Sock it to me! Finding right stocking stuffers can put smiles on loved ones’ faces

Despite my decidedly frou-frou tendencies, I must confess: My ideal stocking would be stuffed with a bag of beef jerky, a lottery ticket, maybe a Pez dispenser to round out the mix. Oh, and pens are always nice.

It doesn’t take much to make a stocking sing – which is a reassuring thought when you’re rushing around at the eleventh hour. If you’re feeling creative, a specialty boutique is a sure bet for unique gifts – and almost every Maine town has one. However, a trip to the local convenience or hardware store will yield a bevy of bargains that are sure to please. Trust me, I’ll never turn down Nana’s fudge and a bag of Smith’s Smokehouse jerky.

But back to the hardware. For the “More Power” set, pick up one of the power tool ornaments available at Parks Hardware in Orono and Bangor Hardware. Nothing says lovin’ like a miniature Sawz-all. They’re under 6 bucks, they’re built to last, and they’re sure to elicit excitement from even the grinchiest of guys and gals.

And for the gals, it appears that tape measures, hammers and screwdrivers with decorative floral handles are all the rage this season – I’ve seen them at Parks, Bangor Hardware and Aubuchon in Old Town. In fact, one local handyman joked that he was going to pick them up for himself – that way, other guys on the job site would stop borrowing his tools.

For the nonhandy among us, Bangor Hardware has all sorts of great small gifts, such as LED keychain flashlights (a steal at $4.99) and tiny book lights for the reader ($3.99).

Speaking of readers, bookstores are a failsafe stocking stop – with some unexpected luxuries. Take, for instance, the trio of mismatched but complementary knee socks I found at Mr. Paperback in Belfast ($12.95). Adorable! While I was there, I also grabbed a tube of Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmer – a grown-up version of the Bonne Bell Lip Smackers my mother used to give me each Christmas ($3.95). If bling is your thing, check out the Swarovski crystal necklaces at the register. Sure, they’re in the $30 range, but they’re worth every penny.

For the status-conscious, Vera Bradley pencils are the epitome of preppy chic. They cost $10 and are available at Molly’s in Winterport. While you’re there, give the scented travel candles a sniff. The mango is heavenly.

Borders in Bangor is an oasis of cool, calm collectibles, such as the Wee Little Garden Gnome kit ($5.95) for the kitsch lover on your list. Upstairs, check out the magnetic picture frames that are shaped like nuts (the hardware kind, not the edible kind) – great for the fixer-upper in your life.

For those who would rather dig into the dirt than dig into a remodel, visit The Plot Thickens, a beautiful new garden shop in Ellsworth. There, you’ll find a three-pack of notepads that look like vintage seed packets ($7.95) and paper-thin glass ornaments in the shape of various garden goodies ($3.95) – my favorite is the garlic head.

Ornaments always are a safe bet, you can get personalized ones in a kiosk in the Bangor Mall ($9.95). Not surprisingly, I like the shopping-related choices, such as the one pictured to the right.

I’m also partial to the beaded critter change purses at Metropolitan Soul in Bangor ($12.95). As one of the shop’s regulars says, it’s a perfect “niece” shop – packed with small, affordable yet stylish goodies fit for a niece, nephew (or stocking!) Check out the animal magnets ($4) and the “blessing ring” charms ($2.50 for the charm, $2.50 for the chain or key ring), which are great for someone who needs a little luck and encouragement.

I need very little encouragement to visit one of my favorite stocking-stuffer destinations: Renys. I come by this naturally; every year, my mother stuffs my stocking with gifts almost exclusively from the Maine chain. This year, I’m returning the favor with a great 99-cent personalized pen (so what if she got me the same one last year? I liked it so much I had to get her one), a set of miniature cookie cutters (99 cents) and the ultimate: a jingle-bell bracelet ($3.99). It rocks.

So does the reindeer ice scraper I picked up at Yo Mamma’s Home, which might be my new favorite store. It was a bit of a splurge at $17.95, but cheerful enough to make someone smile even in the middle of an ice storm.

And really, isn’t that the whole point of stocking stuffers? To warm someone’s heart in the middle of winter? Indeed.

Wanna know what would really warm my heart right now? A packet of spicy beef jerky. And a few grape-flavored Pez. Mmmmm. I’ll be stocking-stuffed.

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 04402-1329, or by fax to 941-9476. Tune in to ShopGirl at 5 p.m. every other Friday on WLBZ-2.