HO! HO! LO-cal! GMW’s Holiday Gift Guide UNDER $20

Welcome to GOOD Morning Wilton‘s “Gift Guide 2013”!  We’re so excited about the great gift ideas we’ve found, all right here in Wilton. There are so many great gift suggestions from your local retailers and entrepreneurs, that we’ve broken it up into three different categories:  Under $20, Under $50 and $50-and-Over.  There are so many things that we’re featuring our suggestions over two days:  today, all the great steals for $20 or less; then on Monday we’ll get a little more pricey.

Be sure to read the descriptions carefully–some of the retailers have offered special discounts and offers only for GOOD Morning Wilton readers. Look for the codes and specials.

If there isn’t something that’s just right for you on this long list, that’s okay, as long as you get to know your Wilton shops, stores, artists and businesses just a little bit better. Stop in, check out their websites or get in touch with them, because there’s bound to be something you fall in love with wherever you go!

And make sure to tell them, GOOD Morning Wilton sent you!

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Gifts Under $20

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! And it can be even more wonderful when you find a great gift that doesn’t break the bank. Still on the hunt for teacher gifts or that special hostess gift? What about stocking stuffers? We’ve found lots of special items that fit exactly what you need and make it easy to say “Yes!” to.

Let these local Wilton resources be the place you turn to for gifts like these–shop local for great, affordable finds. And don’t forget, tell your local business people you saw them in the GOOD Morning Wilton Gift Guide!

Ambler Farm gear is here!  Support one of Wilton’s last working farms by purchasing one of the Farm’s top-quality items sporting the Ambler Farm logo. A perfectly unique gift that gives back. You can purchase items at the Greens Sale this Saturday, Dec. 14, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. or Sunday, Dec. 15, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.  257 Hurlbutt St..

Market bags are $10.00 each
Car magnets are $5.00 each
Ski hats are $15.00 each
Maple syrup made from Ambler’s own sugar maple trees: $15.00/bottle
Baseball caps are $20.00 each

If you can’t make it to the Farm this weekend and want to order merchandise, please contact amblerfarm@gmail.com with the subject line “Ambler Gear.”

Ancona’s Wines and Liquors suggests a bottle of Vino Z Czech Cabernet Moravia 2011. For the person who loves to experience new grapes and new regions of the world Vino z Czech Cabernet Moravia is definitely a fantastic gift. Cabernet Moravia is an indigenous grape variety bred by Lubomir Glos in Moravska Nova Ves by crossing the French Cabernet Franc with the Austrian Zweigelt in the late 1970’s. This variety belongs to the top Moravian wines in the Czech Republic. Ludwig winery owns about 15 acres of vineyards in the heart of the red wine region of Moravia–the warmest place in the Czech Republic which is ideal for red grape growing. It is a dark garnet color with aromatic elements of black currant and well-structured tannins. Cabernet Moravia, though quite dry, is fruitier than its cabernet sauvignon relative but has similar aromas and flavors. It’s best served with red meat, game or waterfowl. $18.99 Ancona’s, 5 River Rd., Stop & Shop Plaza

Andrea McLaughlin is a Wilton resident and makes Vintage Bookmarks. They are clip-on metal bookmarks embellished with vintage trinkets, such as earrings, buttons, pins, and charms. Each one is unique. She makes a larger version of the bookmarks for children, also with metal clips, but adorned with mini figurines. The bookmarks are $10.00 each. Contact Andrea via email, at abisordi@optonline.net.

These Grandview Hollow Pottery Wilton Mugs are $18.50 each at the Betts Store, in the Wilton Historical Society. 224 Danbury Rd.

Oliver’s Place has great items for our four-legged friends, who certainly don’t want to be left out at Christmas. These Bully Sticks and various chew treats (far left) are sure to be appreciated, and at $3.75, that candy cane treat (near left) is certainly a festive choice for Fido when everyone else is opening presents too. And where can you put the treat for Fido to find it? A stocking, of course (there’s even one for cats, too) with a spot for your favorite 4×6 picture as well. The stockings are $7.75 each.

Oliver’s Place is at 102 Old Ridgefield Rd., below the Village Market.

Not only is Cara Lorenzoni a new Wilton resident, she’s also a consultant for Rodan + Fields dermatologists, the doctors who created Proactiv acne system.

Her under $20 gift idea is the Lip Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 25 (2-pack) for $16.00. It’s a daily lip balm with broad spectrum SPF 25 sunscreen that provides protective care for lips. Proven peptides and lipids smooth and hydrate.

To order, contact Cara at her website or 914.656.1959.

Megan Labant Abrahamsen just opened her adorable boutique, Blue Star Bazaar, in Wilton. She’s got great gifts for grown ups and kids, and her under $20 gift idea is this doodle pencil case. Kids can be creative, and not only that, all you have to do is wash and repeat for a completely different take.

$16.00 at Blue Star Bazaar, 148 Danbury Rd., at Lambert Corners.

These Mini Emergency Kits at Chou Chou are just $18.75 and they’re great “in a Pinch” (which also happens to be the brand name). A tampon, sewing kit, safety pins, bandages, pain relievers, nail file, and anything you always “gee I wished I had that” right there in an adorable little pouch. It truly is a “personal care kit and emergency essential.” Chou Chou is at 21 River Rd.

Sweet Pierre’s is a small chocolate shop located at 5 River Rd., in the Stop & Shop plaza, that carries a wide and unique variety of gourmet chocolates from around the U.S. and Europe.  They also offer specialty foods and gift baskets. There’s pretty much every kind of candy imagineable, or at least whatever you’d want to find in your stocking on Christmas morning. Just remember one great tip from store owner Nancy Saxe:  don’t hang a chocolate-filled stocking over a fire in the fireplace. Nobody wants a melted mass of chocolate and foil. Nobody.

Office grab-bag? Gag gift? Here’s the perfect thing for the Facebook age. ‘Like’ and ‘Dislike’ self-inking stampers. You can find these at The Toy Chest, at 5 River Rd. They’re only $14.99. (Which reminds us, be sure to ‘LIKE’ GOOD Morning Wilton on Facebook.)

These Heavenly Bites cake bites are perfect for teacher, bus driver, tutor, coach, or hostess gifts or as stocking stuffers, for anyone on your list!  Their two seasonal flavors are Chocolate Mint and Eggnog. In addition to seasonal flavors, you can also get classic Red Velvet, Devil’s Food, Carrot Cake and Lemon Drop. Visit www.heavenly-bites.com to place your order or grab a box or two of one of our classic flavors locally at Village Market. They ship too – anywhere in the Continental U.S.!  **Please note, all orders need to be placed by Monday, Dec. 16.

*Special for GOOD Morning Wilton readers:  Enter the code “GMW10” in the Special Instructions box or over the phone when placing your order to get 10% off your holiday order by December 16.  Many mix-and-match combinations and order sizes available – the more you buy, the more you save!

ITEM ONE: Holiday four-pack  (pictured above)  Two Chocolate Mint and two Eggnog Bites for $7.50

ITEM TWO:  Beautifully-wrapped package of six Heavenly Bites  $10.00, your choice of:

*Chocolate Mint Bites  Luscious devils’ food cake mixed with peppermint chocolate icing, and dipped in dark chocolate sprinkled with crushed peppermint
*Eggnog Bites  Delectable eggnog cake mixed with vanilla buttercream icing and dipped in white chocolate
*A mix of three Chocolate Mint and three Eggnog bites

Choose red, gold, or our signature brown ribbon on package

Home decor hot spot Lost & Found has an adorable hostess gift idea:  Individual succulents potted in vintage milk glass vessels. These make great gifts because they hardly need any attention–just leave them on a windowsill and give them a few drops of water once a week or so.  $12.00 each or 2 for $20.00.  

Lost & Found, 300 Danbury Rd., Suite 410 

Betcha never thought to look at the hardware store for great holiday gifts. But GOOD Morning Wilton found these fun items at Wilton Hardware, 21 River Rd..

First up:   these musical soaps play songs! Pump the soap while listening to your favorite Christmas tunes. For just $4.97 get clean, get entertained and get someone a great gift!

Then, doesn’t everyone who lives in Wilton need a Wilton t-shirt? Wilton Hardware also has these great shirts that come in adult sizes S, M, L and XL and run $16.95.

Wilton’s Open House Gift Shop has so many things, it’s almost too hard to narrow down the choice. Here’s an idea that’s perfectly themed for Christmas:  adorable dip bowls with matching spoons. Choose from a Santa, Snowman or Christmas tree motif. $12.00 9 Center St..

The Painted Cookie is famous for its creative designs. The cookies are also nut-free, so they make perfect favors for teachers or for your child to bring to the class holiday party. They’re available at the store beginning Dec 17 (196 Danbury Rd.). You can also email  info@PaintedCookie.com this week to order personalized teacher favors, $4-6.00 each. Some available designs:  snowmen, smiley face with Santa hat, Santa penguins, mittens and more…

Pet Pantry also wants to make sure your pets are gifted this season. They suggested toys, toys, toys for the under $20.00 category. There are tough toys for the hard chewers, charming plush toys in every size, and interactive cat toys that will bring out the tiger in the most curmudgeonly kitty.

Check out Pet Pantry‘s selection at  3 Godfrey Place.

May your days be Merry and Bright–especially with these really bright texting gloves (totally adorbs, OMG!), your tween will love  you for it. Find them at Petite Chou Chou for $12.00. 5 River Rd.

Stella & Dot has something great for everyone on your list. Local stylist Melly Bonita thought these great necklace charms were perfect ways to create something affordable and completely unique. Letters, numbers or birthstones to customize a one-of-a kind piece, $18.00 each.

Or, check out the adorable Poppy bracelet from Stella & Dot’s little girls’ collection. These cheerful bracelets of faceted beads in bright pinks and oranges are accented with a pop of sparkle for all the “little” fashionistas in your life. Set of two for $14.00.

You can reach Melly at 203.210.5036 or visit her website.

Texas-transplant-turned-Connecticut-Yankee-artist Jennifer Angerame has an adorable line of chic vintage children’s clothing called Southern Yankee, for old made very new again. These vintage hostess aprons–look how sweetly they’re packaged in bell jars!–are just $18.00. Jennifer offers local pickup or delivery; get in touch with her via her website.

These are the cute new must-have collectibles, for the sports-loving kiddies, and they make perfect stocking-stuffers. Called TeenyMates, they’re just $3.99 at The Toy Chest.  Kids are collecting one tiny player from each team, and making a court or field from the puzzle pieces included. There’s football, hockey, and basketball, collect ’em all!   5 River Rd.

Boy how we miss the Babycat Milkbar. But never fear, you can still get your Ruby Slippers Tea fix, or your fix on any of the Mamacat’s Q. Tea, a Wilton-owned line of premium, organic, hand-blended herbal teas for savvy grown-ups to share with children.

The boutique tea company specializes in hand-blended, “wake up your taste buds!!” organic herbal tisane. Using the finest ingredients–herbs, flowers & fruit–they create small batch, exquisite caffeine-free blends with a touch of natural sweetness to please all palates, even coffee lovers! Enjoy their blends day or night, hot or cold and even in a cocktail!

Popular flavors are:

*Ruby Slippers, vibrant vitamin-C packed hibiscus & lemon verbena
*Golden Slumbers, tangerine-y chamomile
*Amber Maharani, chai blend with antioxidant rich Rooibos & spices
*Casablanca Mist, a homage to Morocco- spearmint & rose petals
*Emerald Wonderland, soothing lavender with goji berries & detoxifying milk thistle

The tea blends are $10.00 per pouch (10 sachets that brew 30-40 cups) and available at Village Market and Comprehensive Nutrition or via the Mamacat’s Q. Tea company’s own website.

What would Christmas be without gifting socks! But this year, be smart about it and think about gifting SmartWool Socks from the Outdoor Sports Center (80 Danbury Rd.).