Christmas shopping procrastinators who loathe crowds at the mall have happy tidings coming their way – there’s something for everyone right here in the beach area. Many hot department store items can be found in local shops, as well as specialty items that shopping centers don’t offer. Here are a few highlights, selected by the owners of some local stores: • The 3G Venice beach cruiser, one of Pacific Coast Bicycle’s most popular models, features pedals that are placed farther forward for full leg extension and less stress on knees. A soft, cushiony seat and groove-less tires provide a smooth ride. $180. Pacific Coast Bicycle, 1637 Garnet Ave. • The husband and wife team behind the Chocolate Haus offer the best kind of chocolate money can buy – handmade with no preservatives or additives. A variety of seasonal goodies are available, like harvest brittle with cashews and pumpkin seeds, and cranberry walnut fudge. For $6, a truffle in Santa’s boot makes a tasty Christmas keepsake or stocking stuffer. Chocolate Haus, 943 Turquoise St. • Original and un-reproduced abstract oil paintings by local artist Eliza Tolley are on display at the Gallery at Land’s End. Usually working in larger formats, Tolley created several smaller pieces at Gallery owner Thayne Yungman’s request, and at a fraction of her normal prices. All works on display are by local artists. $60. Gallery at Land’s End, 984 Cass St. • With “a bottle of perfume in every candle,” Trapp Candles is particular about who carries its wares. The winning boutique in PB is 35 year-old, family owned and operated Green Gardens Nursery, where original scents like “sexy cinnamon,” “Mediterranean fig” and “Bob’s Flower Shoppe” are available. $16.95 for 5 ounces; $7.50 for 2.1 ounces. Green Gardens Nursery, 4910 Cass St. • O’Neill’s “Heat” series 3/2mm wetsuit is one staple for the year-round surfer that is best to buy at the beach. Featuring taped exterior seams, the suit has greater elasticity and durability for a great value with a one-year guarantee. $235. Surf Club Surf Shop, 952 Garnet Ave. • Sector 9’s “Off the Wall” skateboard, named for the Hawaiian surf spot pictured on its underside, rides like a sidewalk surfboard. Sidewinder trucks with double bushing give it greater maneuverability for smoother and sharper turns. Grab it at Soul Grind before the end of December and get 10 percent off. $169. Soul Grind, 4627 Mission Blvd. • Although most Mission Beach shoppers know Gone Bananas for its enormous inventory of bikinis, the eternally popular Ugg boots can also be purchased there. Dressed up or dressed down, Uggs keep feet warm and cozy throughout the winter months. FYI – Gone Bananas will match prices of any competitor. $140 and up. Gone Bananas, 3785 Mission Blvd.
