Shop 'til You Drop: Last Minute Tips for Holiday Shopping

Well, with last minute additions to the Christmas dinner table, it’s certainly not your fault. Fortunately we live in a world of overnight shipping and plenty of great boutiques. For working gals and guys, when everything else is closed, Macy’s in Hampton Bays is open late. The earliest they close is at 9 p.m. on Sundays and every other night is past 10 p.m., and midnight on Wednesdays! (So, after ladies’ night at Publick House…) I recently scored in the bathrobe department with something very cozy at 50% off and some fun and sparkly jewelry for my sister. Nearly everything is marked down in all departments. Macy’s is located at 190 West Montauk Highway in Hampton Bays. Call 631-728-5500 or visit macys.com.

While in Hampton Bays, I highly recommend John’s Bargain Store, located at 111 West Montauk Highway. It’s a great dollar store where you can find all kinds of wrapping paper, ribbons, gift bags and more with pleasing prices. Call 631-728-0850 for hours. Also in the same shopping center as the movie theater is Bays Liquors—so you can stock up with a great selection of wine for your holiday entertaining. Don’t forget the rum for your ’nog. For hours and to check on stock, call 631-728-6111.

If you’re in Southampton, be sure to check out Quemar candles. This summer, they illuminated the hottest parties in the Hamptons and now for winter they’ve brought in a new selection of seasonal favorites. Handmade and hollowed out of wax, Quemar candles are unlike any other. A small tealight fits inside, with the option of scent or no scent, organic, or even LED. The choice is yours. Quemar is located at 28 D Jobs Lane (in the alley across from Jildor Shoes, which, by the way, is having a sale!) Call for store hours, 631-488-4888 or 646-729-4336.

Since we’re sure to be getting more snow, and just in time for Christmas, Flying Point has inflatable and molded sleds. With a sled, you’ll have a whole new outlook on snowy weather. They also have great gifts for surfers, skaters and generally cool kids (and adults). Flying Point Surf and Sport Boutiques, Flying Point Surf & Sport is located, among other locations, at 69 Main Street and 79 Main Street in Southampton. Ring 631-287-0075.

Ever tried LUSH fresh handmade cosmetics? They make a great gift and I was lucky enough to receive a LUSH giftbox called “Season’s Tweetings.” Wrapped in beautiful, 100% recycled paper and with the wonderful scent of essential oils, the package contained a trial size of a luscious moisturizer, a buffy body butter, peace massage bar made with calming oils and shea butter, rose jam shower gel, argan body conditioner, noriko Japanese soap made with sake and tofu; and a little jar called “Charity Pot,” which gives 100% of proceeds to grassroots charities. It’s rich and creamy, perfect for dry winter skin. Browse lush.com for tons of great, handmade gifts and gift sets.

For the avid Shop ’til reader, an update on the Touch N’ Grow Nail Hardener: it works wonders. My nails, for the first time in my life, are strong and long! The unique formula creates a natural barrier on the nail that’s stronger than any of the numerous products I’ve tried. Visit pro-belle.com and order yourself a few. The perfect adult stocking stuffer!

The Dan’s Papers offices in Southampton were recently graced with a selection of Calbee’s baked, low sodium Harvest Snaps. I was quite partial to the Wasabi Ranch Flavored Green Pea Crisps while our Business Manager, Margo Abrams, had this to say about their Black Pepper Snapea Crisps: “They were a surprising flavorful experience with just the right amount of spice. The absence of the Green Pea flavor did not take away from the overall enjoyment of the snack! It would be a great accompaniment with soup or sandwich.” harvestsnaps.com