Local stores filled with this year’s hot gifts

Published 12:09 am Sunday, December 8, 2013

A cast-iron skillet is among one of the top sellers for local gift givers.

A cast-iron skillet is among one of the top sellers for local gift givers.

The hottest holiday gifts at a few local shops should make shopping for the holidays easy and satisfy even the pickiest of gift-getters.

If you’re looking to add to the closet of a fashion lover, Darby’s owner Darby Short said ladies’ sweaters are big hit with customers this year and make a great gift.

Another hot gift for women this year, Short said, is the Ronaldo gold and sterling silver Jesus Loves Me cross bracelet.

Email newsletter signup

“Every single bracelet he does has a meaning, Short said. “He’s created almost a language of jewelry, so you can really pick something special and give somebody a meaningful gift.”

Sweaters are a top seller at Darby's Everything Under the Sun gift shop.

Sweaters are a top seller at Darby’s Everything Under the Sun gift shop.

For men, Wyatt Craig at Sports Center said Drake and Southern Marsh are two of the best-selling apparel lines at the store.

The store offers Drake and Southern Marsh dress shirts, T-shirts and other items.

“They’re good quality brands,” Craig said. “You really get what you pay for.”

Costa Del Mar sunglasses are also a big hit, Craig said, especially camouflage frames for men. The store also carries a variety of women’s Costa sunglasses.

For the outdoorsman or woman, Bowie Outfitters store manager John S. Kammerdeiner said it’s usually best to buy a universally useful gift.

Kammerdeiner said you can’t go wrong with a hiking backpack, and flashlights are always a great Christmas gift because it is a tool any outdoors enthusiast needs.

Survival gear is also big this year, Kammerdeiner said, and storm-proof matches, heavy-duty first-aid kits and fire-starters make great stocking stuffers.

If you’re looking for a gift for a cook, Vickie Folds at Blankenstein’s said seasoned cast-iron skillets are big seller.

“They cook well and are very durable,” Folds said. “The seasoned skillets are ready to cook in when you buy them. If you don’t season the cast iron, it will rust, and seasoning it yourself is much more intensive than getting one already seasoned and ready to go.”

Costa Del Mar sunglasses are a top gift this year.

Costa Del Mar sunglasses are a top gift this year.

Chafing dishes also make great gifts, Folds said, especially for people who like to entertain in their homes.

“We had a man come in here the other day and buy a whole set for his wife,” Folds said. “They’re great for holiday parties.”