STARS OF LOCAL COLOR Ideas for Maine-made Christmas gifts abound. Consider these…

loading...

Hey, smarty pants.

Yeah, you.

Back in school, people always called you “gifted.” They were talking about your presence of mind. But they could just as easily have been talking about your presents of mind.

You’re the one who makes a list and checks it thrice. And, being the one-person brain trust that you are, your offerings are always very, very thoughtful.

Since you’re a genius, you’ve already figured out that it’s good for the Maine economy if you shop locally. It’s even better if your dollars support artisans who live in the state.

Now, even if you don’t have a Mensa membership card in your wallet, you probably have a few credit cards in there. And frankly, they’re feeling the strain this season. But there’s no reason to worry. Frankly, you have more important matters on your mind, like cold fusion and the orbiter body system (that’s rocket science, kids).

Take it from ShopGirl: You don’t have to spend a bundle to buy marvelous Maine-made holiday gifts. Sure, there are a few splurges in the gift guide, but most of the items on this page are under $50. Just because it didn’t come from a big-box discount store doesn’t mean it cost an arm and a leg.

But you knew that, didn’t you?

For a full list of shops that carry Maine-made holiday gifts, visit bangordailynews.com. ShopGirl would love to hear from you! Send questions, comments or suggestions by e-mail to: kandresen@bangordailynews.net, by U.S. mail to: Kristen Andresen, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor, ME 04402-1329, or by fax to: 941-9476. Tune in to ShopGirl at 5 p.m. Fridays on WLBZ-2.

It’s soap perfect

What smells like Christmas trees and leaves your skin feeling like silk? North Woods soap from Holly Farms in Orono ($2.99, The Store-Ampersand, Mill Street, Orono). My friend Jessica Bloch bought me a Holly Farms toiletry kit last Christmas, and now I’m hooked. You may also want to try Holly Farms’ Maine Moss hand cream.

Be jeweled

These decidedly undainty stone and silver necklaces from Cynde Clark of Stonington are just the thing for the bold, beautiful woman on your list ($255 and $217.50, Courthouse Gallery in Ellsworth). Craving something sweet? Try this handmade glass “starlight mint” bracelet from John and Ginny Hackney of Orono. ($40 at The Store-Ampersand, Orono)

You’ll have it covered

This silk, viscose and rayon chenille wrap from Cynthia McGuirl of Thomaston will warm shoulders and hearts. Plus, it’s super-stylish. ($240, Courthouse Gallery, 6 Court St., Ellsworth or www.dancingblanket.com)

‘Ware? Oh, where

For the host with the most, try a chip-and-dip from Unity Pottery. ($24, Maine Artisans Gallery, Airport Mall, Union Street Bangor)

Get a handle on this

Maureen Buzzeo of Maureen Elizabeth Handbags sees herself as the next Kate Spade – and girls in the know agree. At her shop, you can either buy a bag or design your own by choosing from a stylish array of shapes, sizes, fabrics and handles. She stitches all of them by hand, and includes a cosmetic bag, too. (Pictured bag, $45, Maureen Elizabeth, 137 Main St., Bangor, 992-3139)

Soft landing

Gabriella d’Italia of Spring Street Co. takes an ages-old handcraft and makes it modern – and chic. Many of the people who buy her elegant quilts and pillows are men, who are drawn in by the nontraditional fabrics and monochromatic color schemes. Treat your cozy guy to a pillow ($54 and $58 at Courthouse Gallery or the Maine Highlands Guild kiosk in the Bangor Mall) or splurge on a quilt. (Prices vary, www.springstquilts.com)

Or you can string it

Kids of all ages love marionettes, so why not string them along with a handmade heirloom from Fish River Crafts in Fort Kent. ($41.95 at Maine Artisans Gallery, Airport Mall, Bangor)

You can wing it

For the gardener, a copper dragonfly from the Skunk Works will add a touch of whimsy to the landscape. ($45, Maine Artisans Gallery, Airport Mall, Bangor)

In good taste

If you’re scrambling to find a last-minute hostess gift, get yourself out of a jam with Northwoods Gourmet Girl’s preserves – or a grown-up, homemade version of everyone’s favorite condiment, ketchup. ($6.50 at Bangor Wine & Cheese, 88 Hammond St. Bangor, or online at www.northwoods gourmetgirl.com)

It’s in the cards

Page Eastman’s gorgeous photo cards feature downtown Bangor in black and white and holiday scenes in full color. They’re a lovely way to send holiday wishes to friends – both from the Queen City and “from away.” ($19.95 per box, Bangor Wine & Cheese)