Flood? What Flood? Downtown Laguna Shops Are Open for Last-Minute Gift Business (And We've Got Some Tips)

If you're like me, every Christmas you try to get some shopping done ahead of time, only to wind up creating a false sense of security–suddenly, you have more people left on your list than there are remaining shopping days. Like it or not, this transforms you into the dreaded Last-Minute Shopper.

But it turns out that downtown Laguna Beach is the perfect LMS stamping ground. And with less than 48 hours to go before the Big Day, I guarantee that you'll still be able to find some impressive gifts to match your price range—flood or no flood.

The most unusual and practical gift I found was at (294 Forest Ave.), a fashionable and well-designed hooded sweatshirt with built-in earphones. The hoodie has a pocket with snaps for iPods, MP3 players or smart phones. It also has extra-long sleeves with thumb holes (originally designed to protect skateboarders' wrists) to allow for texting. Stephanie Caughlin, one of Hobie's supervisors, was kind enough to model the sweatshirt for me. It comes in five colors and sells for $49.50 (also available in a coat version for $69.50). A great gift even for seniors, who love to be warm while listening to books on tape. Best of all, they're washable! The sweatshirts, not the seniors.

If you're on your way to a party and need a fast hostess gift or flowers for that special someone, stop by the (384 Forest Ave. No. 9A). In the middle of the Lumberyard complex, Bev Walker runs a delightful shop that sells potted plants, floral arrangements and lovely garden accessories. She can help you put together a personalized gift for people who enjoy living things.

Wandering into (477 Forest Ave.), I was delighted to find some beautiful and affordable gift items by local artist Theresa. She has crafted an amazing collection of crystal bottles that start at $80. Each has one of Theresa's signature charms (or milagras) attached to them, and would great in a home or garden.

If anyone on your list is even the slightest bit artistic, march yourself right over to (376 Ocean Ave.), where you'll find one of the best selections of art materials in the area. (Beats Michaels and Aaron Bros. hands down!) Right now, the store is featuring some very nice beginners' paint sets for $19.99 in acrylic and oils. It's also having a sale on canvases and other supplies.

On rainy days, all the bright colors in (384 Forest Ave.) really give me a boost. Right now the store is carrying a line of unique clothes from Nepal, ranging in price from $14 for a tank top to only $29 for a long-sleeved jacket. Each of the pieces is different, but they're all quite vibrant. Manager Kristen Thompson says that women of all ages have been buying this line, especially the jackets. So ... one for your granddaughter, one for your sister. Two down! Oh—did I mention the $19 handbag?

If you like to give gifts that last forever, stop in at (305 Forest Ave.), where you can choose from a large selection of globes. And not tacky metal ones, but globes made of semiprecious stones. These decorative pieces range in price from $18 to $1,800 and come in a variety of colors. The shop also sell custom-designed jewelry and watches.

(272 Forest Ave.) is a bit problematic—it's a store filled with nothing but unique gift items, so picking only one to recommend is impossible. It's the place to shop for the people on your list who have a sense of humor—the ones who love life and laugh a lot. I had a hard time leaving without buying half the store. It has a special rack of stocking stuffers, my personal favorite being the brightly painted ceramic noses that are supposed to be used as eyeglass holders. Tons of things you might not buy for yourself, but if someone bought it for you—very cool.

(295 Forest Ave.) is another store that's basically a big room full of fabulous gifts, along a slightly different line—we're talking sophisticated and elegant, my friends. This isn't the place to shop for kids or the sports fans on your list. But if you can't walk out of here crossing off most of the women and couples on your list, you are seriously shopping-challenged.

Sure, you could go to Target, Costco or (horror of horrors) Walmart, but why waste the gas and time when all you're looking for is right here? Go on–buy that ceramic nose! (And will someone please e-mail this article to my mother? I want one of those sweatshirts—black, size L.)