Alongside our Mini Cadbury’s and pastel Peeps, here are some items we’d be tickled to find inside an Easter basket. (And it’s not like Mister Bunny worries about shipping, but small shops really know how to hop-to when it comes to speedy delivery.)

links, left to right:

Set of Three Polaroid Prints, $11
Truffle in Pink Bag, $185
Six Letterpress Easter Cards, $18
Hand Printed Zip Purse, $19

Bird Bowl With Pinwheels, $38
Spring Gift Boxes Templates, $5
Six Cherry Blossoms Cards, $11
Glint Necklace, $30
Mint Bird Cherry Blossom Pillow, $28

Block Print Bunny Stuffie, $15
Live What You Love Letterpress Print, $12.50
Baby Bunny Beanie, $20
Blue and White Scalloped Tags, $2
14K Gold Studs, $42

Ultrasuede Flower Brooch, $28
New Conejo Animal Art, $34
Bud Base Trio, $90
Pencil Sketches Flower Clutch, $60

It’s the last minute. Your sister’s best friend’s cousin’s 30th birthday tea celebration starts in one hour … and you haven’t got a clue. As to what to bring as a gift, of course. Here are five of our fail-safe favorites for gift shopping in and around Salt Lake City—whether it’s for your neighbor friend or best friend, you’ll find something in one of these five stops. Most offer nice gift wrapping, to boot.

Hip & Humble: Some of our favorite in-store stops include the rack of Meyer’s soap products (which just so happen to complement the shop’s minty exterior), the rows of colorful colanders, the antique tub filled with three-by-five rugs, and aprons decorating the walls. Other good hideouts include the baby section and women’s clothing racks harbored at the back of the store, as well as a jewelry case sitting opposite the register that’s filled with products from local designers. Read the entire post here.

Artichokes & Co.: Here’s a quick prep: You’ll see tabletops covered in everything from Papaya stationery to candy-filled paint cans; a vintage bathtub spewing with supersoft robes by Barefoot Dreams and Elizabeth W bath products; as well as shelves stocked with culinary treats like Barefoot Contessa mixes and O Olive Oils. Read the entire post here.

Frosty Darling: At Frosty Darling, it’s all about fun, which isn’t to say that a certain level of good taste isn’t part of the picture. Owner and artist Gentry Blackburn thinks of it as “a selling place for local crafties”—as the store is filled with screen-printed sofa pillows, cloth napkins and aprons in minty greens and bright pinks. These sit alongside graphic paintings and prints by local artists, and all are intermixed with vintage finds and things like brand-new flower-printed glass plates. Read the entire post here.

Nailed!: It goes without saying that you don’t have to be in need of a glycolic mask or nail refill to step inside this city respite. With Valentine-sy notecards from Paper Source (site we love), and pretty afternoon teas and Fig & Olive bath products by Mor, as well as nice bar soaps, fancy velvet slippers, pearl studs and bracelets, a little rack of pink-and-red unmentionables, urban-inspired handbags and hats, this boutique-in-a-house proves it’s more than just a dayspa. Read the entire post here.

Got Beauty: From cheeky reads and Aunt Sadie candles to cute underpairs and myriad lipglosses, you’ll find something for your favorite office mate or your bride-to-be bestie. Don’t forget to dabble in the fairly-priced shoes or sassy selection of carry-alls from Melie Bianco and Hobo International. With sweet clutches and trendy totes, there’s something for every maintenance level. Read the entire post here.

Time’s almost up. If you’ve managed to get the big names crossed off but slipped up on some still-important people (your next-door-neighbor, your office-mate, your manager, your hairdresser-turned-friend), here are some ideas—and most are available at your local grocer or the click of a button. We love technology … and Harmon’s.

left to right:

Bonne Maman: Who doesn’t love classic, gingham-topped jam with a fancy name? You can find Bonne Maman preserves on the shelves of your local grocer, as well as a baguette for extra French flair.

Printable Calendar: Head to Little Hut’s Etsy Shop to print out this practical-but-pretty calendar. She’ll thank you every day of the year, and all you’ll need is a full ink cardtridge, cardstock and your paper cutter.

Clementines: These little oranges are propped right at the front of the produce section, and are the best alternative to holiday vices like chocolate … and chocolate. He’ll reach for ‘em til they’re gone. Plus, they peel nice ‘n easy.

Holiday Mix: By now, everyone’s wearing out on holiday tunes. Freshen up their selection with YHO’s Merry Music Mix, or whip up a collection of your own.

Printable Personalized Stationery: Get stationery for two at Back Alley on Etsy. Designs like this can be customized and “mailed” to you within 24 hours of your order.

Scharffen Berger Chocolate Bars: Whether melted for a fancier ice cream topping or nibbled on bit by bit, a milk chocolate Scharffen Berger bar never disappoints.

Gouda Cheese: Sharpen up his sandwich or smarten up a cracker with the help of this tasty Holland export. We spied a round of gouda at Harmon’s in the $6 range—and hickory smoked was on-hand, too.

iTunes Gift Card: Give the gift of music. Since she gets to pick which kind, you know she’ll like it. All you have to do is cruise by the convenience store on lunch break.

Root Beer: It’s hard to turn down soda in a glass bottle, even if it’s just root beer. IBC’s is classic and kid-proof.

Lindt Excellence Bar: What makes this chocolate bar so special? A hint of chili pepper, for spicing things up.

Gift Tags: Give her the gift that keeps on giving. Ladies love to have gift-wrap supplies on-hand, and these from Jungae will keep her presents looking tops all year.

Red Nail Polish: Ask any ’40s movie star and she’ll tell you the power of red nail polish. Not enough? Throw in some lipstick, too—a drug store brand will do. She can keep the set at her desk for last-minute fixes.

Printable Bicycle Stationery: This set from Salamander Store is fun on wheels. Purchase a few sets, print, and tie the bundle with string.

Stephen’s Hot Chocolate: A step up from Swiss Miss without the pretty penny price tag, Stephen whips up a hot cocoa mix he’ll reach for til the cup runneth dry. This Utah original is especially good in mint and white chocolate flavors.

Evergreen Gift Set: Set your toner and let your printer shoot out this all-inclusive design from Easy Print. If you can’t find a cellophane bag large enough for the gift-wrap sheet, opt for a shallow box instead.

Sleepytime Tea: This no-frills blend will make her feel like a kid again when sipped on during Conan. Throw in a sleep mask if you have one in-mind, otherwise, a partnership with a cute bow should do the job.

Want to get her something nice without breaking the bank? She’ll cozy up to a gourmet hot cocoa machine, Her Majesty pillow or Kate Spade organizer in no time. Answers are just a click away. And be sure to click on the main page of each site to get updates on percents-off and free-shipping deals. Almost everyone is gifting shoppers with a little kickback this year.

Follow the links below:

links, left to right:

Lucky Me Necklace from Sundance, $68
Marc Jacobs Daisy from Sephora, $57
Whitney Smith Bird Cupcake Stand on Etsy, $64
Kit & Lili Cherry Flying Birds Tote from Tiny McSmall, $84
Striped Jersey Knit Scarf from Banana Republic, $59

Canvas Anne Pocket Organizer from Kate Spade, $75
Cashmere Travel Pillow and Eye Mask from Restoration Hardware, $54.99
John Derian Things I Like Tray from Design For Real Living, $88
Druggist Tissue Box Cover from Jonathan Adler, $58

Multi Stem Big Zip Wallet from Orla Kiely, $90
Bialetti Hot Chocolate Pot from Williams Sonoma, $79.99
Madison Leather Wristlet from Coach, $68
Bumblebee Pendant Necklace from J.Crew, $55
The Botanist’s Bell Jar from Anthropologie, $58

Rachel Ray Cast Iron Fondue Set from Target, $59.99
Marcello Umbrella Holder from Z Gallerie, $79.95
Karen Hilton Queen With the Pink Earring Cushion on Etsy, $76
Chanel Multi-Use Makeup Palette from Nordstrom, $85

Stop No. 2: Frosty Darling

Frosty Darling is Salt Lake’s cutest outpost for local crafties. Every little thing in this shop on 300 South is fresh, hip and original (not to mention darling, as its name implies) and to top it off, much of it’s made by Utahns like you ‘n me. Aside from staples like sofa pillows, aprons, plates and gift cards and an eye-catching selection candies you haven’t laid tastebuds on since you were ten, Frosty Darling is at once modern and retro-yielding with the most cleverly decorated interior space in town. Stepping inside these doors this holiday season will undoubtedly make your day merry and bright.

Here are some picks for holiday shopping for owner and celebrated artist Gentry Blackburn. All are available now at Frosty Darling, if you act fast:

Clockwise from top left:

The Raven: “This swanky tote with handy pockets is handmade locally by The Rookery. We’re also carrying their hilarious letterpress cards and lovely journals. They’re selling quickly!” $35

Squirrel Pin: “Does it get more adorable than this little squirrel brooch from Little Odd Forest? Felt jewelry is unexpected and fun.” $18

Sweet Tooth Aprons: “Get in the mood for cookin’ or craftin’ with these cute butcher-style aprons with retro, girly flair. They’re handmade by yours truly.” $28

Candy: “Who doesn’t want to find their favorite old-timey candy stuffed inside their stocking? We have a wide selection ranging from bubble gum cigarettes to Zots and Fruit Stripe Gum.”

Pretty Paper Notepad: “Any gal would like receiving this collection of 60 beautiful papers from One Good Bumblebee. I use them for jotting notes, making my own gift tags, creating collages or whatever strikes my paper-loving fancy.” $18

{Step Inside}

Frosty Darling
177 E. 300 South
Salt Lake City, Utah
(801) 532-4790
www.frostydarling.com

So you’re planning to spend a little more. Our range of under-$50 gifts includes a momogrammed tote for errand-running, a dainty black butterfly necklace for a dose of hushed femininity, gold foil-stamped journals for luxurious writing (as seen in Real Simple), and Bobbie Brown’s velvet plum eye pallet for days and nights on the town.

Follow the links to round out your shopping.

links, left to right:

Butterfly Embosser from Neiman Marcus, $29
Bobbi Brown Velvet Plum Eye Palette from Neiman Marcus, $45
Butterly Necklace from Banana Republic, $29
Capri Coin Purse from Hayden Harnett, $28

Harvest Time Weekender from Anthropologie, $49.95
Letter Candle Balls from Perch Design, $32
Rain Parade Mini Umbrellas from Fred Flare, $32 each
Wall Candy Rococo Oval Chalkboard from See Jane Work, $36

Floral Etched Purse Mirror from Red Envelope, $29.95
Color Spectrum Umbrella from MoMA Store, $40
Gold Foil-Stamped Journals from Paper Cup Design, $37.50
Alphabet Bag from Urban Outfitters, $28

Plain and Simple Petit Four Cakestand from Darlybird, $36
Jack and Lulu Chocolate Stripes Recipe Set from Broadway Paper, $50
MAC Little Darlings Lipglass and Lustreglass Set from Nordstrom, $29.50
Charcoal Shaped Perfume Bottles from Brocade Home, $29

It’s back! YHO’s Holiday Gift Guide is designed to jump-start your shopping engines, so you can spend more time with the fam and less time surfing the web. Isn’t that what the season’s all about, anyway? (That, and lots of treats?)

Here are some of our picks for $25 and under for the ladies on your list:

links, left to right:

Personalized Notepads from Linda & Harriett, $25
Personalized Pair Soap and Dish Set from Anthropologie, $12.95
Hope Chest Ring from Sundance, $25
Icelandic Moonflower Body Wash from Red Flower, $20
Pretty Cheep Project Bag from Purl Soho, $7

Kate Spade 2009 Desk Calendar from Fred Flare, $20
The Shopper from Garnett Hill, $9
“ABC3D” by Marion Bataille from Amazon.com, $13.57
Pop Magic Convertible Gloves from Nordstrom, $8
A6 Notebook with Band Closure from Orla Kiely, $13

Luxury Plush Ballet Slippers from Restoration Hardware, $10
Spring Has Sprung Lifestyle Water Bottle from Sigg, $21.99
Laugh Dream Love Print from OrangeBeautiful, $10
Sequined Coin Purse from Anthropologie, $9.95
Spring Letterpress Notecards from Sarah Drake Chicago, $16

Spotted: Mini Strawberettes by Scotland’s Kshocolate (pieces of strawberry enrobed in milk chocolate)

Good For: Gifting and savoring

Where: Artichokes & Co. (1790 S. 1100 East, Salt Lake City)

How Much: About $7

Here’s a stylish store that always has something for everyone, but for Mom in particular. Whether it’s a cute doormat or Voluspa candle, a new set of polka-dot dishes or a topiary fit for her garden window, Artichokes foots the Mom-shopping bill.

Though gift shopping here is already a no-brainer, we think you’ll be especially tickled with these already-prepped, uber-stylish gift crates. Mom will be tickled, too.

Here are three of Artichokes’ favorite gift bundles, ready and waiting for your Mommy Dearest.

1. Angelina Soho Crate: “A crate of stylish sweets and treats for the sophisticated woman, including a playful gathering of sugar confections, chocolate, and brownies to pair with a salad topped with pomegranate champagne vinegar. Plus, served “a la mode,” a couture candle and fresh grass.” $75 small; $115 large

2. Lucy Buttons: “Tiny little buttons of Ranunculus clustered together for a mounded shape of fresh color! This one gives a beautiful and lovely touch, with meaning.” $85

3. Organic Citrus Spa Crate: “Let her gather her senses with a citrus bath soak or organic citrus and vanilla bean. Scrub away the toxins, moisturize and exfoliate for a peaceful retreat. This pampers her completely!” $65 small; $115 large

Artichokes & Co.
1790 S. 1100 East, Salt Lake City
(801) 474-2784
www.artichokesandcompany.com

We can’t count all the ways we love Frosty Darling. This truly unique boutique on 300 South has an impressive variety of goodies on-hand (and we’re not just talking about the old timey candies). Owner Gentry Blackburn’s visual merchandising rivals that of retail stores with vast budgets for those types of things, and she has a knack for bringing together products that are fresh, hip, original, and undeniably cute.

Here are just three of her Mom’s Day picks, all available at her store, Frosty Darling, which we have a huge crush on in case you couldn’t tell. There’s no other place quite like it.

1. Goodness Bars from the Bubble Roome: “The best-smelling soap with the cutest packaging, and just six dollars. The best thing to come out of Brooklyn since Tony Danza!” $6

2. Necklace Charms By Erin Ruy: “These lovely charms, chains and bobbles are great for mixing and matching so you get to give them your own creative spin. Plus, they’re sentimental and meaningful. Perfect for Mom.” Charms, $20-$24; pearl chain, $25

3. Handmade Photo Albums by Vinylicious: “These handmade vinyl photobooks are made by local Kanani Hayes and are so cute for holding family memorabilia. Hayes also makes colorful notebooks, bibs, cosmetic bags and wallets available at Frosty Darling.” $22

Frosty Darling
177 E. 300 South
Salt Lake City, Utah
(801) 532-4790
www.frostydarling.com

Sandee Oliver of Holladay’s Two Dancing Cats hand-picks presents for Mom all the time. It’s what she does best. Her gift boutique on 3900 South is packed to the brim with mom-appropriate tokens—whether your giftee is a first-time mom or a grandmother a few times over.

Sandee selected just a few of her in-store favorites to be featured on this page. Here are her picks for Mother Dear this Mother’s Day, all available at Two Dancing Cats.

1. Gloveables: “These pretties give cleaning a whole new meaning. The decorative and functional oilcloth trim make these great for cleaning, washing the car, or doing dishes … and making household chores a lot more fun.”

2. Poo-Pourri: “Poo-Pourri is designed to be sprayed directly into the toilet bowl, pre-potty. Its all-natural essential oils create a barrier to embarrassing bathroom odors. It’s a great gift because it’s funny yet practical!”

3. Colorful Leather Bags: “These playful bags are always a hit. They’re great for glasses or sunglasses, spare change, makeup, and everything else Mom carries with her. They sell out as fast as we order them!”

{Hurry In!}

Two Dancing Cats
1586 E. 3900 South
Salt Lake City, Utah
(801) 272-4673

Spotted: Black and white giraffe-print wellies with adorable pink trim

Good For: Stompin’ through April showers

Where: Artichokes & Co. (850 S. Richards Street, Salt Lake City)

How Much: On sale for just $20!

Spotted: Yet another polka-dot tea set

Good For: Sitting pretty

Where: Kaleidoscope Boutique (4801 N. University Ave., Provo)

How Much: About $14-$48

Kinda like Daylight Savings (we hope you made it to the office on time this Monday morning), Easter is making the rounds a bit early this year. Here are just a few seasonal and not-so-seasonal items we wouldn’t mind finding inside our own Easter baskets in just two Sundays.

What are you guys hoping for? For more ideas, check out last year’s guide, too.

What to do? What to get? And at the very last minute? For the casual friend or office mate, here are a few of our picks:

From left to right, top to bottom:

1. Grab your CD jewel case and print out this calendar from Martha. Top with lots of ribbon.

2. Head to your favorite corner market and pick out some fancy cheese—maybe some Boursin or a bundle of Tilamook. Package it in something that you (and the recipient) can refrigerate, or just add a fancy satin bow.

3. Make more of these lil’ thumbtack guys. Certainly you have leftover supplies. We suggest thumbtacks for the boss lady, elastics for the cubicle mate. Remove thumbtacks from tray they came in, and insert newly-covered masterpieces. Top with a cheeky already-made stick-on bow.

4. Head to the local grocer and throw together a bundle of nail polishes. Maybe ruby red (classic) and navy (trendy) and pink (fun.) Slide inside celophane bag and seal with curling ribbon.

5. It’s not too late to try your hand at making this jingle bell wreath. Stop by Zims on the way home. It’ll make a lot of noise, all wrapped up—all the more fun to open.

6. Who doesn’t like these tasty lil’ oranges? Buy a case of clementines a divvy them up. Put four in a little box and top with baker’s twine. Perhaps add your favorite orange zest recipe.

7. Make this totally awesome paper snowflake we showed you last year. It’s still cool, and crafty. Boys might even like it.

8. Everyone needs last-minute gift tags. Make someone’s Christmas that much easier by printing out ours, cutting them out, and sliding into a clear celophane bag. Fold over the bag’s top, seal with tap, and wrap ribbon around like you would a box.

9. Fancy sodas and bevys are always fun. We recommend San Pellegrino in the bottle, or San Pellegrino’s Limonata and Aranciata. Or reach for something like Meier’s Pink Catawba. One of these has gotta be in Dan’s or Smith’s coolers.

10. These dowloadable mailing envelopes from Evie S. are cute enough to last all year. Print some out on your nicest cardstock, make ready, and wrap up as a set of six or twelve.

No matter if it’s your sis or your sis-in-law, selecting clothing for another gal can be tough—but sometimes that’s just what she wants you to do. So we decided to whip up a collection of some of our favorite safe picks. The price ranges are all over the charts, but so are the looks. And we think that means there will be something for everybody. Follow the links to when you see something you, we mean she, might like.

What else are you guys wishing for?

Little bros, Big Daddies, there’s gotta be something in this collection that’ll work for at least one of the guys you’re currently stressin’ over. You can always opt for a gift certificate to his favorite swanky golf course, or take it as simple as possible: sometimes all a guy needs is a batch or two or ten of his favorite homemade dessert.

Otherwise you can opt for any of these….

Hey, Big Spender! Here’s some stuff we’d love stuffed in our stockings: front tents to trapper hats to teen dramas to travel accessories, and beyond.

Here are some items we wouldn’t mind finding under the tree. Your giftee can snuggle up with a cotton plush pig with lambswool lining, or a bright silk sating clutch. Or feel free to add one of the classiest cake stands we’ve seen around and a Canvas tri-fold Kate Spade calendar to your wishlist. We know we are.

We’re taking things up a notch. Our collection for the quarter- to half-hunsky range includes everything from the luxurious (Hermes shampoo) to the delicious (frozen hot chocolate) for less than $50. We love Bloomies’ Eyeshadow Beauty Book—there’s also lipgloss—and we were sucked in by the lure of a poppy passport cover with silk-tie lining. And who could turn down that coinpurse? Or that red puffer vest?

Ideas galore, ladies….