Tis the weekend before Christmas, and odds are there are some stragglers out there who procrastinated their way through December and skipped all early opportunities to finish -- or start -- purchasing presents with any dignity and grace.
Blame it on the crummy weather that has you wondering about our White Christmas status. Or blame it on that seemingly extra-long stretch after Thanksgiving that left you thinking you had tons of time. Whatever the reason for the overdue shopping sessions, now's your chance to turn any gift-less fear into ho-ho-holiday shopping success!
Consider Play's last-minute gift guide, complete with ideas for everyone on your list, Christmas consumer hot spots and places to toast your little shopping miracle.
DOWNTOWN
There's big-city charm in strolling downtown's sidewalks, surveying shop windows and searching for Anchorage's finer offerings. With so many posh options to shop and places to sip wine, you'll begin to realize that good things really do come to those who wait ... until the last minute to shop.
MIDTOWN
The addition of a few artsy boutiques and the availability of handmade goods makes the seasonal shopping options in Midtown classier than you'd think. But there are also staple stores you can count on in a pinch to help you maintain status in the Gift-Giver Hall of Fame.
SOUTH SIDE
There's no doubt that the South Anchorage shopping scene has changed. It's still home to the retail giants, but factor in the handful of new, independent boutiques along Dimond Boulevard, and it's the perfect mix of shopping options for an 11th-hour holiday hustle.
GIFT IDEAS
FOR WOMEN
Stocking stuffer: The handmade wool arm warmers and fingerless gloves ($16) at Bella Boutique (2601 Spenard Road, 644-4989) are equal parts charming and functional -- they'll keep her hands nimble, stylish and warm.
Naughty: For anyone who's unsure about giving a gal lingerie for Christmas (it's more for the gifter than the giftee, right?), the mocha-colored Princesse Tam Tam set ($106-$114) with delicate lace and velvet details at About Face (720 D St., Suite B, 279-3223) might just be the sweet-yet-sassy option that will have you both scrambling for the mistletoe.
Nice: Play's gift picks wouldn't be on point without remembering those truly Alaskan gals, and the Isis Seven Sisters Vest ($145) at The Sport Shop (570 E. Benson Blvd., Suite 23, 272-7755) is an all-star layer that will have any variation of the Nordic-skiing, latte-drinking, husky-loving, Subaru-driving, Pilates-posing lady staying warm and looking hot.
Santa's spoiler: Women in Anchorage are crazy for Coach (Anchorage 5th Avenue mall, 743-8091), so it's easy to indulge her high-end desires with the Coach Large Carly handbag ($498). The Carly holds as much as Santa's gift sack, and the soft leather comes in festive or classic shades. If your lady likes to follow the fashion path less traveled, then give her Chie Mahari boots ($578) from Her Tern (811 W. Eighth Ave., 278-8376) to walk in. Heck, with the black leather bow on the toe, you won't even need to wrap 'em.
FOR MEN
Stocking stuffer: "The Godfather" DVD collection ($31) at Costco (330 W. Dimond Blvd., 349-2335 or 4125 Debarr Road, 269-9540) is a wise choice for a man's stocking, and the "Don" would agree. For an alternative to couch surfing, visit Dos Manos (1317 W. Northern Lights Blvd., Suite 3, 569-6800) and celebrate his open-air activities with a "Get High on the Chugach" T-shirt or hoodie ($25 to $50) from local artist Mike Kirkpatrick's Screamin' Yeti Designs line.
Naughty: Approved by scotch snobs but good for any guy who wants to develop a finer drinking palate: Wrap up the Distiller's Edition Dalwhinnie Single Malt Scotch ($77) from Brown Jug Famous Liquor warehouse store (4140 Old Seward Highway, 563-3008).
Nice: He might be apprehensive about the Shades of Greige wool pea coat ($199) at Stage Left (333 W. Fourth Ave., Suite 202, 952-3067) when he first unwraps it because, chances are, a pea coat probably wasn't anywhere near his wish list. But after a few glances in the mirror, he won't be able to get enough of his sleek silhouette and sex appeal.
Santa's spoiler: Maybe the man in your life doesn't need another excuse to avoid taking out the trash. But if you truly want to accomplish a little last-minute spoiling, head to Best Buy (800 E. Dimond Blvd., 344-4409) and invest in the Sony BRAVIA XBR 46-inch flat panel HDTV ($2,950). The soft glow from the LCD screen is almost as romantic as a flickering fire and that new view of Tom Brady is good for everyone.
FOR KIDS
Stocking stuffer: Find the slightly sophisticated and completely silly "The Alphabet from A to Y With Bonus Letter Z" ($18) at Title Wave Books (1360 W. Northern Lights Blvd., 278-9283). The children's book, with wacky couplets written by comedian Steve Martin and illustrations by New Yorker cartoonist Roz Chast, is as fun as Dr. Seuss, and the pictures, while eye-catching for kids, can make grown ups giggle with hidden bits of humor.
Naughty: If your little rock star has dreams of being the next Axl Rose (oh wait, that's you), head to Best Buy (800 E. Dimond Blvd., 344-4409) and pick up the MTV Special Edition of this year's hottest video game, "Rock Band" ($150-$160). It comes with guitar and drum controllers and a microphone -- everything needed to rock your house.
Nice: Cuter than an Ugly Doll and sweeter than a sock monkey, the Blabla dolls ($30) at Spoiled Boutique (1130 W. Dimond Blvd., Suite A, 743-3095) are cuddly soft and guilt-free for parents. Forget about pesky toy recalls -- Blabla dolls are hand knitted from natural fibers. Or go the stocking stuffer route with the Blabla finger puppets for $5 each.
Santa's spoiler: Whether traversing the backyard or taking a family trip along the Turnagain Arm Trail, the Atlas 718 Junior Snowshoes ($50) at REI (1200 W. Northern Lights Blvd., 272-4565) pack high performance into a little package for your pint-size explorer. They're lightweight, durable and designed to fit most children's winter boots.
HOT SHOPPING SPOTS
About Face (720 D St., Suite B, 279-3223): This downtown bath and beauty boutique is chock full of sweet smells, sexy sights and products to make skin so soft. If lingerie doesn't make the cut on your gift list, check out the PJ Salvage sleepwear selections or the extensive lines of body products. Make a clean choice with the pre-packaged Bliss best-of-the-year body collection or Mistle-'toe' pedicure set.
Her Tern (811 W. Eighth Ave., 278-8376): Shoe fetishes aside, any woman's wish list could easily start and end at this downtown shoe and handbag boutique that's recently expanded to include clothing options and other household trinkets. Need specifics: Try the hip TRKFLD shoulder bags and purses, the funky and chunky David Aubrey jewelry and any one of the many Hobo purses, clutches or wallets.
Bella Boutique (2601 Spenard Road, 644-4989): The litany of locally made jewelry lines at this Midtown boutique is so long, and the designs are so fabulous, you'll start looking for more ladies to gift as soon as you walk through the door. If you need a gag gift or you just want to make sure your bar-hopping buddy is prepared, check out the "One Night Stand" kit, complete with a cute hair tie, aspirin and antacid.
Spoiled Boutique (1130 W. Dimond Blvd., Suite A, 743-3095): Avoid baby-mama drama and shop for mommies, babies and mommies-to-be at Spoiled, which recently moved from downtown to South Anchorage. Find a wide selection of stylish clothing for big-belly babes as well as unique products for the wee ones, including the Make A Mess Kit by Emily Green, which comes with a kid-themed place setting packaged in a little suitcase that could do double duty when your tot turns into a tiny traveler.
Title Wave Books (1360 W. Northern Lights Blvd., 278-9283): The reason to shop at this Midtown anchor is the availability of gifts for everyone -- from bookworms to belles of the ball -- on your list. Yoga mats? Check. Journals that inspire those wanna-be Hemingway and Chaucer types? Check. Box of flair inspired by the movie "Office Space"? Check. Slang flashcards so your dad knows how to "represent"? Check. Your peace of mind? Check.
SHOPPING SNACK BREAKS
Downtown
Cafe Savannah (508 W. Sixth Ave., 646-9121): Just a few chilly steps from the Anchorage 5th Avenue mall, find post-shopping solitude and tapas that are the menu's mainstay. The Croquetas de Patata (potato and scallion croquets) classifies as comfort food ($4.75) and you can savor the homemade sangria ($5 a glass) while you enjoy the twinkling view of Town Square.
Midtown
Cafe Del Mundo (341 E. Benson Blvd., 274-0026): Whether you need to cool off from the retail workout around Midtown or warm up after a few sprints to and from your car, Cafe Del Mundo has selections for both. The eggnog gelato ($2.75-$3.75) and Ibarra hot chocolate ($2.75-$3.50) will strengthen your seasonal spirit.
South side
Suite 100 Restaurant and Bar (1000 Dimond Blvd., Suite 100, 341-1000): After checking a few presents off your list and successfully navigating the busy stretch of road between the south side Costco and the Dimond Center, reward yourself by knocking back one of the specialty cocktails and drowning in the oh-so-good whiskey sauce that tops the croissant bread pudding ($5.50) at Suite 100.
* Leslie Boyd lives and shops in Anchorage. Read her Shop Girl column every Monday in Life & Style or online at adn.com/shopgirl.