Treasures are hidden all around you. Now is the time to pop into a few of the unique stores in the village to browse, enjoy and let your mind wander. The La Jolla Village News highlights a few items but suggests exploring these places for yourself. Africa & Beyond sells both contemporary pieces from commissioned artists all over Africa as well as original pieces that were created for spiritual or daily use, like artifacts found in museums. “Right now, with the holidays, it’s good to buy gifts that are through fair trade projects,” said owner Ian Allen, who was born in Zimbabwe and moved to La Jolla 20 years ago. Fair trade is a business practice that typically aims to pay a higher price to producers for goods and give them more authority in the transaction. “You’re not only giving a gift to someone but you’re giving back to the artisan,” Allen said. “It’s a double-edged gift. It keeps the whole project alive and gives a person a way to make a living where they have nothing.” The “Tuknip” Cult Hook represents the face of the spirit “Tuknip.” The power of the spirit is held between the hooks. These pieces are used during male initiation ceremonies in three regions of Papua New Guinea. The Ethiopian Chair originates from the seat of humankind from the Omo River region of Ethiopia. Carved from one piece of wood, the chair belonged to a person of high status from one of the area tribes. Allen described the area as very primitive inhabited by warring tribes, one of the few remaining pockets of tribal culture. He said he spent the first week meeting the children, the mothers, the uncles and finally the chiefs to build a rapport with the community to gain the opportunity to purchase their sacred objects. Africa & Beyond is located at 1250 Prospect St. For information, call (858) 454-9983 or go online to view images of the art at www.africaandbeyond.com. Etceteras compiles an eclectic mix of vintage and unique household and garden furnishings from estate sales and auctions. Located at 7503 Girard Ave., Etceteras is a good place to find an extravagant seashell fitting for a La Jolla seaside home. Owner Celia Henely opened the store 14 months ago. To gain a glimpse into the personality of the store, hear Henely describe her latest find on her blog: “I have absolutely fallen in love with this pair of 1970s Arkana Lounge Chairs! They are made with leatherette, teak, and a bit of steel. These stylish mid-century chairs are so comfortable to sit in and just lovely to look at! The wood needs a bit of TLC, but everything else is in great shape.” Browsing the store unearthed a few choice pieces: The 25-inch coral cup is majestic and celebratory of the sea’s beauty. The deer hoof lamp is a vintage piece that lends a warm cabin-type charm to a home. The faux clam mixes the seaside with the garden to offer an interesting container for the household plants. The shell mirror lends itself as a centerpiece for a vanity. For a smaller gift, Etceteras sells antique curio bottles topped with either a pink shell, a piece of driftwood or a piece of coral. For information, visit http://etceteraslajolla.blog spot.com or call (858) 456-2888. Etceteras is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. St. James by-the-Sea gift store specializes in nativity scenes hand-crafted by artists from around the world. Karen Fast, buyer for 12 years, said she doesn’t flip through a catalogue or search the Internet for the artists; she discovers them through word-of-mouth and travels to meet them in person. “I try to buy as directly from the artist as possible to keep the prices fair and to promote fair trade,” Fast said. A brightly colored painted adobe building shows Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus in a simple nativity scene, created by Charlie Carillo from Santa Fe. The Kenyan gourd creates a lively nativity scene in a small space. Another nativity scene seemingly encased in a ceramic strawberry will enliven any space. Another gourd transforms into an angel with removable wings for shipping. The St. James gift shop, located adjacent to the church at 743 Prospect St., is open Monday thru Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call (858) 456-1105.