Last-Minute Holiday Shopping Tips

The holiday season is in full swing. Are you one of the many shoppers scrambling for a gift for your friends and family?

Fear not, Patch has some last-minute gift ideas from various Livingston merchants that are bound to put a smile on anyone's face!

Need a Great Last-Minute Gift for that Special Lady in Your Life? Check out Laurzsean Jewelers, located at 184 South Livingston Ave., Livingston, 973-535-1700. The store carries all of the latest brands, trends, styles, and one-of-a kind items expertly crafted just for you. Whether you need a gift for under $100, a pair of diamond earrings, bangles, stack rings, a pendant, or an engagement ring, you will find it at Laurzsean. In addition, the owner, Sunny, is as friendly and patient as they come. He will work tirelessly with you to make sure you are as happy as can be with your purchase. The store is open this Wednesday through Saturday until 7 pm. Stop in, take a look around, you will like what you see.

Looking for Just the Right Present for Your Favorite Fellow? Stop by Karigs Livingston Hardware, located at 27 North Livingston, Ave., Livingston, 973-992-0022. This quaint hardware store, which has been serving the community since 1923, is stocked to the gills with hidden treasures. Whether you need stocking stuffers or just the right gift, you will find it here. Aside from sturdy tools and tool sets, ice scrapers, snow shovels, ice melter, and hardware, they carry winter gloves and hats, pretty key chains/keys, clock radios, decorative candles, Keurigs coffee machines, and the cheapest K-Cups around. In addition, you are welcome to gaze through terrific catalogs for lawn furniture, BBQ Grills, custom-made plaques, mailboxes, and signs. Rick, Carl, Ernie, Dante, Scott and Andy are all very knowledgeable and helpful , and will make you feel right at home. Kids will love the old-fashioned candy aisle, collectible cars, and radio flyers! Everyone will enjoy Carl's great antique collection. There is something for everyone here! The store is open Monday-Friday 8:30-5:30, Sat 8:30-4:30 and closed on Sunday. Karig’s isn’t your typical hardware store. Stop by and see why, for yourself!

Wondering What to Get for Your Niece or Nephew? Wander into Meyer's Dolls Toys and Hobbies, located at 35 East Northfield Road, Livingston. 973-740-9400. This store is almost a century old and it has always had its pulse on the latest collectibles, toys and crafts for kids. It also carries many unique toys! The store boasts the largest display and selection of Madame Alexander Dolls in NJ, Corolle, Ginny, American Girl, and Barbie dolls, doll houses and accessories, as well as Lionel, MTH, Bachmann, Atheren, Thomas and Brio wooden trains and custom fabricated train tables. As you browse the aisles, you will see many of the toys you loved as a child, many of which you will want to share with your loved ones. You will also see current brands and trends reflected there as well. What makes the store so unique is that these toys are hand-picked. It isn't a huge toy warehouse. The shelves are littered with eclectic games, magic tricks, erector sets, crafts, dolls, dress up clothes, puzzles, books, Legos, and educational toys. Children can play at the Thomas Train tables, or run the electric train, which is on display, while you shop. The owner, Dan Shapiro and employees Harold, Arline, Roy, Max & Matt are extremely knowledgeable, helpful and caring. If you haven't had the pleasure of shopping at Meyers Toys, put this store on your last-minute shopping agenda. You will be glad you did- and your relatives will be happy too! The store is open Wednesday from 9:30 am-6:00pm, Thursday 9:30am- 8:00pm, Friday 9:30am-6:00pm and Saturday from 9:30am-4:00pm. 

Seeking a Great Last-Minute Gift for Your Child’s Teacher? Look no further than Love Letters, located at 2 West Northfield Road, Livingston, 973-994-1212, www.lovelettrs.com. This candy, gift, and novelty shop has a wide array of items, many of which can be personalized. Teachers will love receiving specialty chocolates, pretty mugs, picture frames, jewelry, seasonal items, ceramic platters, decorative stem ware, trendy clothing, scarves, gorgeous stationery sets, books, key chains, purses, messenger bags, make-up bags, jewelry holders, and more from your children. The store also features a teacher’s gift section, which will make your hunt for the perfect gift easy and quick. Bring your children. They will have a blast picking out a gift for their favorite teacher, dance instructor, karate master, or babysitter. You will also probably walk out with a few more great gift items for your kids as well— and perhaps a lovely gift basket to bring to your friends’ or families’ homes over the holidays. The cheerful owners, Pat and Jeanette Montefusco, and employees will work with you to find the perfect gifts. Stop by, look around, and be amazed! Love Letters, which is open Wednesday-Friday 10 am-6 pm, and Saturday 10am-4pm, offers complimentary gift wrapping on all items.