Last Minute Shopping: Unique Gifts and Stocking Stuffers

If you've put off the Christmas shopping until the last minute, need to pick up some stocking stuffers, or are still struggling to find that perfect gift for the people who are hard to buy for, you don't have to go far to find something to fit the bill. Local stores have wonderful and unique gifts that you won't find at the mall and they won't break the budget either. 

There are a number of wonderful gift shops in Old Lyme. Along Halls Road you'll find Treasures and handcrafted gifts at The Lyme Tree Woman's Exchange (which has handmade American Girl doll outfits and accessories, handcarved wooden toys, baby clothes, and much more, and the proceeds all go to charity). 

The photo gallery here shows some of the best-selling items this season at The Bowerbird, which has been voted Connecticut's best gift shop. As owner Chris Kitchings puts it, "If you can't find it here, you probably don't need it." If you're looking for something for the handyman (or woman) in your life, Christiansen Hardware has some great gift ideas. 

If you're looking for something small, stop by the General Store in Lyme, because that's where you'll find Jane's Dollhouses and Miniatures. 

Main Street Niantic has an abundance of mom and pop stores offering unique gifts from women's fashions at Ardonn Boutique, antiques from Treasures Past and Present, books at the Book Barn, and clocks at Mystic Clock Shoppe. In the photo gallery, you'll find great gift ideas for teens at Tumbleweeds and sweet treats from Gumdrops and Lollipops. 

Check out this slide show of great gift ideas for him, for her, for teens, for tots, and even for the family pet.