Northport Patch's Local Gift Guide

Christmas has that way of sneaking up on us as we go about our daily lives. But there's no denying that this is the last shopping week before the big day. But you don't have to go far to find great gifts. Here are Northport Patch's top ten suggestions for gifts from local stores. 

1. It's a wrap: Who says Long Island doesn't manufacture anything anymore? The infinity scarf, made in an Islip factory by BKg and Co. NY,  can be found at on Main Street in Northport in two colors, teal and orange. The scarf retails at $78 and can be worn in about a dozen ways, said store owner Carlene Afetian, including a stole and a hat.
2. Hometown pride: Want to share your love for Northport ? Or looking for a gift for someone who has moved away? Both and sell Northport gear including T-shirts, sweatshirts, mugs and signs. Prices range from $15 to $40. 
3. There's no place like Northport. Who doesn't know that? Another way to share your hometown pride is with the third annual homegrown created by Alan and Elise Pearlman. It can be purchasd at various stores around Northport and East Northport. 
4. Play with your food: Lure a picky eater to the table. on Main Street in Northport does not sell toys that you will find just anywhere. They have a wide variety of specialty items. One of Patch's favorites is the Ms. Food Face plate by Fred. $13.99. 
5. A throwback: The on Larkfield Road in East Northport refurbishes and sells vintage turntables. Yes, that's right, turntables. Oh, and L.I.V.E. sells the LPs to go with the turntables, as well. 
6. Kids Katch is the result of a brainstorm by Northporter Janice Winter who wanted to promote kids spending more time in the great outdoors. We agree. To that end, the three recommended gifts from Kids Katch are the super cool underwater viewer, the K-Gear ($99.99) Yellowfin Bundle ($49.99) and the Clamming Combo, complete with a 10 quart wire basket with float ($64.99)  and an attached gauge will help them to determine which are "keepers." 
7. Be wise:  on Jericho Turnpike and Elwood Road has lots of gift items but Northport Patch's favorite is the owl earrings ($28). Blossom's excellent exchange program makes them even more desirable.  
8. Remember the religious meaning behind the holiday:  book and gift storehas a wide range of items that are appropriate to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The Heirloom Fontanini 8-piece nativity set with Italian stable with working fountain is $165. 
9. When in doubt, a good bet is a gift certificate for services. Northport, East Northport, Fort Salonga and Elwood are filled with salons, spas, masseuses, and more. Search the Northport Patch directory here. 
10. If all else fails, Northport Dollars, developed by the , are easy to buy (go to Jones Drug Store, Harbor Trading, Carole's Corner or Irene's Hallmark Shop to purchase) and easy to use and can be used at dozens of stores and restaurants. And unlike gift cards, they  have no service fee and they don't expire. 

Any more ideas? Please feel free to e-mail them to me with a photo at kellyc@patch.com.