Ten years ago, we created our first holiday gift guide, inspired by tiny treasures.
This year, we looked to the sun, the moon, the stars and the sky for inspiration, finding presents large and small, both in size and price, that should appeal to just about anyone on your list.
If there is one thing we have learned over a decade of preparing these guides for the readers of The Coastal Star, it is this: Serving you is the greatest gift of all.
Thank you, and happiest of holidays!
— Scott Simmons
Fabulous frock
This glittery Hannah Banana Cosmic Cutie dress evokes the fireworks and the cosmos, with its comets and stars that seemingly twinkle. There are roses and butterflies, too. Don’t want to see stars? Elegant Child of Boca Raton also has a large lineup of duds for the little lads in your life, as well as clothing for infants.
This sparkly dress is available for $66. Elegant Child of Boca Raton is at 59 S. Federal Highway; 416-0152 or www.elegantchildboca.com.
Star light, star bright
We’re big fans of Pedro Maldonado’s designs at Jewelry Artisans. But if you ask us, this Victorian bangle bracelet also packs real star power.
It’s a 19th-century antique made of 18-karat gold, with a cobalt fire enamel locket, perfect for hiding a picture of your loved one. It’s available for $8,900.
We’re also partial to an 18-karat gold cuff with over 2 carats of diamonds set in a star motif. It’s priced at $22,000.
Jewelry Artisans is at 247 S. Ocean Blvd. in the Plaza del Mar, Manalapan; 586-8687 or www.jewelryartisanspalmbeach.com.
Specs appeal
That special someone will look like a Hollywood star with these “Lloyd” sunglasses by Linea Roma.
The unisex specs offer a green tint and gold-tone frames in a classic aviator style.
Buy these as a gift, or treat yourself — after all, you have only one pair of eyes. Why not protect them?
Available for $235 at Eye Catchers Optique, 318 E. Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton; 338-0081 or www.eyecatchersboca.com.
Behold, the world!
Forget the land. Forget global warming. Unlike a terrestrial globe, this solar-powered celestial Mova globe highlights the stars we see from beyond our Earth.
The clear plastic globe perches atop a Lucite stand, and the planet spins inside. From what we saw, the brighter the light, the faster it spins.
Kids of all ages will appreciate it, but at $195, it might be better suited to adults.
Available at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, 1801 N. Ocean Blvd., Boca Raton; 544-8610.
Into a jam
Chinese lanterns and pagodas beam from these Shanghai pajamas by Jaye’s Studio.
The cotton sateen jammies offer pockets on the pants and a five-button closure, just right for perfecting a weekend lounge act. The whimsical Asian design will make the wearer smile each time she slips them on. Priced at $94 at Snappy Turtle, 1100 E. Atlantic Ave., Unit A, Delray Beach; 276-8088 or www.snappy-turtle.com.
Shine a light
Here’s an opportunity to invest in an heirloom.
The menorah is a key symbol of Hanukkah, or the Festival of Lights. The eight days and nights of the festival commemorate the rededication in biblical times of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem.
Lady Liberty beams from this menorah, created by Palm Beach County artist Debbie Lee Mostel, who is known for transforming found objects into fine art.
It’s available for $150 at The Roe Green Uniquely Palm Beach store at the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County, at 601 Lake Ave., downtown Lake Worth; 471-2901 or www.palmbeachculture.com.
Stable environment
This heirloom-quality crèche takes Christmas back to its beginnings, with Jesus’ humble birth in Bethlehem. The figures of this five-piece Italian set, made by Fontanini by Roman, are delicately hand-painted, and an angel holds a banner that reads “Gloria.”
This set is offered for $195. Larger sets also are available. They’re at Gulfstream Pharmacy, 4998 N. Ocean Blvd., Briny Breezes; 276-4800.
Taking flight
If there’s one thing we could use this time of year, it’s peace — both literally and as a concept.
These birds take to the heavens and remind us there is something beyond us and the Earth.
The pressed metal pieces, which are made in India, would be at home on a Christmas tree as they would be hanging on a wall. And at $12 for the larger and $8 for the smaller bird, you easily could fill either a wall or a tree with a flock.
Available at Sugarboo & Co., Mizner Park, 347 Plaza Real, Boca Raton; 465-2407 or www.sugarbooandco.com.
It’s in the bag
A sea star shines from the top of this coral-colored patent leather clutch by local designer Sasha Lickle. The purse is perfect for day or evening use — picture this with your favorite Lilly Pulitzer print or paired with a little black (or white) dress. Simply stunning!
Priced at $168 at C. Orrico, 1045 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach; 278-5353 or www.corrico.com.
Let the sun shine in
Or out ... with recycled metal art from the Caribbean, handcrafted of metal drums using hammer and chisel. The metal surfaces, in assorted sizes, are handpainted in vibrant colors by Haitian artisans.
Hand’s owner David Cook and curator Roz Castle have other unique, celestial items, as well as beachy hangings.
Prices range from $5.95 to $249.95 at Hand’s, 325 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach; 276-4194 or www.handsdelray.com
Handy accessory
Designer Karen Corcoran has an eye for objects that evoke the shore.
These delicate fingertip towels would be right at home in any coastal powder room.
The embroidered sea star’s colors evoke the pink and rosy hues of the sunrise.
It’s practical, pretty, and a perfect hostess gift.
Available for $38 at Details Design, Ocean Plaza, 640 E. Ocean Ave., Bay 1, Boynton Beach; 733-1447.
That about covers it
This Newfield cotton throw by Brahms Mount of Maine offers a little Down East comfort for those occasionally nippy winter nights in South Florida.
The heavy cotton herringbone-design throws have a flourish of hand-knotted and twisted rope fringe, and are finished with a true selvedge, which the company says only can be accomplished on an antique loom.
They’re available in a range of soft hues, but this blue reminds one of the South Florida sky. Offered at $243 by Quigley Maguire Collections, 301 NE Second Ave., Delray Beach; 450-7471.
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