With the economy in a particularly chilly state this year, most everyone understands that it’s okay to cut back. But that doesn’t mean you have to cut out gift giving entirely. It’s still possible to find that perfect something for everyone on your list, be it your roommate, dad, cubicle pal or baby sitter. So put on the hot chocolate, deck the halls, light the menorah, dance around the bonfire and get ready for the easiest – and most affordable – local shopping you’ve done in years. You can thank me later.
Fab finds Even if you didn’t manage to get your hands on “The Beatles: Rock Band,” you can still bring home John, Paul, George and Ringo for the holidays. These vintage trading cards from “A Hard Day’s Night” are the real deal. Just don’t be surprised if someone recognizes them as the very ones your grandmother practically gave away at a yard sale all those years ago. $2 each; The Great Escape, 2433 Bardstown Rd.; (5020 456-2216; www.thegreatescapeonline.com 
Treats for grown-ups Candy canes are great for kids, but these festive little stocking stuffers were made for those who can truly, uh, appreciate them. Delight your host or hostess with a box of mini truffles from the Highlands’ landmark candy store. That is, if you don’t “appreciate” them first. $9 for a nine-piece box; Dundee Candy Shop, 2112 Bardstown Rd.; (502) 452-9266; www.dundeecandy.com 
Christmas Morning Kentucky’s favorite export since bourbon goes down smoothly on this holiday recording, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!,” by My Morning Jacket. Which isn’t to say this five-song mix of original tunes and cover versions doesn’t rock at times; pick it up if only for the boys’ rollicking version of “Santa Claus is Back in Town” in the style of the King himself. $9.99; ear X-tacy, 1534 Bardstown Rd.; (502) 452-1799; www.earx-tacy.com
Viva la Ville Louis XVI of France, by most accounts, was more naughty than nice, and his wife, Marie Antoinette, wasn’t that much better. Louisville’s namesake, however, did give us one good thing: its nominal French heritage, symbolized by the fleur-de-lis, which adorns many street signs and even the city seal itself. And now you can adorn your car with a vinyl fleur-de-lis sticker and let everyone on the road know you hail from King Louis’ ‘ville. Pity about his head, though. $2-4; WHY Louisville; 1583 Bardstown Rd.; (502) 456-5400; www.whylouisville.com 
Shiver me timbers! With the price of kids’ gifts these days, it’s too easy to say “Arrrrgh!” instead of “Arrrrrr!” But never fear. For not a lot of loot, “Sticker Activity Fun: Pirate” includes more than 50 stickers for junior swashbucklers, plus plenty of games for your little Jolly Roger to play and draw all over in preparation for plundering foreign ships in the Ohio. Hey, it’s cheaper than a parrot. $3.95; Carmichael’s Bookstore; 1295 Bardstown Rd.; (502) 456-6950; www.carmichaelsbookstore.com 
Little luxuries Never misplace your favorite rings again with this hand painted wooden trinket box. Keep it near the sink, at your bedside or use it to present someone with a tiny treasure any time of year. At this price, you can get one for every finger. $6.95; Discoveries; 1315 Bardstown Rd.; (502) 451-5034 
Clean up this season It’s a good thing Peppermint Rosemary soap wasn’t around when Ralphie from “A Christmas Story” mouthed off to his parents, because it smells like something he’d want to taste again and again. Locally produced Peace of the Earth soaps are made with natural olive, coconut, palm and jojoba oils that gently moisturize winter skin. Great for anyone who gets a little fresh – or wants to be. $5.50; Mama’s Hip; 1559 Bardstown Rd.; (502) 384-8805; www.mamas-hip.com
Cookie Lady style This scarf comes to you by way of Uganda and India, and would probably tell some great stories if it could talk. Wear it and dream of sunnier climates, or use it to wrap up a gift of homemade goodies from “the cookie lady,” Elizabeth Kizito. $7; Kizito Cookies; 1398 Bardstown Rd.; (502) 456-2891; www.kizitocookies.com
Spice of life Heine Brothers’ Coffee has returned fair trade cardamom cinnamon tea to its shelves, and just in the nick of time! This cold weather favorite is caffeine-free and smells like a spicy candle burning down after a long evening with friends. Enjoy a steaming hot cup for a guilt-free dessert – or for soothing your throat after a night of overzealous caroling (or karaoke). $8.20 for four ounces; Heine Brothers’ Coffee; 1295 Bardstown Rd., 1449 Bardstown Rd. and 2200 Bardstown Rd., (502) 456-5108, www.heinebroscoffee.com
Grape expectations 2009 was a pretty good year for wine, and you can get a taste with Georges Duboeuf 2009 Beaujolais Nouveau. The wine, released in late November to worldwide celebration, gives a preview of the rest of the year’s vintage – and Duboeuf himself says it’s one of the best in 50 years. This fruity red is also green, with bottles coming from France via boat, not air, in order to reduce the carbon footprint and keep the price around $10. Cheers! Exact price unavailable at press time; Old Town Liquors; 1529 Bardstown Rd.; (502) 451-8591; www.oldtownwine.com
Eve Bohakel Lee’s favorite color is red and she wears a size medium ... hint, hint. Send her your greetings at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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