Pasadena Businesses Offer Many Options for Holiday Shopping

Pasadena residents can find a large assortment of holiday gifts without going far from home – everything from colorful Thai wall art and intricate leather handiwork to car alarm systems is right in the neighborhood.

Although The Audio Connection Custom Car Center in Patriot's Plaza might appear to be a traditionally male type of business, manager Chris Broughton said it appeals to women as well.

If someone is not sure exactly what type of thing to buy in the store, gift certificates are available. However, Broughton said the remote start is very popular.

"The remote start is a big thing. It's a great gift for moms. It is great in cold weather," said Broughton. "That's the No. 1 thing this time of year by far."

Broughton said the remote start could help motorists because it starts the defroster or rear defroster in a vehicle, even though snow might be piled on top of it.

The Audio Connection Custom Car Center has been in business for more than 20 years, and Broughton explained to a customer over the telephone he expects it will be in the area for many more years. The business also operates in Towson and Columbia.

Some other gift ideas Broughton has include custom sound systems, home theater for vehicles, satellite radio, navigation systems, upgrades of factory electronics and aftermarket accessories to enhance a vehicle's look and performance.

Another gift idea is a radio that utilizes Bluetooth, the KIV-BT900 by Kenwood, Broughton said.

For culinary and cultural treats, The Bangkok Oriental Restaurant in Pasadena is owned and operated by Yingyong Dennis Kunaprayoon.

Many of the art and items inside the restaurant are from Thailand. They include intricate, colorful art fashioned from leather, ornate wall hangings, textiles, wooden carvings and other home decorations. The prices of the items vary widely and suit all ranges of budgets.

Kunaprayoon said gift certificates for food are available for any amount of money.

Another store in the same shopping center is The Turning Wheel Bookstore, a metaphysical shop with crystals, dream catchers, books, music, jewelry, statues and candles.

The Healing Foot Spa in Pasadena offers gift certificates with any amount of value.

The spa's list of services includes basic massages, $15 for 15 minutes; $25 for 30 minutes; $30 for 45 minutes and $35 for the 60-minute VIP massage. Hot stone massages are $45 for 75 minutes; deep tissue/Swedish massages are $50 for 60 minutes and an herbal bundle is $75 for 75 minutes.

The spa also features facials, manicures, pedicures and varying packages.

For those who would like to treat friends and loved ones to home-style cooking, Bob Evans is on Ritchie Highway in Pasadena.

Bob Evans manager Mary Petitti said the restaurant sells gift certificate cards in any amount of money and if a customer buys at least $50 worth of certificate cards, they get a $10 bonus card redeemable Jan. 6-March 23, 2011. The gift certificate cards do not have an expiration date.

Lauren Zacharko, a manager at Macy's in Marley Station in Glen Burnie, said fine and fashion watches are very popular with customers this time of year.

A brand well known in the 1980s, Casio's G-Shock, is in demand again.

"They're making a comeback. I can't keep them on the shelf," said Zacharko.

Keurig coffee makers are also big-sellers this year. They make single-cup servings and take very little time to brew the coffee, Zacharko said.

Boots for women and Polo Ralph Lauren clothing for men area also big-sellers this holiday season, she said.

Modern, stainless steel and titanium bracelets for men are popular. Some of them sport diamonds.

Online at Macys.com, the 10 most popular gifts in the "for everyone" category are listed through a survey. Some of them are the Pandigital eReader, the Gucci Pour Homme Sport Gift Set and Skullcandy headphones.

For those who are undecided about the perfect gift, Macys.com has many more ideas online.