Do you get mall anxiety, especially around the holidays? The crowds, the long lines and the prospect of a multi-sensory overload can make even the toughest shoppers seek shelter elsewhere. We’re very fortunate that right here in Agoura Hills, there is a great selection of independent shops that offer merchandise for just about everyone on your holiday list.
From goody gift packs to hand-crafted items, our local stores have got you covered. And best of all, you’ll save on gas!
For fans of handcrafted gifts
Head over to in the Vons shopping complex for unusual, handcrafted gifts made by American artists.
“These ribbon scarves are my top-sellers,” said owner Carol Solomon, as she personally individually-wrapped a customer’s order of multiple scarves. Crafted by a Pennsylvania artist, the lightweight and multi-hued scarves are selling for $32 each. Solomon’s initial order of 100 scarves is quickly dwindling.
The oil candles from Arkansas, starting at $30 for a small one, are also popular, according to Solomon.
Other interesting finds include glass serving pieces from Nevada, signed handmade stained glass cheese trays from Texas, treasure totes from Oregon and mismatched socks from Vermont. Most items start at $15.
And exclusively for Patch readers, Solomon is offering a 10 percent discount through December 31. Just say you read about it in the Patch.
For foodies
At the , has quite an array of pomegranate-based gift packs. For $26, there’s the dessert gift pack with jellies and syrup for that someone on your list with a sweet tooth. For the grill master on your list, give the combo pack gift box for $20, composed of a bottle each of the balsamic grill sauce and marinade. For $28, the power pack gift box is equally appealing. The package includes a bottle each of the pomegranate marinade, balsamic grill sauce and pomegranate syrup. All gift packs come in handcrafted boxes. “These also make great corporate give-aways,” said employee Karen Onifer.
For teachers, co-workers and all those people you want to thank, has a large selection of gift baskets and trays starting at $8. Chocolates from esteemed chocolatiers such as Valrhona, the and Dolfin adorn most of the gift packs.
At , check out the gift packs of mix-and-match extra virgin olive oil and/or aged balsamic vinegar. For $24.95, take your pick from tantalizing flavors such as dark chocolate to pineapple balsamic vinegar or blood orange to Persian lime olive oil. Owner Jennie Adams also pointed out other gift possibilities at the store, including the recipe cards and music CDs for $22, cookbooks from $8.95, wine pourers from $3.29 and goat’s milk soaps for $5, among others.
For fashionistas
If you’re in the market for more lasting, non-edible gifts, the choices are also endless.
at the farmers market, carries hand-made, one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces starting at $5 for a pair of shiny ornament-style earrings. Necklaces, bracelets, jeweled bookmarks and jewelry cases are in the $40 to $150 range. Every jewelry piece is a true “labor of love” designed and crafted by Agoura resident Shirley Brown, who uses natural and semi-precious stones from all over the world. Brown will also customize jewelry. “If you find a necklace that you like, I can also make you a matching bracelet or earrings,” she said.
For one-of-a-kind ensembles, fashion accessories and gift items, there’s , located in the same strip mall as the farmers market. Sweaters, jackets, shirts and scarves are currently on sale from $50 up, said owner Jackie Wright. Lotions, perfumes, diffusers, soaps and candles from Sedafrance and Joseph Thomas are also on sale from $38 up.
A few steps away is the Popular Outlet Store with an abundance of 50 percent off items, including beanies from $12, slipper socks from $7.50 and Hello Kitty messenger bags and backpacks from $14.
