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Business & Tech

2010 Holiday Guides: Last Minute Gift Ideas

When all else fails, a gift card to one of the many local WI businesses is never a bad idea.

Still having a tough time deciding what to buy that special someone?  Well, the clock is ticking so here is a comprehensive list that should definitely help you out. 

Younger Kids:

Is it time for a tricycle or even their first big bike? has an array of bikes to choose from, including a Rainbow Brite design a little girl might enjoy.

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Over at , you can pick up a Pillow Pet, pop up play tents for inside the house, a train set or sports puzzles and sports games (featuring the Mets and Yankees). Ace also carries a cookie baking kit for kids that includes everything for them to use, including their own pan and wooden spoon.

carries the Pillow Pets as well, in addition to several toys. If you cannot find what you want there, is also stocked up in the toy department as well.

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For something with a more personal touch, try for a new toy chest, a wooden rocking chair, a piggy bank or a vanity table great for a little girl's room. Or buy a gift certificate to so they can get as many tokens as the card will allow.

Older Kids:

If it is time for their first cell phone or an upgrade, go to Verizon Wireless on Montauk Highway or one of the two AT&T dealers in town (Higbie Lane and the other on Union Boulevard). If you know a favorite food place they frequent, there are gift certificates available almost everywhere, from Dunkin' Donuts, Hometown Heroes, Our Little Italy Pizza, Cafe Europa, McDonald's and Hershey's Ice Cream.

For girls into manicures, try a certificate to .  For girls and boys who want to buy their own clothes without spending their own money, give them a gift certificate to Bob's Stores so they can pick up anything from shoes, sneakers, pants and shirts. Gift cards for iTunes can also be purchased at CVS, Rite-Aid, King Kullen and Stop & Shop.

Women:

Why not give a gift of beauty? Pick up a certificate for a manicure, pedicure or both at Satin Nails, Tiffany , Excellent Blooming Nail & Spa or Tammy's Nails. Or how about spa-like items at Village Salon Spa, Fabio, Shear Instincts, In-Style Salon, Hair Studio 2, Gorgeous Salon, Kathy's Hair Corner or Kira's Place.

If tanning is her thing, get her a gift certificate to Perfect Color Tanning or Sun Kissed Tanning. Still not sure? Get her a gift certificate to and she can pick out her own gift.

Men:

For the sports nut, is the best place to go. For a guy into other collectibles, try . For the guy into lawn and power garden equipment, visit T.N.T where you can also get a gift certificate if you cannot decide what to buy.

"We sell a full line of Honda power equipment including generators, snow blowers, water pumps, leaf blowers and chain saws. We are also a full service Mercury outboard dealer," said John Zollo, the general manager of the store that has been in West Islip since 1975.

Don't forget about and Ace Hardware which not only has tools and garden items, but they also have gifts like a wine rack and a beverage dispenser for the guy who likes to play bartender at parties.  You can also get him a gift certificate to his favorite barber shop in town,  or Ace of Cuts. 

Couples:

A romantic dinner for two is just a gift certificate away at or Restaurant. If less formal is more there style, try Farrell's of Brooklyn, Cafe Mojo or Long River.

Some couples might enjoy a gift or wine or liquor, so why not pick something up for them at Union Wines and Liquors, , Oak Neck Liquors or West Islip Wines and Liquors.  

"I would recommend Francis Coppola's  Merlot, Simi's Cabernet Sauvignon or Kris' Pinot Grigio," said Robert DiStefano of West Islip Wines and Liquor.

Host or Hostess:

Wine or liquor works well, as does flowers. Pick up a seasonal bouquet or arrangement at Tower Flowers or Cafe Flowers. A dessert is a nice touch also, so you can always pick up a cake, pie or cookies at Stop and Shop, King Kullen or Best Yet. For something seasonal with a little more staying power, pick up an ornament at either Hawley Corner or The Painted Present.

Teaches, Coaches, Tutors, Babysitters, Dog Walkers, Etc:

Seasonal items like ornaments are always a nice idea, so while you are picking up one for your hostess at Hawley Corner or The Painted Present buy another one for someone in one of the categories above.

If you know if one of these people has a dog or cat, they would probably appreciate a gift for their pet. Pet Station and BTJ's Jungle has a supply of pet toys, which would be the safest way to go since pet treats vary for each animal. But when all else fails, go with a gift card.  

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