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The Sky's the Limit
A no-budget holiday shopping spree in greater New Haven
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Business New Haven
12/13/1999
By: Fiona Phelan
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Forget the sweaters and the perfume, the slippers and the bathrobes, the neckties and the socks. This year go for something a little more distinctive that will truly set you apart from run-of-the-mill gift-givers.
Instead of shopping at the big-name department stores or even online, take some time and browse the numerous boutiques in the New Haven area. You'll be surprised at the number of items that you've never seen before. Most of the stores have gifts in all price ranges, from less than $10 to $60,000 or more, but each store claims to have something distinctive for everyone on your list (including that most important recipient: you).
According to the Conference Board Consumer Research Center, American families will spend an average of $496 on gifts during the holiday season. Total retail sales this year will top $50 billion, 1.5 percent higher than last year. Nearly 36 percent of families will spend at least $500 this year, and 11.4 percent will spend in excess of $1,000, the board calculates.
At the same time, a recent poll conducted by the Center for the New American Dream shows that a whopping 91 percent of Americans believe the holidays are too commercialized. Fifty-eight percent said they would take measures to buy fewer gifts and simplify their holiday celebrations.
But, let's get real: Gifts will still be bought. So the question becomes: Where do you begin?
All That Glitters
First, the traditional gift for women: jewelry. The most fabulous piece offered at Cellini Design Jewelers in West Haven is anything but traditional. The 11-carat Madagascar sapphire and diamond ring was originally designed for Tiffany & Co., but found its way to West Haven. The $45,000 ring is set in platinum with bullet-shaped diamond accents.
Cellini President Lou Simone notes that it's "very simple, but makes a statement." Indeed. But hurry: Simone say he has at least one interested buyer.
Slightly more contemporary in design is a line of jewelry by Ashgrossbardt that features semi-precious stones inlaid on silver. A bracelet Simone picked out sells for $3,000. Another favorite is a white gold necklace with six carats of baguette diamonds ($15,000).
Hardly to be outdone, Richard Savitt, owner of Savitt Jewelers in New Haven, recently designed a ring boasting a four-carat emerald-cut diamond with diamond baguettes set in platinum (a cool $60,000). That lucky lady is going to be ecstatic. How do you say no to something like that?
Savitt also offers a line of watches by Baume-Mercier that retail for $1,000 and up. "That's pretty average for a good quality watch these days," explains Savitt.
If you're contemplating becoming engaged this holiday season, both Cellini and Savitt jewelers offer an array of loose diamonds ranging in price from $2,500 to $10,000. Savitt has an extra special 3.5-carat diamond for $19,000. Stunning.
For the Birds
From diamonds to feathers. At the Fat Robin in Hamden you can purchase a luxury birdhouse for your bird-loving aunts and uncles. The copper-roofed dwelling is available for $400 (they also have ones for as little as $12).
Still looking for that perfect gift? Stop by Gallery 4 in Hamden. Co-owner Ellen Ruthie recommends the $900 Japanese cloisonné vase. There's also a sterling silver and Lapis necklace, bracelet and earring ensemble ($450). The store also sells unusual puzzle games ($7.50) that make great stocking stuffers.
"We pride ourselves on being an unusual store," says Ruthie. "The items you'll find in here you will not find in your regular retail stores."
At Gallery 4 you can find a selection of antiques, native American ware, Eskimo sculptures, Hopi pottery, Russian carvings, an international collection of Christmas ornaments and hand-made jewelry, to name a few.
At the Owl Shop in New Haven, proprietor Glen Greenberg says his assortment of marble chess sets are a hot item for around $175. "People seem to be crazy for marble chess sets, and we're one of the few places where you can find them," says Greenberg.
For the cigar connoisseur there are numerous humidors from $100 to $2,000. The Owl Shop also has a variety of Mont Blanc pens, crystal vases and Mah-Jongg sets. Also popular are music boxes from Italy and Russia in a variety of styles, playing a varied selection of tunes.
Got a camera lover on your list? Check out the variety at the venerable James Camera on York Street in New Haven. Salesman Mike Onofrio says his store carries all name brands, but his preference is for the Olympus line because they're user-friendly. Onofrio recommends the point-and-shoot Olympus L2105 for between $285 and $300. Olympus also offers the Zoom-80 for around $189.
If your shutterbug also happens to be a computer buff, you can combine those interests with the purchase of a digital camera. At the high end of the line is the Olympus 620L, which retails for between $900 and $950, depending on which accessories are selected.
According to Onofrio, one of James' principal businesses is videotape transfer. For ten cents a movie foot, James Camera will take your Super-8, 16-millimeter or any older-type home movie and transfer it to VHS format that can be played on any VCR. It makes a tremendously personal gift for Mom, Grandma or any family member.
Shoot the Moon
Arabella of Branford has a way to give you the moon. For about $250 you can commission a local artist to paint the moon on the evening of your choice. You can mark the birth of a child, a special birthday, an anniversary, the Millennium or any occasion with a personal six-by-six-inch painting of the moon. (The location of the moon is wherever the artist happen to be that evening.)
In addition to the moon, Arabella manager Liz Higgins also offers handblown glass from Simon Pearce. Originally from Ireland, Pearce now operates out of an historic woolen mill in Quechee, Vt. According to Higgins, Pearce's pieces are much-sought, along with pottery by fellow Irishman Nicholas Mosse. Mosse specializes in a form of pottery known as spongeware in which each tiny design is applied with intricately cut sponges. The glass and pottery collectors pieces range in price from $25 to $300.
"We didn't want to be like every other store that's out there," says Higgins. "We also have a variety of shoes, pocketbooks, jewelry. I think everybody could find something here for someone."
Still looking? While you're in Branford, visit Eclection at 197 South Montowese. Owner Lisa Newman would love to show off the vintage Zenith radio in a walnut cabinet. The beautifully crafted period piece still plays and can be yours for $2,100.
Eclection's choice in the under-$20 price point is a selection of bath and body oil in a handblown Italian bottle. The gift comes in lemon or lavender. Under $100, Newman suggests a pair of fine silver (not sterling) contemporary earrings for about $80. The store also features a variety of art by local painters and sculpture.
"There are three tests a piece must pass before I put it in my store," says Newman. "The piece has to be unique, has to be of value but not necessarily expensive, and have great design quality. I don't put anything in here that I wouldn't buy."
To Thine Own Self Be True
After the busy shopping season it might be time for a little pampering. All the local beauty salons offer gift certificates for a variety of services.
At Panache you can treat yourself (or a special someone) to a day spa which might include a pedicure, manicure, European facial treatment, anti-stress full body treatment, makeup, haircut, waxing, even eyelash tinting. You can design your own package ranging from $50 and up. Expect to spend the day; lunch will be included from any of the area restaurants.
Relaxation heaven can be found in a rejuvenating spa weekend at the Water's Edge Resort & Country Club in Westbrook. Customers can enjoy a relaxing massage, followed by a leisurely dinner and spend an enjoyable evening unwinding in the lounge, the spa or a deluxe guest room. In the morning, take a walk along the beach, get a workout at the gym and enjoy a splash in the indoor pool, followed by breakfast. For a night or weekend, prices range from $200 to $500.
While you're on the shoreline, take a drive up to Phoenix in Essex. When you think about variety and eclecticism, this store has it all. Can't afford a sailboat? Consider a model sailboat that will cost between $100 to $200. Don't delay in buying it - when you see it get it right away, because the next time you visit it will likely be gone.
The store also has a beautiful burgundy velvet-covered, high-back wing chair for about $895. There's also a variety of heavy gilt mirrors in all shapes and sizes. There's also potpourri, candles, tableware, paintings, a collection of animals that could fill a small zoo, garden ornaments and planters. If you can't find something here, your gift recipients are hard to please. Or you are.
In the market for a new car? Everyone dreams of waking up to find a beautiful shiny new sports car, wrapped in a big red bow, parked in the driveway. One area wife is going to be the recipient of a $35,000, red BMW Z3 two-seater convertible. Hurry - there's still time to get yours at Mauro BMW/Mercedes in Hamden.
What guy doesn't think about a Porsche? And not just any Porsche, but the classic 911 Carrera. At Prestige Auto in Wallingford, there's one waiting for you for the low, low, low price of $80,000. The salesman recommended "pearlescent" white.
Happy shopping, and happy holidays.
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