have everything imaginable."
Villanueva, who also is the mother of a 9 month-old boy, said the best gifts are the ones that grab attention.
"I keep my eyes and ears open for what's new and different," she said.
"And when I see something that's really unique and right, I buy it. The holidays should be more than just swapping gift certificates."
For some shoppers, the same holiday landscapes for shopping are part of the December tradition.
Next year marks Carson Pirie Scott department stores' 150th anniversary as a Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana tradition.
"We're still going strong with 27 Chicago area and Northern Indiana locations," said Lisa Persico, the store's national spokeswoman.
"But we also try to add changes and new experiences for shoppers."
Persico said this year, Carson Pirie Scott and FAO Schwarz have joined forces so parents no longer need to travel to New York City to experience one of the most famous toy stores in the world. An FAO Schwarz toy department is now a year-round part of Carson's stores.
Persico said Carson's realizes there are more shoppers like Villanueva who need gift-giving suggestions and guidance.
"Carson's has set up 'great gift idea' shops in all of our locations to simplify the holiday shopping process for our customers," Persico said.
"These shops include exclusive and unique items and suggestions for men, for women and for kids, with various price ranges to fit budgets."
The Times' Your Saturday Shop! page has some of its own suggestions for readers still making up their minds for the naughty and nice names on this year's lists:
* Holly and Jolly -- Once you've had real holly to liven up your holiday home decorations, plastic or silk imitations will never quite seem the same. Available in shiny green or variegated hybrids, the plants come potted in rustic wicker baskets. $37.95 at www.dutchgardens.com or (800) 944-2250.
* It's Wonderful -- Actually, it's more than just "wonderful." Better yet, "It's A Wonderful Life" commemorated in a series of cute and clever ceramic ornaments and a miniature Bedford Falls tabletop town landscape. Created by Enesco, they range from $5.99 to $19.99 and are available at Walgreens stores or by visiting www.walgreens.com or calling (800) 925-5477.
* Handle it -- Samsonite has become a leader in luggage and solutions for travel packing. The latest in its long line of designs is the Signature 450 Series, which includes a handy wheeled overnight bag called the Wheeled Weekender. $200 in fine department stores, www.samsonite.com or (800) 262-8282.
* Holiday kisses -- Always fun and eye-catching, the philosophy line of soaps, fragrances and cosmetics take on a holiday theme every December. Baths get better with holiday blues for $20 or try the colorful "kiss me trio", which includes lip balms in flavors like peppermint and sugar cookie for $25. Available at Nordstrom, www.sephora.com, www.philosophy.com or (800) 568-3151.
* Big name recipes -- The Palm Restaurant, New York's classic American steakhouse, has a new hardcover cookbook "The Palm Restaurant Cookbook: Recipes and Stories from the Classic American Steak House," by Brigit Légère Binns (2003 Running Press $29.95.) The cookbook features the famous celebrity patrons and more than 130 award-winning recipes, described in detail by Tony Tammero, executive chef at The Palm. The cookbook is available at local bookstores, www.thepalm.com or by calling (800) 795-7256. The Palm currently has 28 restaurants in 24 cities across the United States, Mexico and Puerto Rico.
* Artistic decorations -- Not all holiday tree ornaments are created equal. Transitions by K offers an array of handpainted glass bulbs with designs that capture attention. Whether intended to decorate a tree or displayed in a glass bowl, local artist Karyne Luscomb of LaPorte decorates each ornament with custom colors and patterns for an original artistic outcome. $7 each for standard bulbs or $10 for a larger size. Available at the artist's studio at (219) 324-3697 or by e-mailing transitionsbyk@yahoo.com.
* Philip Potempa is reached at ppotempa@nwitimes.com or (800) 837-3232, ext.4327.
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