Hot holiday gift items in the Friendly Village

With the holidays upon us, friendly Fallbrook retailers can make your shopping experience easier by stocking “perfect gifts” to place underneath your twinkling Christmas tree. The thought of shopping right in your very own small town may be more infinitely appealing than muscling your way through throngs of harried shoppers at the malls and big box stores.

The toy selection at Wee Little Sprouts can literally pull the kids away from that addicting Xbox and those “must see” television shows. At this shop, the toys enable a child’s imagination to soar.

Some toys will keep both their minds and bodies active. One of the hot Christmas items are Hop Balls. Hop Balls are the 21st century version of the Hippity Hop Balls of the ’70s.

“It’s a big round ball with a handle on it,” said Amy Rowland, store owner. It comes in three different sizes and is made in Italy. The largest size is perfect for an adult, so even parents can join in the fun.

“The whole family can hop all they want,” Rowland said, smiling.

For children between the ages of 2 and 4, Rodys are the way to go. For under $50, kids can bounce into the new year.

“A Rody is a little hopping horse and children ride on it and bounce on it,” Rowland said. “We’ve been selling out every two weeks.”

This toy, also made in Italy, has a rocker attachment for children younger than 2. As the child grows older, he or she can graduate off the rocker and start to maneuver the Rody without special assistance.

As always, Wee Little Sprouts offers imagination and dress-up toys, wood toys, chemistry sets, puzzles and board games. The prices of toys and games at Wee Little Sprouts will fit any budget. To take a peek or even order some of these great holiday items online, log on to http://www.weelittlesprouts.com.

If you’re shopping for that special woman in your life who likes to keep current with style and fashion, it’s time to stop in at Diva’s downtown.

“The hot categories in fashion right now include patent leather, animal print and anything with big jewels,” said owner Catherine Boggs. Jeweled accents are on everything from clothing to shoes to purses, she said.

Big oversized handbags, including large clutches, are in fashion now.

“There are a lot of folks who come into Diva’s just for our purses,” said Boggs. Around the holidays, Boggs always brings in clutches featuring satin fabrics jeweled with a variety of embellishments. This year, snakeskin is enjoying popularity on purses.

“Exotic finishes on handbags are hot,” confirmed Boggs.

If the woman in your life loves jewelry, this year, hand-painted ceramic pieces are very trendy. Long silver necklaces and dual-level necklaces are also very fashionable.

The prices at Diva’s are competitive and the staff gives every shopper personalized attention. They are pros when it comes to helping select a stylish gift. “We can help someone shop for jewelry, purses or a head-to-toe complete outfit.”

This year, At Home On Main is presenting something different for its shoppers while still keeping pricing competitive for every holiday budget.

“What we’re doing this holiday season is offering more handcrafted items than ever before,” said Marie Kinnaman. “There is a movement where people are looking for something crafted by hand rather than mass produced or manufactured.”

While many artisans from the United States have created a great deal of the handcrafted items at this charming store, Kinnaman has brought in some unique wooden animal ornaments handcrafted in Haiti.

For Woof and Poof collectors out there, At Home On Main will have a great Christmas collection to choose from. Woof and Poof gifts are welcomed by any fan.

“These angel and Santa dolls look real nice sitting on your sofa for the holidays,” Kinnaman said.

As is tradition, Kinnaman offers wonderful, high-quality holiday-scented candles. If the one you are buying for is a “chocolate lover,” you may want to consider buying the chocolate scented candle. Kinnaman warns: “It makes you really want chocolate!”

More unique gifts, leaning toward decorative items for the garden or courtyard, can be found at Lavender Dreams in Jackson Square. “My shop is known for unique gifts,” said owner Melissa Ross.

Lavender Dreams also offers exceptional body products, such as lavender body and hand lotion, bubble bath selections and fragrant body mists.

The skincare products come from France, explained Ross. “The French have that special touch when it comes to creating body care lines and perfumes,” she said.

Speaking of perfumes, the shop has a lovely line of delicate, fanciful perfume bottles. Staying close to the nature theme, Ross also stocks inspirational stepping stones.

“There’s something for everybody at Lavender Dreams,” Ross said.

Before you head off to your holiday parties, rather than bringing a bottle of wine as a hostess gift, what about bringing a festive bouquet of flowers or holiday arrangement?

“Floral arrangements and flowers just brighten the room up,” said Madonna Wilson, owner of Abigail’s Flowers.

This holiday season, traditional centerpieces for the dining table retain their popularity. The use of hurricane lamps are an ongoing trend and incorporating red and white flowers, pine foliage and pinecones brings out the holiday beauty, said Wilson.

Centerpieces and floral arrangements will be fresh and ready to go with a starting price of $35, Wilson said. Special orders are always welcomed by the Abigail Flower team. If you’d rather have your flowers sent in advance of the party time, Wilson said they’d by happy to help.

At every turn, the willing merchants and their lovely shops located in Fallbrook strive to help make your holiday season happy and memorable.