Holiday Gift Guide 2007

Lodians have choices for holiday shopping

It's the same every year. As Thanksgiving approaches, you realize Christmas is just around the corner. And with that, you are finally forced to shop for the dreaded Christmas gifts. Sure, the gift-giving is fun, but finding the right gift is all the challenge.

But alas, Lodi stores are prepared with essential and unique gifts for all ages and diverse ranges. Whether you're shopping for the fashion diva or the world traveler, there are gifts to be found locally that will make every recipient smile as they tear through wrapping paper Christmas morning.

Grandma was right — cast iron is hot, hot, hot

Remember when non-stick was all the rage? Well forget it.

Now it's all about cast iron: Skillets, big and small; grills; and even bakeware.

"People are getting away from non-stick," said Meyer Puzon, owner of Lodi Cooks in Downtown. "(Cast iron) is all natural. It's not harmful. It's a slam dunk."

And, at Lodi Cooks, 5 N. School St., it's cheap, too. A 10-inch cast iron Lodge Logic skillet is $20.

Remember all of the silicon that filled your stocking last year? Well, that's because it's so great. But this year, there are even more durable kitchen gadgets to buy. For $15, you can get a large expandable colander bowl that scrunches up for easy storage.

A favorite of Meyer and Teresa Puzon is the Easy Lid ($21) made of silicon and available in all sizes. It's a versatile piece that acts as a lid to use while cooking, a lid that suctions to a bowl and can be stored in the refrigerator or used as a trevet.

Lodi Cooks also stock plenty of specialty oils and salts that are already selling as holiday gifts. Truffle — a delicacy similar to a mushroom — is a key ingredient this year.

"The truffle is an aroma you really have to appreciate," Meyer Puzon said.

It smells like the forest, Teresa Puzon continued.

There is balsamic vinaigrette with white truffle, Italian truffle salt and olive oil infused with truffle.

Also popular are the olive oils made in Lodi and Celtic light gray sea salt. Meyer sprinkles the salt on his food as soon as its done cooking.

Still not what you think your foodie friend will like? You can't go wrong with one of the top-selling kitchen accessories: A $14 non-stick omelet pan. It cooks your omelet and does the flipping for you.

Cuff watches, sparkly necklaces and leopard print — Oh my!

Answer: It means you have no style (or that you need to visit the eye doctor). But don't worry. Turn around and ask the very friendly staff for help choosing accessories for you or your hipster friend or relative. Or better yet, ask for your own copy of the holiday gift guide that owner Tammy Blair created for her customers.

Silver identification-card holders with engravings or pictures on the front are very popular this season, as well as decorative compact mirrors. They start at $14.

"They make great stocking stuffers," Blair said.

Sparkling necklaces ($14-$28) of Tinkerbell, the Chanel logo, crowns, cherries and stars are top buys all year long.

Animal print is also very popular in Lodi, Blair said. She sells everything from boots and handbags to jewelry and wallets in animal print.

Look closely when shopping at Fashion Safari, 104 N. School St. There is something for every girl, no matter what age or what style.

"We like things that can work for all age groups," Blair said.

Think your book-loving buddy will love that novel? Think again.

Just because you fell in love with Janet Evanovich's latest work of chick lit, it doesn't mean your poetry-loving friend will.

While books can be the most special gifts, Tom Kohlhepp, owner of Tom's Used Books, 108 N. School St., says it's hard to choose the perfect book for someone else. That's why he is proud of his elegant and very popular gift certificates.

Twenty percent of Kohlhepp's books are new. The rest are used and include novels, fiction, history, photography, entertainment, gardening and so much more. New books cost about a third of the cover price. Most used books, such as novels, are $3 each.

The most popular used authors he tries to keep in stock are Nora Roberts and James Patterson. For children, the Newberry Medal winners are also popular.

Have a friend who is social and cultural? You might want to think hookah.

While they are often the topic of controversy, hookahs are popular in many cultures and are becoming popular in the Central Valley. Used mainly in social situations — and originating in the Middle East — hookahs are popular at coffeehouses and even some restaurants in nearby college areas.

Hookahs are used to smoke flavored tobacco and herbal fruits. They are known for their elaborate design that usually includes a glass base and long woven hoses.

With water filtration and indirect heat, hookah smoke is unlike cigarette smoke, as hookah smoke is said to feel thick and smooth like cotton candy.

In Lodi, Payless Tobacco, 912 Lodi Ave., sells a variety of hookahs. From about 12-inches tall to over 3-feet tall, hookahs start at about $29 and come with hoses.

Where do all the men go on Christmas Eve?

You guessed it — the jewelry store.

John Borelli, owner of John Borelli Jewelers, 9 N. School St., says many husbands and boyfriends go to his store during the holidays, but they are not exactly sure what to buy.

While there are hundreds of options shining under glass cases, diamond earrings and diamond pendants are the No. 1 sellers. Men also purchase fashion earrings that can include diamonds or other stones. The prices range from $100 to $5,000.

Very popular, and for all ages, are the add-a-pearl necklaces. The way it works is you buy a single pearl (or as many as you want) and you start a necklace. After so much time, Borelli says you will have a full strand of pearls. The pearls range in price ($7.50-$25), depending on the size of the pearl.

Similar to the add-a-pearl is the add-a-diamond. It is similar, but instead of stringing pearls, you first buy a plain gold necklace and add the diamonds.

Giving the gift of the great outdoors

In middle of the specialty stores of Downtown Lodi is a store that helps people get away from the desk and in the outdoor mood. You can buy everything from kayak kits to a single camping fork and spoon at Sierra Adventure Outfitters, 19 W. Pine St.

For your camping enthusiast brother, you might look into buying new camping gear — everything from down sleeping bags to dishware and rope.

But there are also the big purchases that many couples shop for all year long and end up buying during the Christmas season. One and two-seater kayaks are popular all year long. And, they make fun gifts.

For the holidays, Sierra Adventure Outfitters is offering Christmas packages on all of their kayaks. Kayaks are currently being sold with a paddle and life jacket — a $250 value for only about $100. Kayak prices range from $500 to $2,500.

One of the most popular kayaks is the Dagger, that allows you to keep you legs covered, but still leaves wiggle room.

The outdoor types also shop for clothing at Sierra Outfitters. There is a broad range of warm winter jackets, sweaters and sweatshirts.

Wintertime tropics

Believe it or not, fish are big gifts. But even bigger are the fish tanks at Discount Pet Food and Supplies. Brighten up a room with an extravagant aquarium. Right now, Discount Pet is offering set up kits. There is a large assortment available in colors, woods and sizes. While there are some set-up tanks for about $100, others cost up to $1,500. For $1,297, you can purchase a 120-gallon tank that includes a stand, canopy, glass top and strip light. A 125-gallon maple stand with similar addition costs $1,566. A small 72-gallon tank is set-up and sells for $555.

The tanks can be set up for fresh water or salt water fish. Salt water fish are, often times, more expensive, as is the upkeep.

Contact reporter Lauren Nelson at laurenn@lodinews.com.